A sample track transport system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sample track transmission system relates to sample transmission equipment technical field, including sample inlet track, is used for transporting sample tube support seat of loading, RFID identification device sets up on sample inlet track, is used for identifying the information of sample tube support seat of loading, sampling track is butt jointed with sample inlet track, and analyzer is used for sampling and carries out analysis in the sample tube of sample tube support seat of loading on the transmission of sampling track, sample tube support seat reversing device sets up on the butt joint position of sample inlet track and sampling track, is used for changing the movement direction of sample tube support seat of loading according to the information of sample tube support seat of loading of identification to make it enter sampling track or make sample tube support seat of loading continue transmission on sample inlet track, support seat return track sets up in parallel with sample inlet track, is used for transporting empty sample tube support seat of analysis completion. The above -mentioned sample track transmission system has solved the technical problem of the existing sample board track transportation structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample transmission equipment technology, and in particular to a sample track transmission system. Background Technology

[0002] As the market demand for laboratory automated systems grows stronger, these systems not only save time on testing reports and free up manpower, but also offer diverse layouts. With various analyzers needing to be integrated into laboratory automated systems to automate sample processing, it is necessary to design and develop the sample supply layout for each analyzer to meet the sample supply needs of different analyzer devices.

[0003] Existing technologies include a sample introduction track system and a sample analysis system, such as patent CN210514342U, which includes a reversing track that is a rotatable disk. By rotating the disk counterclockwise, the sample holder can be switched to the return track. The disk can also rotate clockwise to place the sample holder on the sample introduction track, and then flow to the return track through a short track. However, the existing technology has the following disadvantages: complex structure, high cost, and complex logic.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a sample track transmission system with a simple structure is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample track transport system that solves the technical problems of complex existing sample track transport structures and control logic.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a sample track transport system, comprising:

[0007] Sample inlet track, used to transport sample tube support base;

[0008] An RFID identification device is installed on the sample inlet track to identify information about the sample tube support.

[0009] A sampling track is connected to the sample inlet track. An analyzer is installed on one side of the sampling track. The analyzer is used to sample and analyze samples from the sample tubes on the sample tube support seat that are transported on the sampling track.

[0010] A test tube support reversing device is set at the docking position of the sample inlet track and the sampling track, and is used to change the movement direction of the sample tube support according to the identified information of the sample tube support so that it enters the sampling track or so that the sample tube support continues to be transported on the sample inlet track.

[0011] The support base returns to the track, which is set parallel to the sample injection track, and is used to transport the empty test tube support base after the analysis is completed.

[0012] Preferably, the sampling track includes an injection track, a transport track, and an output track;

[0013] One end of the sample injection track is perpendicularly connected to the sample injection track, and the other end is connected to the transport track;

[0014] One end of the transmission track corresponds to the analyzer to transport the sample tube support to the analyzer for sampling, and the other end is connected to the sample outlet track to transport the sample tube support to the sample outlet track.

[0015] The sample outlet track and the sample inlet track are perpendicularly connected and used to transport the sample carrier tube support after inspection back to the sample inlet track.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a return track, which is arranged parallel to the sample introduction track, for the return of the sample tube support that has not entered the analyzer.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes a sample inlet rail blocking component, which is disposed on the sample inlet rail and its position corresponds to the RFID identification device, for blocking the sample tube support so that the RFID identification device can identify it.

[0018] Preferably, the sample feed rail blocking component is an electromagnetically driven or pneumatically driven stop lever.

[0019] Preferably, the test tube support reversing device is located at the docking position of the sample injection track on the sample injection sub-track.

[0020] Preferably, the test tube support reversing device includes a rotatable guide plate, which can be switched to a first working position and a second working position. The first working position guides the sample-carrying test tube support to continue moving along the sample injection track, while the second working position guides the sample-carrying test tube support into the sampling track.

[0021] Preferably, the RFID identification device includes an RFID reader and an antenna for non-contact reading of the identification information of the RFID tag inside the sample tube support.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes a position sensor for detecting the working position of the test tube support reversing device.

[0023] Preferably, the device further includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the RFID identification device, the test tube support reversing device, the sample inlet rail blocking component, and the positioning sensor.

[0024] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the present invention provides a sample track transport system in which the operator places a support base containing sample tubes (i.e., a sample tube support base) on the sample inlet track, thereby driving the sample tube support base forward at a constant speed. When the sample tube support base reaches the location of the RFID identification device, it automatically reads the data from the built-in RFID tag and determines whether the sample needs to be sampled at this station. If sampling is required, the system controls the tube support base reversing device to activate, changing the local track guidance so that the sample tube support base moves from the sample inlet track to the sampling track perpendicularly connected to it. If sampling is not required or the target analyzer is not currently in use... If available, the reversing device remains in its original state, and the support continues to move forward along the sample inlet track to the next processing node or buffer zone. The sample tube support that has entered the sampling track is transported to the designated station in front of the analyzer. The analyzer's robotic arm grabs the test tube to complete the sampling action, and then puts the test tube back in its original position. The sample tube support that has completed sampling returns to the sample inlet track via the sampling track to continue moving forward. At the end of the sample inlet track, the robotic arm removes the sampled test tube from the test tube support, allowing the empty test tube support (i.e., the empty test tube support) to enter the support return track and return to its initial position, so that a new sample tube can be placed in preparation for the next round of use.

[0025] By setting up a reversing device for the sample introduction track, sampling track, and test tube support, and by determining whether the test tube support should move towards the sampling track or continue running on the sample introduction track based on the RFID signal of the test tube support, the structure is simpler and the cost is reduced compared with the existing technology. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, 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 embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sample track transport system provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a sample track transport system provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] 1-Analyzer, 2-Transfer track, 3-Injection track, 4-Support return track, 5-Return track, 6-Injection track blocking component, 7-Test tube support reversing device, 8-Injection sub-track, 9-Exit track, 10-RFID identification device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] See Figures 1-2 This application provides a sample track transport system, including a sample entry track 3 for transporting sample tube supports; an RFID identification device 10 (Radio Frequency Identification) installed on the sample entry track 3 for identifying information about the sample tube supports; a sampling track docking with the sample entry track 3, with an analyzer 1 installed on one side of the sampling track for sampling and analyzing sample tubes transported on the sample tube supports; a tube support reversing device 7 installed at the docking position of the sample entry track 3 and the sampling track, for changing the movement direction of the sample tube supports according to the identified information about the sample tube supports, causing them to enter the sampling track or allowing the sample tube supports to continue transporting on the sample entry track 3; and a support return track 4, parallel to the sample entry track 3, for transporting empty sample tube supports that have completed analysis.

[0033] Specifically, the sample inlet track 3 is dedicated to transporting sample tube supports, i.e., the support devices for carrying the samples to be tested, from the main body of the production line to each analyzer. The RFID identification device 10 is installed on the sample inlet track 3 to read the preset RFID tag information, such as the sample type, on each sample tube support in a non-contact manner.

[0034] The sampling track and the sample introduction track 3 are connected in a T-shape to form a branch path; at least one analyzer 1 is installed on one side of the sampling track. The analyzer 1 can extract samples from the sample-carrying test tube support that passes through its station and perform corresponding detection and analysis.

[0035] The test tube support reversing device 7 is located at the docking position of the sample inlet track 3 and the sampling track. Based on the result of the RFID identification device, it changes the movement direction of the sample-carrying test tube support, so that the sample-carrying test tube support that meets the sampling conditions moves into the sampling track for the analyzer to take samples, while the support that does not need to be processed immediately continues to move along the sample inlet track 3.

[0036] The support base return track 4 is arranged parallel to the sample injection track 3, forming a closed loop. This loop guides the empty test tube support base after sampling from the end of the sampling track back to the starting area, enabling the support base to be used cyclically.

[0037] The workflow is as follows:

[0038] The operator places the support base containing the sample tube (i.e., the sample tube support base) on the sample inlet track 3, thereby driving the sample tube support base forward at a constant speed.

[0039] When the sample tube support moves to the location of the RFID identification device 10, it automatically reads the data in its built-in RFID tag, including the sample type and the required test items. The system queries the current working status of the analyzer (idle / busy) and the task queue length to determine whether the sample needs to be sampled at this site.

[0040] If it is determined that sampling is required, the test tube support reversing device 7 is activated to change the local track guidance, so that the sample-carrying test tube support is moved from the sample inlet track 3 to the sampling track that is perpendicular to it.

[0041] If sampling is not required or the target analyzer is temporarily unavailable, the reversing device remains in its original state, and the support continues to move forward along the sample introduction track 3 to the next processing node or buffer.

[0042] The sample tube support, which enters the sampling track, is conveyed to the designated station in front of the analyzer 1. The analyzer's robotic arm grabs the test tube to complete the sampling action, and then puts the test tube back in its original position. The sample tube support, which has completed sampling, returns to the sample injection track 3 via the sampling track and continues to move forward. At the end of the sample injection track 3, the robotic arm removes the sampled test tube from the test tube support, allowing the empty test tube support (i.e., the empty test tube support) to enter the support return track 4 and return to the initial position, so that a new sample tube can be placed in preparation for the next round of use.

[0043] By setting up the sample introduction track 3, the sampling track, and the test tube support reversing device 7, and by determining whether the test tube support should move towards the sampling track or continue running on the sample introduction track 3 by analyzing the RFID signal of the test tube support, the structure is simpler and the cost is reduced compared with the existing technology CN210514342U.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, the sampling track includes an injection track 8, a transport track 2, and an exit track 9; one end of the injection track 8 is perpendicularly connected to the injection track 3, and the other end is connected to the transport track 2; one end of the transport track 2 corresponds to the analyzer to transport the sample tube support to the analyzer for sampling, and the other end is connected to the exit track 9 to transport the sample tube support to the exit track 9; the exit track 9 is perpendicularly connected to the injection track 3 and is used to transport the tested sample tube support back to the injection track 3.

[0045] In other words, one end of the sample injection track 8 is perpendicular (T-shaped) to the main sample injection track 3 to form a branch entrance; the other end is connected to the starting end of the transfer track 2 to receive the sample-carrying test tube support that is guided into the sample injection track 3 by the test tube support reversing device 7.

[0046] One end of the transfer track 2 is connected to the sample inlet track 8, and the other end is connected to the sample outlet track 9. An analyzer 1 is set on the side of the transfer track 2. The analyzer is equipped with a robotic arm or sampling needle device, which can complete the identification and sampling of the test tubes while the support is stopped or moving slowly. One end of the sample outlet track 9 is connected to the end of the transfer track 2 to receive the sample-carrying test tube support after sampling. The other end is connected to the sample inlet track 3 again in a perpendicular manner to form a closed loop reflux path.

[0047] Furthermore, the RFID identification device 10 is located upstream of the docking position of the sample inlet track 8 and the sample inlet track, and also upstream of the reversing device 7 of the test tube support, and upstream of the docking position of the sample outlet track 9 and the sample inlet track 3. This allows for convenient adjustment of the movement direction of the sample-carrying test tube support based on the identification result of the RFID identification device 10, so that the sample-carrying test tube support that meets the sampling conditions moves into the sampling track for the analyzer to take samples, while the support that does not require immediate processing continues to move along the sample inlet track 3.

[0048] Building upon the above embodiments, a return track 5 is also included, parallel to the sample injection track 3, for returning sample tube supports that have not entered the analyzer 1. That is, the return track 5 is connected to the end of the sample injection track 3, extending to the initial loading area. Sample tube supports that have not been diverted by any sampling node can be turned into the return track 5 via an end-point steering mechanism. The return track 5 returns the sample tube supports that have not entered the analyzer 1, achieving a cyclical queuing process for the next round of scheduling. Additionally, sample supports that have entered the analyzer 1 but still have other detection items can also return via the return track 5 to participate in subsequent analysis processes.

[0049] Based on the above implementation, the test tube support reversing device 7 is set at the docking position of the sample injection track 8 and the sample injection track 3. In other words, the test tube support reversing device 7 is set at the docking position of the sample injection track 8 and the sample injection track 3.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, the test tube support reversing device 7 is driven by a servo motor or a stepper motor and can control the reversing action of the sample-carrying test tube support. The test tube support reversing device 7 includes a rotatable guide plate, which can be switched to a first working position and a second working position. The first working position guides the sample-carrying test tube support to continue moving along the sample injection track 3, and the second working position guides the sample-carrying test tube support into the sample injection sub-track 8.

[0051] Specifically, the guide plate is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) or nylon 66 reinforced plastic, with a Teflon coating on the surface to reduce the coefficient of friction. The guide plate is fixed to the reversing device bracket by bearings, with a rotation angle of 90°, and is driven by a motor through gears or a synchronous belt.

[0052] The first working position is the straight position: the guide plate is flush with the sample injection track 3, the sample tube support slides in a straight line along the surface of the guide plate, and continues to move along the sample injection track 3.

[0053] The second working position is the reversing position: after the guide plate rotates 90°, it docks with the sample injection track 8, and the sample tube support slides into the sample injection track 8 along the inclined surface of the guide plate and enters the sample supply process of the analyzer.

[0054] The sample tube needs to be inserted into the analyzer. The guide plate of the test tube support reversing device 7 rotates to the second working position, guiding the sample-carrying test tube support into the sample injection track 8.

[0055] No need to enter the analyzer: The guide plate remains in the first working position, and the test tube support continues to move along the sample injection track 3 to the return track 5.

[0056] The sample enters the test tube support of the transfer track 2 via the injection track 8, and then enters the analyzer for testing. After testing, the transfer track 2 pushes the test tube support to the discharge track 9 and returns to the injection track 3.

[0057] Furthermore, it also includes a position sensor for detecting the working position of the test tube support reversing device 7, that is, the working position of the detection guide plate.

[0058] Furthermore, the end of the sample injection track 3, the beginning of the support return track 4, and the beginning of the return track 5 are all equipped with support reversing devices to change the direction of movement. Additionally, a robotic arm or similar component can be installed at the end of the sample injection track 3 or the beginning of the support return track 4 to remove the sample tubes from the support after analysis and move the remaining empty sample tube support into the support return track 4 to return to the initial position and begin the next cycle.

[0059] Based on the above embodiments, a sample inlet rail blocking member 6 is also included, which is disposed on the sample inlet rail 3 and its position corresponds to the RFID identification device 10. It is used to stop the sample tube support so that the RFID identification device 10 can identify it. The sample inlet rail blocking member 6 is an electromagnetically driven or pneumatically driven blocking rod.

[0060] Specifically, the sample inlet rail blocking component 6 is installed on the sample inlet rail 3 to stop the sample tube support, providing a stable identification environment for the RFID identification device 10.

[0061] Compressed air is used to drive the cylinder piston, which in turn drives the stop lever to extend and retract. The driving pressure is adjustable from 0.4 to 0.6 MPa, making it suitable for scenarios requiring high thrust.

[0062] The sample inlet rail blocking component 6 is fixed on the side bracket of the sample inlet rail 3, and the blocking rod is perpendicular to the rail plane to ensure complete blockage of the test tube support.

[0063] The sample tube support moves along the sample inlet track 3 and is stopped by the sample inlet track blocking component 6 in the RFID identification area. The RFID identification device 10 reads the sample information of the sample tube support.

[0064] When the sample needs to be inserted into the analyzer, the test tube support reversing device 7 is activated, guiding it to the sample injection track 8.

[0065] No need to enter the analyzer: The stop lever is raised, and the test tube support continues to move along the sample injection track 3 to the return track 5.

[0066] Based on the above embodiments, the RFID identification device 10 includes an RFID reader and an antenna for non-contact reading of the identification information of the RFID tag inside the sample tube support.

[0067] Specifically, the RFID reader uses a high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency reading module with a reading distance of 5-30cm. It can be adapted to test tube support bases of different sizes and installed on the side or below the sample introduction track 3. It uses beamforming technology to accurately cover the identification area and avoid signal interference from adjacent tracks.

[0068] Each test tube support has a built-in passive RFID tag, pre-written with information such as sample ID, test item, and priority.

[0069] When the sample inlet rail stops at position 6 and the test tube support is engaged, the RFID reader initiates scanning, completes identification within 200ms, and transmits the identification result to the PLC, triggering the following actions:

[0070] When a sample needs to be tested, the test tube support reversing device 7 rotates to the second working position, the sample inlet rail blocking component 6 is released, and the sample enters the sample inlet rail 8.

[0071] It also includes a control unit, which can be a programmable logic controller. The control unit is electrically connected to the RFID identification device 10, the test tube support reversing device 7, the sample inlet rail blocking component 6, and the positioning sensor, respectively, and is used to receive information from each component and send control commands to each component according to a preset program.

[0072] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0073] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sample track transport system, characterized in that, include: Sample inlet track (3) is used to transport sample tube support base; An RFID identification device (10) is installed on the sample inlet track (3) to identify information of the sample tube support. The sampling track is connected to the sample introduction track (3). An analyzer (1) is provided on one side of the sampling track. The analyzer (1) is used to sample and analyze the sample tubes on the sample tube support seat that are transported on the sampling track. The test tube support reversing device (7) is set at the docking position of the sample inlet track (3) and the sampling track, and is used to change the movement direction of the sample tube support according to the identified information of the sample tube support so that it enters the sampling track or so that the sample tube support continues to be transported on the sample inlet track (3). The support base return track (4) is set parallel to the sample injection track (3) and is used to transport the empty test tube support base after the analysis is completed.

2. The sample track transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling track includes an injection track (8), a transmission track (2), and an output track (9). One end of the sample injection track (8) is perpendicularly connected to the sample injection track (3), and the other end is connected to the transmission track (2); One end of the transmission track (2) corresponds to the analyzer (1) to transport the sample tube support to the analyzer (1) for sampling, and the other end is connected to the sample outlet track (9) to transport the sample tube support to the sample outlet track (9). The sample exit track (9) and the sample inlet track (3) are vertically connected to transport the sample carrier tube support after inspection back to the sample inlet track (3).

3. The sample track transport system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a return track (5), which is set parallel to the sample entry track (3) for the return of the sample tube support that has not entered the analyzer (1).

4. The sample track transport system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a sample inlet rail blocking member (6), which is disposed on the sample inlet rail (3) and its position corresponds to the RFID identification device (10) to stop the sample tube support so that the RFID identification device (10) can identify it.

5. The sample track transport system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sample feed rail stop (6) is an electromagnetically driven or pneumatically driven stop lever.

6. The sample track transport system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The test tube support reversing device (7) is located at the docking position of the sample injection track (8) and the sample injection track (3).

7. The sample track transport system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The test tube support reversing device (7) includes a rotatable guide plate, which can be switched to a first working position and a second working position. The first working position is used to guide the sample-carrying test tube support to continue moving along the sample injection track (3), and the second working position is used to guide the sample-carrying test tube support into the sampling track.

8. The sample track transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The RFID identification device (10) includes an RFID reader and an antenna, used for non-contact reading of the identification information of the RFID tag inside the sample tube support.

9. The sample track transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a position sensor for detecting the working position of the test tube support reversing device (7).

10. The sample track transport system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the RFID identification device (10), the test tube support reversing device (7), the sample inlet rail blocking component (6), and the positioning sensor.

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