An interface module and a laboratory automation production line

Abstract

This utility model provides an interface module and a laboratory automation production line, comprising: a sample delivery track extending along a first preset direction, carrying a test tube rack, one end of the sample delivery track being connected to the input end of the interface module, and the other end being connected to the output end of the interface module; at least two sample delivery tracks are included; a return track extending along the first preset direction, carrying a test tube rack, with both ends of the return track connected to the output end and the input end respectively; a first track-changing device connected to the input end; and a second track-changing device connected to the output end. The interface module of this utility model solves the technical problem in related technologies where pretreatment equipment and various testing equipment are connected by independent tracks, occupying a large amount of installation space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory automation production line technology, specifically to an interface module and a laboratory automation production line. Background Technology

[0002] In existing laboratory automation lines, depending on the different testing requirements, the pre-processed samples output by the pre-processing equipment need to be sent to one or more designated testing devices to perform the testing tasks. At the same time, since the testing devices do not have storage functions, the samples that have been tested need to be returned to the pre-processing equipment for temporary storage.

[0003] The current practice is to use multiple independent tracks to connect the pretreatment equipment to each testing equipment. Each time a new testing equipment is added, an additional track needs to be laid to connect it to the pretreatment equipment. This not only results in a messy track layout in the laboratory automated production line area, but also occupies a lot of installation space, increases the space pressure in the laboratory or production site, and increases the difficulty of controlling the transmission of the production line. At the same time, the existing automated production line cannot perform multiple transmission tasks at the same time, which affects the efficiency of sample testing.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies need further development. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide an interface module and a laboratory automated production line to solve the technical problem in the related technology that the pretreatment equipment and each testing equipment are connected by independent tracks, which occupies a lot of installation space.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An interface module is provided, comprising: a sample delivery track extending along a first preset direction, carrying a test tube rack, one end of the sample delivery track being connected to the input end of the interface module, and the other end being connected to the output end of the interface module; at least two sample delivery tracks are provided; a return track extending along the first preset direction, carrying a test tube rack, with both ends of the return track connected to the output end and the input end respectively; a first track-changing device connected to the input end, including a first track-changing component movably arranged along a second preset direction to connect the first track-changing component to at least two sample delivery tracks or return tracks respectively; and a second track-changing device connected to the output end, including a second track-changing component movably arranged along a second preset direction to connect the second track-changing component to at least two sample delivery tracks or return tracks respectively; wherein the second preset direction is perpendicular to the first preset direction.

[0007] Furthermore, at least two sample delivery tracks include a first sample delivery track and a second sample delivery track spaced apart, and a return track is located between the first sample delivery track and the second sample delivery track.

[0008] Furthermore, the interface module includes: an interactive track extending along a first preset direction, the interactive track being disposed within a first sample delivery track, and the interactive track corresponding to a first target device; and a first pushing device including a first pushing component moving along the first preset direction, the first pushing component being provided with a first pushing part abutting against a test tube rack to push the test tube rack on the interactive track to move along the first preset direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the first pushing component has a pushing state and a yielding state. The first pushing component is rotatably arranged so that the first pushing component can switch between the pushing state and the yielding state. When the first pushing component is in the yielding state, the first pushing part is located outside the interactive track, and the test tube rack can pass through the interactive track. When the first pushing component is in the pushing state, at least part of the first pushing part is located inside the interactive track, and the first pushing part can abut against the test tube rack.

[0010] Furthermore, the first pushing device includes: a limiting rod, which is disposed on one side of the interactive track, and the outer peripheral surface of the limiting rod is disposed in contact with the first pushing component; a reset component, one end of which is connected to the first pushing component, and the other end of which is connected to the frame, and the reset component is stretched when the first pushing component is in the avoidance state.

[0011] Furthermore, the interactive track includes: a position sensing component, which is disposed on one side of the interactive track; and a guide wheel, which is rotatable and disposed opposite to the position sensing component, and the guide wheel can abut against the test tube rack.

[0012] Furthermore, the first track-changing device includes: a slider, which is fixedly connected to the first track-changing component; a guide rail, which extends along a second preset direction, and the slider is slidably connected on the guide rail; and a track-changing driving component, which is drivenly connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the second preset direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the interface module includes a second pushing device, which is disposed on the side of the return track near the input end. The second pushing device includes a second pushing component, which is movably disposed along a first preset direction. The second pushing component extends toward the direction near the input end and can abut against the test tube rack located in the return track.

[0014] Furthermore, the second pushing component includes: a first connecting arm extending along the height direction; and a second connecting arm extending toward the input end, wherein a second pushing part is provided on the second connecting arm, and the second pushing part protrudes from the second connecting arm.

[0015] An automated laboratory production line includes the aforementioned interface module.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] The interface module in this embodiment is used to connect the pretreatment equipment and the laboratory automation line. The interface module in this embodiment effectively replaces the multi-track layout problem caused by each testing device needing to be individually connected to the pretreatment equipment in the traditional technology. It avoids the waste of space caused by multiple tracks directly connecting to the pretreatment equipment and the independent track layout. It solves the technical problem in related technologies where the pretreatment equipment and each testing device are connected by independent tracks, which occupies a lot of installation space. At the same time, by setting up multiple sample delivery tracks, multiple transmission and testing tasks can be performed simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view of the interface module used in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the interface module used in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of point B in the image;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the laboratory automated production line used in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0023] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0024] 100. Test tube rack; 1. Sample delivery track; 10. Input end; 20. Output end; 11. First sample delivery track; 12. Second sample delivery track; 2. Return track; 3. First track changing device; 31. First track changing component; 32. Slider; 33. Guide rail; 4. Second track changing device; 5. Interactive track; 51. Position sensing component; 52. Guide wheel; 6. First pushing device; 61. First pushing component; 62. First pushing part; 63. Limiting rod; 7. Second pushing device; 71. Second pushing component; 711. First connecting arm; 712. Second connecting arm; 713. Second pushing part; 81. Pre-processing equipment; 82. First target equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] According to an embodiment of this utility model, an interface module is provided. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 5 The system includes: a sample delivery track 1, which extends along a first preset direction and carries a test tube rack 100. One end of the sample delivery track 1 is connected to the input terminal 10 of the interface module, and the other end of the sample delivery track 1 is connected to the output terminal 20 of the interface module. The sample delivery track 1 includes at least two tracks; a return track 2, which extends along the first preset direction and carries a test tube rack 100. Both ends of the return track 2 are connected to the output terminal 20 and the input terminal 10, respectively; and a first track-changing device 3, which is connected to the input terminal 10. Next, the first track-changing device 3 includes a first track-changing component 31, which is movably arranged along a second preset direction so that the first track-changing component 31 is connected to at least two sample delivery tracks 1 or return tracks 2 respectively; the second track-changing device 4 is connected to the output end 20, and includes a second track-changing component, which is movably arranged along a second preset direction so that the second track-changing component is connected to at least two sample delivery tracks 1 or return tracks 2 respectively; wherein, the second preset direction is perpendicular to the first preset direction.

[0027] Specifically, sample delivery track 1 includes at least two tracks to meet the needs of multiple sample flow channels, allowing for flexible allocation of sample paths according to the testing task, and enabling multiple delivery and testing tasks to be performed simultaneously. By setting a return track 2, the tested test tube rack 100 is returned to the input end 10 after the testing task is completed, thereby achieving temporary storage of the test tube rack.

[0028] Specifically, the first track-changing device 3 is located at the input end 10 of the interface module, used to switch the test tube rack 100 between different sample delivery tracks 1 or return tracks 2, enabling the first track-changing component 31 to selectively connect between multiple tracks. The second track-changing device 4 is located at the output end 20 of the interface module, and the second track-changing component is movable along a second preset direction to achieve switching connections between multiple sample delivery tracks 1 or return tracks 2. Through this track-changing mechanism, the system can flexibly adjust the sample flow direction according to the current task requirements, improving the functional diversity and scheduling flexibility of the interface module. Through the coordinated operation of the first track-changing device 3 and the second track-changing device 4, the system can achieve multi-channel, multi-path sample flow control without adding extra tracks, significantly improving space utilization efficiency.

[0029] The interface module in this embodiment is used to connect the pretreatment equipment and the laboratory automation line. The interface module in this embodiment effectively replaces the multi-track layout problem caused by each testing device needing to be individually connected to the pretreatment equipment in the traditional technology. It avoids the waste of space caused by multiple tracks directly connecting to the pretreatment equipment and the independent track layout. It solves the technical problem in related technologies where the pretreatment equipment and each testing device are connected by independent tracks, which occupies a lot of installation space. At the same time, by setting up multiple sample delivery tracks, multiple transmission and testing tasks can be performed simultaneously.

[0030] Specifically, the second track-changing device 4 includes a conveying track extending along a second preset direction. The second track-changing component is slidably connected to the conveying track, and the conveying track is adjacent to the output end 20 of the interface module, thereby facilitating the second track-changing component to receive the test tube rack 100 from the output end 20. The second track-changing component reciprocates along the conveying track, allowing it to connect to at least two sample delivery tracks 1 or return tracks 2 respectively. Simultaneously, different testing devices can be installed at both ends or one side of the conveying track, allowing the test tube trays output by the interface module to reach different testing devices.

[0031] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 1At least two sample delivery tracks 1 include a first sample delivery track 11 and a second sample delivery track 12 spaced apart, and a return track 2 is located between the first sample delivery track 11 and the second sample delivery track 12. By arranging the return track 2 between the two sample delivery tracks, namely the first sample delivery track 11 and the second sample delivery track 12, the track structure of the entire interface module forms a compact "three-track parallel" layout. At the same time, when the samples on the sample delivery tracks on both sides reach the output end 20, they can be reversed by the second track changing device 4 and then returned to the preprocessing equipment. Arranging the return track 2 between the two sample delivery tracks, namely the first sample delivery track 11 and the second sample delivery track 12, can reduce the moving distance of the test tube rack 100 and improve the sample transmission efficiency.

[0032] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The interface module includes: an interactive track 5, which extends along a first preset direction and is located within a first sample delivery track 11, corresponding to a first target device; and a first pushing device 6, which includes a first pushing component 61 that moves along the first preset direction, and a first pushing part 62 that abuts against a test tube rack 100 to push the test tube rack 100 on the interactive track 5 to move along the first preset direction. Specifically, the first sample delivery track 11 includes two track sections, and the two ends of the interactive track 5 are connected to the two end tracks respectively. By setting the interactive track 5, samples that interact with the target device can be transported. For example, when a sample arrives at the interactive track 5, the sample on the interactive track 5 can be sampled. The interactive track 5 is a non-powered track relative to the first sample delivery track 11. The first pushing device 6 pushes the test tube rack 100 to move along the first preset direction, providing forward power for the sample. This avoids the sample moving too fast, thereby ensuring liquid aspiration efficiency.

[0033] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 2The first pushing component 61 has a pushing state and a yielding state. The first pushing component 61 is rotatably arranged so that the first pushing component 61 can switch between the pushing state and the yielding state. When the first pushing component 61 is in the yielding state, the first pushing part 62 is located outside the interactive track 5, and the test tube rack 100 can pass through the interactive track 5. When the first pushing component 61 is in the pushing state, at least part of the first pushing part 62 is located inside the interactive track 5, and the first pushing part 62 can abut against the test tube rack 100. In order to ensure that the first pushing part 62 abuts against the test tube rack 100, at least part of the first pushing part 62 is located inside the interactive track 5. At the same time, if the first pushing part 62 is located inside the interactive track 5, it will prevent the test tube rack 100 from entering the interactive track 5. Therefore, the first pushing part 61 is set to a rotating structure. When the test tube rack 100 reaches the position of the first pushing part 61, the first pushing part 61 rotates, so that the test tube rack 100 can pass through and enter the interactive track 5. Then the first pushing part 61 rotates so that the first pushing part 62 can be reset. Then the first pushing part 61 moves along the first preset direction, so as to push the test tube rack 100 to move. After each test tube is aspirated, the first pushing part 61 usually pushes the test tube rack 100 forward by one test tube position.

[0034] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 3 The first pushing device 6 includes: a limiting rod 63, which is disposed on one side of the interactive track 5, and its outer peripheral surface is abutting against the first pushing component 61; and a reset component, one end of which is connected to the first pushing component 61, and the other end of which is connected to the frame. When the first pushing component 61 is in the avoidance state, the reset component is stretched. With the above configuration, when the first pushing component 61 moves to the position of the limiting rod 63, the first pushing component 61 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the limiting rod 63, and the first pushing component 61 rotates, switching to the avoidance state. The test tube rack 100 can pass through the interactive track 5. When the first pushing component 61 moves in the opposite direction to push the test tube rack 100, the reset component automatically resets the first pushing component 61 to the pushing state, ensuring that the first pushing component 61 can complete the pushing action.

[0035] It should be noted that the multiple first pushing components 61 in the accompanying drawings are only schematic representations of the positions of the first pushing components 61, and do not represent the number of first pushing components 61. Preferably, the first pushing component 61 includes one.

[0036] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 1The interactive track 5 includes: a position sensing component 51, which is disposed on one side of the interactive track 5; and a guide wheel 52, which is rotatably disposed on the interactive track 5 opposite to the position sensing component 51, and can abut against the test tube rack 100. Thus, by setting the position sensing component 51 on one side of the interactive track 5, it is possible to accurately detect whether the test tube rack 100 has reached the predetermined position. The guide wheel 52 provides stable guiding support as the test tube rack 100 moves along the interactive track 5, helping to reduce frictional resistance and allowing the test tube rack 100 to move more smoothly, avoiding jamming. When the test tube rack 100 passes the guide wheel 52 and triggers the position sensing component 51, the system can respond promptly and control the first target device to aspirate liquid.

[0037] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 2 The first track-changing device 3 includes: a slider 32, which is fixedly connected to the first track-changing component 31; a guide rail 33, which extends along a second preset direction, on which the slider 32 is slidably connected; and a track-changing drive component, which is drivenly connected to the slider 32 to drive the slider 32 to move along the second preset direction. Through the above configuration, the slider 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 33, and the position of the slider 32 is precisely controlled by the track-changing drive component, thereby achieving rapid track switching.

[0038] In the interface module of this embodiment, see Figure 1 The interface module includes a second pushing device 7, which is disposed on the side of the return track 2 near the input end 10. The second pushing device 7 is spaced apart from the return track 2 and includes a second pushing component 71. The second pushing component 71 is movably disposed along a first preset direction and extends toward the input end 10. The second pushing component 71 can abut against the test tube rack 100 located in the return track 2. In some embodiments, the retrieval position of the test tube rack 100 in the pretreatment device does not have a power structure. Therefore, in order to ensure that the test tube rack 100 can return smoothly to the pretreatment device, the second pushing device 7 is provided so that when the test tube rack 100 reaches the output end 20, the second pushing component 71 pushes the test tube rack 100 to move into the pretreatment device.

[0039] An automated laboratory production line includes the aforementioned interface module.

[0040] In some embodiments, the input end 10 of the interface module is connected to the pretreatment device 81, and the output end 20 is connected to the conveying track in the second track-changing device 4. The conveying track can transport the test tube rack 100 to more testing devices. The first sample delivery track 11 is spaced apart from the first target device 82, and the interactive track 5 is correspondingly set with the sample suction robot arm in the first target device 82. In this way, the interface module realizes the connection between the pretreatment device 81 and the laboratory automated production line. The interface module in this embodiment effectively replaces the multi-track layout problem caused by each testing device needing to be individually connected to the pretreatment device in the traditional technology. It avoids multiple tracks being directly connected to the pretreatment device, avoids the space waste caused by independent track layout, and solves the technical problem in the related technology that the pretreatment device and each testing device are connected by independent tracks, occupying a large amount of installation space.

[0041] Specifically, the test tube rack 100 entering the interface module can be assigned to different sample delivery tracks 1 according to the delivery task. For example, if the test tube rack 100 only needs to reach the first target device for testing, the first track-changing device 3 moves the test tube rack to the first sample delivery track 11. After passing through the first target device for liquid aspiration, the test tube rack 100 continues to the second track-changing device 4, which moves the test tube rack 100 to the return track 2, and then returns to the pretreatment device for temporary storage. If the test tube rack 100 needs to reach the first target device for testing and then to other testing devices, after reaching the second track-changing device 4, the second track-changing component carries the test tube rack 100 along the delivery track, moving the test tube rack 100 to the other testing devices. In some embodiments, if the sample needs to reach a testing device other than the first target device for testing, the first track-changing device 3 moves the test tube rack to the second sample delivery track 12, which then delivers the sample to the other testing devices.

[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. An interface module, characterized in that, include: Sample delivery track (1), the sample delivery track (1) extends along a first preset direction, the sample delivery track (1) carries a test tube rack (100), one end of the sample delivery track (1) is connected to the input end (10) of the interface module, the other end of the sample delivery track (1) is connected to the output end (20) of the interface module, and the sample delivery track (1) includes at least two. Return track (2), the return track (2) extends along a first preset direction, the return track (2) carries the test tube rack (100), and the two ends of the return track (2) are respectively connected to the output end (20) and the input end (10); The first track changing device (3) is connected to the input end (10). The first track changing device (3) includes a first track changing component (31). The first track changing component (31) is movably arranged along a second preset direction so that the first track changing component (31) is connected to at least two of the sample delivery tracks (1) or the return track (2). The second track changing device (4) is connected to the output end (20). The second track changing device (4) includes a second track changing component. The second track changing component is movably arranged along a second preset direction so that the second track changing component is connected to at least two of the sample delivery tracks (1) or the return track (2); wherein the second preset direction is perpendicular to the first preset direction.

2. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the sample delivery tracks (1) include a first sample delivery track (11) and a second sample delivery track (12) spaced apart, and the return track (2) is located between the first sample delivery track (11) and the second sample delivery track (12).

3. The interface module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The interface module includes: An interactive track (5) extends along a first preset direction and is set in the first sample delivery track (11). The interactive track (5) is set in correspondence with the first target device. The first pushing device (6) includes a first pushing component (61) that moves along a first preset direction. The first pushing component (61) is provided with a first pushing part (62) that abuts against the test tube rack (100) to push the test tube rack (100) on the interactive track (5) to move along the first preset direction.

4. The interface module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pushing component (61) has a pushing state and a yielding state. The first pushing component (61) is rotatably arranged so that the first pushing component (61) switches between the pushing state and the yielding state. When the first pushing component (61) is in the yielding state, the first pushing part (62) is located outside the interactive track (5), and the test tube rack (100) can pass through the interactive track (5). When the first pushing component (61) is in the pushing state, at least part of the first pushing part (62) is located inside the interactive track (5), and the first pushing part (62) can abut against the test tube rack (100).

5. The interface module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first pushing device (6) includes: A limiting rod (63) is provided on one side of the interactive track (5), and the outer peripheral surface of the limiting rod (63) is abutting against the first pushing component (61); The reset component has one end connected to the first push component (61) and the other end connected to the frame. When the first push component (61) is in a clearance state, the reset component is stretched.

6. The interface module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interactive track (5) includes: A position sensing component (51) is disposed on one side of the interactive track (5); The guide wheel (52) is rotatably arranged and is arranged opposite to the position sensing component (51). The guide wheel (52) can abut against the test tube rack (100).

7. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first track-changing device (3) includes: The slider (32) is fixedly connected to the first track-changing component (31); The guide rail (33) extends along a second preset direction, and the slider (32) is slidably connected to the guide rail (33). A track-changing drive component is connected to the slider (32) to drive the slider (32) to move along a second preset direction.

8. The interface module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface module includes a second pushing device (7), which is disposed on the side of the return track (2) near the input end (10). The second pushing device (7) includes a second pushing component (71), which is movably disposed along a first preset direction. The second pushing component (71) extends toward the direction near the input end (10) and can abut against the test tube rack (100) located in the return track (2).

9. The interface module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second pushing component (71) includes: The first connecting arm (711) extends along the height direction; The second connecting arm (712) extends toward the input end (10) and is provided with a second pushing part (713), which protrudes from the second connecting arm (712).

10. An automated laboratory production line, characterized in that, The laboratory automation line includes the interface module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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