Container manipulation device and medical detection analyzer comprising same

Abstract

A container manipulation device for a medical detection analyzer, and the medical detection analyzer comprising the container manipulation device. The container manipulation device comprises: a holding member which comprises an elastic holding portion for holding a container; an ejection member which is slidably arranged in the holding member; a biasing member which is configured to apply force to the ejection member, thus enabling the ejection member to push the container out of the elastic holding portion; a locking mechanism which is configured such that, when the container is held in place by the elastic holding portion, the locking mechanism maintains the ejection member in a standby state where the force applied by the biasing member is not transmitted to the container; and an unlocking mechanism which is configured to release the standby state of the ejection member so as to push the container out of the holding member under the action of the biasing member. The container manipulation device and the medical detection analyzer can simplify the structure, reduce the cost, improve the reliability and stability, etc.

Description

Container manipulation device and medical detection analyzer comprising the same

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 21, 2023, with application number 202311770701.9 and invention name “Container manipulation device and medical detection analyzer including the container manipulation device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a container manipulation device for grasping and releasing a container (eg, a cuvette) and a medical detection analyzer (eg, an immunoassay analyzer) including the container manipulation device. Background Art

[0004] The contents of this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Medical test analyzers can detect and analyze biochemical substances in body fluids (e.g., blood), providing clinical information for disease immunity, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and health status. Medical test analyzers typically include a container manipulation device, which is used to grip, transport, mix, or position containers (also known as "cups" or "test tubes") containing test substances or reagents, ensuring they are properly positioned.

[0006] Conventional container manipulation devices include a gripper, an ejector, and a pneumatic system. The gripper is used to pick up and hold the container. The pneumatic system applies pressurized gas to the ejector, pushing the ejector and, consequently, the container, ultimately releasing the container from the gripper and placing it in its proper location. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0007] The pneumatic systems of existing container manipulation devices mentioned above include various pipelines, valves, sensors, regulators, and other components, resulting in complex structures, large size, and high costs. Consequently, container manipulation devices and medical testing analyzers incorporating pneumatic systems also have complex structures and operations, large size, and high costs. Furthermore, when a container is ejected under force, the fluid within the container can easily spill, causing contamination. Pneumatic systems also often suffer from air leakage and pressure regulation issues, which reduces the stability and reliability of the pneumatic system.

[0008] In view of at least one of the problems of the above-mentioned pneumatic system, a container manipulation solution is proposed, which uses a novel way of applying force and ejecting the container to replace the pneumatic system, thereby simplifying the structure, making the structure more compact, reducing costs and / or improving stability and reliability. Technical Solutions

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application, a container manipulation device for a medical detection analyzer is provided. The container manipulation device includes: a clamping member including an elastic clamping portion for clamping a container; an ejection member slidably disposed in the clamping member; a biasing member configured to apply a force to the ejection member so that the ejection member can push the container out of the elastic clamping portion; a locking mechanism configured to, when the container is clamped in place by the elastic clamping portion, place the ejection member in a standby state in which the force applied by the biasing member is not transmitted to the container; and an unlocking mechanism configured to release the ejection member from the standby state, thereby allowing the container to be pushed out of the clamping member under the action of the biasing member.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, a housing is further included, with a bearing disposed between the housing and the clamping member. The housing is configured to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism and, under the drive of the linear drive mechanism, to linearly move the clamping member. The clamping member is configured to be coupled to a rotary drive mechanism and, under the drive of the rotary drive mechanism, to rotate relative to the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, a cam is further included, the cam being disposed between the biasing member and the ejection member. The locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion disposed on the cam and a second engaging portion disposed on the clamping member, the first engaging portion being capable of engaging with the second engaging portion to place the ejection member in the standby state. The unlocking mechanism is disposed on the ejection member.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam includes a cylindrical cam body and a cam rib provided on the outer circumference of the cam body, and the first engaging portion is provided on the cam rib. The clamp includes a cylindrical clamp body and a clamp rib provided on the inner circumference of the clamp body, and the second engaging portion is provided on the clamp rib.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam is configured to rotate between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position. When the cam is in the first circumferential position, each of the clamping member ribs is located between adjacent cam ribs in the circumferential direction to enable relative axial sliding between the clamping member and the cam. When the cam is in the second circumferential position, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the present application, the clamp rib extends in the axial direction; and / or the cam rib extends in the axial direction.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the present application, the first engaging portion is provided on an end portion of the cam rib; and the second engaging portion is provided on an end portion of the clamp rib.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, and the unlocking mechanism all have inclined surfaces. The container manipulation device is configured such that, under the interaction of the inclined surfaces of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and under the interaction of the inclined surfaces of the first engaging portion and the unlocking mechanism, the cam is rotated between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position.

[0017] In some embodiments according to the present application, the second engaging portion has a stopping portion configured to stop the first engaging portion on the clamping member.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the ejection member includes a cylindrical ejection member body and ejection member ribs disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the ejection member body. The ejection member ribs are circumferentially located between adjacent clamping member ribs, allowing the ejection member to slide axially relative to the clamping member but not to rotate. The unlocking mechanism is disposed on the end surface of the ejection member body facing the cam.

[0019] In some embodiments according to the present application, the ejection member rib extends in an axial direction.

[0020] In some embodiments according to the present application, the unlocking mechanism includes a protrusion provided on the end surface of the ejection member.

[0021] In some embodiments according to the present application, the protrusion is located between adjacent clip ribs in the circumferential direction.

[0022] In some embodiments according to the present application, the cam body includes a large diameter section and a small diameter section, and the ejection member is disposed between the small diameter section and the clamping member.

[0023] In some embodiments according to the present application, the elastic clamping portion includes a plurality of claws spaced apart along the circumferential direction; and the ejection member includes a plurality of legs spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0024] In some embodiments according to the present application, the biasing member is a spring.

[0025] In some embodiments according to the present application, a cover is further included, the cover having an end portion fixed to the clamping member and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the end portion. The spring is accommodated between the cylindrical portion and the clamping member and is used to apply force to the cam rib.

[0026] In another aspect according to the present application, a medical detection analyzer is provided, comprising the above-mentioned container manipulation device and a motor, wherein the container manipulation device is operably coupled to the motor and can move linearly when driven by the motor.

[0027] In some embodiments according to the present application, the medical detection analyzer is an immunoassay analyzer.

[0028] Technical Effects

[0029] According to the container manipulation device and medical detection analyzer of the present application, an internal biasing member capable of storing and releasing energy is used to replace the pneumatic system in the prior art, thereby significantly simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and / or improving reliability and stability, etc.

[0030] The container manipulation device according to the present application includes a locking mechanism, so that the transmission of the force of the biasing member can be well controlled to prevent the container from being accidentally forced and improperly released.

[0031] After the container is placed in place on the container tray, the container's reaction force acts on the unlocking mechanism, releasing the ejection member from its standby state. At this point, the biasing member applies a thrust to the ejection member, pushing the ejection member and the container outward until the container disengages the clamping member. Throughout the container release process, the container rests against the container tray, resulting in a smoother release. This significantly reduces the sloshing of the fluid (e.g., reaction solution) within the container, effectively preventing the fluid from spilling onto external components (e.g., the ejection member or clamping member) and any resulting contamination.

[0032] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and additional other effects not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a portion of a medical detection analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG2 is an external schematic diagram of the container manipulation device of the medical detection analyzer of FIG1 , wherein the container manipulation device is holding the container;

[0035] 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the container manipulation device of FIG. 2 taken along line CC;

[0036] FIG4 is an external schematic diagram of the clamping member of the container manipulation device of FIG2;

[0037] FIG5 is an external schematic diagram of the cam of the container manipulation device of FIG2;

[0038] FIG6 is an external schematic diagram of the ejection member of the container manipulation device of FIG2; and

[0039] 7A to 7F are schematic diagrams illustrating an operation process of a container manipulation device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement these embodiments. The following detailed description of the present disclosure is only for illustrative purposes and is by no means a limitation of the present disclosure and its application or use. The embodiments described in this specification are not exhaustive and are only some of a plurality of possible embodiments. The exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures and well-known technologies may not be described in detail.

[0041] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted to clearly describe the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0042] In addition, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily illustrated for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of description.

[0043] Additionally, it should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, film, region, or plate, is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, the element can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that no intervening elements are present. Furthermore, the terms "on" or "above" mean being positioned above or below the referenced portion and do not necessarily mean being positioned at the upper end of the referenced portion that faces opposite to the force of gravity.

[0044] The following describes a medical detection analyzer according to the present application with reference to FIG1 . It should be understood that the medical detection analyzer of the present application is not limited to the specific example shown in FIG1 , but rather can be modified as long as it is applicable to the concepts of the present invention. For example, the medical detection analyzer of the present application can be an immunoassay analyzer, such as a chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

[0045] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a portion of a medical detection and analysis instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the medical detection and analysis instrument 1 includes a container manipulation device 10 for manipulating a container 2, an arm 20 for supporting or mounting the container manipulation device 10, a motor 30 for vertically moving the arm 20, a transmission mechanism 40 disposed between the motor 30 and the arm 20, a guide mechanism 50 for guiding the vertical movement of the arm 20, a rotary motor 60 for rotating the container 2 held by the container manipulation device 10, a rotary transmission mechanism 70 disposed between the rotary motor 60 and the container manipulation device 10, and a container tray 80 for storing the container 2.

[0046] The container handling device 10 is fixed to the arm 20. The structure of the arm 20 should not be limited in the present disclosure. For example, the arm 20 can have any suitable shape as needed. For example, the arm 20 can be used to support or install one or more arms 20.

[0047] The motor 30, transmission mechanism 40, and guide mechanism 50 constitute a linear drive mechanism that moves the arm 20 up and down. In the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 40 is a belt drive mechanism, and the guide mechanism 50 is a guide rail. However, it should be understood that the linear drive mechanism is not limited to the specific example shown in the figures and can be modified as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0048] The arm 20 is driven by the linear drive mechanism to move up and down together with the container manipulation device 10. As the container manipulation device 10 moves up and down, the container manipulation device 10 can clamp or release the container 2, which will be described in detail later.

[0049] The rotary motor 60 and the rotary transmission mechanism 70 constitute a rotary drive mechanism for rotating the container 2 gripped by the container handling device 10. In the illustrated example, the rotary transmission mechanism 70 is a belt drive mechanism. However, it should be understood that the rotary drive mechanism is not limited to the specific example shown in the figures and can be modified as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0050] Driven by the rotary drive mechanism, the container clamped on the container manipulation device 10 rotates, thereby mixing the substances in the container. It should be understood that, depending on the operational requirements of the medical test analyzer for the container, the rotary drive mechanism can be replaced with a drive mechanism for achieving other operational functions (e.g., a drive mechanism for horizontal movement) or can be omitted.

[0051] The container tray 80 is configured to support or hold the container 2. As shown in FIG1 , the container tray 80 includes grooves or holes for holding the container 2. The container tray 80 may have an annular shape and may include grooves or holes for holding the container 2 at predetermined intervals along the circumference. It should be understood that the structure of the container tray 80 is not limited in the present disclosure and may be modified as needed. For example, the structure of the grooves or holes in the container tray 80 may vary depending on the structure of the container 2.

[0052] Container 2 is used to store reaction solutions, test reagents, analytical fluids, etc., depending on the type of medical test analyzer. It should be understood that the structure of container 2 is not limited in this application and can have any suitable structure. For example, container 2 can have an elongated tubular shape or a cup shape.

[0053] In the medical testing analyzer 1 shown in FIG1 , when in operation, the arm 20 and the container handling device 10 are moved downward by the motor 30 , the transmission mechanism 40 , and the guide mechanism 50 . Upon contacting the container 2 on the container tray 80 , the container handling device 10 is further driven downward, and the gripping members of the container handling device 10 (described in detail later) elastically expand and grip the container 2 until the container 2 reaches a gripping position. The motor 30 , the transmission mechanism 40 , and the guide mechanism 50 cause the arm 20 and the container handling device 10 to move in the opposite direction (i.e., upward), gripping the container 2 and moving it upward and away from the container tray 80 .

[0054] After the container 2 leaves the container tray 80, the gripping member of the container handling device 10 and the container 2 are rotated by the rotary motor 60 and the rotary transmission mechanism 70. The container 2 can be rotated in a single direction or alternately in two opposite directions. The rotation causes the substances in the container 2 to mix, for example, to promote a reaction.

[0055] Then, the rotation motor 60 is stopped and the motor 30 is restarted, causing the container handling device 10 and the gripped container 2 to move downward. After the container 2 is placed in place on the container tray 80, an ejection member (described in detail later) of the container handling device 10 pushes or ejects the container 2. Then, the container handling device 10 is driven upward by the motor 30 to move away from the container tray 80.

[0056] The container manipulation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a schematic external view of the container manipulation device 10 of the medical detection analyzer of Figure 1, wherein the container manipulation device 10 clamps the container 2; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container manipulation device 10 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic external view of the clamping member 120 of the container manipulation device 10 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a schematic external view of the cam 140 of the container manipulation device 10 of Figure 2; and Figure 6 is a schematic external view of the ejection member 130 of the container manipulation device 10 of Figure 2.

[0057] 2 and 3 , the container manipulation device 10 includes a housing 110 , a clamping member 120 , an ejection member 130 , a cam 140 , a spring 150 and a top cover 160 .

[0058] The housing 110 is configured to be fixedly mounted or connected to the arm 20. The housing 110 includes a connecting portion 112. In the illustrated example, the housing 110 has a cylindrical shape similar to the clamp 120. However, it should be understood that the structure of the housing 110 should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figures, but can be changed as needed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0059] The clamping member 120 is configured to clamp the container 2. As shown, the container 2 may have a stopper 21 disposed on its outer circumference. The stopper 21 can be used to determine various positions of the container 2, such as the clamping position of the container 2 in the clamping member 120, the placement or release position of the container 2 in the container tray 80, and the like. When the end of the clamping member 120 abuts the stopper 21, it indicates that the container 2 is in the appropriate or desired clamping position in the clamping member 120.

[0060] 3 and 4 , the clamping member 120 includes an elastic clamping portion 121 for clamping the container 2 and a cylindrical clamping member body 123. The elastic clamping portion 121 extends from one end of the clamping member body 123 in an axial direction. The elastic clamping portion 121 can be elastically opened to clamp the container 2. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic clamping portion 121 may include a plurality of claws 1211 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of claws 1211 may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction to provide a uniform clamping force to the container. The number of claws is at least 2. It should be understood that the structure of the elastic clamping portion 121 should not be limited to the specific example shown in the figure, but can be changed as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3, a bearing 170 can be provided between the housing 110 and the clamp body 123. The clamp 120 can be coupled to a rotary drive mechanism (rotary motor 60 and rotary transmission mechanism 70) and can rotate relative to the housing 110 under the drive of the rotary drive mechanism. To this end, a drive portion 122, for example, a pulley driven by a belt, can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the clamp 120. It should be understood that, in the case where it is not necessary to rotate the container 2, the rotary drive mechanism and the drive portion can be omitted. In such a case, the housing 110 and the clamp 120 can be formed as one, or the housing 110 can be omitted and the clamp 120 can be designed to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism.

[0062] The ejection member 130 is configured to push the container 2 out of the clamping member 120. The ejection member 130 is slidably disposed in the clamping member 120. When the container 2 is to be placed or released, the ejection member 130 is subjected to a force to move downward relative to the clamping member 120, and the force is transmitted to the container 2, thereby pushing the container 2 out of the clamping member 120. In the example shown in the figure, the ejection member 130 is urged downward by a spring 150.

[0063] 6 , the ejection member 130 includes a cylindrical ejection member body 131 and an axially extending ejection member rib 133 disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the ejection member body 131. The ejection member rib 133 may be located between adjacent clamping member ribs 125 in the circumferential direction. The ejection member rib 133 is configured to guide the axial relative movement of the ejection member 130 relative to the clamping member 120, allowing the ejection member 130 to slide axially relative to the clamping member 120 but preventing rotation.

[0064] The ejection member 130 may further include an elastic portion 132 extending axially from one end (the lower end in FIG. 6 ) of the ejection member body 131. The elastic portion 132 is configured to elastically adapt to the reduced elastic clamping portion 121 of the clamping member 120. In the example shown in the figures, the elastic portion 132 includes a plurality of legs 1321 spaced apart along the circumferential direction. It should be understood that the structure of the elastic portion 132 is not limited to the specific example shown in the figures, but may be varied as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0065] In order to reliably control the clamping and releasing operations of the container 2, a cam 140 is provided. The cam 140 can be disposed between the spring 150 and the ejection member 130. The cam 140 can be configured to engage with the clamping member 120 or the ejection member 130 to control the transmission of the force of the spring 150 or the relative movement between the ejection member 130 and the clamping member 120.

[0066] 7A to 7F will be used to describe the structure of the cam 140 engaging with the gripper 120 or the ejector 130. In order to clearly understand the internal structure of the container manipulation device 10, FIG7A to 7F are drawn in perspective.

[0067] 7A to 7F , the clamp 120 may include a clamp rib 125 provided on the inner circumference of the clamp body 123. The clamp rib 125 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumference of the clamp body 123. Accordingly, referring to FIG5 and FIG7A to 7F , the cam 140 includes a cylindrical cam body 141 and a cam rib 145 provided on the outer circumference of the cam body 141.

[0068] The clamping member ribs 125 can extend in the axial direction. Correspondingly, the cam ribs 145 can extend in the axial direction. When the cam 140 is in the position shown in Figures 7A and 7F, the cam ribs 145 are between adjacent clamping member ribs 125. In this way, the axial movement of the cam 140 relative to the clamping member 120 can be guided.

[0069] An inclined surface 1251 and a stopper 1252 may be provided on the top surface (also referred to as the free end surface) of the clamp rib 125 (see Figures 7A to 7F). The cam rib 145 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cam body 141. An inclined surface 1451 may be provided on the cam rib 145. Referring to Figure 7C, the inclined surface 1451 on the cam rib 145 can slide on the inclined surface 1251 of the clamp rib 125 and be stopped by the stopper 1252 of the clamp rib 125. In the illustrated example, the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 constitutes a first engaging portion, and the inclined surface 1251 and the stopper 1252 of the clamp rib 125 constitute a second engaging portion.

[0070] When the first engaging portion of the cam 140 engages with the second engaging portion of the clamp 120 as shown in Figures 7C and 7D , the axial position of the cam 140 relative to the clamp 120 is fixed. At this point, the elastic force of the spring 150 is offset by the clamp 120. Thus, the ejection member 130 is in a standby state, where it does not transmit the force applied by the spring 150 to the container 2. During the lifting process of the container 2 in Figures 7C and 7D , the container 2 will not be accidentally subjected to force and disengage from the clamp 120. Therefore, the first engaging portion of the cam 140 and the second engaging portion of the clamp 120 constitute the locking mechanism described in the present disclosure.

[0071] The locking mechanism according to the present disclosure is configured to place the ejection member 130 in a standby state where the force applied by the spring 150 is not transmitted to the container 2 when the container 2 is clamped in place by the clamping member 120 (specifically, the elastic clamping portion 121). It should be understood that the locking mechanism is not limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but may be modified as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0072] An end of the ejector body 131 opposite to the elastic portion 132 (an upper end in FIG. 6 ) may be configured to engage with the cam 140 , to drive the cam 140 , or to be operable in conjunction with the cam 140 .

[0073] 6 , 7B , and 7E , a protrusion 135 is provided on the upper end surface of the ejector body 131. The protrusion 135 can be located between adjacent clamp ribs 125 in the circumferential direction. When in the position shown in FIG. 7B , the protrusion 135 can be configured to push the cam rib 145, allowing the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 to slide onto the inclined surface 1251 of the clamp rib 125. When in the position shown in FIG. 7E , the protrusion 135 can be configured to lift the cam rib 145, allowing it to pass over a stop 1252. When the cam rib 145 passes over the stop 1252 and enters between adjacent clamp ribs 125, the cam 140 can slide axially relative to the clamp 120. At this time, the elastic force of the spring 150 is applied to the cam 140, which transmits the force to the ejection member 130, which then transmits the force to the container 2, thereby pushing out the container 2. Therefore, the protrusion 135 constitutes the unlocking mechanism described in the present disclosure.

[0074] The unlocking mechanism according to the present disclosure is configured to release the ejection member 130 from the standby state, thereby ejecting the container 2 from the clamping member 120 under the action of the spring 150. It should be understood that the unlocking mechanism according to the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the drawings, but can be modified as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0075] The protrusion 135 of the ejection member 130 may have an inclined surface 1351. As shown in Figure 6, the upper end surface of the cam 140 may be configured as a sawtooth shape. In addition, the stopper 1252 of the clamping member 120 may have an inclined surface (i.e., a top surface) 1252a. In this way, the interaction between the inclined surface 1451 of the cam 140, the inclined surface 1351 of the ejection member 130, and the inclined surfaces 1251 and 1252a of the clamping member 120 enables the cam 140 to move in a circumferential direction. In other words, the cam 140 can rotate between a first circumferential position shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7F and a second circumferential position shown in Figures 7C to 7E.

[0076] When the cam 140 is at the first circumferential position, each of the clamp ribs 125 is located between adjacent cam ribs 145 in the circumferential direction. At this time, relative sliding between the clamp 120 and the cam 140 can be achieved.

[0077] When the cam 140 is at the second circumferential position, the cam rib 145 engages with the clamp rib 125 , so that the clamp 120 can resist the elastic force of the spring 150 , thereby placing the ejector 130 in a standby state without applying a thrust to the container 2 .

[0078] Referring again to FIG5 , the cam body 141 may include a large diameter section 142 and a small diameter section 144. The ejection member 130 may be disposed between the small diameter section 144 and the clamping member 120. Cam ribs 145 may extend radially outward from the outer circumferences of both the large diameter section 142 and the small diameter section 144. This provides a more compact structure.

[0079] 3 , the cover 160 may include an end portion 161 fixed to the clamp 120 and a cylindrical portion 162 extending axially from the end portion 161. The spring 150 is accommodated between the cylindrical portion 162 and the clamp 120. The lower end of the spring 150 abuts against the upper end surface of the cam rib 145 to apply force to the cam 140.

[0080] The spring 150 constitutes the biasing member described in the present disclosure. The biasing member according to the present disclosure is configured to apply a force to the ejection member 130 so that the ejection member 130 can push the container 2 out of the elastic clamping portion 121 of the clamping member 120. It should be understood that the biasing member according to the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but can be varied as long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0081] The container manipulation device 10 according to the present disclosure can achieve container gripping (or picking up) and release (or ejection) operations driven solely by a single motor 30. No additional pneumatic system is required. Consequently, the structure of the container manipulation device and medical testing and analyzing instrument can be significantly simplified, significantly reducing their costs and improving their reliability and stability.

[0082] 7A to 7F , the operation process of the container manipulation device 10 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0083] FIG7A shows the container handling device 10 in a state where it is ready to pick up a container 2 placed in the container tray 80. As shown in FIG7A , the cam rib 145 of the cam 140 is located between adjacent clamping member ribs 125. Under the action of the spring 150, the cam 140 and the ejection member 130 are in a lower position relative to the clamping member 120. At this point, the lower end of the ejection member 130 is substantially flush with the lower end of the clamping member 120.

[0084] FIG7B shows the container handling device 10 picking up a container 2, wherein the container 2 reaches the gripping position. As shown in FIG7B , the container handling device 10 moves downward, and the resilient gripping portion 121 of the gripping member 120 expands to receive the container 2. As the container handling device 10 moves further downward, the container 2 pushes the ejector 130 and the cam 140 upward relative to the gripping member 120. When the container 2 reaches the desired gripping position, the protrusion 135 of the ejector 130 pushes the cam rib 145 upward, raising it above the gripping member rib 125.

[0085] The inclined surface 1351 of the protrusion 135 interacts with the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145 , so that the cam rib 145 can slide onto the inclined surface of the clamp rib 125 of the clamp 120 and be stopped by the stopper 1352 , as shown in FIG. 7C .

[0086] Since the cam 140 is engaged with the clamping member 120, the clamping member 120 is able to resist the elastic force of the spring 150, and thus the elastic force of the spring 150 is not transmitted to the ejection member 130 and the container 2. In this way, the container handling device 10 can be lifted up, and the container 2, clamped by the clamping member 120, is also lifted up and away from the container tray 80, as shown in FIG7D .

[0087] When it is necessary to place or release the container 2 into the container tray 80, the container handling device 10 is lowered until the container 2 is completely placed in the groove or hole of the container tray 80. At this time, as shown in FIG7E , the protrusion 135 of the ejector 130 pushes the cam rib 145 up, making it higher than the stopper 1252 of the clamping member 120. Under the interaction between the inclined surface 1451 of the cam rib 145, the inclined surface 1351 of the protrusion 135, and the inclined surface 1252a of the stopper 1252, the cam rib 145 slides between adjacent clamping member ribs 125.

[0088] At this time, under the action of the spring 150, the cam 140 and the ejection member 130 move downward and push the container 2 downward until the container 2 is completely pushed away from the clamping member 120. Then, the motor 30 is used to raise the container manipulation device 10 to the initial position, as shown in FIG7F .

[0089] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated in detail herein. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope defined by the claims. Features from various embodiments may be combined with one another where not inconsistent. Alternatively, certain features from an embodiment may be omitted.

Claims

1. A container manipulation device for a medical detection analyzer, comprising: A clamping member, wherein the clamping member includes an elastic clamping portion for clamping the container; An ejection member, the ejection member being slidably disposed in the clamping member; a biasing member configured to apply a force to the ejecting member so that the ejecting member can push the container out of the elastic clamping portion; a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that when the container is clamped in place by the elastic clamping portion, the locking mechanism places the ejection member in a standby state in which the force applied by the biasing member is not transmitted to the container; as well as The unlocking mechanism is configured to release the ejection member from the standby state so as to push the container out of the clamping member under the action of the biasing member.

2. The container manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a housing, wherein a bearing is provided between the housing and the clamping member. The housing is configured to be coupled to a linear drive mechanism and to move linearly with the clamp under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. The clamping member is configured to be coupled to a rotation drive mechanism and to be rotatable relative to the housing under the drive of the rotation drive mechanism.

3. The container manipulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The device further comprises a cam, wherein the cam is disposed between the biasing member and the ejecting member. The locking mechanism includes a first engaging portion provided on the cam and a second engaging portion provided on the clamping member, wherein the first engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion so that the ejection member is in the standby state. The unlocking mechanism is arranged on the ejection member.

4. The container manipulation device according to claim 3, wherein: The cam includes a cylindrical cam body and a cam rib portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cam body, and the first engaging portion is provided on the cam rib portion. The clamping member includes a cylindrical clamping member body and a clamping member rib portion arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping member body, and the second combining portion is arranged on the clamping member rib portion.

5. The container manipulation device according to claim 4, wherein: The cam is configured to be rotatable between a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position, When the cam is in the first circumferential position, each of the clamping member ribs is located between adjacent cam ribs in the circumferential direction to enable relative axial sliding between the clamping member and the cam; When the cam is at the second circumferential position, the first engagement portion engages with the second engagement portion.

6. The container manipulation device according to claim 5, wherein: The clamping member ribs extend in the axial direction; and / or The cam rib extends in the axial direction.

7. The container manipulation device according to claim 5, wherein: The first engaging portion is disposed on an end portion of the cam rib; The second engaging portion is disposed on an end portion of the clamp rib.

8. The container manipulation device according to claim 7, wherein: The first engaging portion, the second engaging portion and the unlocking mechanism all have inclined surfaces. The container manipulation device is configured to enable the cam to rotate between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the second engaging portion, and under the interaction of the inclined surface of the first engaging portion and the inclined surface of the unlocking mechanism.

9. The container manipulation device according to claim 8, wherein: The second engaging portion has a stopper configured to stop the first engaging portion against the clamping member.

10. A container handling device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein: The ejection member includes a cylindrical ejection member body and an ejection member rib portion arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the ejection member body. The ejection member rib is located between adjacent clamping member ribs in the circumferential direction, so that the ejection member can slide axially relative to the clamping member but cannot rotate. The unlocking mechanism is arranged on the end surface of the ejection member body facing the cam.

11. The container manipulation device according to claim 10, wherein: The ejection member rib extends along the axial direction.

12. The container manipulation device according to claim 10, wherein: The unlocking mechanism includes a protrusion arranged on the end surface of the ejection member.

13. The container manipulation device according to claim 12, wherein: The protrusions are located between adjacent clamp ribs in the circumferential direction.

14. A container handling device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein: The cam body comprises a large diameter section and a small diameter section, The ejection member is disposed between the small diameter section and the clamping member.

15. The container manipulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elastic clamping portion includes a plurality of claws spaced apart in a circumferential direction; and The ejection member includes a plurality of legs arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction.

16. The container manipulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The biasing member is a spring.

17. The container manipulation device according to claim 16, wherein: Also included is a cover having an end portion fixed to the clamping member and a cylindrical portion extending from the end portion in an axial direction, The spring is accommodated between the cylindrical portion and the clamping member, and serves to apply a force to the cam rib.

18. A medical detection analyzer, comprising the container manipulation device and the motor according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The container manipulation device is operably coupled to a motor and is linearly movable when driven by the motor.

19. The medical detection analyzer according to claim 18, wherein: The medical detection analyzer is an immunoassay analyzer.

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