A sample management system

Abstract

The application discloses a sample management system, which comprises a plurality of carriers, a scanning assembly, a storage cabinet, a transfer robot, an in-out storage platform and a control assembly; the plurality of carriers are used for placing samples, each carrier is provided with a first label element, and each sample is provided with a second label element; the scanning assembly is used for scanning the first label element and the second label element; the storage cabinet is provided with a plurality of first storage positions for placing the carriers, and each first storage position is provided with a first reading element for reading the first label element; the transfer robot is used for transferring the carriers between the storage cabinet and the in-out storage platform; and the control assembly is connected with the scanning assembly, the transfer robot and the first reading element. The application can realize the in-out storage operation of the samples with less manual intervention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical supplies storage technology, and in particular to a sample management system. Background Technology

[0002] In the hospital's laboratory supplies management process, there is a step where, after patients' blood samples are collected and tested, the hospital is required to store these samples. According to regulations, the storage time cannot be less than 7 days. When retesting or verification of results is needed, the samples are retrieved and retested according to the retesting procedures and standards.

[0003] In existing technologies, hospitals typically have a separate cold storage room for storing samples. After patient blood and other samples are tested, they need to be manually placed in the cold storage room, and the sample information is recorded to complete the storage operation. When retesting or verification of results is required, the storage location of the sample is manually located, and once found, it is taken out of the cold storage room, and the information that the sample has been taken out is recorded to complete the out-of-storage operation.

[0004] It can be seen that in the existing technology, the manual handling of samples for storage and retrieval is not highly standardized and has low efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a sample management system that can perform sample entry and exit operations with minimal human intervention, and has a high degree of intelligence and automation.

[0006] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows: This application provides a sample management system, which includes multiple trays, a scanning component, a storage cabinet, a handling robot, an inbound / outbound platform, and a control component. The multiple trays are used to place samples, each tray having a first label element, and each sample having a second label element. The scanning component is used to scan the first and second label elements. The storage cabinet has multiple first storage locations for placing the trays, and each first storage location is surrounded by a first reading element for reading the first label element. The handling robot is used to transfer the trays between the storage cabinet and the inbound / outbound platform. The control component is connected to the scanning component, the handling robot, and the first reading elements.

[0007] In one embodiment, each first storage position in the storage cabinet is provided with two first hanging plates on both sides, and each bracket is connected to two second hanging plates on both sides, with each second hanging plate being hung on the first hanging plate one-to-one.

[0008] In one embodiment, the handling robot includes a first guide rail extending in the X direction, a second guide rail extending in the Z direction movably disposed on the first guide rail, and a robot body; wherein the robot body includes a base disposed on the second guide rail, a third guide rail extending in the Y direction disposed on the base, and a handling component disposed on the third guide rail movably, the handling component being used to handle a carrier.

[0009] In one embodiment, the third guide rail is connected to the base via a rotating platform.

[0010] In one embodiment, the conveying component has a U-shaped structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the U-shaped structure includes a first protruding end and a second protruding end that are parallel to each other, and a protrusion connecting the first protruding end and the second protruding end; a first limiting plate is provided on the side of the first protruding end away from the second protruding end, and a second limiting plate is connected on the side of the second protruding end away from the first protruding end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sample management system further includes a waste transfer rack with multiple second storage locations for storing waste samples.

[0013] In one embodiment, a shelf is provided below each second storage position, and multiple parallel slots are formed at intervals on the shelf; multiple parallel inserts are formed at intervals on the placement surface of each tray for placing samples; each insert can be inserted into the corresponding slot one by one.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sample management system further includes an outer enclosure component that surrounds the storage cabinet and the handling robot. The outer enclosure component has an outbound port and a processing port, with the processing port aligned with the waste transfer shelf. The inbound / outbound platform is connected to the outer enclosure component, and at least a portion of the inbound / outbound platform is aligned with the outbound port.

[0015] In one embodiment, a processing button is provided around the processing port on the outer enclosure component.

[0016] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are: The sample management system provided in this application enables sample warehousing and retrieval operations with minimal human intervention. It boasts a high degree of intelligence and automation, resulting in high efficiency, reduced labor costs, and efficient sample management. Furthermore, when manually handling sample warehousing and retrieval, storage cabinets are typically set too low for easy placement and retrieval, leading to wasted storage space and reduced warehouse capacity. In this application, using a handling robot for sample placement and retrieval allows for higher storage cabinet heights, increasing storage space, improving warehouse capacity, and reducing wasted space. Moreover, compared to manual methods, this application uses electronic methods to record information during warehousing and retrieval, and to locate sample positions electronically. These methods are more efficient and simpler to use. Additionally, this application integrates warehousing, in-warehouse sorting, in-warehouse transfer, and retrieval into a unified design, facilitating high-density automated storage. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the sample management system shown in this application Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the storage cabinet structure shown in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bracket structure shown in this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sample management system shown in this application Figure 2 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the handling robot shown in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the robot body shown in this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outer enclosure component shown in this application; Figure 8 This application illustrates the handling process of the handling robot. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 This application illustrates the handling process of the handling robot. Figure 2 ; Figure 10 This application illustrates the handling process of the handling robot. Figure 3 ; Figure 11 This application illustrates the handling process of the handling robot. Figure 4 ; Figure 12 This application illustrates the handling process of the handling robot. Figure 5 ; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the waste transfer rack shown in this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the tray loading sample shown in this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a waste transfer rack being loaded with waste, as shown in this application; Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the sample management system shown in this application Figure 3 .

[0019] Figure label: 1-Sample Management System; 10-Bracket; 20-Storage Cabinet; 30-Transfer Robot; 40-Inbound / Outbound Platform; 50-Outer Enclosure Component; 51-Outbound Port; 52-Processing Port; 53-All-in-One Machine; 54-Processing Button; 60-Waste Transfer Shelf; 70-Sample; 81-First Scanning Component; 82-Second Scanning Component; 90-Test Tube Rack; 100-Automatic Inbound Port; 110-First Label Element; 120-Second Hanging Plate; 130-Placement Surface; 131-Installation Plug; 132-First Slot; 140-Front Limit Plate; 141-Second Slot; 150-Rear Limit Plate; 160-Left Limit Plate; 170-Right Limit Plate; 200-Automatic Robot; 210-First Storage Location; 220-First mounting plate; 230-First reading element; 240-Detection component; 250-First opening; 310-First guide rail; 320-Second guide rail; 330-Robot body; 331-Base; 332-Third guide rail; 333-Transportation component; 334-Rotating platform; 410-Placement slot; 411-Photoelectric beam sensor; 610-Second storage location; 620-Third shelf; 621-Slot; 630-Second opening; 640-Universal wheel; 650-Handrail; 3331-First protruding end; 3332-Second protruding end; 3333-Protrusion; 3334-Second reading element; 3335-First limiting plate; 3336-Second limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and do not indicate a sequence number, nor should they be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. 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.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “set up,” “install,” “connect,” and “link” shall be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; as a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; as a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or as a connection within two components.

[0024] The technical solution of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a sample management system 1, which includes multiple trays 10, a scanning component, a storage cabinet 20, an inbound / outbound platform 40, a handling robot 30, and a control component. The multiple trays 10 are used to place samples 70, each tray 10 has a first label element 110, and each sample 70 has a second label element. The scanning component is used to scan the first label element 110 and the second label element. The storage cabinet 20 has multiple first storage positions 210 for placing the trays 10, and each first storage position 210 is surrounded by a first reading element 230 for reading the first label element 110. The handling robot 30 is used to transfer the trays 10 between the storage cabinet 20 and the inbound / outbound platform 40. The control component is connected to the scanning component, the handling robot 30, and the first reading elements 230. For example, the sample 70 can be a serum sample 70.

[0026] When sample 70 is put into storage, the control component sends a handling instruction to the handling robot 30. The handling robot 30 then moves an empty tray 10 from the storage cabinet 20 to the inbound / outbound platform 40 according to the handling instruction. After the handling is successful, the operator uses the scanning component to scan the first tag element 110 of the tray 10 on the inbound / outbound platform 40. After the scan is completed, the scanning component sends the ID information of the tray 10 obtained by scanning to the control component. Further, the operator uses the scanning component to scan the second tag element on each sample 70. After each sample 70 is scanned, the scanning component sends the information of the sample 70 obtained by scanning to the control component. After each sample 70 is scanned, the operator places the scanned sample 70 into the empty tray 10 on the inbound / outbound platform 40. After all samples 70 have been scanned, the control component binds the ID information of the tray 10 and the sample 70 information. Simultaneously, after all samples 70 have been scanned, the control component sends a transport command to the transport robot 30. The transport robot 30, according to the transport command, transports the tray 10 from the inbound / outbound platform 40 to the first storage position 210 on the storage cabinet 20 where no tray 10 is currently placed. After the transport is completed, the first reading element 230 at the first storage position 210 scans the first tag element 110 on the tray 10 and sends the obtained ID information of the tray 10 to the control component. The control component accurately locates the actual placement position of the tray 10 within the storage cabinet 20 based on the position of the first reading element 230 that sent the ID information. After completing the above operations, the warehousing operation of the samples 70 is finished.

[0027] When retrieving sample 70, the operator inputs the information of sample 70 to be retrieved into the control component. The control component locates the corresponding tray 10 within the storage cabinet 20 based on its stored information. After successful location, it sends a transport command carrying the location information of tray 10 to the transport robot 30. The transport robot 30 then transports tray 10 from the storage cabinet 20 to the inbound / outbound platform 40 according to the transport command. After transport, the operator removes sample 70 from tray 10 and scans the second tag element on the removed sample 70 using a scanning component. The scanning component then sends the sample 70 information to the control component, which unbinds the sample 70 information from the ID information of tray 10. After retrieving sample 70, the operator performs further processing or distribution. The control component sends a transport command to the transport robot 30, which then transports tray 10 from the inbound / outbound platform 40 to the original storage location or the new storage location specified by the transport command on the storage cabinet 20.

[0028] As can be seen from the above, the sample management system 1 provided in this application can perform warehousing and outbound operations on sample 70 with minimal human intervention. It boasts a high degree of intelligence and automation, high efficiency, and saves labor costs, enabling efficient management of sample 70. Furthermore, when manually handling sample 70 for warehousing and outbound operations, the storage cabinet 20 is typically set low to facilitate placement and retrieval, resulting in wasted storage space and reduced warehouse storage capacity. In this application, when the handling robot 30 places and retrieves sample 70, the storage cabinet 20 can be set higher, increasing its storage space, improving warehouse storage capacity, and reducing space waste. Moreover, compared to manual methods, this application uses electronic methods to record information during the warehousing and outbound process and to electronically locate the sample 70. These information recording and location methods are more efficient and simpler to operate. In addition, this application integrates the design of warehousing, in-warehouse sorting, in-warehouse transfer and outbound, which is conducive to achieving high-density automated storage.

[0029] Meanwhile, the automated storage of blood samples 70 in the laboratory, as described in this application, solves problems such as shaking and leakage during sample handling and contamination, and meets the clinical needs for the safety and stability of sample storage.

[0030] Furthermore, in the prior art, locating sample 70 among a large amount of sample 70 data is difficult, and the extraction and placement operations are prone to causing damage and contamination of sample 70. In this application, by positioning the tray 10 that stores sample 70, sample 70 can be located very efficiently. The entire process of extracting and placing sample 70 is completed by the handling robot 30, which reduces the likelihood of damage and contamination of sample 70.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, a test tube rack 90 can be provided, and each test tube rack 90 can hold multiple samples 70; each bracket 10 can support samples by holding multiple test tube racks 90. The bracket 10 can be provided with a positioning structure to position and fix the test tube rack 90, thereby increasing the stability of the samples during management.

[0032] In one embodiment, a temperature monitoring sensor is installed inside the storage cabinet 20. This sensor monitors whether the storage environment inside the cabinet 20 meets the storage conditions for sample 70. If not, the temperature inside the cabinet 20 can be adjusted. If the temperature is too low, heating elements inside the cabinet 20 can be controlled to raise the temperature. If the temperature is too high, a cold air release module inside the cabinet 20 can release cold air to lower the temperature. This method provides localized temperature control within the storage cabinet 20, creating an environment suitable for storing sample 70 and improving its preservation. Compared to existing technologies that rely on overall cold storage which are prone to localized temperature loss, this application provides better insulation for sample 70.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple first storage positions 210 are arranged vertically inside the storage cabinet 20. Each first storage position 210 inside the storage cabinet 20 has two first hanging plates 220 on both sides. The two first hanging plates 220 are located on the left and right sides of the storage cabinet 20, respectively. A first opening 250 is provided on the front side of the storage cabinet 20. Two second hanging plates 120 are connected to both sides of each bracket 10. When the bracket 10 is placed at the first storage position 210, each second hanging plate 120 is hung on the first hanging plate 220 one-to-one.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bracket 10 is placed inside the storage cabinet 20 by connecting two hanging plates. The placement method is simple, and this method only requires two first hanging plates 220 to be set inside the storage cabinet 20, so as to fix the bracket 10 with the least amount of material, reduce the weight of the storage cabinet 20 and save costs.

[0035] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the spacing between two adjacent first hanging plates 220 in the height direction can be the same or different; when different, it can accommodate the storage needs of samples 70 of different heights. For example, the spacing between two adjacent first hanging plates 220 in the height direction can be 25mm.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a detection component 240 is provided around each first storage position 210 inside the storage cabinet 20. The detection component 240 is connected to the control component and is used to detect whether a bracket 10 is placed at the corresponding first storage position 210. Specifically, the detection component 240 can be a photoelectric beam sensor 411, which is located on the left and right sides of the storage cabinet 20.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the sample management system 1 has storage cabinets 20 sets on both sides of the transport robot 30, and each storage cabinet 20 set includes multiple horizontally arranged storage cabinets 20.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 As shown, the handling robot 30 includes a first guide rail 310 extending along the X direction, a second guide rail 320 extending along the Z direction and movably mounted on the first guide rail 310, and a robot body 330. The robot body 330 includes a base 331 mounted on the second guide rail 320, a third guide rail 332 extending along the Y direction mounted on the base 331, and a handling component 333 movably mounted on the third guide rail 332. The handling component 333 is used to load the tray 10. The first guide rail 310, the second guide rail 320, and the third guide rail 332 on the handling robot 30 enable the handling component 333 to move between the inbound / outbound platform 40 and the storage cabinet 20 to perform inbound and outbound operations on the sample 70.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the third guide rail 332 is connected to the base 331 via a rotating platform 334. By setting the rotating platform 334, the rotating platform 334 can drive the third guide rail 332 and the conveying component 333 to rotate, thereby enabling the conveying component 333 to pick up and place the tray 10 at different angles according to the positional relationship between the storage cabinet 20, the inbound / outbound platform 40 and the tray 10 when performing inbound and outbound operations on the sample 70.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the conveying assembly 333 has a U-shaped structure. The bracket 10 is placed on the U-shaped structure. Simultaneously, the U-shaped structure is provided with a limiting structure to restrict the bracket 10 from moving on the U-shaped structure. By arranging the conveying assembly 333 into a U-shaped structure, the weight of the conveying assembly 333 is reduced.

[0041] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the U-shaped structure includes a first protruding end 3331 and a second protruding end 3332 that are parallel to each other, and a protrusion 3333 connecting the first protruding end 3331 and the second protruding end 3332. The top surface of the protrusion 3333 is higher than the top surfaces of the first protruding end 3331 and the second protruding end 3332. A first limiting plate 3335 is connected to the side of the first protruding end 3331 away from the second protruding end 3332, and a second limiting plate 3336 is connected to the side of the second protruding end 3332 away from the first protruding end 3331. By setting the first limiting plate 3335 and the second limiting plate 3336, and making the top surface of the protrusion 3333 higher than the top surfaces of the first protruding end 3331 and the second protruding end 3332, the bracket 10 is limited when placed on the transport assembly 333.

[0042] Understandably, the spacing between the first protruding end 3331 and the second protruding end 3332 in the handling assembly 333 can be adjusted to accommodate the storage of brackets 10 of different widths.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the handling robot 30 is equipped with a second reading element 3334 for reading the first tag element 110 on the tray 10. The second reading element 3334 is connected to the control component. When the tray 10 is placed on the handling component 333, the second reading element 3334 can read the ID information of the tray 10 in the first tag element 110. The control component determines whether the tray 10 actually being handled by the handling component 333 is the tray 10 that the handling instruction indicates needs to be handled by the handling component 333. For example, the second reading element 3334 may include two RFID readers, which are respectively located at the bottom of the first protruding end 3331 and the second protruding end 3332. The first tag element 110 includes two RFID tags, which are located on two opposite sides of the tray 10. When the tray 10 is placed on the handling component 333, the RFID tags correspond one-to-one with the RFID readers.

[0044] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the sample 70 management component also includes an outer enclosure component 50, which surrounds the storage cabinet 20 and the handling robot 30. The outer enclosure component 50 has an exit port 51. The inbound / outbound platform 40 is connected to the outer enclosure component 50, and at least a portion of the inbound / outbound platform 40 is aligned with the exit port 51. The inbound / outbound platform 40 has a placement slot 410 for placing the tray 10.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 7As shown, the scanning assembly includes a first scanning assembly 81 disposed within the placement slot 410 and a second scanning assembly 82 disposed on the outer enclosure assembly 50. The first scanning assembly 81 is used to scan the first tag element 110 on the bracket 10, and the second scanning assembly 82 is used to scan the second tag element on the sample 70. For example, the first scanning assembly 81 may include two RFID readers disposed on two opposite sides within the placement slot 410; the second scanning assembly 82 may be a barcode scanner, and the second tag element on the sample 70 may be a QR code. When the bracket 10 is placed within the placement slot 410, the two RFID readers correspond one-to-one with the two RFID tags in the first tag element 110.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, photoelectric sensors 411 connected to the control component are also provided on two opposite sides of the placement slot 410. The photoelectric sensors 411 are used to identify whether the bracket 10 is placed in the placement slot 410.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the outer enclosure component 50 is also equipped with an integrated unit 53 that is connected to the control component.

[0048] The following explains in detail the principles of warehousing and outbound processing for sample 70: In this embodiment, during the warehousing operation, the operator selects the warehousing option through the all-in-one machine 53. After selection, as shown below... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the control component sends a handling instruction to the handling robot 30, and the handling robot 30 moves an empty tray 10 from the storage cabinet 20 to the placement slot 410 of the inbound / outbound platform 40 according to the handling instruction. The specific handling method is as follows: by moving the second guide rail 320 on the first guide rail 310 and moving the handling robot 30 on the second guide rail 320, the handling component 333 is moved to the vicinity of the first storage position 210 for storing the empty tray 10. After the movement is successful, the handling component 333 moves along the third guide rail 332 towards the first storage position 210. During the movement, the handling component 333 gradually enters the storage cabinet 20 through the first opening 250. When it moves to the bottom of the first storage position 210 and aligns with the first storage position 210, the handling robot 30 moves upward along the second guide rail 320. During the movement, when the handling component 333 lifts the tray 10 and the second hanging plate 120 on the tray 10 disengages from the first hanging plate 220 in the storage cabinet 20, the handling component 333 is controlled to move along the third guide rail 332 away from the first storage position 210. When it is completely separated from the first storage position 210, the empty tray 10 is successfully moved out of the storage cabinet 20. Furthermore, by moving the second guide rail 320 on the first guide rail 310 and moving the handling robot 30 on the second guide rail 320, the handling component 333 is moved to the vicinity of the inbound / outbound platform 40. After the movement is successful, the handling component 333 moves along the third guide rail 332 towards the inbound / outbound platform 40. When it moves above the placement slot 410 via the outbound port 51, the handling robot 30 moves downward along the second guide rail 320. When the handling component 333 is in complete contact with the bottom surface of the placement slot 410, the handling component 333 is controlled to move along the third guide rail 332 away from the inbound / outbound placement platform. When the handling component 333 is completely detached from the placement slot 410, the bracket 10 is placed in the placement slot 410.

[0049] After successful placement, the first scanning component 81 scans the first tag element 110 of the tray 10 on the inbound / outbound platform 40. After scanning, the first scanning component 81 sends the obtained ID information of the tray 10 to the control component. The operator uses the second scanning component 82 to scan the first tag element 110 on each sample 70. After scanning each sample 70, the second scanning component 82 sends the obtained sample 70 information to the control component. After scanning each sample 70, the operator places the scanned sample 70 into the empty tray 10 in the placement slot 410. After all samples 70 have been scanned, the control component binds the ID information of the tray 10 and the sample 70 information. Simultaneously, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, after all samples 70 are scanned, the control component sends a handling command to the handling robot 30. The handling robot 30, according to the handling command, moves the tray 10 in the placement slot 410 to the first storage position 210 on the storage cabinet 20 where no tray 10 is placed. Specifically, the handling component 333 moves along the third guide rail 332 towards the inbound / outbound platform 40. During the movement, it gradually extends into the placement slot 410 and contacts the bottom surface of the tray 10. When it is in complete contact with the bottom surface of the tray 10, the control component 333 moves upward along the second guide rail 320, lifting the tray 10. When the handling component 333 is completely removed from the placement slot 410, the control component 333 moves along the third guide rail 332 away from the inbound / outbound platform 40. When the handling component 333 is completely inside the outer enclosure component 50, the handling of the tray 10 in the placement slot 410 is completed. Furthermore, by moving the second guide rail 320 on the first guide rail 310 and the handling robot 30 on the second guide rail 320, the handling component 333 is moved to the vicinity of the first storage position 210. After successful movement, the handling component 333 moves along the third guide rail 332 towards the first storage position 210. When it reaches the first storage position 210, the handling robot 30 moves downward along the second guide rail 320. During the movement, the second hanging plate 120 on the bracket 10 gradually engages with the first hanging plate 220 inside the storage cabinet 20. When fully engaged, the handling component 333 is controlled to move along the third guide rail 332 away from the first storage position 210. When the handling component 333 is completely detached from the first storage position 210, the bracket 10 is placed at the first storage position 210. After placement, the storage operation of sample 70 is completed.

[0050] When retrieving sample 70, the operator can input the sample 70 information to the control component via the all-in-one device 53 on the outer enclosure component 50. The control component, based on its stored information, locates the corresponding tray 10 within the storage cabinet 20. After successful positioning, it sends a handling command carrying the tray 10's location information to the handling robot 30. Figure 12As shown, the handling robot 30 moves the tray 10 from the storage cabinet 20 to the placement slot 410 of the inbound / outbound platform 40 according to the aforementioned handling instructions. The specific handling method is detailed in the inbound process described above and will not be repeated here. After handling, the operator removes the sample 70 to be retrieved from the tray 10 and uses the second scanning component 82 to scan the second tag element on the retrieved sample 70. After scanning, the second scanning component 82 sends the sample 70 information to the control component, which then unbinds the sample 70 information from the ID information of the tray 10. After the operator retrieves the sample 70, they perform further processing or distribution. The control component sends a handling instruction to the handling robot 30, which moves the tray 10 from the inbound / outbound platform 40 to the original storage location on the storage cabinet 20 or the new storage location specified by the handling instruction. The specific handling method is detailed in the inbound process described above and will not be repeated here.

[0051] It is understood that, in some preferred embodiments, a first shelf may be provided below each first storage position 210 in the storage cabinet 20. The first shelf is fixed on the left side and the right side of the storage cabinet 20. The bracket 10 can be placed on the first shelf and placed at the first storage position 210. For details on the specific placement method, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0052] Of course, this is understandable. Figure 15 As shown, the sample management system 1 may also include an AGV automatic robot 200, which can interface with the handling robot 30 to enable the AGV automatic robot and the handling robot 30 to cooperate in performing storage and retrieval operations on the sample 70. At this time, the handling robot is only responsible for taking the sample 70 out of the storage cabinet 20 or storing the sample 70 in the storage cabinet 20. At this time, the outer enclosure component 50 may be provided with an automatic storage port 100, and the AGV automatic robot 200 transfers the sample 70 between the automatic storage port 100 and the handling robot 30.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 13 As shown, the sample management system 1 also includes a waste transfer shelf 60, which has multiple second storage locations 610 for storing waste samples 70.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the tray 10 containing the sample 70 is placed on the storage cabinet 20, the control component can record the initial storage time of the sample 70. The control component determines the storage time of the sample 70 by comparing the storage time of the sample 70 with the current time. When the storage time of the sample 70 exceeds or reaches a set threshold, it indicates that the sample 70 has expired. At this time, the control component can send a handling command to the handling robot 30. The handling robot 30 moves the tray 10 containing the expired waste sample 70 to the second storage position 610 on the waste transfer shelf where no tray 10 is stored, according to the handling command.

[0055] As can be seen from the above, this embodiment can automatically identify expired samples 70 and remove them from the warehouse to the waste transfer shelf 60, demonstrating a high degree of intelligence and automation. It can also identify expired samples 70 more promptly, mitigating the problem of expired samples 70 being stored in the storage cabinet 20 for extended periods. This allows for timely disposal of expired samples 70, freeing up storage space in the storage cabinet 20, increasing the frequency of use of the storage space, and maximizing the storage capacity of samples 70. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the disposal of expired samples 70 requires no manual operation, mitigating the risks associated with human contact. Moreover, in this embodiment, the handling robot 30 handles expired samples 70 more smoothly and safely, enabling safer transport of them to the waste transfer shelf 60. Additionally, the handling robot 30 can accurately and quickly place the tray 10 containing expired samples 70 onto the waste transfer shelf 60, resulting in higher efficiency.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the waste transfer rack 60 is equipped with handrails 650 and casters 640. By setting up the casters 640 and handrails 650, after the handling robot 30 places the expired sample 70 on the waste transfer rack 60, the operator can hold the handrails 650 to transport the waste transfer rack 60 to the expired sample 70 processing point for centralized processing of the expired sample 70.

[0057] In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of second storage positions 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 are arranged vertically. Each second storage position 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 has a second shelf below it, which is fixed to the left and right sides of the waste transfer rack 60. A second opening 630 is provided on the front side of the waste transfer rack 60. The handling robot 30 can place a tray 10 containing expired samples 70 onto the second shelf through the aforementioned second opening 630, thus placing the tray 10 at the second storage position 610.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, multiple second storage positions 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 are arranged vertically. Each second storage position 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 has two third hanging plates on both sides, located on the left and right sides of the waste transfer rack 60, respectively. A second opening 630 is provided on the front side of the waste transfer rack 60, and two second hanging plates 120 are connected to both sides of each bracket 10. The handling robot 30 can attach each second scraper to the third hanging plate one-to-one through the second opening 630, thus placing the bracket 10 at the second storage position 610 after successful attachment.

[0059] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, multiple second storage positions 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 are arranged vertically. Each second storage position 610 has a third shelf 620 below it. Multiple parallel slots 621 are formed at intervals on the third shelf 620. Multiple parallel inserts 131 are formed at intervals on the placement surface 130 of each bracket 10 for placing samples 70. Each insert 131 can extend into its corresponding slot 621. The placement surface 130 may have multiple parallel first slots 132 at intervals, forming the inserts 131 on the placement surface 130. For example, the slots 621 and inserts 131 can both be rectangular, or they can be other matching shapes.

[0060] In this embodiment, the handling robot 30 can remove the tray 10 containing the expired sample 70 from the first storage position 210. The specific removal method is detailed in the above embodiment. After successful removal, the tray 10 containing the expired sample 70 is sent into the waste transfer shelf 60 through the second opening 630. After insertion, the bottom of the handling component 333 is positioned above multiple parallel slots 621, and each insert 131 is aligned with one slot 621. After successful alignment, the tray 10 is moved downwards. During the movement, the tray 10 separates from the sample 70 on it, and the sample 70 is placed on the multiple parallel inserts 131. The tray 10 is then removed from the waste transfer shelf 60 by the handling robot 30. The handling robot 30 then places the empty tray 10 back onto the storage cabinet 20, thus recycling the tray 10. The method of placing the empty tray 10 on the storage cabinet 20 is detailed in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here. After recycling, the empty tray 10 is marked as such. Upon storage, the precise storage location of the empty tray 10 is recorded by the first reading element 230. For example... Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, in this embodiment, sample 70 is a test tube, and multiple samples 70 are placed in multiple test tube racks 90. The test tube racks 90 are placed on the bracket 10. During the above-mentioned recycling process, the test tube racks 90 are mounted on parallel plugs 131.

[0061] In this embodiment, the expired sample 70 can be placed on the waste transfer shelf 60 while the tray 10 is recycled, thus improving the utilization rate of the tray 10.

[0062] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 10 is also provided with a limiting structure, which is used to limit the sample 70. For example, the placement surface 130 of the bracket 10 is a rectangular surface, and the limiting structure includes a front limiting plate 140, a rear limiting plate 150, a left limiting plate 160 and a right limiting plate 170 connected to the four sides of the rectangular surface. The front limiting plate 140 is provided with a plurality of parallel second slots 141 at intervals. The number of second slots 141 is equal to the number of first slots 132, and each second slot 141 is connected to a first slot 132.

[0063] Of course, this is understandable. Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 10 can be a U-shaped structure, which makes it easier to dock with the handling robot 30 and to pick up and put away goods.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 16As shown, the outer enclosure component 50 is equipped with a processing port 52, which is aligned with the waste transfer rack 60. A processing button 54 is located near the processing port 52 on the outer enclosure component 50. When the control component detects that the storage time of the inbound sample 70 exceeds a set threshold, it can mark the inbound sample 70 as "pending disposal." When the waste transfer rack 60 is placed at the corresponding position of the processing port 52, the operator triggers the processing button 54. When the control component detects that the processing button 54 has been triggered, it controls the handling robot 30 to transport the tray 10 containing the sample 70 marked as "pending disposal" to the second storage position 610 within the waste transfer rack 60 via the processing port 52 and the second opening 630. After all the handling is completed, the control component informs the operator that the disposal sample 70 has been handled through an audible and visual alarm, voice prompt, or screen display, reminding the operator to promptly transport the disposal sample 70 to the expired sample 70 disposal point. This step ensures timely information transmission and continuous processing. The control component then automatically records key data such as the time of each disposal operation, information about the 70 samples involved, and the identity of the operator, providing a reliable basis for subsequent management and auditing. Simultaneously, the system provides feedback based on the operation results, such as successful completion or the need for review, ensuring the transparency and traceability of the entire disposal process.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, a high-precision shelf detection sensor may be provided at the processing port 52 for real-time monitoring of the status of the waste transfer shelf 60, including whether the waste transfer shelf 60 is idle or whether there are misplaced items. For example, the shelf detection sensor may be a vision sensor.

[0066] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, the AGV automatic robot 200 can be equipped with a waste transfer rack 60, and the AGV automatic robot 200 is aligned with the automatic storage port 100. When the sample 70 expires, the handling robot is responsible for taking the sample 70 out of the storage cabinet 20 and placing it in the waste transfer rack 60. The AGV automatic robot 200 then transports the sample 70 to the disposal point for disposal. In this way, the entire sample 70 disposal process does not require human intervention and has a higher degree of automation.

[0067] In summary, as can be seen from the above embodiments, this application can realize the functions of warehousing, picking, warehousing, and medical waste transportation of sample 70 in the whole process.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sample management system, characterized in that, The sample management system includes: Multiple trays for holding samples, each tray having a first label element and each sample having a second label element; A scanning component for scanning the first tag element and the second tag element; The storage cabinet has multiple first storage positions for placing trays, and each first storage position is surrounded by a first reading element for reading the first tag element; A handling robot and an inbound / outbound platform, wherein the handling robot is used to transfer the tray between the storage cabinet and the inbound / outbound platform; A control component is connected to the scanning component, the transport robot, and the first reading element.

2. The sample management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first storage positions in the storage cabinet is provided with two first hanging plates on both sides, and each bracket is connected to two second hanging plates on both sides, with each second hanging plate being hung on the first hanging plate one-to-one.

3. The sample management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport robot includes: The first guide rail extending along the X direction; A movable second guide rail extending in the Z direction on the first guide rail; The robot body includes a base disposed on the second guide rail, a third guide rail disposed on the base extending in the Y direction, and a movable transport component disposed on the third guide rail, the transport component being used to transport the bracket.

4. The sample management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third guide rail is connected to the base via a rotating platform.

5. The sample management system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transport assembly has a U-shaped structure.

6. The sample management system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The U-shaped structure includes a first protruding end and a second protruding end that are parallel to each other, and a protrusion connecting the first protruding end and the second protruding end; A first limiting plate is provided on the side of the first protruding end away from the second protruding end, and a second limiting plate is connected to the side of the second protruding end away from the first protruding end.

7. The sample management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample management system also includes: The waste transfer rack has multiple secondary storage locations for storing waste samples.

8. The sample management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Below each of the second storage positions is a shelf with multiple parallel slots spaced apart; on the placement surface of each tray for placing the sample, multiple parallel inserts are spaced apart; each insert can be inserted into the corresponding slot.

9. The sample management system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sample management system also includes an outer enclosure component that surrounds the storage cabinet and the handling robot. The outer enclosure component has an outbound port and a processing port, with the processing port aligned with the waste transfer shelf. The inbound / outbound platform is connected to the outer enclosure component, and at least a portion of the inbound / outbound platform is aligned with the outbound port.

10. The sample management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer enclosure component has a processing button around the processing port.

Images