A sample identification and sorting device
By introducing linear displacement and lifting components into the sample sorting device, along with a vision recognition device and a multi-axis displacement component, the interference problem during visual recognition in the sample sorting device is solved, achieving efficient and accurate sample sorting operations and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG LUZHEN MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing sample sorting devices are susceptible to interference during visual recognition, have low sorting efficiency and limited applicability, and are complex in structure, costly, and difficult to flexibly adapt to sample placement racks with different arrangement methods.
The system employs a linear displacement component and a lifting component in conjunction with a vision recognition device. The lifting mechanism lifts the sample placement rack, and the vision recognition device identifies the sample without obstruction. Combined with X, Y, and Z axis displacement components and a gripper, it achieves precise positioning and efficient sorting.
It improves sample recognition accuracy, reduces positioning errors, increases sorting efficiency and applicability, and reduces equipment production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224507693U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of sample identification equipment technology, and more specifically, to a sample identification and sorting device. Background Technology
[0002] In laboratory sample testing, sample sorting devices are often required for automated sample sorting. Existing sample sorting devices suffer from several drawbacks: some lack a lifting mechanism, leading to significant interference with the visual recognition unit during identification; others, while equipped with a lifting mechanism for sample ejection, often have a fixed layout, with a corresponding lifting mechanism located under each sample rack, resulting in complex equipment structure, high production costs, and difficulty in flexibly adapting to different sample rack arrangements. Furthermore, existing devices often have separate visual recognition and clamping mechanisms. The visual recognition unit is typically fixed, making it susceptible to interference from the sample rack itself and the surrounding environment during sample identification, leading to incomplete sample information and low recognition accuracy. Moreover, discrepancies between the recognition and clamping positions can cause positioning errors during sorting, affecting efficiency, especially in batch sample processing. These issues limit the working efficiency and applicability of sample sorting devices. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a sample identification and sorting device that solves the issues of susceptibility to interference during visual recognition, low sorting efficiency, and limited applicability of existing sample sorting devices. The device includes a workbench and a control system. The workbench is equipped with a frame and several sample racks. A lifting mechanism is located below each sample rack, comprising a linear displacement component and a lifting assembly for lifting the corresponding sample rack. The moving end of the linear displacement component is connected to the lifting assembly. An identification and sorting mechanism is connected to the frame. A gripper is connected to the output end of the identification and sorting mechanism. A visual identifier is mounted on the gripper. The visual identifier, in conjunction with the lifting mechanism, identifies and detects the test tubes on the lifted sample racks. The visual identifier is connected to the input end of the control system, and the output end of the control system is connected to the identification and sorting mechanism and the lifting mechanism.
[0004] Preferably, the identification and sorting mechanism includes an X-axis displacement component mounted on a frame, a Y-axis displacement component mounted on the moving end of the X-axis displacement component, and a Z-axis displacement component mounted on the moving end of the Y-axis displacement component. A gripper is connected to the moving end of the Z-axis displacement component. The X-axis displacement component, Y-axis displacement component, Z-axis displacement component, and gripper are all connected to the output end of the control system.
[0005] Preferably, the linear displacement assembly includes a guide plate disposed below the sample placement rack, a drive motor, and a drive wheel and a driven wheel disposed at both ends of the guide plate. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the drive wheel, and the drive wheel and the driven wheel are driven by a synchronous belt. The synchronous belt is connected to the lifting assembly. The linear displacement assembly is connected to the output end of the control system.
[0006] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes a connecting plate fixed to the timing belt and a lifting motor disposed on the connecting plate. The output shaft of the lifting motor is connected to a support plate parallel to the sample placement rack. The support plate is provided with at least two lifting protrusions for lifting the corresponding sample placement rack.
[0007] Preferably, a base plate is provided below the workbench, a guide plate is set on the base plate, and a guide groove parallel to the guide plate is provided on the workbench. The lifting protrusion slides in cooperation with the guide groove, and the corresponding sample placement rack is lifted through the guide groove.
[0008] Preferably, there are multiple sample racks arranged in multiple rows along the direction of the guide plate, and the number of guide grooves and the number of raised protrusions correspond to the number of rows of the sample racks.
[0009] Preferably, the linear displacement component is parallel to the frame.
[0010] Preferably, a test tube storage rack for storing problem samples is provided on the adjacent side of the sample placement rack.
[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The lifting mechanism includes a linear displacement component and a lifting assembly connected to its moving end. Driven by the linear displacement component, the lifting assembly moves horizontally, enabling alignment and lifting operations of sample placement racks at different positions. This reduces the number of lifting assemblies required and lowers equipment production costs. A visual recognizer is installed on the gripper, moving synchronously with it. The lifting mechanism lifts the test tube, and the visual recognizer identifies it when it approaches the sample. At this time, there are no obstructions around the test tube, reducing background interference and allowing the visual recognizer to acquire more complete sample information, improving recognition accuracy, reducing positioning errors during sorting, and increasing sorting efficiency. The overall structure of the device is compact and rationally laid out. Through the cooperation of the lifting mechanism, the identification and sorting mechanism, and the control system, it improves the efficiency and applicability of batch sample processing. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism.
[0014] Symbols in the diagram: 1. Workbench; 2. Frame; 3. Sample rack; 4. Linear displacement assembly; 5. Lifting assembly; 6. Clamp; 7. Vision recognition device; 8. X-axis displacement assembly; 9. Y-axis displacement assembly; 10. Z-axis displacement assembly; 11. Base plate; 12. Test tube storage rack; 101. Guide groove; 401. Guide plate; 402. Drive motor; 403. Driving wheel; 404. Driven wheel; 405. Synchronous belt; 501. Connecting plate; 502. Lifting motor; 503. Support plate; 504. Lifting protrusion. Detailed Implementation
[0015] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0016] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device 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 application.
[0017] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0018] The present application provides a sample identification and sorting device according to an embodiment.
[0019] Please see Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. The sample identification and sorting device includes a workbench 1 and a control system. The workbench 1 is equipped with a frame 2 and several sample racks 3. A lifting mechanism is located below each sample rack 3. The lifting mechanism includes a linear displacement component 4 and a lifting component 5 for lifting the corresponding sample rack 3. The moving end of the linear displacement component 4 is connected to the lifting component 5. The lifting component 5 moves horizontally under the drive of the linear displacement component 4 to achieve alignment and lifting operations on sample racks 3 at different positions. An identification and sorting mechanism is connected to the frame 2. A gripper 6 is connected to the output end of the identification and sorting mechanism. A vision identifier 7 is provided on the gripper 6. The vision identifier 7 cooperates with the lifting mechanism to identify and detect the test tubes on the lifted sample racks 3. The vision identifier 7 is connected to the input end of the control system, and the output end of the control system is connected to the identification and sorting mechanism and the lifting mechanism. The visual recognizer 7 moves synchronously with the gripper 6, and the lifting mechanism lifts the test tube. The visual recognizer 7 identifies the sample when it gets close to it. There are no obstructions around the test tube, which reduces background interference. The visual recognizer 7 can obtain more complete sample information, improve recognition accuracy, reduce positioning errors during sorting, and improve sorting efficiency.
[0020] In operation, the operator places the test tubes to be sorted into the sample rack 3 on the workbench 1. The lifting mechanism is activated, and the linear displacement component 4 moves the lifting component 5 to below the target sample rack 3. The lifting component 5 extends and lifts the sample rack 3. Subsequently, the identification and sorting mechanism moves along the frame 2 to the vicinity of the lifted test tube. The vision recognition device 7 collects the test tube information and transmits it to the control system. When the vision recognition device 7 identifies a problematic sample, it immediately transmits the problematic sample information to the control system. After receiving the information, the control system controls the gripper 6 to move down and grasp the problematic sample. Then, it controls the identification and sorting mechanism to remove the problematic sample from the sample rack 3. After the problematic sample is removed, the identification and sorting mechanism resets and continues the unfinished inspection.
[0021] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specifically, the identification and sorting mechanism includes an X-axis displacement component 8 mounted on the frame 2, a Y-axis displacement component 9 mounted on the moving end of the X-axis displacement component 8, and a Z-axis displacement component 10 mounted on the moving end of the Y-axis displacement component 9. A gripper 6 is connected to the moving end of the Z-axis displacement component 10. Through the cooperation of the X-axis displacement component 8, the Y-axis displacement component 9, and the Z-axis displacement component 10, the gripper 6 can move freely in the horizontal and vertical directions to meet the gripping requirements of samples at different positions, thus improving the accuracy of gripping and positioning. The X-axis displacement component 8, the Y-axis displacement component 9, the Z-axis displacement component 10, and the gripper 6 are all connected to the output end of the control system, enabling rapid response to the control system and ensuring smooth and efficient sorting operations. In this embodiment, the Z-axis displacement component 10 is a linear motor, but it can also be a cylinder or other drive device.
[0022] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 Specifically, the linear displacement assembly 4 includes a guide plate 401 disposed below the sample placement rack 3, a drive motor 402, and a driving wheel 403 and a driven wheel 404 disposed at both ends of the guide plate 401. The guide plate 401 provides mounting support for the linear displacement assembly 4. The output shaft of the drive motor 402 is connected to the driving wheel 403. The driving wheel 403 and the driven wheel 404 are driven by a synchronous belt 405, which is connected to the lifting assembly 5. The linear displacement assembly 4 is connected to the output end of the control system. In this embodiment, the structures of the X-axis displacement assembly 8 and the Y-axis displacement assembly 9 are similar to those of the linear displacement assembly 4, both being belt drive structures, and will not be described again here.
[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 4 Specifically, the lifting assembly 5 includes a connecting plate 501 fixed to the synchronous belt 405 and a lifting motor 502 mounted on the connecting plate 501. A support plate 503 parallel to the sample placement rack 3 is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 502. The support plate 503 has at least two lifting protrusions 504 for lifting the corresponding sample placement rack 3. The lifting motor 502 drives the support plate 503 to rise and fall. The multiple lifting protrusions 504 on the support plate 503 provide stable support for the sample placement rack 3, preventing it from tilting or shaking during lifting, ensuring the stability of the test tubes on the rack, and facilitating visual identification and handling.
[0024] In this embodiment, a base plate 11 is provided below the workbench 1, and a guide plate 401 is provided on the base plate 11. A guide groove 101 parallel to the guide plate 401 is provided on the workbench 1. The lifting protrusion 504 slides in cooperation with the guide groove 101, and the corresponding sample placement rack 3 is lifted by the guide groove 101 to avoid displacement during the lifting process.
[0025] Specifically, there are multiple sample racks 3 arranged in a multi-row array along the direction of the guide plate 401. The number of guide grooves 101 and the number of lifting protrusions 504 correspond to the number of rows of sample racks 3. The lifting component 5 can lift multiple rows of sample racks 3 simultaneously, improving the efficiency of batch sample processing. In this embodiment, the sample racks 3 are arranged in a three-row array, and the array direction of each row of sample racks 3 is parallel to the linear displacement component 4. There are three guide grooves 101 and three lifting protrusions 504.
[0026] In this embodiment, the linear displacement component 4 is parallel to the frame 2. In another embodiment, the linear displacement component 4 is perpendicular to the frame 2; correspondingly, the array arrangement direction of the sample placement rack 3 is perpendicular to the frame 2.
[0027] Furthermore, a test tube storage rack 12 for storing problem samples is provided on the adjacent side of the sample placement rack 3.
[0028] The working process of this utility model is as follows: During use, the operator places the test tubes to be sorted into the sample rack 3 on the workbench 1. The lifting mechanism is activated, and the linear displacement component 4 drives the lifting component 5 to move below the target sample rack 3. The lifting motor 502 is activated, driving the support plate 503 to rise. The lifting protrusion 504 slides along the guide groove 101 and lifts the corresponding row of sample racks 3, causing the test tubes on the rack to detach from the workbench 1. Subsequently, the X-axis displacement component 8 and the Y-axis displacement component 9 drive the clamp 6 to move to the lifted test tube. The vision recognition device 7 collects the test tube information and transmits it to the control system. When the vision recognition device 7 identifies a problematic sample, it immediately transmits the problematic sample information to the control system. After receiving the information, the control system controls the Z-axis displacement component 10 to move the clamp 6 downward to clamp and remove the problematic sample. After the problematic sample is removed, the identification and sorting mechanism resets and continues the unfinished detection.
[0029] In this invention, the lifting mechanism includes a linear displacement component 4 and a lifting component 5 connected to its moving end. The lifting component 5 moves horizontally under the drive of the linear displacement component 4, enabling alignment and lifting operations of the sample placement rack 3 at different positions. This reduces the number of lifting components 5 required and lowers equipment production costs. A visual identifier 7 moves synchronously with the gripper 6. When the lifting mechanism lifts the test tube, the visual identifier 7 identifies it as it approaches the sample. At this time, there are no obstructions around the test tube, reducing background interference and allowing the visual identifier 7 to acquire more complete sample information, improving recognition accuracy, reducing positioning errors during sorting, and increasing sorting efficiency. The device has a compact overall structure and reasonable layout. Through the cooperation of the lifting mechanism, the identification and sorting mechanism, and the control system, it improves the efficiency and applicability of batch sample processing.
[0030] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A sample identification and sorting apparatus comprising a worktable and a control system; characterized in that: The workbench is equipped with a frame and several sample racks. A lifting mechanism is located below each sample rack. The lifting mechanism includes a linear displacement component and a lifting assembly for lifting the corresponding sample rack. The moving end of the linear displacement component is connected to the lifting assembly. An identification and sorting mechanism is connected to the frame. The output end of the identification and sorting mechanism is connected to a gripper. The gripper is equipped with a vision scanner. The vision scanner cooperates with the lifting mechanism to identify and detect the test tubes on the lifted sample racks. The vision scanner is connected to the input end of the control system, and the output end of the control system is connected to the identification and sorting mechanism and the lifting mechanism.
2. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The identification and sorting mechanism includes an X-axis displacement component mounted on the frame, a Y-axis displacement component mounted on the moving end of the X-axis displacement component, and a Z-axis displacement component mounted on the moving end of the Y-axis displacement component. The gripper is connected to the moving end of the Z-axis displacement component. The X-axis displacement component, the Y-axis displacement component, the Z-axis displacement component, and the gripper are all connected to the output end of the control system.
3. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The linear displacement assembly includes a guide plate disposed below the sample placement rack, a drive motor, and a drive wheel and a driven wheel disposed at both ends of the guide plate. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the drive wheel, and the drive wheel and the driven wheel are driven by a synchronous belt. The synchronous belt is connected to the lifting assembly. The linear displacement assembly is connected to the output end of the control system.
4. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The lifting assembly includes a connecting plate fixed to the timing belt and a lifting motor disposed on the connecting plate. A support plate parallel to the sample placement rack is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor. The support plate is provided with at least two lifting protrusions for lifting the corresponding sample placement rack.
5. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The workbench is provided with a base plate below it, the guide plate is set on the base plate, the workbench is provided with a guide groove parallel to the guide plate, the lifting protrusion slides with the guide groove, and lifts the corresponding sample placement rack through the guide groove.
6. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The number of sample placement racks is multiple and they are arranged in multiple rows along the direction of the guide plate. The number of guide grooves and the number of top protrusions correspond to the number of rows of the sample placement racks.
7. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The linear displacement component is parallel to the frame.
8. A sample identification and sorting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The sample placement rack is adjacent to a test tube storage rack for storing problem samples.