A sample analyzer and reagent cartridge online loading device

Abstract

The utility model relates to sample analysis equipment technical field, concretely relates to a kind of sample analyzer and reagent box online loading device, comprising: reagent box loading device, including the mechanical arm component for transferring reagent box and the reagent box loading trolley for placing reagent box;Reagent storage device, including the reagent bin for storing reagent box, bin cover is arranged on reagent bin, reagent bin cover is provided with reagent loading and unloading port, as the opening of automatic addition or unloading reagent box, or as the opening of manual addition or unloading reagent box;Sliding cover is matched with lifting clamping arm, lifting clamping arm acts on the sliding cover of toggle portion to carry out linear sliding opening or closing, realize reagent box from reagent loading and unloading port pass.Through the cooperation of mechanical arm component and reagent box, lifting clamping arm can open or close sliding cover, without setting separate power device, entire loading and unloading structure is more simple and convenient, operation is more simple and flexible, and reliability is higher, and cost is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, specifically to a sample analyzer and an online reagent loading device. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese patent CN108445245A discloses a reagent kit loading and unloading device and a sample analyzer. The reagent kit loading and unloading device provided in this patent uses an auxiliary power application device to grip the reagent kit, and the opening and closing of the lid is also achieved with an added power device. This device has a complex structure and low reliability. During long-term use, the reliability of the complex structure may gradually decrease, easily affecting the accuracy of operation. Furthermore, the complex structure has high production costs, and long-term use will also lead to significant maintenance costs.

[0003] It is evident that the current automated reagent loading scheme for sample analyzers still has room for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address some of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model discloses a sample analyzer and an online reagent loading device. The reagents are carried by an automated robotic arm, which can automatically open and close the reagent compartment during the operation. This eliminates the need for additional power units and coordination schemes, resulting in a simpler structure, easier use, and improved reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the sample analyzer disclosed in this utility model can adopt the following solution: A sample analyzer includes: a reagent loading device and a reagent storage device; the reagent loading device includes a robotic arm assembly and a reagent loading cart, and the reagent storage device includes a reagent compartment and a compartment cover; The reagent kit loading cart is equipped with multiple reagent kit placement slots for placing reagent kits to be added or unloaded. A robotic arm assembly for transferring reagent kits between the reagent kit loading cart and the reagent compartment includes a motion arm that reciprocates in a straight line and has a lifting gripping arm on the motion arm. A reagent compartment for storing reagent kits is provided with a compartment cover. The compartment cover has a first reagent loading / unloading port and a second reagent loading / unloading port. The first reagent loading / unloading port is closed by a sliding cover and serves as an opening for the robotic arm assembly to automatically add or unload the reagent kits. The second reagent loading / unloading port is closed by a loading cover and serves as an opening for the manual addition or unloading of the reagent kits. The sliding cover has a toggle part that corresponds to and cooperates with a lifting clamping arm. The lifting clamping arm acts on the toggle part to move the sliding cover to slide it linearly to open or close the cover. After the sliding cover is opened, the lifting clamping arm clamps the reagent kit and passes through the first reagent loading / unloading port.

[0006] The aforementioned sample analyzer uses a robotic arm assembly to carry the reagent kit and utilizes the reagent loading and unloading port to load or unload the reagent kit. Simultaneously, during the movement of the lifting gripping arm, the sliding cover can be opened or closed by pushing it, eliminating the need for a separate power unit to open and close the cover. This simplifies the overall structure, makes the operation simpler and more flexible, and improves the overall reliability of the structure.

[0007] Furthermore, the robotic arm assembly, used to carry reagents, can take various forms, and its structure is not uniquely limited. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the robotic arm assembly includes a vertical arm, a horizontal cantilever connected to the vertical arm, and a reciprocating drive mechanism formed on the horizontal cantilever. The actuator arm is movably coupled to the horizontal cantilever and driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism to move along the horizontal cantilever. In this scheme, the vertical arm is fixedly installed, and the reciprocating drive mechanism uses a synchronous belt mechanism, with the actuator arm cooperating with and moving synchronously with the synchronous belt mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the actuator arm can be constructed in various forms, and its structure is not limited to a single one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the actuator arm includes a movable base and a boom, with the boom connected to the movable base and moving synchronously with it. In this configuration, the movable base can be slidably mounted on the cantilever and engages with the synchronous belt mechanism via a connecting block.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting clamping arm is used to hold the reagents, and its specific structure can adopt various solutions. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the lifting clamping arm includes a lifting mechanism mounted on the boom, and the lower end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the reagent kit clamping part. When adopting the above solution, the reagent kit clamping part can adopt a finger-gripping structure, and the clamping action can be achieved by driving an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0010] Furthermore, the structure of the actuating part can be constructed in various forms. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the actuating part includes a groove or a bar. When the actuating part uses a groove, the groove is used to limit the position of the reagent kit clamping part; the lower end of the lifting clamping arm forms a flat embedded part that engages with the groove. With the above solution, the groove is directly machined on the sliding cover, or the groove can be integrally formed with the actuating cover.

[0011] Furthermore, the structure of the sliding cover has also been designed to match the actual loading and unloading port. Here, optimization is proposed, and one feasible option is suggested: the sliding cover includes a lower cover that slides with the reagent loading and unloading port, and an upper cover connected and positioned above the lower cover. In this design, the lower cover is fixed, and the upper cover is slidable.

[0012] Furthermore, a groove is provided at the reagent loading and unloading port, and the lower cover is slidably disposed within the groove. A limiting strip is also provided at the groove to prevent the lower cover from leaving the groove. When the above solution is adopted, the limiting strip is positioned at the reagent loading and unloading port and presses down the edge of the lower cover, thereby achieving the limiting effect.

[0013] Furthermore, the structure of the reagent kit clamping part can take various forms and is not limited to a single one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the reagent kit clamping part includes two opposing clamping fingers, and clamping blocks are provided on the opposing surfaces of the two clamping fingers. The bottom surface of the clamping block is fixed to the clamping fingers, the top surface area of ​​the clamping block is smaller than its bottom surface area, and the side of the clamping block forms a guide surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces. When the above scheme is adopted, the two clamping fingers can move relative to each other to achieve clamping or releasing, thereby realizing the transfer of the reagent kit.

[0014] The above-described sample analyzer is disclosed. This utility model also discloses an online reagent kit loading device, which is applied to the above-described sample analyzer.

[0015] An online reagent loading device includes: a robotic arm assembly and a reagent loading cart; The reagent kit loading cart is equipped with multiple reagent kit placement slots for placing reagent kits to be added or unloaded. A robotic arm assembly for transferring reagent kits between the reagent kit loading cart and the reagent compartment includes a motion arm that reciprocates in a straight line and has a lifting gripping arm on the motion arm. A reagent compartment is used to store reagent kits. The reagent compartment is equipped with a compartment cover, which has a first reagent loading / unloading port and a second reagent loading / unloading port. The first reagent loading / unloading port is closed by a sliding cover and serves as an opening for the robotic arm assembly to automatically add or unload the reagent kits. The second reagent loading / unloading port is closed by a loading cover and serves as an opening for manual addition or unloading of the reagent kits. The sliding cover has a toggle part that corresponds to and cooperates with a lifting clamping arm. The lifting clamping arm acts on the toggle part to move the sliding cover to slide it linearly to open or close the cover. After the sliding cover is opened, the lifting clamping arm clamps the reagent kit and passes through the first reagent loading / unloading port.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, some of the beneficial effects of the technical solution disclosed in this utility model include: By using the robotic arm assembly in conjunction with the reagent kit, the lifting gripper arm can open or close the sliding cover without the need for a separate power unit. The entire loading and unloading structure is simpler, easier and more flexible to operate, more reliable, and lower in cost. Attached Figure Description

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

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall reagent loading and unloading structure.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reagent kit's compartment cover structure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding cover.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure at the bin cover.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a finger clamp.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting clamping arm carrying the reagent kit.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sample analyzer.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the corresponding positions of the reagent compartment and the compartment cover of the sample analyzer.

[0026] In the above attached figures, the meanings of each label are as follows: 1. Robotic arm assembly; 101. Upright arm; 102. Horizontal cantilever arm; 103. Movable seat; 104. Lifting arm; 105. Lifting gripping arm; 2. Reagent compartment; 21. Compartment cover; 22. Limiting stop bar; 3. Sliding cover; 31. Top cover; 32. Bottom cover; 33. Actuating part; 4. Gripping finger; 41. Clamping block; 42. Guide surface; 5. Reagent kit; 6. Reagent kit loading cart; 7. Sample rack loading module; 8. Incubation module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, further illustrates this embodiment.

[0028] To address the issues of complex structures and low efficiency in existing reagent loading and unloading technologies, the following embodiments are optimized to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0029] Example 1 like Figures 1-8As shown, this embodiment provides a sample analyzer, including: a reagent loading device and a reagent storage device; the reagent loading device includes a robotic arm assembly 1 and a reagent loading cart 6, and the reagent storage device includes a reagent compartment 2 and a compartment cover 21. The sample analyzer disclosed in this embodiment is used for loading and unloading reagent kits 5, and can also open and close the cover without additional power.

[0030] As one of the structures of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment, it includes: The reagent loading cart 6 is equipped with multiple reagent placement slots 601 for placing reagent kits 5 that are to be added or have been unloaded.

[0031] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the reagent kit loading cart 6 works in conjunction with the robotic arm assembly 1 to transport and transfer the reagent kit 5 via the reagent compartment 2.

[0032] As the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment, its second structure includes: The robotic arm assembly 1, used to carry and transfer the reagent kit 5 between the reagent kit loading cart 6 and the reagent compartment 2, includes an action arm that reciprocates in a straight line, and the action arm is provided with a lifting gripping arm 105.

[0033] The robotic arm assembly 1, used to carry reagents, can take various forms, and its structure is not limited to a single one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the robotic arm assembly 1 includes a vertical arm 101, a horizontal cantilever 102 connected to the vertical arm 101, and a reciprocating drive mechanism formed on the horizontal cantilever 102. The actuator arm is movably engaged with the horizontal cantilever 102 and driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism to move along the horizontal cantilever 102. In this configuration, the vertical arm 101 is fixedly installed, and the reciprocating drive mechanism uses a synchronous belt mechanism, with the actuator arm cooperating with and moving synchronously with the synchronous belt mechanism.

[0034] The actuator arm can be constructed in various forms, and its structure is not limited to a single one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the actuator arm includes a movable base 103 and a boom 104, the boom 104 is connected to the movable base 103 and moves synchronously with the movable base 103. When the above scheme is adopted, the movable base 103 can be slidably disposed on the horizontal cantilever 102 and cooperates with the synchronous belt mechanism through a connecting block.

[0035] The lifting clamping arm 105 is used to hold reagents. Various structural designs are possible; this embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the lifting clamping arm 105 includes a lifting mechanism mounted on the boom 104, with a reagent kit clamping part connected to the lower end of the lifting mechanism. When using the above design, the reagent kit clamping part can employ a finger-gripping structure, with the clamping action achieved by an electric cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.

[0036] As the reagent loading and unloading structure provided in this embodiment, its third structure includes: The reagent compartment 2 is used to store the reagent kit 5. The reagent compartment 2 is provided with a compartment cover 21, which is provided with a first reagent loading and unloading port and a second reagent loading and unloading port. The first reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a sliding cover 3, serving as an opening for the robotic arm assembly 1 to automatically add or unload the reagent kit 5. The second reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a loading cover, serving as an opening for manual addition or unloading of the reagent kit 5. The sliding cover 3 has a toggle part 33 that corresponds to and cooperates with the lifting clamping arm 105. The lifting clamping arm 105 acts on the toggle part 33 to move the sliding cover 3 to perform linear sliding opening or closing. After the sliding cover 3 is opened, the lifting clamping arm 105 clamps the reagent kit 5 and passes through the first reagent loading and unloading port.

[0037] The structure of the actuating part 33 can be constructed in various forms. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the actuating part 33 includes a groove or a bar. When the actuating part 33 uses a groove, the groove is used to limit the position of the reagent kit clamping part; the lower end of the lifting clamping arm 105 forms a flat embedded part that engages with the groove. When the above solution is adopted, the groove is directly machined on the sliding cover 3, or the groove can be integrally formed with the actuating cover.

[0038] The structure of the sliding cover 3 has also been designed to match the actual loading and unloading port. This embodiment optimizes the design and adopts one feasible option: the sliding cover 3 includes a lower cover 32 that slides with the reagent loading and unloading port, and an upper cover 31 connected and disposed above the lower cover 32. When the above solution is adopted, the lower cover 32 is fixedly disposed, and the upper cover 31 is slidably disposed.

[0039] A groove is provided at the first reagent loading and unloading port, and the lower cover 32 is slidably disposed within the groove. A limiting strip 22 is also provided at the groove to limit the lower cover 32 and prevent it from leaving the groove. When the above solution is adopted, the limiting strip is set at the reagent loading and unloading port and presses down the edge of the lower cover 32, thereby achieving the limiting effect.

[0040] The structure of the reagent kit clamping part can take various forms and is not limited to a single one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the reagent kit clamping part includes two opposing clamping fingers 4, and clamping blocks 41 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the two clamping fingers 4. The bottom surface of the clamping block 41 is fixed in conjunction with the clamping fingers 4, the top surface area of ​​the clamping block 41 is smaller than its bottom surface area, and the side of the clamping block forms a guide surface 42 connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. When the above scheme is adopted, the two clamping fingers can move relative to each other to achieve clamping or releasing, thereby realizing the transfer of the reagent kit 5.

[0041] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the sample analyzer further includes the following structure: The sample dispensing module (not shown in the figure), sample rack loading module 7, reagent dispensing module (not shown in the figure), incubation module 8, optical detection module (not shown in the figure), and processor (not shown in the figure).

[0042] In this embodiment, the sample analyzer operates with the following coordination of its components: a sample dispensing module for aspirating samples from sample tubes and injecting them into the reaction container; a sample rack loading module 7 for providing a sample rack loading area and a sample rack unloading area, and for conveying sample tubes to the sample dispensing module; a reagent compartment 2 for storing several reagent kits, more specifically, the reagent compartment 2 is equipped with a reagent tray for storing reagent kits; a reagent dispensing module for aspirating reagents from reagent kits 5 in the reagent compartment 2 and injecting them into the reaction container; an incubation module 8 for incubating the mixture formed by the sample and reagents in the reaction container; an optical detection module for performing optical detection on the incubated mixture to obtain sample analysis results; and a reagent kit loading device 1 for performing reagent loading operations to automatically load reagent kits into and unload reagent kits from the reagent storage module.

[0043] In this embodiment, the processor is communicatively connected to the sample dispensing module, sample rack loading module 7, reagent compartment 2, reagent dispensing module, incubation module 8, optical detection module, and reagent loading device 1, respectively, and is used to control each module to perform corresponding control operations in order to obtain sample analysis results.

[0044] The sample analyzer disclosed above uses a robotic arm assembly 1 to carry the reagent kit 5 and uses the reagent loading and unloading port to load or unload. At the same time, during the movement of the lifting clamping arm 105, the sliding cover 3 can be turned to open or close the cover. There is no need to set up a separate power device to open and close the cover. The overall structure is simplified, the operation is simpler and more flexible, and the reliability of the entire structure is improved.

[0045] Example 2 The above embodiment 1 discloses a sample analyzer, and this embodiment also discloses an online reagent kit loading device.

[0046] An online reagent loading device, applied to the above-mentioned sample analyzer, includes: a robotic arm assembly 1 and a reagent loading cart 6; The reagent kit loading cart 6 is equipped with multiple reagent kit placement slots for placing reagent kits 5 that are to be added or have been unloaded; The robotic arm assembly 1 is used to transfer the reagent kit 5 between the reagent kit loading cart 6 and the reagent compartment 2, and includes an action arm that reciprocates in a straight line, and a lifting gripping arm 105 is provided on the action arm. The reagent compartment 2 is used to store the reagent kit 5. The reagent compartment 2 is provided with a compartment cover 21, which is provided with a first reagent loading and unloading port and a second reagent loading and unloading port. The first reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a sliding cover 3, serving as an opening for the robotic arm assembly 1 to automatically add or unload the reagent kit 5. The second reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a loading cover, serving as an opening for manual addition or unloading of the reagent kit 5. The sliding cover 3 has a toggle part 33 that corresponds to and cooperates with the lifting clamping arm 105. The lifting clamping arm 105 acts on the toggle part 33 to move the sliding cover 3 to perform linear sliding opening or closing of the cover. After the sliding cover 3 is opened, the lifting clamping arm 105 clamps the reagent kit 5 and passes through the first reagent loading and unloading port.

[0047] The above are the embodiments listed in this example; however, this example is not limited to the optional embodiments described above; those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the above methods to obtain other various embodiments; anyone can derive other various forms of embodiments under the guidance of this example. The above specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this example; the scope of protection of this example should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, include: A reagent loading device and a reagent storage device; the reagent loading device includes a robotic arm assembly (1) and a reagent loading cart (6), and the reagent storage device includes a reagent compartment (2) and a compartment cover (21). The reagent kit loading cart (6) is equipped with multiple reagent kit placement slots for placing reagent kits to be added or unloaded; The robotic arm assembly (1) is used to transfer the reagent kit between the reagent kit loading cart (6) and the reagent compartment (2), and includes an action arm that moves in a straight line and is provided with a lifting gripping arm (105). The reagent compartment (2) is used to store the reagent kit (5). The reagent compartment (2) is provided with a compartment cover (21). The compartment cover (21) is provided with a first reagent loading and unloading port and a second reagent loading and unloading port. The first reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a sliding cover (3) and serves as an opening for the robotic arm assembly (1) to automatically add or unload the reagent kit (5). The second reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a loading cover and serves as an opening for manual addition or unloading of the reagent kit (5). The sliding cover (3) has a toggle part (33) that corresponds to and cooperates with the lifting clamping arm (105). The lifting clamping arm (105) acts on the toggle part (33) to toggle the sliding cover (3) to perform linear sliding opening or closing. After the sliding cover (3) is opened, the lifting clamping arm (105) clamps the reagent kit (5) and passes through the first reagent loading and unloading port.

2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The robotic arm assembly (1) includes a vertical arm (101), a horizontal cantilever (102) is connected to the vertical arm (101), and a reciprocating drive mechanism is formed on the horizontal cantilever (102). The robotic arm is movably engaged with the horizontal cantilever (102) and driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism to move along the horizontal cantilever (102).

3. The sample analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The actuator arm includes a movable seat (103) and a boom (104), the boom (104) being connected to the movable seat (103) and moving synchronously with the movable seat (103).

4. The sample analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting clamping arm (105) includes a lifting mechanism mounted on the boom (104), and the lower end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the reagent kit clamping part.

5. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The actuating part (33) is configured as a slot or a bar.

6. The sample analyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The actuating part (33) is configured as a groove, which is used to limit the position of the reagent kit clamping part.

7. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding cover (3) includes a lower cover (32) that slides with the reagent loading and unloading port, and an upper cover (31) that is connected and disposed above the lower cover (32).

8. The sample analyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that: A chute is provided at the first reagent loading and unloading port, and the lower cover (32) is slidably disposed in the chute. A limiting strip (22) is also provided at the chute to limit the lower cover (32) and prevent the lower cover (32) from leaving the chute.

9. The sample analyzer according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that: The reagent kit clamping part includes two clamping fingers (4) arranged opposite to each other. A clamping block (41) is provided on the opposite surface of the two clamping fingers (4). The bottom surface of the clamping block (41) is fixed in conjunction with the clamping fingers (4). The top surface area of ​​the clamping block is smaller than its bottom surface area. The side of the clamping block (41) forms a guide surface (42) connecting the top surface and the bottom surface.

10. An online reagent kit loading device, applied to a sample analyzer, characterized in that, include: Robotic arm assembly (1) and reagent loading cart (6); The reagent kit loading cart (6) is equipped with multiple reagent kit placement slots for placing reagent kits to be added or unloaded (5). The robotic arm assembly (1) is used to transfer the reagent kit (5) between the reagent kit loading cart (6) and the reagent compartment (2), and includes an action arm that moves in a straight line and is provided with a lifting gripping arm (105). The reagent compartment (2) is used to store the reagent kit (5). The reagent compartment (2) is provided with a compartment cover (21). The compartment cover (21) is provided with a first reagent loading and unloading port and a second reagent loading and unloading port. The first reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a sliding cover (3) and serves as an opening for the robotic arm assembly (1) to automatically add or unload the reagent kit (5). The second reagent loading and unloading port is closed by a loading cover and serves as a manual addition or unloading of the reagent kit (5). The sliding cover (3) has a toggle part (33) that corresponds to and cooperates with the lifting clamping arm (105). The lifting clamping arm (105) acts on the toggle part (33) to toggle the sliding cover (3) to perform linear sliding opening or closing. After the sliding cover (3) is opened, the lifting clamping arm (105) clamps the reagent kit (5) and passes through the first reagent loading and unloading port.

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