A sample circulation module

Abstract

This utility model provides a sample circulation module, comprising: an input track and an output track; the input track includes a first input end and a first output end spaced apart along the transport direction of the input track; the output track includes a second input end and a second output end spaced apart along the transport direction of the output track; a same-track switching component disposed between the first input end and the first output end, the same-track switching component being used to intercept a material tray on the input track for a preset time before allowing it to pass; and a different-track switching component, the different-track switching component being used to intercept a material tray output from the first output end of the input track and transfer the material tray to the second input end of the output track. The sample circulation module of this utility model solves the technical problem of complex structure in sample circulation modules of post-processing equipment in related technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample transmission technology, specifically to a sample circulation module. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, after several sample tubes on the testing line have completed testing, they need to be capped before entering the storage refrigerator of the post-processing equipment for storage. Simultaneously, depending on the testing requirements, samples already stored in the refrigerator may need to be returned to the testing line for re-testing or other tests. Furthermore, some sample tubes that have already entered the post-processing equipment (such as those that missed tests or require repeated testing) also need to be returned to the testing line. To meet these multiple transport requirements, traditional post-processing equipment typically relies on multiple transport tracks, resulting in a complex overall structure, large space occupation, and consequently, bulky equipment with high manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies need further development. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a sample circulation module to solve the technical problem of complex structure of sample circulation modules in post-processing equipment in related technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a sample circulation module is provided, comprising: an input track and an output track, the input track including a first input end and a first output end spaced apart along the transport direction of the input track, and the output track including a second input end and a second output end spaced apart along the transport direction of the output track; a same-track switching component, disposed between the first input end and the first output end, the same-track switching component being used to intercept the material tray on the input track for a preset time and then allow it to pass; and a different-track switching component, the different-track switching component being used to intercept the material tray output from the first output end of the input track and transfer the material tray to the second input end of the output track.

[0006] Furthermore, the sample circulation module includes a scheduling component, which is used to intercept the material tray input at the first input terminal and transfer the material tray to the second output terminal.

[0007] Furthermore, the input track and the output track are spaced apart, and the scheduling component is provided with a slot for accommodating the material tray. The scheduling component is rotatably positioned between the input track and the output track.

[0008] Furthermore, the same-track switching component includes: a first turntable, on which a first notch for accommodating a material tray is provided; a second turntable, which is spaced apart from the first turntable and is fixedly connected to the first turntable via a connecting component. Both the second and first turntables are rotatable. The second turntable is provided with a second notch for accommodating materials, and the second notch corresponds to the first notch.

[0009] Furthermore, the sample circulation module includes a cap positioning component, which includes: a positioning groove, which is recessed and extends along the height direction of the material, and the material is contained between the positioning groove and the second notch; and a detection component, which is correspondingly positioned to the cap of the material and is used to detect whether the capping is complete.

[0010] Furthermore, the first turntable has a plurality of first notches, which are spaced apart around the axis of the first turntable; and / or, the second turntable has a plurality of second notches, which are spaced apart around the axis of the second turntable.

[0011] Furthermore, the track switching component includes a third turntable, which has a third notch for accommodating a material tray. The third turntable is rotatably configured so that the third notch is connected to the input track and the output track respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the third turntable has multiple third notches, which are spaced apart around the axis of the third turntable.

[0013] Furthermore, the input track includes a rotatably configured input conveyor belt and an input drive assembly drivenly connected to the input conveyor belt, the input conveyor belt being used to transport material trays; and / or, the output track includes a rotatably configured output conveyor belt and an output drive assembly drivenly connected to the output conveyor belt, the output conveyor belt being used to transport material trays.

[0014] Furthermore, the sample circulation module includes a material detection component, which is located at a first input end and / or a second output end. The material detection component is used to detect the height of the material passing through the first input end and / or the second output end.

[0015] Beneficial effects:

[0016] The same-track switching component is located between the first input end and the first output end of the input track. It can intercept and temporarily store material trays, such as after capping and transferring sample tubes, before releasing them. This avoids the need for separate tracks for different operations and reduces the need for branch tracks. The different-track switching component is responsible for transferring between different tracks, replacing the traditional cross-track or transfer mechanical structure, eliminating the need for additional transfer tracks. In this embodiment, the sample circulation module integrates the functions that require multiple independent tracks in traditional solutions into two tracks, reducing the number and complexity of transfer tracks. By using the switching component to manage sample flow, it significantly reduces the required space, lowers the manufacturing cost of the equipment itself, and makes the entire post-processing equipment more compact. This solves the technical problem of complex sample circulation module structures in related post-processing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sample circulation module used in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the same-track switching component of the sample circulation module used in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third turntable of the sample circulation module used in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the scheduling component of the sample loop module used in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the scheduling component of the sample loop module used in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0022] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0023] 100. Material tray; 110. Input track; 111. First input end; 112. First output end; 120. Output track; 121. Second input end; 122. Second output end; 130. Same track switching component; 131. First turntable; 132. Second turntable; 133. First notch; 134. Second notch; 135. Cap position; 136. Download position; 140. Different track switching component; 141. Third turntable; 142. Third notch; 143. Loading position; 150. Scheduling component; 151. Barrier; 160. Cap positioning component; 161. Positioning groove; 162. Detection component; 171. Input conveyor belt; 172. Output conveyor belt; 180. Material detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a sample recycling module is provided. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 5 The system includes: an input track 110 and an output track 120. The input track 110 includes a first input end 111 and a first output end 112 spaced apart along the transport direction of the input track 110. The output track 120 includes a second input end 121 and a second output end 122 spaced apart along the transport direction of the output track 120. A same-track switching component 130 is disposed between the first input end 111 and the first output end 112. The same-track switching component 130 is used to intercept the material tray 100 on the input track 110 for a preset time and then allow it to pass through. A different-track switching component 140 is used to intercept the material tray 100 output from the first output end 112 of the input track 110 and transfer the material tray 100 to the second input end 121 of the output track 120.

[0026] The sample circulation module in this embodiment is applied to the post-processing equipment. The first input terminal 111 is connected to the detection production line. After detection, the material (such as the sample tube) enters the input track 110 through the first input terminal 111. The same track switching component 130 is provided with a capping position 135 and a downloading position 136. When the same track switching component 130 rotates to make the sample tube reach the capping position 135, the sample tube is capped at the capping position 135, so that the cap and the sample tube body are combined into one. After the capping is completed, the same track switching component 130 rotates to make the sample tube reach the downloading position 136. Then, the sample tube is transferred to the buffer tray for buffering by the sorting robot arm on the sorting equipment. That is, the material tray 100 is empty after passing the downloading position. After the buffer tray has buffered a certain number of sample tubes, the sample tubes are finally transferred to the storage refrigerator of the post-processing equipment for storage.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second output terminal 122 is also connected to the detection production line. The material tray 100 output from the output track 120 enters the detection production line through the second output terminal 122. The track switching component 140 intercepts the empty material tray 100 output from the first output terminal 112 of the input track 110. The track switching component 140 is provided with a loading position 143. The third turntable 141 in the track switching component 140 is rotated so that the empty material tray reaches the loading position 143. The samples stored in the refrigerator are transferred one by one to the material tray located at the loading position 143 by the robotic arm. The third turntable 141 is rotated again. When the third notch 142 is connected to the output track 120, the sample tubes newly transferred to the material tray are output to the detection production line through the output track 120.

[0028] In the sample circulation module of this embodiment, the same-track switching component 130 is located between the first input end 111 and the first output end 112 of the input track 110. It can intercept and temporarily store the material tray 100, for example, after completing processes such as capping and transferring sample tubes, before releasing it. This avoids the need to set up separate tracks for different operations and reduces the need for branch tracks. The different-track switching component 140 is responsible for transferring between different tracks, replacing the traditional cross tracks or transfer mechanical structures, and eliminating the need for additional transfer tracks. The sample circulation module in this embodiment integrates the functions that require multiple independent tracks in traditional solutions into two tracks, reducing the number and complexity of transfer tracks. By using a switching component to manage sample flow, it significantly reduces the required space, lowers the manufacturing cost of the equipment itself, and makes the entire post-processing equipment more compact. This solves the technical problem of complex sample circulation module structures in post-processing equipment in related technologies.

[0029] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The sample circulation module includes a scheduling component 150, which is used to intercept the material tray 100 input at the first input terminal 111 and transfer the material tray 100 to the second output terminal 122.

[0030] By setting up a scheduling component, the cyclical needs of sample tubes that require missed detection or re-detection can be met. Urgent samples (such as those requiring priority re-detection) can bypass the regular process and go directly to the output track. Combined with RFID scanning data, when a specially marked sample (such as an urgent or high-risk sample) is identified, the scheduling component 150 directly transfers this type of sample tube to the output track 120, skipping the subsequent transport path. There is no need to cap it or put it in a refrigerator for temporary storage. It does not need to go through the complete path of the input track 110. When encountering urgent tasks or specific samples that need to be prioritized in the detection pipeline, the scheduling component 150 can quickly transfer them directly from the first input end 111 to the second output end 122. This design enables the system to support more diverse operating modes, improves the system's response speed and adaptability, such as directly skipping certain steps (such as capping) or directly entering specific subsequent processing steps, increasing flexibility and reducing the need for additional transport tracks.

[0031] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The input track 110 and the output track 120 are spaced apart. The scheduling component 150 has a slot 151 for accommodating the material tray 100. The scheduling component 150 is rotatably disposed between the input track 110 and the output track 120. In this way, the input track 110 and the output track 120 are spaced apart, which can meet the emergency scheduling needs of the scheduling component 150, and facilitate the material tray to directly cross the gap between the input track 110 and the output track 120 through the scheduling component 150.

[0032] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 2 The same-track switching component 130 includes: a first turntable 131, on which a first notch 133 for accommodating a material tray 100 is provided; and a second turntable 132, which is spaced apart from the first turntable 131 and fixedly connected to the first turntable 131 via a connecting component. Both the second turntable 132 and the first turntable 131 are rotatably oriented. The second turntable 132 has a second notch 134 for accommodating materials, which corresponds to the first notch 133. By providing the first turntable 131 and the first notch 133 to support the material tray 100, and by providing the second turntable 132 and the second notch 134 to support the sample tube, the sample tube receives more stable support.

[0033] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 1The sample circulation module includes a cap positioning component 160, which includes: a positioning groove 161, which is recessed and extends along the height direction of the material, with material contained between the positioning groove and the second notch 134; and a detection component 162, which is correspondingly positioned to the cap of the material and is used to detect whether the capping is complete. The positioning groove 161 supports the material (such as a sample tube) during the capping process, confining the sample tube between the positioning groove and the second notch 134 to prevent it from tilting or falling over, ensuring successful capping. The detection component 162 detects whether the cap is connected to the tube body and whether the capping is complete.

[0034] In some embodiments, the detection component 162 is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor.

[0035] In some embodiments, multiple detection components 162 can be set according to the height of the sample tube to detect the cover at different heights. For example, if the commonly used sample tube heights are 100mm and 75mm, two detection components 162 can be set, with the two detection components 162 respectively corresponding to the two heights of 100mm and 75mm.

[0036] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 2 The first turntable 131 has multiple first notches 133, which are spaced apart around the axis of the first turntable 131; and / or, the second turntable 132 has multiple second notches 134, which are spaced apart around the axis of the second turntable 132. By setting multiple first notches 133 and multiple second notches 134, the number of material trays that can be transferred at one time can be increased. By rotating the same track switching component 130, different first notches 133 or second notches 134 can be connected to the input track 110 or the cap position 135, thereby improving the transfer efficiency of the material trays.

[0037] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 3 The track switching component 140 includes a third turntable 141 with a third notch 142 for accommodating a material tray 100. The third turntable 141 is rotatably configured so that the third notch 142 communicates with both the input track 110 and the output track 120. By using the third turntable 141, the material tray 100 can be quickly transferred from the input track 110 to the output track 120 through rotation, achieving efficient sample transfer. By replacing multiple complex transfer tracks with a single rotatable third turntable 141, the overall system layout is more compact, reducing the required space.

[0038] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 3 The third turntable 141 has multiple third notches 142, which are spaced apart around the axis of the third turntable 141. By setting multiple third notches 142, the number of material trays that can be transferred at one time can be increased. By rotating the third turntable 141, different third notches 142 can be connected to the input track 110, the output track 120, or the loading position 143, thereby improving the transfer efficiency of the material trays.

[0039] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The input track 110 includes a rotatable input conveyor belt 171 and an input drive assembly drivenly connected to the input conveyor belt 171. The input conveyor belt 171 is used to transport the material tray 100. And / or, the output track 120 includes a rotatable output conveyor belt 172 and an output drive assembly drivenly connected to the output conveyor belt 172. The output conveyor belt 172 is used to transport the material tray 100. The input conveyor belt 171 and the output conveyor belt 172, through their rotatable configuration, enable continuous and stable transport of the material tray 100 on the tracks. With their respective drive assemblies, the operating speed and start / stop status of the input and output tracks can be independently controlled. The input and output tracks adopt a modular design, each equipped with an independent drive assembly, allowing the system to flexibly adjust the operating status of different tracks according to actual needs, such as: pausing a track for sample processing; adjusting the conveying speed to match the detection cycle; and achieving parallel processing of multiple tasks.

[0040] In the sample loop module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The sample circulation module includes a material detection component 180, which is located at a first input terminal 111 and / or a second output terminal 122. The material detection component 180 is used to detect the height of the material passing through the first input terminal 111 and / or the second output terminal 122. By setting the material detection component 180, the module can detect the position of the sample tube and simultaneously obtain the height of the material. Based on the height of the sample tube, the module can control the operating height of the robotic arm, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the material detection component 180 is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor.

[0042] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0043] Optionally, specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0045] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A sample looping module, characterized in that, include: The input track (110) and the output track (120) include a first input end (111) and a first output end (112) spaced apart along the transport direction of the input track (110), and the output track (120) includes a second input end (121) and a second output end (122) spaced apart along the transport direction of the output track (120). A track switching component (130) is disposed between the first input end (111) and the first output end (112). The track switching component (130) is used to intercept the material tray (100) on the input track (110) for a preset time and then allow it to pass through. Track switching component (140) is used to intercept the material tray (100) output from the first output end (112) of the input track (110) and transfer the material tray (100) to the second input end (121) of the output track (120).

2. The sample circulation module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample circulation module includes a scheduling component (150), which is used to intercept the material tray (100) input by the first input terminal (111) and transfer the material tray (100) to the second output terminal (122).

3. The sample circulation module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input track (110) and the output track (120) are spaced apart. The scheduling component (150) has a slot (151) for accommodating the material tray (100). The scheduling component (150) is rotatably disposed between the input track (110) and the output track (120).

4. The sample circulation module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The same track switching component (130) includes: The first turntable (131) has a first notch (133) for receiving the material tray (100). The second turntable (132) is spaced apart from the first turntable (131). The second turntable (132) is fixedly connected to the first turntable (131) through a connecting component. Both the second turntable (132) and the first turntable (131) are rotatably arranged. The second turntable (132) has a second notch (134) for accommodating materials. The second notch (134) is correspondingly arranged to the first notch (133).

5. The sample circulation module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sample circulation module includes a cap positioning component (160), which includes: The positioning groove (161) is recessed and extends along the height direction of the material. The material is accommodated between the positioning groove and the second notch (134). The detection component (162) is configured to correspond to the cap of the material and is used to detect whether the capping is completed.

6. The sample circulation module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first turntable (131) has a plurality of first notches (133) spaced apart around the axis of the first turntable (131); and / or, The second turntable (132) has a plurality of second notches (134) which are spaced apart around the axis of the second turntable (132).

7. The sample circulation module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track switching component (140) includes a third turntable (141), on which a third notch (142) is provided for accommodating the material tray (100). The third turntable (141) is rotatably arranged so that the third notch (142) is connected to the input track (110) and the output track (120) respectively.

8. The sample circulation module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third turntable (141) has a plurality of third notches (142) which are spaced apart around the axis of the third turntable (141).

9. The sample circulation module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input track (110) includes a rotatably mounted input conveyor belt (171) and an input drive assembly drivenly connected to the input conveyor belt (171), the input conveyor belt (171) being used to transport the material tray (100); and / or, The output track (120) includes a rotatably configured output conveyor belt (172) and an output drive assembly drivenly connected to the output conveyor belt (172), the output conveyor belt (172) being used to transport the material tray (100).

10. The sample circulation module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample circulation module includes a material detection component (180), which is located at the first input terminal (111) and / or the second output terminal (122). The material detection component (180) is used to detect the height of the material passing through the first input terminal (111) and / or the second output terminal (122).

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