Shaking apparatus and automated shaking system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of sample reaction and treatment devices, and provide a shaking apparatus and an automated shaking system. According to the shaking apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application, each sample container has an opening facing a first direction, and a force application mechanism drives a fixing mechanism to perform reciprocating motion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that a sample contained in the sample container shakes in the second direction during the reciprocating motion of the fixing mechanism and is thereby mixed evenly. Therefore, during the shaking process of the sample container, as the sample moves, the sample does not directly impact the opening of the container facing the first direction, but instead impacts the inner wall of the container, simulating manual shaking. Therefore, the risk of sample leakage from the sample container caused by the fact that the sample directly impacts the opening of the sample container is reduced, and because the sample directly impacts the inner wall of the sample container, the possibility of sample adhesion to the inner wall of the sample container is reduced, and sample residues at the opening can be reduced.

Description

Shaking device and automatic shaking system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202420274770.4, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on February 4, 2024, entitled “Shaking device and automated shaking system,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of sample reaction and processing equipment, and in particular to a shaking device and an automated shaking system. Background Art

[0004] In biochemical experiments, different types of reagents, such as solids and liquids or liquids and solids, are usually placed in sample containers such as sample bottles, and the sample containers are shaken to allow the reagents to be quickly and evenly mixed together to facilitate reactions or subsequent operations.

[0005] However, current sample shaking equipment has the risk of spilling the liquid from the bottle mouth during shaking of the sample container, and for reactions with small sample amounts or involving solids, it is easy for the liquid to stick to the wall and / or lid, resulting in reagent loss.

[0006] Application Contents

[0007] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a shaking device and an automatic shaking system, which can solve the above technical problems to a certain extent.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a shaking device, comprising:

[0009] a fixing mechanism, the fixing mechanism comprising at least one fixing assembly, the fixing assembly comprising a fixing portion configured to fix a sample container, the sample container having an opening open toward a first direction;

[0010] A force-applying mechanism is connected to the fixing mechanism, and applies force to the fixing mechanism so that the fixing mechanism reciprocates in a second direction, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] Optionally, the fixing assembly includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are configured to be able to approach each other to clamp the sample container and to be able to move away from each other to release the sample container;

[0012] The first clamping portion is configured so that the portion contacting the sample container has the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container, and the second clamping portion is configured so that the portion contacting the sample container has the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container.

[0013] The portion of the first clamping portion configured to abut against the sample container and the portion of the second clamping portion configured to abut against the sample container are both flexible portions.

[0014] Optionally, the fixing mechanism further includes a mounting member, the at least one fixing component is arranged on the mounting member, and the force applying mechanism includes:

[0015] a rotating member that rotates about an axis, wherein the axis extends along a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;

[0016] The connecting member includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is rotatably connected to the mounting member, and the second end is rotatably connected to the rotating member.

[0017] Optionally, the force applying mechanism further includes:

[0018] A first guide member and a second guide member, the first guide member is connected to the mounting member, one of the first guide member and the second guide member extends along a second direction, and the first guide member and the second guide member cooperate with each other so that the first guide member moves along the second guide member.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one fixing assembly includes at least one group of three fixing assemblies arranged sequentially in the second direction, and at least a portion of the fixing assembly located in the middle of the three fixing assemblies can be detached from between two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides, so that the two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides of the three fixing assemblies can approach and move away from each other;

[0020] The shaking device further includes a weighing mechanism, the weighing mechanism including at least one carrying portion, the carrying portion configured to carry the sample container, the weighing mechanism configured to weigh the weight of each sample container carried on the carrying portion, the at least one carrying portion being located on one side of the fixing assembly in the first direction;

[0021] Among them, the at least one bearing part includes a first bearing part corresponding one-to-one to the fixing parts included in the three fixing components, and a second bearing part corresponding one-to-one to the fixing parts included in the two fixing components located on the outside after approaching each other.

[0022] Optionally, the first carrying portion and the second carrying portion are alternately arranged in the second direction; the first carrying portion and the second carrying portion are configured to have different shapes and / or sizes, so as to be respectively configured to carry different sample containers.

[0023] Optionally, the fixing mechanism further includes a mounting member, on which the at least one fixing component is arranged, and the mounting member has a groove extending along the second direction corresponding to at least one of the two fixing components located on the outside of the three fixing components, so that the at least one moves along the groove.

[0024] Optionally, the fixing assembly includes a clamping body and a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are both detachably connected to the clamping body, and the clamping body drives the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion to move closer to each other to clamp the sample container, and away from each other to release the sample container;

[0025] The clamping body of the fixing assembly located in the middle of the three fixing assemblies is staggered from between the two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion of the fixing assembly located in the middle are arranged between the two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides.

[0026] Optionally, a weighing mechanism is further included, wherein the weighing mechanism includes a plurality of carrying parts, and the carrying parts are configured to carry the sample container;

[0027] Wherein, the fixing mechanism also includes a driving component, which is connected to the at least one fixing component and can drive the at least one fixing component away from the multiple carrying parts along a first direction so that the sample container carried in the carrying part is detached from the carrying part.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an automated shaking system, comprising the shaking device described above, the shaking device comprising a weighing mechanism, the weighing mechanism comprising at least one carrying portion, the carrying portion being configured to carry the sample container, the automated shaking system comprising a manipulator, the manipulator being configured to grasp the sample container so that the sample container is detached from the carrying portion;

[0029] The sample container includes a container body having the opening and a cover member closing the opening. The robot is further configured to attach the cover member to the container body.

[0030] Compared with the existing technology, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application include, for example:

[0031] According to the shaking device provided by the present application, the sample container has an opening facing a first direction. Since the force-applying mechanism drives the fixing mechanism to reciprocate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the sample contained in the sample container is shaken in the second direction and shaken evenly during the reciprocating motion of the fixing mechanism. Therefore, during the shaking of the sample container, the sample will not directly impact the opening of the sample container facing the first direction, but will impact the inner wall of the sample container, simulating an artificial oscillation mode. Thus, on the one hand, the risk of the sample leaking from the sample container due to the sample directly impacting the opening of the sample container is reduced. On the other hand, since the sample directly impacts the inner wall of the sample container, the possibility of the sample adhering to the inner wall of the sample container is also reduced, and the sample residue at the opening can also be reduced.

[0032] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0034] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional image of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional image from another perspective of the shaking device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of a two-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of point A in FIG. 3 .

[0038] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of point B in FIG. 5 .

[0040] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a weighing mechanism of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] FIG9 shows a schematic diagram of a two-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a weighing mechanism of a shaking device provided according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure markings: 100-fixing mechanism; 110-fixing assembly; 111-fixing part; 112-first clamping part; 113-second clamping part; 114-clamping body; 120-mounting member; 121-groove; 122-vertical plate structure; 123-horizontal plate structure; 124-extension plate structure; 200-force-applying mechanism; 210-rotating member; 220-connecting member; 230-motor; 240-first guide member; 250-second guide member; 300-weighing mechanism; 310-first bearing part; 320-second bearing part; 400-sample container; 410-container body; 420-opening; 500-base; F1-first direction; F2-second direction; F3-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solution of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present application, a shaking device is provided. The structure and working principle of the shaking device will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0049] The shaking device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a fixing mechanism 100 and a force-applying mechanism 200. The fixing mechanism 100 includes at least one fixing assembly 110 (e.g., one or more). The fixing assembly 110 includes a fixing portion 111 configured to fix a sample container 400. The sample container 400 has an opening 420 open in a first direction F1. Optionally, the force-applying mechanism 200 is connected to the fixing mechanism 100 and applies a force to the fixing mechanism 100, causing the fixing mechanism 100 to reciprocate in a second direction F2, which is perpendicular to the first direction F1.

[0050] Thus, according to the shaking device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the sample container 400 has an opening 420 facing the first direction F1. As the force-applying mechanism 200 drives the fixing mechanism 100 to reciprocate in a second direction F2 perpendicular to the first direction F1, the sample contained in the sample container 400 is shaken and evenly mixed in the second direction F2 during the reciprocating motion of the fixing mechanism 100. Therefore, during the shaking of the sample container 400, the sample does not directly impact the opening 420 of the sample container 400, which is open in the first direction F1, but instead impacts the inner wall of the sample container 400, simulating an artificial shaking process. This, on the one hand, reduces the risk of sample leakage from the sample container 400 due to direct impact with the opening 420 of the sample container 400. On the other hand, since the sample directly impacts the inner wall of the sample container 400, it also reduces the possibility of sample adhering to the inner wall of the sample container 400, and further reduces sample residue at the opening 420 of the sample container 400.

[0051] Optionally, the sample container 400 may include a container body 410, which may have the aforementioned opening 420. Alternatively, the sample container 400 may be a lidless structure or a lidded structure. In the example of a lidless structure (not shown), the opening 420 of the container body 410 may not be closed by a lid member, but may be open to the outside. For example, the sample container 400 may be formed as a test tube. Alternatively, to prevent the sample from spilling out of the sample container, the lidless sample container may be, for example, an elongated sample container having a certain length in a first direction, such as a long test tube.

[0052] Optionally, the sample container 400 may also have a lid structure, that is, the sample container 400 may further include a lid member (not shown in the figure), which may be disposed on the container body 410 so that the lid member seals the opening 420 of the container body 410. In the subsequent description, the sample container will be described as having the container body 410 and the lid member. Therefore, in this example, the shaking device provided according to the embodiment of the present application actually reduces sample residue on the lid member.

[0053] Alternatively, as shown in FIG1 , the sample container 400 may be, for example, a sample bottle, which may have a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical container body 410, with the aforementioned opening 420 provided at the bottom of one side of the container body 410, so that the sample can be placed into and removed from the container body 410 via the opening 420. Optionally, the end of the container body 410 where the opening 420 is located may have a structure that mates with a cap member to connect the cap member to the container body 410. Here, the structure that provides such a mate may be, for example, a thread, e.g., the container body 410 may be provided with an external thread, while the cap member may have an internal thread, i.e., the cap member may be rotatably mounted to the container body 410.

[0054] Alternatively, the first direction F1 can be, for example, a vertical direction. In the case of a cylindrical sample bottle, the first direction F1 is essentially the axial direction of the sample bottle. Correspondingly, the second direction F2 can be, for example, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction F1. More specifically, the second direction F2 can be, for example, a first horizontal direction. A third direction F3 perpendicular to both the first and second directions F1, F2, will be discussed later in the description. In general, the sample container 400 can be arranged with the opening 420 facing upward and moved horizontally to evenly distribute the sample within the container.

[0055] Optionally, the fixing portion 111 may be, for example, a portion of a structure that can define a space configured to accommodate the sample container 400, such as a groove, a cavity, a blind hole or a through hole. Optionally, the fixing portion 111 may also be a structure that directly applies an adhesive force or a magnetic force to the sample container 400, so that the sample container 400 is attached to the outside of the fixing portion 111.

[0056] Alternatively, the force-applying mechanism 200 may be substantially formed as a linear drive mechanism. Optionally, such a linear drive mechanism may be implemented using a component having linear drive characteristics, such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a linear motor 230. Alternatively, the linear drive mechanism may utilize a combination of multiple components to achieve a linear drive effect, which will be described in detail in the following description.

[0057] Optionally, the fixing assembly 110 may include a first clamping portion 112 and a second clamping portion 113 disposed opposite to each other. The first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 may be configured to move closer to each other to clamp the sample container 400 and move away from each other to release the sample container 400 .

[0058] Optionally, the relative movement of the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 is utilized to clamp the sample container 400, thereby securing the sample container 400. This is a relatively convenient, easily implemented, and reliable securing method. Optionally, the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 can be driven toward and away from each other by components connected thereto. Furthermore, the securing portion 111 can include two portions, the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113, each configured to clamp the sample container 400.

[0059] Optionally, the fixing assembly 110 may further include a clamping body 114, to which the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 may be connected and driven. Alternatively, the clamping body 114 may be, for example, a bidirectional cylinder, and the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 may be connected to two output ends of the bidirectional cylinder, respectively. Alternatively, the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 may be spaced apart in the second direction F2, that is, the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 respectively clamp on two sides of the corresponding sample container 400 in the second direction F2. This also helps to prevent the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 from interfering with the opening 420 and the cover member of the sample container 400, thereby affecting the sealing performance of the sample container 400.

[0060] Optionally, the portion of the first clamping portion 112 configured to abut against the sample container 400 may have the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container 400, and the portion of the second clamping portion 113 configured to abut against the sample container 400 may have the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container 400. This shape adaptation facilitates better fit between the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 and the outer side of the corresponding sample container 400, thereby providing a larger contact area, thereby preventing the sample container 400 from shaking or twisting relative to the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113, and ensuring that the sample container 400 is securely fixed. It should be noted that the “same shape” mentioned here means that the portion of the first clamping portion 112 configured to abut against the sample container 400 can be the same as the outer contour of the outer portion of the sample container 400, and the portion of the second clamping portion 113 configured to abut against the sample container 400 can be the same as the outer contour of the outer portion of the sample container 400. It does not include the same size. The dimensional relationship will be explained in the subsequent description.

[0061] Alternatively, in an example where the sample container 400 has an outer cylindrical surface, the side of the first clamping portion 112 facing the sample container 400 (i.e., the inner side) can be, for example, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface, i.e., a segment of an arcuate surface. Similarly, the same applies to the second clamping portion 113. In terms of size, to accommodate a wider variety of sample containers 400, the inner diameters of the arcuate surfaces of both the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 can be larger than the outer diameter of the sample container 400.

[0062] Optionally, the portion of the first clamping portion 112 configured to abut the sample container 400 and the portion of the second clamping portion 113 configured to abut the sample container 400 can both be flexible portions. Thus, the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 can form a flexible clamp on the sample container 400. Due to the flexible nature of this clamping, on the one hand, it is not easy to damage the sample container 400. On the other hand, the pre-tightening provided by the flexible clamping can increase the friction between the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 and the sample container 400, thereby preventing the sample container 400 from slipping off the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113. Optionally, the flexible portion can be formed of a flexible material, such as rubber, and can be coated on the outside of the respective main structures of the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113.

[0063] Optionally, the fixing mechanism 100 may further include a mounting member 120, on which the at least one fixing assembly 110 may be mounted. Optionally, the mounting member 120 may include a vertical plate structure 122 as a main body, and may further include a plurality of extension plate structures 124 disposed on one side of the vertical plate structure 122, corresponding one-to-one with the at least one fixing assembly 110 (e.g., a plurality of fixing assemblies 110). (Optionally, each extension plate structure 124 may be perpendicular to the vertical plate structure 122, i.e., the extension plate structures 124 may be arranged horizontally.) Optionally, the clamping body 114 of the fixing assembly 110 described above may be connected to one side of the corresponding extension plate structure 124 and may also be connected to the vertical plate structure 122. This connection may be detachable, for example, by bolting the clamping body 114 to the vertical plate structure 122 and the corresponding extension plate structure 124.

[0064] Optionally, the force applying mechanism 200 may include a rotating member 210 and a connecting member 220. The rotating member 210 may rotate about an axis, and the axis may extend along a third direction F3. As described above, the third direction F3 is perpendicular to the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 (i.e., the third direction F3 may be a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the second direction F2). Optionally, the connecting member 220 may include a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably connected to the mounting member 120, and the second end being rotatably connected to the rotating member 210.

[0065] Optionally, the rotating member 210 and the connecting member 220 can both be rod structures, the rotating member 210 can be formed as a substantial crank, and the connecting member 220 can be formed as a connecting rod structure hinged to the mounting member 120 and the crank, respectively. Optionally, the fixing mechanism 100 can include a seat provided on the vertical plate structure 122 of the mounting member 120, and a bearing can be provided in the seat for pivoting the connecting rod and the seat. Optionally, the pivoting of the connecting rod and the seat and the crank can both be implemented using a short shaft and a bearing. Optionally, the rotating member 210 can also be a disc-shaped structure, or other structural form that can drive the connecting member 220 to rotate, which is not limited here.

[0066] Optionally, the force applying mechanism 200 may further include a first guide member 240 and a second guide member 250. The first guide member 240 may be connected to the mounting member 120, one of the first guide member 240 and the second guide member 250 may extend along the second direction F2, and the first guide member 240 and the second guide member 250 may cooperate with each other to allow the first guide member 240 to move along the second guide member 250.

[0067] In this way, in conjunction with the above-mentioned crank-connecting rod structure formed by the rotating member 210 and the connecting member 220, the first guide member 240 can move along the second guide member 250, so that the fixing mechanism 100 can move along the second guide member 250. Since one of the first guide member 240 and the second guide member 250 extends along the second direction F2, the fixing mechanism 100 can also be effectively guided along the second direction F2.

[0068] Alternatively, the first guide member 240 may be, for example, a slider, and the second guide member 250 may be, for example, a guide rail extending along the second direction F2. Of course, the two may also be connected in other ways to cooperate with each other in motion. For example, the first guide member 240 may be, for example, a guide rail extending along the second direction F2, and the second guide member 250 may be, for example, a slider. Alternatively, the mounting member 120 may further include a transverse plate structure 123 connected to the underside of the vertical plate structure 122. The transverse plate structure 123 may also be arranged in a horizontal direction. The first guide member 240 may be connected to the underside of the transverse plate structure 123 of the mounting member 120 using connectors such as screws.

[0069] In addition, the shaking device may optionally further include a base 500 having a mounting surface, and the guide rail may be disposed on the mounting surface. Optionally, the force-applying mechanism 200 may also be disposed on the mounting surface. Optionally, the force-applying mechanism 200 may, for example, include a motor 230 (e.g., a reduction motor), and one end of the crank may be connected to the output end of the motor 230. The motor 230 may be disposed on the mounting surface.

[0070] Optionally, the plurality of fixing assemblies 110 include at least one group of three fixing assemblies 110 arranged sequentially in the second direction F2, wherein at least a portion of the fixing assembly 110 located in the middle of the three fixing assemblies 110 can be removed from between the two outer fixing assemblies 110, so that the two outer fixing assemblies 110 can move closer to and farther from each other. Of course, the number of fixing assemblies 110 can also be two, four, five, or other multiple fixing assemblies 110, and the plurality of fixing assemblies 110 are arranged sequentially in the second direction F2, and the number of fixing assemblies 110 is not limited.

[0071] Optionally, the shaking device may further include a weighing mechanism 300, which may include multiple load-bearing portions, each of which may be configured to carry a sample container 400. The weighing mechanism 300 may be configured to weigh the weight of the sample container 400 carried on each load-bearing portion, wherein the multiple load-bearing portions are located on one side of the fixing assembly 110 in the first direction F1. Optionally, the multiple load-bearing portions include a first load-bearing portion 310 that corresponds one-to-one with the fixing portions 111 included in the three fixing assemblies 110, and a second load-bearing portion 320 that corresponds one-to-one with the fixing portions 111 included in the two fixing assemblies 110 located on the outside after approaching each other. The number of the first load-bearing portion 310 and the second load-bearing portion 320 is determined by the number of the fixing assemblies 110 and is not limited here.

[0072] Thus, according to the shaking device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the three fixing assemblies 110 belonging to the same group can not only clamp the sample containers 400 located in the three first carrying parts 310 respectively when at least a portion of the middle fixing assembly 110 is not disassembled, but can also allow the two outer fixing assemblies 110 to approach each other when at least a portion of the middle fixing assembly 110 is disassembled to clamp the sample containers 400 in the two second carrying parts 320 corresponding to these two fixing assemblies 110. In this way, different sample containers 400 can be placed in the first carrying part 310 and the second carrying part 320 in a targeted manner, and the arrangement of the three fixing assemblies 110 belonging to the same group can be switched between the two aforementioned arrangements to distinguish different shaking operations for different samples.

[0073] Optionally, at least a portion of the central fixing assembly 110 corresponds to at least a portion of the structure that does not affect the two outer fixing assemblies 110 approaching each other to correspond to the two second supporting portions 320. This can be the entire structure of the central fixing assembly 110 or a portion of the structure of the central fixing assembly 110, as will be described in detail later. In addition, the number of fixing assemblies 110 can optionally be three, but is not limited to this. The number of fixing assemblies 110 can be greater, for example, the same fixing assembly 110 can belong to two different groups of the above-mentioned three fixing assembly 110 groups.

[0074] Alternatively, the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may be arranged in different distribution patterns as needed. For example, the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may be alternately arranged in the second direction F2. The shapes and / or sizes of the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may be the same or different as needed. For example, the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may be configured to have different shapes and / or sizes to respectively carry different sample containers 400. Thus, based on the above description, the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may be directly arranged to accommodate different sample containers 400.

[0075] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, optionally, both the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 can be cylindrical in shape and can be arranged sequentially along the second direction F2. For example, adjacent first supporting portions 310 and second supporting portions 320 can be connected by welding. The shapes of the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 310 can also be other shapes such as rectangular parallelepiped, which are not limited here. The first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 310 can also be connected by other methods such as plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, and bonding, which are not limited here.

[0076] Alternatively, the first supporting portion 310 may have a smaller depth and a smaller inner diameter to accommodate a sample container 400 having a shorter height and a smaller outer diameter. Conversely, the second supporting portion 320 may have a larger depth and a larger inner diameter to accommodate a sample container 400 having a taller height and a larger outer diameter. Furthermore, the upper holes of the first supporting portion 310 and the second supporting portion 320 may optionally have the same height, and the lower ends of adjacent second supporting portions 320 may be connected together by a connecting bar, which may be welded to the adjacent second supporting portions 320.

[0077] Optionally, the weighing mechanism 300 may further include a weighing sensor assembly, which may be arranged below the first carrying part 310 and the second carrying part 320, for example, connected to the second carrying part 320, so that the sample container 400 placed on the first carrying part 310 and the second carrying part 320 can apply pressure to the sensor assembly, and the weight of the sample container 400 can be obtained by means of the pressure. Optionally, the sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor.

[0078] Optionally, the mounting member 120 has a groove 121 extending along the second direction F2, corresponding to at least one of the two outer fixing assemblies 110 of the three fixing assemblies 110, so that at least one of the fixing assemblies 110 can move along the groove 121. In this way, a guide can be provided for the movement of the fixing assembly 110, reducing the difficulty of adjusting the position of the fixing assembly 110.

[0079] Alternatively, as shown in FIG7 , the groove 121 may be provided on the vertical plate structure 122 of the mounting member 120. The groove 121 may have a notch portion, which may be open at the edge of the vertical plate structure 122, thereby allowing the corresponding fixing assembly 110 to be installed into the groove 121 through the notch portion. Correspondingly, the corresponding fixing assembly 110 may be provided with a ridge structure adapted to the groove 121 on the side of the clamping body 114 facing the vertical plate structure 122 of the mounting member 120, thereby allowing the ridge structure to slide within the groove 121. After the fixing assembly 110 slides into place, the fixing assembly 110 is connected to the vertical plate structure 122 using bolts.

[0080] In addition, optionally, the groove 121 may not be configured to guide the fixing component 110, but may be configured to route the wires, that is, to arrange the wires in the groove 121 to save space and prevent the wires from being exposed.

[0081] Alternatively, in the examples shown in Figures 2 to 5 , the portion of the central fixing assembly 110 may be disassembled, such as the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 of the central fixing assembly 110. Optionally, the clamping body 114 of the central fixing assembly 110 of the three fixing assemblies 110 is staggered from between the two outer fixing assemblies 110 (see Figure 6 , for example, staggered along the first direction F1, i.e., staggered downward), and the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 of the central fixing assembly 110 are arranged between the two outer fixing assemblies 110.

[0082] As shown in FIG4 , the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 of the fixing assembly 110 located in the middle can optionally have a larger size in the first direction F1, that is, be longer. Thus, even when the clamping body 114 is staggered from the two outer fixing assemblies 110, they can still extend between the two fixing assemblies 110 and be flush with the clamping portions of the two outer fixing assemblies 110. In this way, the space between the two outer fixing assemblies 110 can be released by simply removing the first clamping portion 112 and the second clamping portion 113 of the fixing assembly 110 from the clamping body 114 of the fixing assembly 110, thereby moving the two fixing assemblies 110 closer to the center. Therefore, the workload of disassembly and subsequent installation is effectively saved.

[0083] In addition, optionally, the relative position relationship between the three fixing components 110 may not be adjusted, but the force-applying mechanism 200 may be used to drive the fixing mechanism 100 to move along the second direction F2, and two fixing components 110 among the three fixing components 110 (i.e., the leftmost fixing component 110 and the middle fixing component 110) may be adjusted to above the two second supporting parts 320, and these two fixing components may be used to clamp the sample containers 400 in the two second supporting parts 320.

[0084] Optionally, the fixing mechanism 100 may further include a drive assembly (not shown), which may be connected to the at least one fixing assembly 110 and capable of driving the at least one fixing assembly 110 away from the plurality of supporting portions along the first direction F1, so that the sample container 400 carried in the supporting portion is detached from the supporting portion. Thus, after the sample container 400 carried in the supporting portion is detached from the supporting portion, the corresponding fixing assembly 110 may be used to secure the sample container 400, and then a shaking operation may be performed to prevent interference between the sample container 400 and the supporting portion.

[0085] Optionally, the drive assembly may include a drive module connected to the at least one fixed assembly 110 in a one-to-one correspondence. The drive module may be connected to the clamping body 114 of the corresponding fixed assembly 110. For example, the drive module may include components such as a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, and a linear motor 230. In addition, optionally, the groove 121 structure described above may not be provided for the outer movable fixed assembly 110. Instead, the drive module may be a two-axis module (e.g., a module formed by two linear motors 230) to directly drive the clamping body 114 to rise away from the corresponding bearing portion and move laterally along the second direction F2.

[0086] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an automated shaking system is provided. The automated shaking system includes the shaking device as described above and a manipulator (not shown in the figure). The manipulator grasps the sample container 400 to separate the sample container 400 from the supporting portion, and then the sample container 400 is fixed using the corresponding fixing assembly 110. In addition, the manipulator is also configured to install the cover member on the container body 410, for example, by screwing it on the container body 410.

[0087] The shaking device provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes a manipulator to automatically open and close the lid, and can also automatically weigh and shake the sample, thereby forming an integrated device that automatically opens and closes the lid, automatically weighs, and automatically shakes the sample, achieving multifunctional integration. Optionally, the manipulator can be part of an automatic robot that transfers three sample containers 400 (e.g., sample bottles) filled with solids to the weighing mechanism 300 for initial weighing, configured for tare.

[0088] On this basis, the dosing head begins to add material to each sample container 400. After each sample bottle is filled, it is weighed. The sensor assembly can communicate with a control mechanism (e.g., a control mechanism including a single-chip microcomputer), which uploads data. After the three sample bottles are filled, the comparison data is output. If there are no alarms, the operation continues.

[0089] The sample bottle is clamped by the corresponding fixed component 110, and then the manipulator performs the cover closing operation, tightens the bottle cap (i.e., the cover member) in sequence, and then the fixed component 110 releases the sample bottle in sequence, and then the manipulator clamps and lifts the sample bottle in sequence, and then the corresponding fixed component 110 clamps the sample bottle so that the sample bottle is separated from the load-bearing part to avoid interference between the subsequent shaking process and the load-bearing part. The force-applying mechanism 200 adjusts the running speed of the motor 230 according to the required shaking force to achieve shaking. After shaking, the force-applying mechanism 200 is stopped, and the manipulator clamps the sample bottle, and then releases the clamping of the corresponding fixed component 110, and then the manipulator places the sample bottle on the corresponding load-bearing part. The fixed component 110 then clamps the sample bottle, and the manipulator performs the automatic cover opening operation. After the bottle cap is placed, the fixed component 110 releases the sample bottle, and the manipulator clamps the sample bottle and sends it to the next operation link. The automated shaking system has the characteristics of high automation, high production efficiency and strong integration.

[0090] The automated shaking system provided in the embodiment of the present application can meet the requirements of automatic lid opening and closing, automatic weighing, and automatic shaking, integrating the three functions, and achieving a high functional realization rate per unit area. In addition, the control mechanism can also be configured to perform peeling, single-time addition weighing record, and data upload to the database function, and can be configured to automatically compare the feeding data with the feeding head, automatically alarm for deviation data exceeding the threshold, and ensure the accuracy of weighing through verification and feedback. This complete data record is conducive to the analysis of experimental results. In addition, the horizontal shaking operation simulates the manual oscillation method, reducing the risk of sample spillage and loss.

[0091] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application and do not limit the scope of protection of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings under the innovative concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the scope of protection of the present application. Industrial Applicability

[0092] The present invention provides a shaking device and automated shaking system that reduce the risk of sample leakage from a sample container due to direct impact of the sample on the opening of the sample container. Furthermore, the shaking device reduces the likelihood of sample adhering to the inner wall of the sample container, thereby reducing sample residue at the opening.

Claims

1. A shaking device, characterized in that: include: a fixing mechanism, the fixing mechanism comprising at least one fixing assembly, the fixing assembly comprising a fixing portion configured to fix a sample container, the sample container having an opening open toward a first direction; A force-applying mechanism is connected to the fixing mechanism, and applies force to the fixing mechanism so that the fixing mechanism reciprocates in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The shaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing assembly includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are configured to be able to approach each other to clamp the sample container and to be able to move away from each other to release the sample container.

3. The shaking device according to claim 2, characterized in that The portion of the first clamping portion that is disposed to abut against the sample container has the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container, and the portion of the second clamping portion that is disposed to abut against the sample container has the same shape as the outer portion of the sample container.

4. The shaking device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The portion of the first clamping portion configured to abut against the sample container is a flexible portion; and / or the portion of the second clamping portion configured to abut against the sample container is a flexible portion.

5. The shaking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The fixing mechanism further comprises a mounting member, and the at least one fixing component is disposed on the mounting member.

6. The shaking device according to claim 5, characterized in that The mounting component includes a vertical plate structure and at least one extension plate structure, the extension plate structure is connected to the vertical plate structure, and the fixing assembly is arranged on the extension plate structure.

7. The shaking device according to claim 6, characterized in that The extension plate structure is detachably connected to the vertical plate structure.

8. The shaking device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The force applying mechanism comprises: a rotating member that rotates about an axis, wherein the axis extends along a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; The connecting member includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is rotatably connected to the mounting member, and the second end is rotatably connected to the rotating member.

9. The shaking device according to claim 8, characterized in that The force applying mechanism further comprises: A first guide member and a second guide member, the first guide member is connected to the mounting member, one of the first guide member and the second guide member extends along a second direction, and the first guide member and the second guide member cooperate with each other so that the first guide member moves along the second guide member.

10. The shaking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The at least one fixing component includes at least one group of three fixing components arranged sequentially in the second direction, and at least a portion of the fixing component located in the middle of the three fixing components can be removed from between the two fixing components located on the outside, so that the two fixing components located on the outside of the three fixing components can approach and move away from each other.

11. The shaking device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The shaking device also includes a weighing mechanism, which includes at least one carrying part, and the carrying part is configured to carry the sample container. The weighing mechanism is configured to weigh the weight of the sample container carried on each of the carrying parts, and the at least one carrying part is located on one side of the fixing component in the first direction.

12. The shaking device according to claim 11, characterized in that The at least one bearing portion includes a first bearing portion corresponding one-to-one to the fixing portions included in the three fixing components, and a second bearing portion corresponding one-to-one to the fixing portions included in the two fixing components located on the outside after being close to each other.

13. The shaking device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first carrying portion and the second carrying portion are alternately arranged in the second direction; the first carrying portion and the second carrying portion are configured to have different shapes and / or sizes, so as to be respectively configured to carry different sample containers.

14. The shaking device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The fixing mechanism also includes a mounting member, and the at least one fixing component is arranged on the mounting member. The mounting member has a groove extending along the second direction and is arranged corresponding to at least one of the two fixing components located on the outer sides of the three fixing components, so that the at least one moves along the groove.

15. The shaking device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that: The fixing assembly includes a clamping body and a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are both detachably connected to the clamping body, and the clamping body drives the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion to move closer to each other to clamp the sample container, and to move away from each other to release the sample container; The clamping body of the fixing assembly located in the middle of the three fixing assemblies is staggered from between the two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion of the fixing assembly located in the middle are arranged between the two fixing assemblies located on the outer sides.

16. The shaking device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The shaking device further includes a weighing mechanism, wherein the weighing mechanism includes a plurality of carrying parts, and the carrying parts are configured to carry the sample container; Wherein, the fixing mechanism also includes a driving component, which is connected to the at least one fixing component and can drive the at least one fixing component away from the multiple carrying parts along a first direction so that the sample container carried in the carrying part is detached from the carrying part.

17. An automated shaking system, characterized in that: It comprises a manipulator and a shaking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the shaking device comprises a weighing mechanism, the weighing mechanism comprises at least one carrying portion, and the carrying portion is configured to carry the sample container; the manipulator is configured to grab the sample container so that the sample container is detached from the carrying portion.

18. The automated shaking system according to claim 17, wherein: The sample container includes a container body having the opening and a cover member closing the opening. The robot is further configured to attach the cover member to the container body.

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