Tray, sample rack automatic dispatching mechanism and in-vitro diagnostic analysis device

Abstract

The application relates to a tray, a sample rack automatic scheduling mechanism and an in-vitro diagnosis analysis device. The tray comprises a supporting bottom plate, a partition plate and a limiting structure. The supporting bottom plate is formed with a plurality of placing grooves, and the plurality of placing grooves are arranged at intervals. The placing grooves are used for placing and positioning sample racks. The placing grooves are provided with oppositely arranged inlet ends and outlet ends. The partition plate is provided in a plurality of forms, and each partition plate is connected with the supporting bottom plate. Each partition plate is arranged between each two adjacent placing grooves. The limiting structure is arranged at the outlet end and is fixedly connected with the supporting bottom plate or the partition plate. The limiting structure is used for abutting and cooperating with the sample rack in the arrangement direction along the inlet end and the outlet end. Therefore, the sample loading and unloading operations are flexible, and the sample loading and unloading operations of the sample rack can be facilitated. In addition, the limiting structure limits the sample rack, ensures the accurate sample loading position of the sample rack, and can avoid the machine collision defect caused by excessive insertion of the sample rack into the machine in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an automatic tray and sample rack scheduling mechanism and an in vitro diagnostic analysis device. Background Technology

[0002] In vitro diagnostics (IVD) is a widely used diagnostic method in the medical field. It involves collecting bodily fluids, excretions, and secretions for chemical composition or reaction analysis to determine human diseases. IVD methods include chemiluminescence analysis, molecular diagnostics, and immunodiagnostics.

[0003] With the gradual improvement of automation, in vitro diagnostic analysis equipment is equipped with an independent sample rack feeding and scheduling mechanism. The sample rack loaded with containers enters the analyzer's track according to the instructions of the sample rack feeding and scheduling mechanism for on-orbit sampling. After sampling is completed, the sample rack needs to be sent to the next analyzer for further sampling or directly returned to the sample rack feeding and scheduling mechanism via the return track for unloading.

[0004] However, in related technologies, during sample loading, the sample rack containing the container is placed on a tray and loaded into the sample rack feeding and scheduling mechanism along with the tray. Furthermore, when unloading the sample rack from the feeding and scheduling mechanism, the sample rack and tray must be unloaded together. Therefore, it is usually necessary to wait until all samples in the sample racks on the tray have been tested before the tray and sample racks can be loaded and unloaded together. It is not possible to temporarily replace or add sample racks to the tray, resulting in poor flexibility and low testing efficiency in sample rack loading and unloading operations. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automatic tray and sample rack scheduling mechanism and in vitro diagnostic analysis device to address at least one of the problems in the prior art, which can facilitate sample rack loading and unloading operations.

[0006] On one hand, this application provides a tray for supporting a sample rack, the tray comprising:

[0007] A supporting base plate is formed with multiple placement slots, which are arranged sequentially at intervals. The placement slots are used to place and position the sample rack, and each placement slot has an inlet end and an outlet end that are arranged opposite to each other.

[0008] Multiple partitions are provided, each partition being connected to the supporting base plate, and each partition being positioned between two adjacent placement slots;

[0009] The limiting structure is provided in multiple ways, and each limiting structure is correspondingly provided with each placement slot; the limiting structure is provided at the outlet end and is fixedly connected to the supporting base plate or the partition plate, and the limiting structure is used to abut against the sample rack in the arrangement direction along the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting structure is provided with a first anti-mistake part and a limiting part. The first anti-mistake part is adapted to the shape of a second anti-mistake part on one side wall of the sample rack. The limiting part extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sample rack. The first anti-mistake part is connected to the limiting part. And / or, the tray also includes a handle part, which is connected to the supporting base plate and is located at the inlet end.

[0011] In one embodiment, the supporting base plate is provided with a plurality of first through holes, each of the first through holes being connected to a corresponding placement groove. The first through holes extend from the bottom surface of the supporting base plate to the bottom wall of the placement groove, and also extend along the extension direction of the placement groove to the edge of the supporting base plate. The tray also includes a reinforcing plate connected to the bottom surface of the supporting base plate. The reinforcing plate is provided with a plurality of second through holes, each of the second through holes being connected to a corresponding first through hole, and also extending along the extension direction of the placement groove to the edge of the reinforcing plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tray further includes a first magnetic chuck disposed on the support base plate, the first magnetic chuck being used to magnetically engage with a second magnetic chuck of the sample loading mechanism; and / or, the tray being used to snap onto the sample loading mechanism.

[0013] On the other hand, this application also provides an automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism, including the aforementioned tray, and further comprising:

[0014] The sample loading mechanism is provided with a locking position, and the tray is detachably mounted in the locking position; and

[0015] A dispatching trolley is provided with a conveying track, and the dispatching trolley is used to transfer the sample rack on the tray to the conveying track.

[0016] In one embodiment, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism further includes:

[0017] A first sensor is disposed in the card slot and is used to sense whether the tray is installed in place.

[0018] The second sensor is provided in multiple ways. The card slot is provided with multiple placement areas. The multiple placement areas are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple placement slots of the sample rack. Each second sensor is configured in a corresponding placement area. The second sensor is used to sense whether the placement area has the sample rack.

[0019] The controller is electrically connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the scheduling trolley. The controller is used to obtain whether each of the placement areas on the card slot has a sample rack, and to control the scheduling trolley to transfer the sample rack of the placement area to the conveying track, and to control the scheduling trolley to transfer the sample rack to the placement slot corresponding to the placement area.

[0020] In one embodiment, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism further includes a barcode scanner, which is installed on the scheduling trolley and located on one side of the conveying track. The barcode scanner is used to acquire graphic code information of each container in the sample rack.

[0021] In one embodiment, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism further includes an identification component and a controller. The identification component is disposed on the scheduling trolley and located on one side of the conveying track. The identification component is used to identify the type of the container. The barcode scanner and the identification component are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the barcode scanner to scan the container when the identification component identifies the container as a test tube.

[0022] In one embodiment, the identification component includes a third sensor and a fourth sensor; the distance between the third sensor and the bottom wall of the placement slot is smaller than the distance between the fourth sensor and the bottom wall of the placement slot; when the container is a test tube, both the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the container; when the container is a micrometer cup, the third sensor can detect the container, but the fourth sensor cannot detect the container.

[0023] In another aspect, this application also provides an in vitro diagnostic analysis device, which includes the aforementioned automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism.

[0024] The aforementioned tray and sample rack automatic scheduling mechanism and in vitro diagnostic analysis equipment offer two sample loading and unloading methods. Taking sample loading as an example, sample racks can be loaded individually or pre-loaded into trays for combined loading. Personnel can choose either method based on sample volume requirements or operational habits. Therefore, sample racks can be pre-loaded into trays for combined loading, and then the tray containing the sample racks can be inserted into the slots of the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism. Alternatively, the tray can be placed in the slots first, and the sample racks can be placed into or removed from the trays individually. This flexible loading and unloading operation facilitates sample rack loading and unloading. Furthermore, when the sample rack is placed in the placement slot from the inlet to the outlet, the limiting structure acts as a limit, ensuring accurate sample insertion position, improving sample insertion efficiency, and avoiding machine collision defects caused by excessive overloading of the sample rack during sample insertion, as seen in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the scheduling trolley in the automatic scheduling mechanism of the sample rack.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the sample loading mechanism in the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the tray and sample rack in the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the tray.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 10. Tray; 11. Support base plate; 111. Placement slot; 112. First foolproof part; 113. Limiting part; 114. First through hole; 12. Divider plate; 13. Handhold part; 14. Reinforcing plate; 141. Second through hole; 15. First magnetic suction component; 20. Sample rack; 30. Sample loading mechanism; 31. Second magnetic suction component; 32. Locking position; 40. Scheduling trolley; 41. Conveying track; 42. First moving mechanism; 43. Second moving mechanism; 44. Lifting mechanism; 50. First sensor; 60. Second sensor; 70. Barcode scanner; 80. Identification component; 81. Third sensor; 82. Fourth sensor; 90. Position detection component; 91. Fifth sensor; 92. Sixth sensor; 100. Container; 110. Test tube; 120. Micro-volume cup. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 This application provides a tray 10 for supporting sample racks 20, the tray 10 including a supporting base plate 11. The supporting base plate 11 has a plurality of placement slots 111, which are arranged sequentially at intervals, for placing and positioning sample racks 20. Thus, the plurality of placement slots 111 can be used to place and position a plurality of sample racks 20 respectively. That is, a plurality of sample racks 20 can be mounted on the supporting base plate 11. The placement slots 111 have an inlet end and an outlet end arranged opposite to each other. The inlet end refers to the end of the placement slot 11 that is closer to the user in actual use, and the outlet end refers to the end of the placement slot 11 that is farther away from the user.

[0035] For example, the tray 10 also includes partitions 12. Multiple partitions 12 are provided, each connected to a supporting base plate 11 and protruding from the supporting base plate 11. Each partition 12 is correspondingly positioned between two adjacent placement slots 111. During the process of loading the sample rack 20 into the tray 10, the partitions 12 serve to separate and guide, facilitating installation within the tray 10. Furthermore, after the sample rack 20 is installed on the tray 10, the two partitions 12 located on opposite sides of the sample rack 20 abut against it, ensuring stable installation of the sample rack 20 on the tray 10.

[0036] Optionally, the partition plate 12 and the supporting base plate 11 are an integrated structure. Specifically, both the partition plate 12 and the supporting base plate 11 are made of plastic and are integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. Of course, the partition plate 12 and the supporting base plate 11 can also be made of metal and are integrally formed, for example, by welding, die casting, or sheet metal processes. The specific details can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs, and there are no restrictions here.

[0037] For example, the tray 10 also includes a limiting structure. Multiple limiting structures are provided, each corresponding to a placement slot 11. The limiting structure is located at the outlet end and is fixedly connected to the supporting base plate 11 or the partition plate 12. The limiting structure protrudes from the bottom surface of the placement slot 11. The limiting structure is used to abut against the sample rack 20 in the arrangement direction along the inlet and outlet ends.

[0038] In this embodiment, the "fixed connection" between the limiting structure and the supporting base plate 11 or the partition plate 12 means that the limiting structure remains fixed relative to the supporting base plate 11 or the partition plate 12, i.e., it cannot rotate, swing, or translate. When the sample rack 20 is placed in the placement slot 11 from the inlet end to the outlet end, the limiting structure limits the sample rack 20, ensuring accurate sample insertion position, improving sample insertion efficiency, and avoiding the machine collision defects caused by excessive stuffing of the sample rack 20 into the machine during sample insertion in related technologies.

[0039] The aforementioned tray 10 has two sample loading and unloading methods. Taking sample loading as an example, the sample rack 20 can be loaded individually or pre-loaded into the tray 10 for combined loading. Personnel can choose either loading method according to sample volume requirements or operating habits. Therefore, the sample rack 20 can be pre-loaded into the tray 10 for combined loading, and then the tray 10 containing the sample rack 20 can be inserted into the slot 32 of the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism. Alternatively, the tray 10 can be placed into the slot 32 first, and the sample rack 20 can be placed into or removed from the tray 10 individually. The sample loading and unloading operations are quite flexible, facilitating the loading and unloading of the sample rack 20.

[0040] For example, the limiting structure includes a first anti-mistake part 112, which is provided, for instance, on the inner wall of the placement slot 111. The first anti-mistake part 112 is shaped to match a second anti-mistake part on one side wall of the sample holder 20. Thus, when the sample holder 20 is placed into the placement slot 111 in the forward direction, the first anti-mistake part 112 and the second anti-mistake part are mutually compatible, ensuring the stability of the sample holder 20 within the placement slot 111. Conversely, when the sample holder 20 is placed into the placement slot 111 in the reverse direction, the first anti-mistake part 112 and the second anti-mistake part are not aligned, therefore the sample holder 20 cannot be placed into the placement slot 111. This effectively reduces downtime caused by operator error.

[0041] Optionally, the first error-proof part 112 includes, but is not limited to, a protrusion extending from the inner wall of the placement slot 111. The specific shape and size of the protrusion are not limited and can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. Optionally, the protrusion has a sloped or curved surface. The second error-proof part is, for example, located at a corner of the sample holder 20, and the second error-proof part has a sloped or curved surface adapted to the first error-proof part 112.

[0042] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 For example, the limiting structure also includes a limiting part 113. The limiting part 113 is connected to the first anti-fooling part 112. Optionally, the limiting part 113 extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sample holder. The limiting part 113 abuts against the sample holder 20, limiting the sample holder 20 and preventing it from detaching from the placement slot 111.

[0043] It should be noted that the "first foolproof part 112 and limiting part 113" in this embodiment can be "a part of the supporting base plate 11", that is, the "first foolproof part 112 and limiting part 113" and "other parts of the supporting base plate 11" are integrally molded; or it can be an independent component that can be separated from "other parts of the supporting base plate 11", that is, the "first foolproof part 112 and limiting part 113" can be manufactured independently and then combined with "other parts of the supporting base plate 11" to form a whole.

[0044] For example, the pallet 10 also includes a handle 13. The handle 13 is connected to the supporting base plate 11. Optionally, the handle 13 is located at the inlet end. In this way, the handle 13 is easy to grip, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the pallet 10.

[0045] For example, the supporting base plate 11 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 114. Each first through hole 114 is correspondingly connected to a placement slot 111, and the first through hole 114 extends from the bottom surface of the supporting base plate 11 to the bottom wall of the placement slot 111. The first through hole 114 also extends along the extending direction of the placement slot 111 to the edge of the supporting base plate 11. In this way, the material picker of the dispatching trolley 40 can enter the placement slot 111 through the first through holes 114, causing the sample rack 20 in the placement slot 111 to rise and be pulled outward along the extending direction of the placement slot 111.

[0046] The first through hole 114 weakens the structural strength of the supporting base plate 11. To prevent deformation of the supporting base plate 11, the tray 10 further includes a reinforcing plate 14 connected to the bottom surface of the supporting base plate 11. The reinforcing plate 14 increases the structural strength of the supporting base plate 11 and prevents deformation. Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 14 has multiple second through holes 141, each corresponding to and connected to a first through hole 114. The second through holes 141 extend along the extension direction of the placement groove 111 to the edge of the reinforcing plate 14. The second through holes 141 avoid the material handling components of the dispatching trolley 40, preventing interference with them.

[0047] Optionally, the reinforcing plate 14 may be, but is not limited to, a metal plate or a rigid non-metal plate, etc. The specific type can be flexibly selected and set according to actual needs, as long as it can increase the structural strength of the supporting base plate 11.

[0048] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6 For example, the tray 10 also includes a first magnetic chuck 15. The first magnetic chuck 15 is disposed on the supporting base plate 11 and is used to magnetically engage with the second magnetic chuck 31 of the sample loading mechanism 30. Thus, when the tray 10 is installed in the sample loading mechanism 30, the first magnetic chuck 15 and the second magnetic chuck 31 interact to provide positioning and ensure that the tray 10 is securely placed in the sample loading mechanism 30.

[0049] Optionally, the first magnetic attractor 15 may include, but is not limited to, one or more. The number of second magnetic attractors 31 is the same as the number of first magnetic attractors 15. Specifically, there may be, for example, multiple first magnetic attractors 15 and multiple second magnetic attractors 31, with each first magnetic attractor 15 and each second magnetic attractor 31 corresponding to a magnetic attraction engagement.

[0050] Of course, the tray 10 is not limited to being positioned on the sample loading mechanism 30 by magnetic attraction; for example, the tray 10 can be snapped onto the sample loading mechanism 30. Specifically, the tray 10 has a first snap-fit ​​part, and the sample loading mechanism 30 has a second snap-fit ​​part, with the first snap-fit ​​part and the second snap-fit ​​part engaging with each other. More specifically, the tray 10 and the sample loading mechanism 30 can be engaged by a ball joint.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 In another embodiment, this application also provides an automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism, including a tray 10 of any of the above embodiments, a sample loading mechanism 30, and a scheduling trolley 40. The sample loading mechanism 30 is provided with a locking position 32, and the tray 10 is detachably mounted in the locking position 32. The scheduling trolley 40 is provided with a conveying track 41, and the scheduling trolley 40 is used to transfer the sample rack 20 on the tray 10 to the conveying track 41.

[0052] The aforementioned automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism can pre-load the sample rack 20 into the tray 10 for sample loading, and then insert the tray 10 containing the sample rack 20 into the slot 32 of the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism. Alternatively, the tray 10 can be placed into the slot 32 first, and the sample rack 20 can be placed into or removed from the tray 10 separately. The sample loading and unloading operations are relatively flexible, which facilitates the sample loading and unloading operations of the sample rack 20.

[0053] Please see Figure 4 For example, the number of slots 32 is not limited to one, but may include multiple slots. Multiple slots 32 are arranged sequentially. That is, the sample loading mechanism 30 can load not just one tray 10, but multiple trays 10. The dispatching trolley 40 can move along the arrangement direction of the slots 32, can move to the position corresponding to each sample rack 20, and can transfer each sample rack 20 to the transport track 41.

[0054] Please see Figures 4 to 6 For example, the sample rack automatic scheduling mechanism also includes a first sensor 50. The first sensor 50 is disposed in the sample loading mechanism 30 and is used to sense whether the tray 10 is installed in place. Specifically, there are multiple slots 32, and correspondingly multiple first sensors 50. Each first sensor 50 is configured to correspond to each slot 32, and each first sensor 50 can sense whether the tray 10 of the corresponding slot 32 is installed in place. When the slot 32 does not have a tray 10 installed, or the tray 10 is not installed in place, the first sensor 50 will not be able to sense the tray 10; conversely, when the tray 10 is installed in place in the slot 32, the first sensor 50 can sense that the slot 32 has the tray 10.

[0055] The specific type of the first sensor 50 can vary, including but not limited to pressure sensors, laser sensors, magnetic sensors, or proximity switches, as long as they can be used to sense whether the tray 10 is installed in place. No particular type is specified here. In this embodiment, the first sensor 50 preferably uses a pressure sensor. When the tray 10 is installed in place, the tray 10 will press against the first sensor 50, and the first sensor 50 can sense that the tray 10 is installed in place after being pressed by the tray 10. Conversely, when the first sensor 50 is not pressed by the tray 10, the first sensor 50 determines that the tray 10 is not installed in place.

[0056] For example, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes second sensors 60. Each slot 32 corresponds to multiple second sensors 60. Each slot 32 has multiple placement areas. The multiple placement areas are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple placement slots 111 of the sample rack 20. Each second sensor 60 is correspondingly disposed in each placement area, and the second sensor 60 is used to sense whether the placement area has a sample rack 20.

[0057] The second sensor 60 is configured in a similar manner to the first sensor 50, and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] Based on the aforementioned embodiments, when the sample holder 20 is installed in the placement slot 111, the bottom of the sample holder 20 is lower than the first anti-mistake part 112 and the limiting part 113. That is, the first anti-mistake part 112 and the limiting part 113 are higher than the bottom of the sample holder 20, thereby preventing accidental activation due to contact with the second sensor 60. Specifically, after the sample holder 20 is inserted into the locking position 32 along with the tray 10, when the tray 10 is in place, the bottom of the sample holder 20 presses against the second sensor 60 to trigger the second sensor 60. Both the first anti-mistake part 112 and the limiting part 113 can avoid the second sensor 60.

[0059] For example, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes a controller. The first sensor 50, the second sensor 60, and the scheduling trolley 40 are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller can detect whether the trays 10 in each slot 32 are installed in place, and whether each placement area on the sample loading mechanism 30 has a sample rack 20. It also controls the scheduling trolley 40 to transfer the sample racks 20 in the placement area to the conveyor track 41, and to transfer the sample racks 20 into the corresponding placement slots 111 in the placement area. In this way, the real-time status of the sample racks 20 and the trays 10 can be determined based on the detection signals of the first sensor 50 and the second sensor 60, and then the scheduling trolley 40 can be instructed to schedule the sample racks 20, resulting in a high degree of automation.

[0060] Specifically, during operation, under the control of the controller, the dispatching trolley 40 can transfer the sample rack 20 in the placement area to the conveying track 41 and enter the analyzer for various analysis and processing. After the analyzer analyzes and processes the container 100 of the sample rack 20, the sample rack 20 returns to the conveying track 41, and the dispatching trolley 40 can transfer the sample rack 20 on the conveying track 41 to the placement slot 111 corresponding to the placement area where no sample rack 20 is placed.

[0061] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the sample rack 20 is provided with mounting positions for mounting containers 100. The mounting positions are not limited to one; for example, there may be multiple mounting positions. The sample rack 20 can hold multiple containers 100, specifically, for example, five or other quantities. The multiple containers 100 are arranged sequentially on the sample rack 20 along the extension direction of the placement slot 111.

[0062] The outer wall of container 100 is provided with a graphic code. The graphic code contains various information about the sample inside container 100.

[0063] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3For example, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes a barcode scanner 70, which is installed on the scheduling trolley 40 and located on one side of the conveyor track 41. The barcode scanner 70 is used to acquire the graphic code information of each container 100 in the sample rack 20 and the sample rack 20 itself. Thus, when the container 100 enters the conveyor track 41 with the sample rack 20, as each container 100 of the sample rack 20 moves sequentially to a position opposite to the barcode scanner 70, the barcode scanner 70 can sequentially scan the graphic code of each container 100 and acquire the sample information inside the container 100 based on the graphic code. Then, it can scan the barcode of the sample rack 20 and perform corresponding processing in the analyzer based on the sample information.

[0064] The containers 100 include, but are not limited to, test tubes 110 or microbeakers 120. Containers 100 mounted on the same sample rack 20 can be of the same type, such as all test tubes 110 or all microbeakers 120, or they can be of different types, including both test tubes 110 and microbeakers 120. Generally, the test tubes 110 are taller than the microbeakers 120. The outer wall of the test tubes 110 has a graphic code, which can be a QR code or a barcode. The microbeakers 120 do not have a graphic code.

[0065] Based on this, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes an identification component 80 and a controller. The identification component 80 is installed on the scheduling trolley 40, located on one side of the conveyor track 41. The identification component 80 is used to identify the type of container 100 and whether a container 100 is placed in the mounting position of the sample rack 20. Both the barcode scanner 70 and the identification component 80 are electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the barcode scanner 70 to scan the container 100 when the identification component 80 identifies the container 100 as a test tube 110. Thus, by identifying the type of container 100 through the identification component 80, targeted scanning can be performed, thereby improving accuracy and detection efficiency.

[0066] Specifically, when the identification component 80 identifies the container 100 as a test tube 110, it controls the barcode scanner 70 to scan the container 100; when the identification component 80 identifies the container 100 as a micro-volume cup 120, there is no need to scan the container 100; when the identification component 80 identifies that there is no container 100, there is no need to scan the container 100.

[0067] It should be noted that the identification component 80 can be of many types. For example, it can detect the type of container 100 by combining at least two sensors. Alternatively, it can be an industrial camera, a micro switch, or other signal detection device. The specific type can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs, and no limitation is made here.

[0068] The significant difference between test tube 110 and microcapsule cup 120 is that test tube 110 is taller than microcapsule cup 120. Therefore, the recognition component 80 can be adaptively configured according to the different heights of test tube 110 and microcapsule cup 120, thereby enabling the detection of container 100.

[0069] For example, the identification component 80 includes a third sensor 81 and a fourth sensor 82. Both the third sensor 81 and the fourth sensor 82 are, but are not limited to, optocouplers. The distance between the third sensor 81 and the bottom wall of the placement slot 111 is less than the distance between the fourth sensor 82 and the bottom wall of the placement slot 111. When the container 100 is a test tube 110, both the third sensor 81 and the fourth sensor 82 can detect the container 100; when the container 100 is a micrometer cup 120, the third sensor 81 can detect the container 100, but the fourth sensor 82 cannot detect it. When there is no container 100 at the mounting position, neither the third sensor 81 nor the fourth sensor 82 can detect the container 100.

[0070] For example, the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes a position detection component 90. The position detection component 90 is disposed on the conveyor track 41, and is used to detect whether the sample rack 20 has moved to a preset position on the conveyor track 41 after the sample rack 20 has been scanned. When the sample rack 20 moves to the preset position, the detection component can detect the sample rack 20. Thus, the specific position of the sample rack 20 can be detected by the position detection component 90.

[0071] Specifically, the positioning detection component 90 includes a fifth sensor 91 and a sixth sensor 92. The fifth sensor 91 and the sixth sensor 92 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the direction of the conveying track 41. When the sample holder 20 moves to the preset position, both the fifth sensor 91 and the sixth sensor 92 detect the sample holder 20; conversely, when the sample holder 20 has not moved to the preset position, the fifth sensor 91 and the sixth sensor 92 cannot detect the sample holder 20 simultaneously.

[0072] Optionally, the fifth sensor 91 is disposed at one end of the conveying track 41, and the sixth sensor is disposed at the other end of the conveying track 41. When the sample holder 20 moves to the preset position, the fifth sensor 91 detects one end of the sample holder 20, and the sixth sensor 92 detects the other end of the sample holder 20.

[0073] For example, the dispatching trolley 40 is a three-dimensional motion mechanism that can drive the picking component to perform three-dimensional motion, thereby realizing the transfer of the sample rack 20 in the placement slot 111 to the conveying track 41, and also realizing the transfer of the sample rack 20 in the conveying track 41 to the placement slot 111.

[0074] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3Specifically, the dispatching trolley 40 includes a first moving mechanism 42, a second moving mechanism 43, and a lifting mechanism 44. The first moving mechanism 42 is connected to the second moving mechanism 43, and the first moving mechanism 42 drives the second moving mechanism 43 to move along a first direction. The second moving mechanism 43 is connected to the lifting mechanism 44, and the second moving mechanism 43 drives the lifting mechanism 44 to move along a second direction. The lifting mechanism 44 is connected to the material picking component, and the lifting mechanism 44 can drive the material picking component to move along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are arranged at an angle to each other. Optionally, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are arranged perpendicular to each other. The first direction is, for example, as shown in the example... Figures 1 to 3 The X direction is shown in the diagram, the second direction is the Y direction, and the third direction is the Z direction.

[0075] With the cooperation of the first moving mechanism 42, the second moving mechanism 43 and the lifting mechanism 44, the three-dimensional movement of the material picking component can be realized, thereby enabling various operations such as taking out and unloading the sample rack 20.

[0076] In another embodiment, this application also provides an in vitro diagnostic analysis device, which includes the sample rack automatic scheduling mechanism of any of the above embodiments.

[0077] The aforementioned in vitro diagnostic analysis equipment allows for sample rack 20 to be pre-loaded into tray 10 before sample loading. The tray 10 containing the sample rack 20 is then inserted into the slot 32 of the automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism. Alternatively, the tray 10 can be placed into slot 32 first, and the sample rack 20 can be placed into or removed from the tray 10 separately. This flexible loading and unloading operation facilitates the loading and unloading of the sample rack 20. Furthermore, when the sample rack 20 is placed in the placement slot 11 from the inlet to the outlet, the limiting structure acts as a limit, ensuring accurate sample loading position, improving sample loading efficiency, and avoiding the collision defects caused by excessive overloading of the sample rack 20 during sample loading, as seen in related technologies.

[0078] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0079] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0080] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0081] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0082] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0083] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0084] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tray, characterized in that, For supporting sample racks, the tray includes: A supporting base plate is formed with multiple placement slots, which are arranged sequentially at intervals. The placement slots are used to place and position the sample rack, and each placement slot has an inlet end and an outlet end that are arranged opposite to each other. The partition plates are provided in multiple configurations, each partition plate being connected to the supporting base plate, and each partition plate being positioned between two adjacent placement slots; and The limiting structure is provided in multiple ways, and each limiting structure is correspondingly provided with each placement slot; the limiting structure is provided at the outlet end and is fixedly connected to the supporting base plate or the partition plate, and the limiting structure is used to abut against the sample rack in the arrangement direction along the inlet end and the outlet end.

2. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure is provided with a first anti-mistake part and a limiting part. The first anti-mistake part is adapted to the shape of a second anti-mistake part on one side wall of the sample rack. The limiting part extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sample rack. The first anti-mistake part is connected to the limiting part. And / or, the tray also includes a handle part, which is connected to the supporting base plate and is located at the inlet end.

3. The tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting base plate is provided with a plurality of first through holes, each of which is connected to a corresponding placement groove. The first through holes extend from the bottom surface of the supporting base plate to the bottom wall of the placement groove, and also extend along the extension direction of the placement groove to the edge of the supporting base plate. The tray also includes a reinforcing plate connected to the bottom surface of the supporting base plate. The reinforcing plate is provided with a plurality of second through holes, each of which is connected to a corresponding first through hole. The second through holes also extend along the extension direction of the placement groove to the edge of the reinforcing plate.

4. The tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tray further includes a first magnetic suction member disposed on the supporting base plate, the first magnetic suction member being used to magnetically engage with a second magnetic suction member of the sample loading mechanism; and / or, the tray being used to snap onto the sample loading mechanism.

5. An automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism, characterized in that, Including the tray as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The sample loading mechanism is provided with a locking position, and the tray is detachably mounted in the locking position; and A dispatching trolley is provided with a conveying track, and the dispatching trolley is used to transfer the sample rack on the tray to the conveying track.

6. The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes: A first sensor is disposed in the card slot and is used to sense whether the tray is installed in place. The second sensor is provided in multiple ways. The card slot is provided with multiple placement areas. The multiple placement areas are configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple placement slots of the sample rack. Each second sensor is configured in a corresponding placement area. The second sensor is used to sense whether the placement area has the sample rack. The controller is electrically connected to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the scheduling trolley. The controller is used to obtain whether each of the placement areas on the card slot has a sample rack, and to control the scheduling trolley to transfer the sample rack of the placement area to the conveying track, and to control the scheduling trolley to transfer the sample rack to the placement slot corresponding to the placement area.

7. The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic scheduling mechanism for the sample rack also includes a barcode scanner, which is installed on the scheduling trolley and located on one side of the conveying track. The barcode scanner is used to obtain the graphic code information of each container in the sample rack.

8. The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism also includes an identification component and a controller. The identification component is disposed on the scheduling trolley and located on one side of the conveying track. The identification component is used to identify the type of the container. The barcode scanner and the identification component are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the barcode scanner to scan the container when the identification component identifies the container as a test tube.

9. The automatic sample rack scheduling mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The identification component includes a third sensor and a fourth sensor; the distance between the third sensor and the bottom wall of the placement slot is less than the distance between the fourth sensor and the bottom wall of the placement slot; when the container is a test tube, both the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the container; when the container is a micro-measuring cup, the third sensor can detect the container, but the fourth sensor cannot detect the container.

10. An in vitro diagnostic analysis device, characterized in that, The in vitro diagnostic analysis device includes the sample rack automatic scheduling mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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