Sample storage and sorting equipment
By setting up storage racks, detection modules, and sorting modules inside the refrigerated box, samples can be stored and sorted in a low-temperature environment, solving the problem of sample containers deteriorating during sorting and improving sample quality and storage efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIKANG MEDTECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
Smart Images
Figure CN224272249U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical equipment technology, and in particular to a sample storage and sorting device. Background Technology
[0002] Existing technologies include fully automated sample processing systems where users simply place a container (e.g., a test tube) containing the sample into the system, which then automatically transfers, sorts, and stores the sample. However, during the sorting process, the samples within the containers are highly susceptible to environmental influences and spoilage, thus affecting sample quality. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a sample storage and sorting device, which helps to reduce the risk of sample deterioration during the sorting process, thereby improving the quality of the samples stored in the device.
[0004] A sample storage and sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerated box capable of cooling its internal environment; a storage rack located inside the refrigerated box, the storage rack including multiple storage units for storing sample containers; a detection module located inside the refrigerated box for collecting sample information from the sample containers; and a sorting module located inside the refrigerated box for sorting the sample containers according to the sample information to transfer the sample containers to the storage units.
[0005] The sample storage and sorting equipment according to the embodiments of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0006] In existing technologies, storage racks are located inside refrigerated boxes, keeping the sample containers and their contents at a low temperature to prevent sample deterioration. However, in existing technologies, sample container sorting is typically performed outside the refrigerated box. Therefore, during sorting, the sample containers and their contents are exposed to higher ambient temperatures, increasing the risk of sample deterioration. Furthermore, because the sample containers are exposed to the external environment for extended periods during sorting, the risk of sample container deterioration and contamination is also high.
[0007] In the device of this invention, the storage rack, detection module, and sorting module are all located inside the refrigerated container. This allows not only samples to be stored at low temperatures, but also sample sorting to be performed under low-temperature conditions. During sorting, the samples are not exposed to the external environment, reducing the risk of sample deterioration. Furthermore, because the storage rack has multiple storage units, the device can store a large number of sample containers; in other words, it can store a large number of samples. Therefore, the device claimed in this application can ensure the storage and sorting of large quantities of samples and reduce the risk of large-scale sample deterioration.
[0008] According to some embodiments of this utility model, each layer of the storage unit includes a storage conveyor or multiple storage conveyors arranged side by side. The storage sorting equipment further includes a transfer module, which is also located inside the refrigerated box. The transfer module includes: a transfer conveyor, both the transfer conveyor and the storage conveyor are capable of conveying sample containers along a first horizontal direction; and a first driving mechanism connected to the transfer conveyor, which is capable of driving the transfer conveyor to rise and fall, and driving the transfer conveyor to move along a second horizontal direction, so that the transfer conveyor can dock with different storage conveyors sequentially. The first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction. For a transfer conveyor and a storage conveyor docked together, the sample container can be transferred between them.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each layer of the storage unit further includes a cache conveyor, which is arranged side by side with the storage conveyor. The cache conveyor can also convey sample containers along the first horizontal direction. The transfer conveyor can also dock with the cache conveyor so that the sample containers can be transferred between the cache conveyor and the transfer conveyor.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerated box includes a movable first door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a connecting conveyor platform located inside the refrigerated box, with one end of the connecting conveyor platform docked to the first door, and the transfer conveyor platform also docking with the other end of the connecting conveyor platform.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a processing rack, which has multiple processing positions, each capable of accommodating one sample container. The processing rack is located inside the refrigerated box and adjacent to the detection module. The sorting module and the transfer module are configured such that the sorting module can transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, and transfer the sample containers to be tested to the processing rack. For multiple sample containers that have been tested and placed on the processing rack, sample containers containing one type of sample are first transferred by the sorting module to the transfer conveyor, and then the transfer module transfers the sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the storage rack. Sample containers containing other types of samples are transferred by the sorting module to different areas of the storage rack according to the sample type.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a processing rack, which has multiple processing positions, each capable of accommodating one sample container. The processing rack is located inside the refrigerated box and adjacent to the detection module. The sorting module is configured to transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module and to transfer the tested sample containers to the processing rack. For multiple sample containers that have been tested and placed on the processing rack, the sorting module transfers the multiple sample containers to different areas of the storage rack according to their sample type.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sorting module is configured to: transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, and then transfer the detected sample containers from the detection module to different areas of the storage rack according to sample type; or, the sorting module and the transfer module are configured to: transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, then transfer the detected sample containers from the detection module to the transfer conveyor, and the transfer conveyor then transfers the detected sample containers to the storage rack.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the detection module is also used to detect the quality of the sample in the sample container, and the sample in the sample container transferred to the storage rack is a qualified sample.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the storage unit located at the top layer in the multi-layer storage unit is the top layer storage unit, and the sorting module is located above the top layer storage unit. The sorting module is used to transfer the sample containers to be sorted from the transfer conveyor to the top layer storage unit.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the storage unit located at the bottom layer in the multi-layer storage unit is the bottom storage unit. The bottom storage unit can slide relative to the box body, thereby moving between a retracted position and an extended position. When the bottom storage unit is in the retracted position, the bottom storage unit is located inside the refrigerator. When the bottom storage unit is in the extended position, at least a portion of the bottom storage unit is exposed outside the refrigerator.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sorting module includes: grippers, including two gripper blocks that can open and close to each other; and a second driving mechanism connected to the grippers, the second driving mechanism being able to drive the grippers to move in a vertical direction, in a first horizontal direction, in a second horizontal direction, and to rotate.
[0018] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the refrigerated box includes a movable first door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a first loading and unloading module. The first loading and unloading module includes: a shell with an operating port; a first conveyor platform located inside the shell, a portion of which is adjacent to the operating port; a second conveyor platform, a portion of which is located inside the shell and the other portion extends outside the shell, the second conveyor platform docking with the first door; a rotatable conveyor platform located inside the shell and between the first and second conveyor platforms, the rotatable conveyor platform being rotatable relative to the shell, thereby switching between a first state and a second state; and a recycling platform located inside the shell. When the rotatable conveyor platform is in the first state, both ends of the rotatable conveyor platform dock with the first and second conveyor platforms respectively; when the rotatable conveyor platform is in the second state, the rotatable conveyor platform docks with the recycling platform.
[0019] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the refrigerated box is provided with a movable second door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a second loading and unloading module, the second loading and unloading module including: a base, fixedly connected to the storage rack; a first frame; a second frame, the first frame and the second frame each having a container position for accommodating one of the sample containers, the first frame and the second frame being able to enter and exit the refrigerated box through the second door; a third drive mechanism, installed on the base, the third drive mechanism being used to drive the first frame and the second frame to move simultaneously, and to cause the first frame and the second frame to move in opposite directions.
[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a top view of a sample refrigeration and sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator and other modules located inside it;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the modules located inside the refrigerator.
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the module inside the refrigerator when it supports the test tube rack and test tubes.
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the docking of the top-level storage unit with the transfer station.
[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the top-level storage unit and the transfer platform carrying the test tube rack.
[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the docking of the underlying storage unit with the transfer station.
[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a storage unit;
[0030] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the state of the storage unit when it supports the test tube rack and test tubes;
[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer module;
[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second loading and unloading mechanism;
[0033] Figure 12 This is a top view of the second loading / unloading mechanism;
[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting module;
[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first sorting method;
[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second sorting method;
[0037] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the third sorting method;
[0038] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth sorting method.
[0039] Reference numerals: 100-Equipment, 101-Refrigerated box, 102-First loading / unloading module, 103-Test tube rack, 104-Buffer conveyor, 105-Connecting conveyor, 106-Transfer conveyor, 107-Pending rack, 108-Detection module, 109-Second loading / unloading module, 110-Second door, 111-Storage conveyor, 112-Second conveyor, 113-Rotating conveyor, 114-Outer shell, 115-Second conveyor section, 116-First conveyor section, 117-First conveyor, 118-Operating port, 119-Recovery station, 120-First door, 121-Sorting module, 122-Storage rack, 1 23-Storage unit, 124-Top layer storage unit, 125-Bottom layer storage unit, 126-Transfer module, 127-First doorway, 128-First sensor, 129-Second sensor, 130-First linear module, 131-Second linear module, 132-First motor, 133-Drive wheel, 134-Belt, 135-Driven wheel, 136-First frame, 137-Second frame, 138-Container position, 139-First section, 140-Second section, 142-X-axis linear module, 143-Y-axis linear module, 144-Z-axis linear module, 145-Second motor, 146-Gripper, 147-Base;
[0040] 201 - User, 202 - Sample container, 203 - Test tube. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationships based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the module or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0043] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0044] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0045] This utility model provides a sample storage and sorting device (hereinafter referred to as the device, corresponding to the attached drawing reference "100"), such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the device 100 includes a refrigerator 101, a storage rack 122, a detection module 108, and a sorting module 121. The refrigerator 101 is capable of cooling its internal environment, ensuring that the temperature inside the refrigerator 101 is lower than the temperature of the external environment. It should be noted that, for ease of illustration, other modules or components located within the refrigerator 101 are shown... Figure 2 One side panel and top panel of the refrigerator 101 are omitted. During actual use, the refrigerator 101 is sealed when sample containers 202 do not need to be loaded or unloaded. The storage rack 122, detection module 108, and sorting module 121 are all located inside the refrigerator 101. The storage rack 122 includes multiple storage units 123 for storing sample containers 202. In some embodiments, the sample container 202 is a test tube 203. In other embodiments, the sample container 202 can also be a bottle, jar, bag, petri dish, etc. The sample container 202 can store samples, which can be blood samples, urine samples, or other biological tissue samples, etc. The detection module 108 is used to collect sample information from the sample containers 202 entering the refrigerator 101, and the sorting module 121 sorts the sample containers 202 entering the refrigerator 101 according to the aforementioned sample information, thereby transferring the sample containers 202 to the storage units 123. Sample information can include the nature, type, and validity period of the sample.
[0046] The outer surface of the sample container 202 is affixed with a label (not shown), which includes a barcode, QR code or other readable code. The detection module 108 may include a barcode scanner (not shown), which can obtain the sample information of the sample container 202 by scanning the code on the label.
[0047] In this invention, "sorting" refers to classifying multiple sample containers 202 containing different types of samples and grouping sample containers 202 containing samples of the same type or the same type of test. Taking blood samples as an example, blood type can be used as the basis for sorting, and the sample information includes the blood type of the sample. Multiple test tubes 203 containing type A blood (sample containers 202 are test tubes 203) can be placed on the same test tube rack 103, and multiple test tubes 203 containing type O blood are placed on another test tube rack 103. The test tube rack 103 is also located inside the refrigerator 101 and can be placed on the storage unit 123. The shape of the test tube rack 103 can be referred to... Figure 4 .
[0048] To facilitate the introduction of the advantages of the device 100 of this utility model, a brief description of the prior art is given below. In the prior art, the storage rack is located inside a refrigerated box, and the sample containers and the samples inside are kept in a low-temperature environment to prevent sample deterioration. However, in the prior art, the sorting of sample containers is usually carried out outside the refrigerated box. Therefore, during the sorting process, the sample containers and the samples inside are exposed to a higher ambient temperature, which increases the risk of sample deterioration. Moreover, since the sample containers are exposed to the external environment for a long time during the sorting process, the risk of sample container deterioration and contamination is also high.
[0049] In the device 100 of this invention, the storage rack 122, the detection module 108, and the sorting module 121 are all located inside the refrigerator 101. In this way, not only can samples be stored in a low-temperature environment, but the sorting of sample containers 202 is also carried out in a low-temperature environment. During the sorting process, the sample containers 202 are not exposed to the external environment, and the risk of sample deterioration is low. Moreover, since the storage rack 122 has multiple storage units 123, the device 100 can store a large number of sample containers 202; in other words, the device 100 can store a large number of samples. Therefore, the device 100 of this application can ensure the storage and sorting of large quantities of samples and reduce the risk of large quantities of sample deterioration.
[0050] The various modules of device 100 will now be described. It should be noted that in the embodiments described below, the test tube 203 serves as the sample container 202. The storage conveyor 111, buffer conveyor 104, transfer conveyor 106, and connecting conveyor 105 do not directly contact the test tube 203. These conveyor platforms support several test tube racks 103, each including multiple grooves or holes, each capable of accommodating one test tube 203. When these conveyor platforms transport the sample container 202 (test tube 203), they actually transport the test tube rack 103 and the test tube 203 together. In other embodiments not shown, if the sample container 202 is not a test tube 203 and is suitable for direct placement on the conveyor platform, then the conveyor platform may not require test tube racks 103 or supports specifically for fixing the sample container 202.
[0051] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, each storage unit 123 includes multiple storage conveyor stations 111 arranged side-by-side. "Side-by-side" means that the arrangement direction of the multiple storage conveyor stations 111 is perpendicular to the direction in which a single storage conveyor station 111 transports the sample container 202. For example, the multiple storage conveyor stations 111 are arranged along a second horizontal direction, while a single storage conveyor station 111 can transport the sample container 202 along a first horizontal direction. The first horizontal direction can be a left-right direction, and the second horizontal direction can be a front-back direction. The storage conveyor station 111 can be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or other types of conveyors. Other conveyor stations mentioned in this invention can also be belt conveyors, roller conveyors, etc.
[0052] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the number of storage units 123 is three. In other embodiments not shown, the number of storage units 123 may be increased or decreased depending on the amount of samples that the device 100 needs to store, as long as the number of storage units 123 is not less than two. The number of storage transfer stations 111 included in each layer of storage units 123 may also be increased or decreased appropriately, and each layer of storage units 123 may also include only one storage transfer station 111.
[0053] When the storage unit 123 includes multiple parallel storage transfer stations 111, the transfer operations of any two storage transfer stations 111 are independent of each other. For example, when one storage transfer station 111 transfers a sample container 202, another storage transfer station 111 may not transfer the sample container 202. Each storage transfer station 111 can carry one type of sample. For example, each storage unit 123 includes four parallel storage transfer stations 111, which can respectively carry type A blood samples, type B blood samples, type AB blood samples, and type O blood samples. Therefore, since the storage unit 123 includes multiple parallel storage transfer stations 111, the storage unit 123 is equivalent to having multiple different storage areas, which can store different types of samples respectively. Furthermore, since the transfer operations of any two storage transfer stations 111 are independent of each other, the transfer or transmission of one type of sample will not affect the storage of other types of samples.
[0054] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the storage unit 123 also includes a buffer conveyor 104, which is arranged side-by-side with the storage conveyor 111. The buffer conveyor 104 can also convey the sample container 202 along the first horizontal direction. It should be noted that the buffer conveyor 104 is located outside the movement range of the gripper 146 of the transfer module 126. This helps to reduce the movement range of the gripper 146, decrease the size of the transfer module 126, and save costs. Accordingly, during the sorting process, the sample container 202 will not be transferred to the buffer conveyor 104 by the sorting module 121. The buffer conveyor 104 is mainly used to cooperate with the transfer module 126 to transfer the sample container 202 from one storage conveyor 111 to another. The cooperation method between the buffer conveyor 104 and the transfer module 126 will be described in detail below.
[0055] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the storage unit 123 also includes several sensors. Each buffer transfer station 104 has a first sensor 128 at its end, and each storage transfer station 111 has a second sensor 129 at its end. Both the first sensor 128 and the second sensor 129 can be photoelectric sensors. The first sensor 128 is used to detect whether there is a test tube rack 103 on the buffer transfer station 104, and the second sensor 129 is used to detect whether there is a test tube rack 103 on the storage transfer station 111.
[0056] Device 100 includes transfer module 126, such as Figure 10As shown, the transfer module 126 includes a transfer platform 106 and a first drive mechanism. The transfer platform 106 can also transport the sample container 202 along a first horizontal direction. The first drive mechanism is connected to the transfer platform 106 and can drive the transfer platform 106 to move up and down, and to move along a second horizontal direction, so that the transfer platform 106 can dock with different storage transfer platforms 111 successively. For example, the transfer platform 106 can dock with different storage transfer platforms 111 located on the same floor, or it can dock with storage transfer platforms 111 located on different floors. In this way, the transfer platform 106 has the functions of carrying and transporting the sample container 202, and the transfer platform 106 can dock with any storage transfer platform 111. The transfer module 126 can transfer the sample container 202 to any storage transfer platform 111 and remove the sample container 202 from any storage transfer platform 111.
[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first driving mechanism includes a first linear module 130 and a second linear module 131. The first linear module 130 drives the second linear module 131 and the transfer conveyor 106 to move along a second horizontal direction, and the second linear module 131 drives the transfer conveyor 106 to move up and down. In this embodiment, both the first linear module 130 and the second linear module 131 are configured as belt linear modules. In other embodiments not shown, the belt linear module can also be replaced by a lead screw module, a rack and pinion module, or other modules used to drive objects to move linearly.
[0058] For a transfer station 106 and a storage transfer station 111 that are connected to each other, the sample container 202 can be transferred between the two. For example, in Figure 5 In this configuration, the transfer platform 106 is at the same height as the top storage unit 124 (i.e., the uppermost storage unit 123), and the transfer platform 106 is docked with the last storage transfer platform 111. At this time, if it is necessary to transfer the sample container 202 from the transfer platform 106 to the storage transfer platform 111... Figure 5(Sample container 202 not shown) Then, the transfer conveyor 106 can transport sample container 202 to the left until sample container 202 moves onto storage conveyor 111; then storage conveyor 111 continues to transport sample container 202 to the left until sample container 202 moves to the left end of storage conveyor 111. Of course, if the last storage conveyor 111 has already stored sample container 202, then the current sample container 202 will move to the right of the previous sample container 202, and will not move to the left end of storage conveyor 111. Conversely, if it is necessary to transfer sample container 202 from storage conveyor 111 to transfer conveyor 106, then storage conveyor 111 can transport sample container 202 to the right until sample container 202 moves onto transfer conveyor 106. The state where all storage conveyors 111 of the top storage unit 124 are full of test tube racks 103 is as follows. Figure 6 As shown.
[0059] If it is necessary to transfer a sample container 202 from one storage transfer station 111 to another storage transfer station 111, the device 100 can operate as follows: First, the transfer transfer station 106 docks with the first storage transfer station 111, and the first storage transfer station 111 transfers the sample container 202 to the transfer transfer station 106; then, the transfer transfer station 106 docks with the second storage transfer station 111, and the transfer transfer station 106 transfers the sample container 202 to the second storage transfer station 111. The first and second storage transfer stations 111 mentioned above can be located in the same storage unit 123 or in different storage units 123. If the first and second storage transfer stations 111 are located in different storage units 123, then during the transfer of the sample container 202, the transfer transfer station 106 needs to be driven by the second linear module 131 to move up and down.
[0060] The above transfer method is applicable to transferring several sample containers 202 on the first storage transfer station 111 that are closest to the transfer transfer station 106. For example, if there is only one sample container 202 on the first storage transfer station 111, the sample container 202 can be transferred away using the above transfer method. As another example, if there are four sample containers 202 on the first storage transfer station 111, arranged from right to left, the first sample container 202 (counting from right to left) can be transferred away using the above transfer method.
[0061] If a sample container 202 that needs to be transferred is blocked by another sample container 202 on the same storage transfer station 111, then a buffer transfer station 104 is needed. For example, if the first storage transfer station 111 contains four sample containers 202, and only the second sample container 202 (counting from right to left) needs to be transferred, but the first sample container 202 (counting from right to left) will block the second sample container 202, then the first sample container 202 needs to be removed from the first storage transfer station 111 first. The removed sample container 202 can be temporarily stored on the buffer transfer station 104.
[0062] The process of transferring the second sample container 202 includes the following steps: (a) Transfer station 106 docks with the first storage station 111, and the first storage station 111 transfers the first sample container 202 to transfer station 106. (b) Transfer station 106 docks with buffer station 104 and transfers the first sample container 202 to buffer station 104; wherein the buffer station 104 receiving the first sample container 202 is located on the same layer as the first storage station 111. (c) Transfer station 106 docks with the first storage station 111 again, and the first storage station 111 transfers the second sample container 202 to transfer station 106. (d) Transfer station 106 docks with the second storage station 111 and transfers the second sample container 202 to the second storage station 111.
[0063] Subsequently, the transfer station 106 docks with the cache transfer station 104 and the first storage transfer station 111 in turn, thereby transferring the sample container 202 on the cache transfer station 104 back to the first storage transfer station 111.
[0064] Of course, the above transfer method can be used not only to transfer sample container 202, but also to transfer empty test tube rack 103 and test tube rack 103 containing sample container 202 (test tube 203), which will not be elaborated here.
[0065] Next, we will explain how to load and unload samples into the refrigerator 101.
[0066] The first method is to load the sample container 202 into the refrigerator 101 through the first loading and unloading module 102. The first loading and unloading module 102 is suitable for loading and unloading a large number of sample containers 202. When the sample container 202 is a test tube 203, the first loading and unloading module 102 can transport the test tube rack 103 and the test tube 203 together.
[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the device 100 includes a first loading / unloading module 102, which includes a housing 114, a first conveyor 117, and a second conveyor 112. The housing 114 has an operation port 118 that allows the user 201's hand and sample container 202 to pass through. The first conveyor 117 is located inside the housing 114, and a portion of the first conveyor 117 is adjacent to the operation port 118, so that the user 201 can place the sample container 202 on the first conveyor 117 and remove the sample container 202 from the first conveyor 117. More specifically, the first conveyor 117 may include a first conveying segment 116 and a second conveying segment 115, with the right side of the first conveying segment 116 adjacent to the operation port 118. The first conveying segment 116 can convey the sample container 202 in a front-to-back direction, and the second conveying segment 115 can convey the sample container 202 in a left-to-right direction. Of course, in some other embodiments not shown, the first conveyor 117 may also include only the second conveyor segment 115, the right end of which is adjacent to the operating port 118. A portion of the second conveyor 112 is located inside the housing 114, while another portion extends outside the housing 114, and the second conveyor 112 docks with the first door 120 of the refrigerator 101. The refrigerator 101 includes a first doorway 127 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (as shown) and the movable first door 120 (as shown) Figure 1 As shown, a first door 120 is located at a first doorway 127. The first door 120 can be an automatic door driven by a power source such as a motor. The first doorway 127 allows the sample container 202 to pass through. For example, when the first door 120 is open, the first doorway 127 allows the test tube rack 103 and the test tubes 203 on the test tube rack 103 to pass through together.
[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the first loading / unloading module 102 also includes a rotatable conveyor 113 and a collection platform 119, both located inside the housing 114. The rotatable conveyor 113 is rotatable relative to the housing 114, thereby switching between a first state and a second state. The drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the rotatable conveyor 113 is not shown in the figure. The axis of rotation of the rotatable conveyor 113 is a vertical straight line. Figure 1 For example, the axis of rotation is perpendicular to Figure 1 The paper.
[0069] exist Figure 1In the first state, the rotatable conveyor 113 is docked at both ends with the first conveyor 117 and the second conveyor 112, respectively. In this state, after the user 201 places the sample container 202 on the first conveyor 117, the sample container 202 can be sequentially conveyed to the rotatable conveyor 113, the second conveyor 112, and the refrigerator 101, thereby loading the sample container 202.
[0070] Of course, when the rotatable conveyor 113 is in the first state, the first loading / unloading module 102 can also unload the sample container 202. The unloaded sample container 202 can be an empty sample container 202, a sample container 202 containing unqualified samples, or a sample container 202 containing the sample required by the user. During unloading, the second conveyor 112, the rotatable conveyor 113, and the first conveyor 117 all transport the sample container 202 in reverse, thereby transporting the sample container 202 that has left the refrigerator 101 from the first door 120 to the operation port 118. Subsequently, the user can take away the sample container 202. How to transfer the sample container 202 from the storage rack 122 to the first door 120 will be described in detail below.
[0071] The rotatable conveyor 113 in its second state is not shown in the accompanying drawings. When the rotatable conveyor 113 is in its second state, it docks with the collection table 119. For example, the rotatable conveyor 113 in its second state compared to... Figure 1 The angle shown has been rotated 90°, at which point the rear end of the rotatable conveyor 113 will dock with the collection station 119. As described above, when the sample container 202 is a test tube 203, the test tube 203 is mounted on the test tube rack 103, and the test tube rack 103 and the test tube 203 are conveyed together. In this state, the rotatable conveyor 113 can convey the empty test tube rack 103 to the collection station 119.
[0072] The second method involves loading the sample container 202 into the refrigerator 101 using the second loading / unloading module 109. The second loading / unloading module 109 is suitable for loading and unloading small numbers of sample containers 202, loading and / or unloading a single sample container 202 at a time. Furthermore, when the sample container 202 is a test tube 203, the second loading / unloading module 109 does not require transporting the test tube rack 103. Therefore, the second loading / unloading module 109 has a lower volume and structural complexity.
[0073] More specifically, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the second loading / unloading module 109 includes a base 147, a first frame 136, a second frame 137, and a third drive mechanism. The base 147 is fixedly connected to the storage rack 122, for example, the base 147 is connected to the top storage unit 124. The first frame 136 has a container position 138 for accommodating a sample container 202, and the second frame 137 also has a container position 138 for accommodating a sample container 202. The container position 138 may be a groove or hole for inserting the sample container 202. The refrigerator 101 includes a second doorway (not shown) and a movable second door 110. The second door 110 is located at the second doorway and allows the first frame 136, the second frame 137, and the sample containers 202 carried by the two frames to enter and exit the refrigerator 101. The third drive mechanism is mounted on the base 147. The third drive mechanism is used to drive the first frame 136 and the second frame 137 to move simultaneously and to make the first frame 136 and the second frame 137 move in opposite directions.
[0074] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the third drive mechanism includes a first motor 132, a drive pulley 133, a driven pulley 135, and a belt 134. The first motor 132 is connected to the drive pulley 133 and drives it to rotate. The belt 134 surrounds the drive pulley 133 and the driven pulley 135. The belt 134 includes a first section 139 and a second section 140, which are located on different sides of the drive pulley 133. A first frame 136 is connected to the first section 139, and a second frame 137 is connected to the second section 140. Thus, when the first motor 132 rotates and causes the belt 134 to move, the first frame 136 and the second frame 137 can move simultaneously in opposite directions. For example, as the first frame 136 and its sample container 202 leave the refrigerator 101, the second frame 137, originally located outside the refrigerator 101, and its sample container 202 enter the refrigerator 101. This allows for the simultaneous loading of one sample container 202 and unloading of another, thereby improving sample loading and unloading efficiency. Furthermore, the first frame 136 and the second frame 137 share a third drive mechanism, which helps reduce the number of drive mechanisms in the device 100, thus reducing the structural complexity and cost of the device 100.
[0075] It should be noted that if the sample containers 202 on the first shelf 136 and the second shelf 137 need to be transferred to the storage unit 123, the sorting module 121 needs to remove the sample containers 202 from the first shelf 136 and the second shelf 137. If the sample containers 202 in the storage unit 123 need to be transferred to the first shelf 136 and the second shelf 137, the sorting module 121 needs to insert the sample containers 202 into the first shelf 136 and the second shelf 137.
[0076] The third method involves the user loading or unloading the sample container 202 into or from the device 100. For example, the lowest storage unit 123 in the multi-layer storage unit 123 is the bottom storage unit 125, which can slide relative to the housing, moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The bottom storage unit 125 is equivalent to a drawer. When the bottom storage unit 125 is in the retracted position, it is located inside the refrigerator 101. At this time, the transfer module 126 can move sample containers 202 stored in other storage units 123 to the bottom storage unit 125, or move sample containers 202 stored in the bottom storage unit 125 to other storage units 123. When the bottom storage unit 125 is in the extended position, at least a portion of it is exposed outside the refrigerator 101. At this time, the user can manually remove the sample container 202 from or place it into the bottom storage unit 125.
[0077] As for the other storage units 123, they are all fixed to the refrigerator 101 and cannot be pulled out of the refrigerator 101. In particular, the top storage unit 124 is fixed. During the sorting process, the sample containers 202 that have been tested are transferred to the top storage unit 124. In this way, during the sample sorting process, only the top storage unit 124 needs to cooperate with the sorting module 121, and the other storage units 123 do not need to cooperate with the sorting module 121. The sorting and the movement of the bottom storage units 125 do not interfere with each other.
[0078] On the one hand, this avoids interference between manual loading and unloading of samples (referring to the third loading and unloading method) and sample sorting. Users do not need to wait for sorting to be completed before placing samples into or taking samples out of the bottom storage unit 125, and the sorting of the device 100 does not need to wait for users to manually load and unload samples, which helps improve the operating efficiency of the device 100. On the other hand, although pulling out the bottom storage unit 125 will open the refrigerator 101, since the sorted samples are still in the top storage unit 124, the sorted samples are not easily exposed to the air in the outside environment, which helps reduce the risk of sample deterioration during the sorting process.
[0079] It should be noted that when the sample container 202 is a test tube 203, a certain number of empty test tube racks 103 need to be loaded into the refrigerator 101 in advance. The way the empty test tube racks 103 enter the refrigerator 101 can refer to the first and third ways of the sample container 202 entering the device 100, which will not be elaborated here.
[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the following describes how to transfer sample container 202 from storage rack 122 to first door 120. Device 100 also includes a connecting conveyor 105, located inside refrigerator 101, with one end of the connecting conveyor 105 docking with first door 120. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the transfer platform 106 of the transfer module 126 can also move to the vicinity of the connecting platform 105, thereby docking with the other end of the connecting platform 105.
[0081] After the first loading / unloading module 102 sends the sample container 202 through the first door 120, the sample container 202 is first placed on the connecting conveyor 105. Subsequently, the transfer conveyor 106 docks with the connecting conveyor 105, and the connecting conveyor 105 transfers the sample container 202 to the transfer conveyor 106. The sample container 202 transferred to the transfer conveyor 106 still needs to be sorted before it is further transferred to the storage unit 123.
[0082] Conversely, if it is necessary to send sample container 202 or empty test tube rack 103 out through the first door 120, then transfer module 126 first receives sample container 202 or empty test tube rack 103 from a storage unit 123, then transfer module 126 docks with connecting conveyor 105 to transfer sample container 202 or empty test tube rack 103 to connecting conveyor 105. Finally, connecting conveyor 105 sends sample container 202 or empty test tube rack 103 out through the first door 120.
[0083] The device 100 also includes a processing rack 107, which has multiple processing positions, each capable of accommodating a sample container 202. The processing position can be a slot or hole for inserting the sample container 202. Figure 5 As shown, the processing rack 107 is located inside the refrigerator 101 and adjacent to the detection module 108. The processing rack 107 can be used to store the sample container 202 that has just been detected by the detection module 108.
[0084] like Figure 13As shown, the sorting module 121 includes a gripper 146 and a second drive mechanism. The gripper 146 includes two claw blocks that can open and close to each other, and is used to grasp the sample container 202. The gripper 146 can be configured as an electric gripper or a pneumatic gripper. When the sample container 202 is a test tube 203, the gripper 146 can grip one test tube 203 at a time, and is not used to grip the test tube rack 103. The second drive mechanism is connected to the gripper 146 and can drive the gripper 146 to move vertically, horizontally, and in a second horizontal direction. The second drive mechanism can also drive the two claw blocks to open and close to each other, thereby allowing the gripper 146 to release and clamp the sample container 202. This allows the gripper 146 to move to different positions to pick up and place the sample container 202. The second drive mechanism can also drive the gripper 146 to rotate, so that the sorting module 121 can adjust the angle of the sample container 202. For example, gripper 146 can rotate about a vertical axis to adjust the label on the outer circumference of sample container 202 so that the code on the label is aligned with the barcode scanner of detection module 108.
[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, the second drive mechanism may include an X-axis linear module 142, a Y-axis linear module 143, a Z-axis linear module 144, and a second motor 145. The second motor 145 is used to drive the gripper 146 to rotate around the vertical axis, the Z-axis linear module 144 is used to drive the gripper 146 and the second motor 145 to move up and down, the Y-axis linear module 143 is used to drive the Z-axis linear module 144, the gripper 146, and the second motor 145 to move along a second horizontal direction, and the X-axis linear module 142 is used to drive the Y-axis linear module 143, the Z-axis linear module 144, the gripper 146, and the second motor 145 to move along a first horizontal direction.
[0086] The sorting module 121 can be located above the top storage unit 124. This arrangement facilitates the installation and maintenance of the sorting module 121 and makes it easier for the sorting module 121 to transfer the sample container 202 to the top storage unit 124.
[0087] As described above, the detection module 108 can be a barcode scanner. The detection module 108 can obtain sample information from the sample container 202 by scanning the label on its outer surface. In some embodiments, the detection module 108 can also detect the quality of the sample inside the sample container 202 to determine whether the sample is qualified. In this way, the detection module 108 has both the function of acquiring sample information and the function of detecting sample quality. The quality detection result of the detection module 108 can serve as one of the bases for subsequent sorting processes. For example, sample containers 202 containing unqualified samples will not be transferred to the storage rack 122 to prevent the device 100 from storing unqualified samples for an extended period.
[0088] Specifically, when the sample container 202 is transparent, the detection module 108 may further include a camera (not shown). After the camera captures images of the sample container 202 and the sample inside it, the detection module 108 can analyze the quality of the sample inside the sample container 202 based on the images. For example, the detection module 108 can determine the color, turbidity of the sample, etc., from the images, thereby analyzing the quality of the sample.
[0089] The sorting method of sorting module 121 is described below. For ease of explanation, the following example uses blood samples as the sample, test tubes 203 as the sample container 202, and the sorting module 121 needs to separate blood samples of different blood types. However, it is certain that the test tubes 203 mentioned below can be replaced with any other type of sample container 202, the samples can be replaced with other types of samples, and other standards can be adopted for classification.
[0090] (1) First sorting method
[0091] A test tube rack 103 containing multiple test tubes 203 is fed into a refrigerator 101 via a first loading / unloading module 102, and then transferred to a transfer conveyor 106 via a connecting conveyor 105. Subsequently, the sorting module 121 performs sorting. The first sorting method is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, the sorting module 121 picks up one test tube 203 at a time and places it into the detection module 108, which can identify the blood type of the blood in the test tube 203. After the detection is completed, the sorting module 121 places the test tube 203 into the processing rack 107. After all the test tubes 203 on the transfer conveyor 106 have been detected and transferred to the processing rack 107, the sorting module 121 then transfers the test tubes 203 from the processing rack 107.
[0092] For the batch of test tubes 203 that have already been tested and placed on the processing rack 107, the sample containers 202 containing one type of sample are first transferred by the sorting module 121 to the transfer conveyor 106, and then the transfer module 126 transfers the sample containers 202 on the transfer conveyor 106 to the storage rack 122. The sample containers 202 containing other types of samples are transferred by the sorting module 121 to different areas of the storage rack 122 according to the sample type. Different areas can be different storage conveyors 111. It should be noted that the storage rack 122 has several empty test tube racks 103 pre-stored. The sample containers 202 are placed in the test tube racks 103 by the sorting module 121. Different types of samples will be placed in different test tube racks 103, and different types of samples will not appear in the same test tube rack 103.
[0093] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, test tubes 203 containing type A blood are transferred back to transfer station 106. Test tubes 203 containing type B blood, type O blood, and type AB blood are all transferred to storage racks 122, and are located on different test tube racks 103 (empty test tube racks 103 are pre-installed on storage racks 122). More specifically, test tubes 203 containing type B blood, type O blood, and type AB blood can all be transferred to the top storage unit 123 of storage rack 122, and are located on three different storage transfer stations 111 of the top storage unit 123. Of course, the test tube 203 containing type A blood and the test tube rack 103 located on the transfer platform 106 will eventually be transferred by the transfer module 126 to the storage rack 122. For example, the test tube 203 containing type A blood will eventually be located on the fourth storage transfer platform 111 of the top storage unit 124.
[0094] In the first sorting method, the transfer path of sample container 202 containing one type of sample is: transfer conveyor 106 → detection module 108 → processing rack 107 → transfer conveyor 106 → storage rack 122. The transfer path of sample container 202 (test tube 203) containing other types of samples is: transfer conveyor 106 → detection module 108 → processing rack 107 → storage rack 122.
[0095] The advantage of this sorting method is that after the detection module 107 completes the detection, the test tube rack 103 originally located on the transfer conveyor 106 can also be used. The equipment 100 can prepare empty test tube racks 103 on only three storage conveyors 111, which helps to save the equipment 100 time to prepare for sorting, thereby improving sorting efficiency.
[0096] After a sorting operation is completed, if the top storage unit 124 has stored a large number of test tube racks 103 and test tubes 203, the transfer module 126 can transfer a portion of the test tube racks 103 in the top storage unit 124 to the middle storage unit 123 or the bottom storage unit 125 before the next sorting operation, thereby reserving space in the top storage unit 124 for accommodating sample containers 202 for the next sorting operation.
[0097] (2) Second sorting method
[0098] The second sorting method is similar to the first, with the main difference being that the second sorting method transfers all test tubes 203 on the processing rack 107 to the storage rack 122. That is, for multiple sample containers 202 that have been tested and placed on the processing rack 107, the sorting module 121 will transfer the multiple sample containers 202 to different areas of the storage rack 122 according to the sample type.
[0099] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, test tubes 203 containing type A blood, type B blood, type O blood, and type AB blood are all transferred to the top-level storage unit 124, and are located on four different storage conveyor stations 111. Test tubes 203 containing type A blood do not need to be returned to the transfer conveyor station 106. In the second sorting method, the transfer path for all qualified sample containers 202 is: transfer conveyor station 106 → detection module 108 → processing rack 107 → storage rack 122.
[0100] In this way, after the test tubes 203 are completely removed from the transfer conveyor 106, the empty test tube racks 103 on the transfer conveyor 106 do not need to wait for the sorting module 121 to reload the test tubes 203 into the racks 103. Therefore, when the sorting module 121 removes the test tubes 203 from the processing rack 107, the transfer module 126 can operate flexibly, for example, transferring the empty test tube racks 103 on the transfer conveyor 106 to the storage unit 123, transferring the test tube racks 103 from one layer of storage unit 123 to another layer of storage unit 123, and so on.
[0101] That is, the advantage of this sorting method is that when the sorting module 121 takes away the test tubes 203 in the processing rack 107, the transfer module 126 can quickly schedule the test tubes 203 between different storage units 123. Sorting and scheduling can be carried out in parallel, which is beneficial to improving the operating efficiency of the equipment 100.
[0102] (3) The third sorting method
[0103] The third sorting method is similar to the second, with the main difference being that in the third method, the sorting module 121 first transfers the test tubes 203 from the transfer conveyor 106 to the detection module 108. After the detection module 108 detects the sample container 202, the sorting module 121 directly transfers the detected test tubes 203 to different areas of the storage rack 122 according to the sample type, without first storing the test tubes 203 on the waiting rack 107. That is, after each test tube 203 is detected, it is immediately transferred to the storage rack 122. Figure 16 As shown, in the third sorting method, the transfer path of all qualified sample containers 202 (test tubes 203) is: transfer conveyor 106 → detection module 108 → storage rack 122.
[0104] Since the steps of placing the sample container 202 on the processing rack 107 and removing the sample container 202 from the processing rack 107 are not required, the third sorting method is beneficial to improving sorting efficiency when the number and types of sample containers 202 are small.
[0105] (4) Fourth sorting method
[0106] The fourth sorting method is mainly applicable to the verification of already classified samples. In this method, the sorting module 121 first transfers the sample container 202 on the transfer conveyor 106 to the detection module 108. Then, the detection module 108 detects the sample container 202, and the sorting module 121 transfers the detected sample container 202 from the detection module 108 to the transfer conveyor 106. The transfer conveyor 106 then transfers the detected sample container 202 to the storage rack 122.
[0107] For example, a test tube rack 103 initially placed in the refrigerator 101 contains all test tubes 203 filled with type A blood. This test tube rack 103 is first transferred to the transfer conveyor 106, whereupon the sorting module 121 transfers one test tube 203 to the testing module 108. After testing, the sorting module 121 transfers the test tube 203 back to the test tube rack 103 on the transfer conveyor 106. This process is repeated multiple times to verify all test tubes 203 on the transfer conveyor 106. After all test tubes 203 have been verified, the transfer conveyor 106 transfers the test tube rack 103 and all qualified test tubes 203 to the storage rack 122.
[0108] like Figure 17 As shown, in the fourth sorting method, the transfer path of all qualified sample containers 202 (test tubes 203) is: transfer conveyor 106 → detection module 108 → transfer conveyor 106 → storage rack 122.
[0109] The four sorting methods described above all describe the transfer paths of qualified (no abnormalities) sample containers 202. The samples contained in the sample containers 202 transferred to the storage rack 122 are all qualified samples. An abnormality could be due to incorrect label information on the sample container 202, substandard sample quality, etc. After inspection, the abnormal sample containers 202 can be transferred by the sorting module 121 to the processing rack 107. After the qualified sample containers 202 are sorted, the sorting module 121 transfers the abnormal sample containers 202 from the processing rack 107 to the transfer conveyor 106. Then, the transfer module 126 and the connecting conveyor 105 send the abnormal sample containers 202 out through the first door 120. Alternatively, the transfer module 126 transfers the abnormal sample containers 202 to the bottom storage unit 125, whereby the user removes the bottom storage unit 125 and takes away the abnormal sample containers 202.
[0110] Equipment 100 may have all four sorting methods mentioned above, or it may have only one of the four sorting methods mentioned above. It should be noted that the four sorting methods may not be performed simultaneously. In a single sorting operation, equipment 100 will only use one of the sorting methods. In two consecutive sorting operations, equipment 100 may use the same sorting method or different sorting methods.
[0111] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., 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 utility model. 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.
Claims
1. A sample storage and sorting device, characterized in that, include: A refrigerator is capable of cooling its internal environment; A storage rack, located inside the refrigerator, includes multiple storage units for storing sample containers. The detection module, located inside the refrigerated box, is used to collect sample information from the sample container; The sorting module is located inside the refrigerated box. The sorting module is used to sort the sample containers according to the sample information so as to transfer the sample containers to the storage unit.
2. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each storage unit includes a storage conveyor or multiple storage conveyors arranged side-by-side. The storage sorting equipment also includes a transfer module, which is also located within the refrigerated container. The transfer module includes: A transfer conveyor, both the transfer conveyor and the storage conveyor are capable of conveying sample containers along a first horizontal direction; A first drive mechanism is connected to the transfer conveyor. The first drive mechanism can drive the transfer conveyor to rise and fall, and drive the transfer conveyor to move along a second horizontal direction, so that the transfer conveyor can dock with different storage conveyors one after another. The first horizontal direction is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction. For a transfer station and a storage station that are connected to each other, the sample container can be transferred between the two.
3. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each storage unit also includes a cache conveyor, which is arranged side by side with the storage conveyor. The cache conveyor is also capable of conveying sample containers along the first horizontal direction. The transfer conveyor is also capable of docking with the cache conveyor so that the sample containers can be transferred between the cache conveyor and the transfer conveyor.
4. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerated box includes a movable first door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment also includes a connecting conveyor, which is located inside the refrigerated box and one end of the connecting conveyor is connected to the first door. The transfer conveyor can also be connected to the other end of the connecting conveyor.
5. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample storage and sorting equipment also includes a processing rack with multiple processing positions, each of which can accommodate one sample container. The processing rack is located inside the refrigerated box and is adjacent to the detection module. The sorting module and the transfer module are configured as follows: The sorting module can transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, and transfer the sample containers to be detected to the processing rack; For multiple sample containers that have been inspected and placed on the processing rack, the sample container containing one type of sample is first transferred to the transfer conveyor by the sorting module, and then the transfer module transfers the sample container on the transfer conveyor to the storage rack; the sample containers containing other types of samples are transferred to different areas of the storage rack by the sorting module according to the sample type. Alternatively, for multiple sample containers that have been inspected and placed on a processing rack, the sorting module transfers the multiple sample containers to different areas of the storage rack according to the sample type.
6. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sorting module is configured to transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, and then transfer the detected sample containers from the detection module to different areas of the storage rack according to the sample type. Alternatively, the sorting module and the transfer module are configured such that the sorting module can transfer sample containers on the transfer conveyor to the detection module, and then the sorting module transfers the detected sample containers from the detection module to the transfer conveyor, and the transfer conveyor then transfers the detected sample containers to the storage rack.
7. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage unit at the top of the multi-layered storage unit is the top-level storage unit. The sorting module is located above the top-level storage unit and is used to transfer sample containers to be sorted from the transfer conveyor to the top-level storage unit.
8. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage unit located at the bottom layer of the multi-layered storage units is the bottom storage unit, which can slide relative to the housing, thereby moving between a retracted position and an extended position; When the underlying storage unit is in the retracted position, the underlying storage unit is located inside the refrigerator. When the bottom storage unit is in the extended position, at least a portion of the bottom storage unit is exposed outside the refrigerator.
9. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerated box includes a movable first door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a first loading and unloading module, the first loading and unloading module comprising: The outer casing has an operating port; A first conveyor is located inside the housing, and a portion of the first conveyor is adjacent to the operating port; The second conveyor, part of which is located inside the housing and the other part extends outside the housing, docks with the first door; A rotatable conveyor is located inside the housing and between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The rotatable conveyor is capable of rotating relative to the housing, thereby switching between a first state and a second state. The recycling station is located inside the outer casing; When the rotatable conveyor is in the first state, its two ends are respectively connected to the first conveyor and the second conveyor; when the rotatable conveyor is in the second state, it is connected to the recycling station.
10. The sample storage and sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerated box is equipped with a movable second door, and the sample storage and sorting equipment further includes a second loading and unloading module, which includes: The base is fixedly connected to the storage rack; First frame; The second frame, the first frame and the second frame each have a container position for accommodating one of the sample containers, and the first frame and the second frame can enter and exit the refrigerator through the second door; A third drive mechanism is installed on the base. The third drive mechanism is used to drive the first frame and the second frame to move simultaneously and to make the first frame and the second frame move in opposite directions.