Sample rack transport apparatus, sample analysis device, and sample analysis system

A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack to a sample analyser, comprising: a bidirectional transmission track for bidirectionally transmitting a sample rack without passing through the sample analyser; a feed channel in parallel with the bidirectional transmission track, wherein the sample rack may be delivered from the bidirectional transmission track to the feed channel and to the sample analyser; an unloading cache region located between the bidirectional transmission track and the feed channel, the unloading cache region being used for storing the sample tack; and an unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading cache region for storage, or delivering the sample rack stored in the unloading cache region to the bidirectional transmission track. Also provided are a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system using the sample rack transport apparatus.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to medical diagnostic devices, and in particular to a sample rack transport apparatus, a sample analysis device and a sample analysis system.

BACKGROUND

In the field of medical diagnosis, a sample analysis device may be used for detecting properties of various samples, including human blood. The samples are generally loaded on a sample rack and transported via using a flow line to implement flow detection. To improve the transport efficiency of a sample rack and avoid a traffic jam, conventional sample analysis devices may use a plurality of tracks, which may include a forward transfer track, a backward transfer track, and possibly an avoidance track. However, this results in a relatively high equipment cost, as well as an increase in the depth of a flow line, occupying greater space and further increasing costs.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a sample rack transport apparatus, a sample analysis device using the sample rack transport apparatus, and a sample analysis system, which solve the aforementioned problems resulting in a reduction in costs.

A sample rack transport apparatus may be used for transporting a sample rack to a sample analyzer and includes: a bidirectional transfer track for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack without passing through the sample analyzer; a feed channel, in parallel with the bidirectional transfer track, where the sample rack may be capable of being delivered from the bidirectional transfer track to the feed channel and delivered to the sample analyzer; an unloading buffer region located between the bidirectional transfer track and the feed channel, where the unloading buffer region may be used for storing the sample rack; and an unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading buffer region for storage or delivering the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer region to the bidirectional transfer track.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes: a loading buffer region located between the bidirectional transfer track and the feed channel, where the loading buffer region may be used for storing the sample rack; and a loading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the bidirectional transfer track to the loading buffer region for storing the sample rack or delivering the sample rack stored in the loading buffer region to the feed channel. The loading mechanism may be a push rod.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a loading sensor disposed beside the loading buffer region, which may be used for detecting whether the sample rack may be stored in the loading buffer region.

In one embodiment, the unloading mechanism may be disposed below the unloading buffer region, the unloading buffer region includes a panel for supporting the sample rack, an elongated hole may be provided on the panel, and the unloading mechanism includes: a support; a horizontal pushing assembly disposed on the support; a push-claw mounting base linked to the horizontal pushing assembly, where the horizontal pushing assembly can drive the push-claw mounting base to move horizontally; an elevation assembly disposed on the push-claw mounting base; and a push claw disposed on the elevation assembly, where the elevation assembly can drive the push claw to move vertically through the elongated hole; wherein the elevation assembly drives the push claw to rise to enable the push claw to pass through the elongated hole and fit with the bottom of the sample rack, and the horizontal pushing assembly can drive the push-claw mounting base to move horizontally, so as to enable the push claw to drive the sample rack to slide on the panel. The elevation assembly may be embodied as an elevation cylinder.

In one embodiment, the horizontal pushing assembly includes: a horizontal guide rail disposed on the support, where the push-claw mounting base may be slidably disposed on the horizontal guide rail; an electric motor disposed on the support; and a belt linked to the electric motor, where the push-claw mounting base may be connected to the belt, and the electric motor uses the belt to drive the push-claw mounting base to slide on the horizontal guide rail.

In one embodiment, at least two elongated holes are provided on the panel, and the at least two elongated holes are parallel to each other. The push claw may include a main body portion and at least two hook bodies, and the at least two hook bodies may be disposed on the main body portion at an interval. In one embodiment, the elevation assembly drives the push claw to rise, to enable the at least two hook bodies to respectively pass through the at least two elongated holes and fit with the bottom of the sample rack.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an unloading detection mechanism for detecting whether the sample rack may be delivered from the unloading buffer region to the bidirectional transfer track.

In one embodiment, the unloading detection mechanism includes a contact and a detection optocoupler; and the contact has an arc-shaped hook structure, and the contact may be disposed on a side of the bidirectional transfer track and may be rotatable, to enable an end portion of the contact to enter or exit an region above the bidirectional transfer track. The sample rack may be delivered from the unloading buffer region to the bidirectional transfer track and touches the end portion of the contact, and the contact rotates and triggers the detection optocoupler.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an unloading full-load detection sensor. The unloading full-load detection sensor may be directly opposite the end of the unloading buffer region near the bidirectional transfer track and may be used for detecting whether the unloading buffer region may be fully filled with sample racks.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes an unloading sensor, where the unloading sensor may be disposed beside the unloading buffer region and may be used for detecting whether the sample rack may be stored in the unloading buffer region.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sample rack identification mechanism. The sample rack identification mechanism may be disposed on a side of the bidirectional transfer track, and may be directly opposite the end of the bidirectional transfer track near the unloading buffer region. Alternatively, the sample rack identification mechanism may be disposed on a side of the unloading buffer region, and may be directly opposite the end of the unloading buffer region near the bidirectional transfer track.

In one embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism may be a radio frequency identifier (RFID), a chip recording identity information may be bonded onto the sample rack, and the radio frequency identifier capable of identifying the chip on the sample rack.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a controller, which controls the unloading mechanism to deliver the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading buffer region for storage. The controller determines or acquires status information about whether the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer region may be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track. When the sample rack may be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track, the unloading mechanism delivers the sample rack to the bidirectional transfer track. Alternatively, when the sample rack cannot be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track, the sample rack is stored in the unloading buffer region.

In one embodiment, the controller determines or acquires status information about whether the unloading buffer region may be not full, and when the unloading buffer region may be not full, controls the unloading mechanism to deliver the sample rack in the feed channel to the unloading buffer region for storage.

A sample analysis device may include the foregoing sample rack transport apparatus and a sample analyzer, where the sample analyzer may be located beside a feed channel, and the sample analyzer draws a sample in the sample rack.

In one embodiment, a sample analysis system includes: a first sample analyzer, a second sample analyzer, a first sample rack transport apparatus, a second sample rack transport apparatus, and a controller. The first sample rack transport apparatus and the second sample rack transport apparatus are adjacently configured to transport a sample rack. In one embodiment, the first sample rack transport apparatus includes: a first bidirectional transfer track for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack without passing through the first sample analyzer; a first feed channel, in parallel with the first bidirectional transfer track, where the sample rack is capable of being delivered from the first bidirectional transfer track to the first feed channel and to the first sample analyzer; a first unloading buffer region located between the first bidirectional transfer track and the first feed channel, where the first unloading buffer region may be used for storing the sample rack; and a first unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the first feed channel to the first unloading buffer region for storing the sample rack or delivering the sample rack stored in the first unloading buffer region to the first bidirectional transfer track. In one embodiment, the second sample rack transport apparatus includes: a second bidirectional transfer track for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack without passing through the second sample analyzer; a second feed channel, in parallel with the second bidirectional transfer track, where the sample rack may be delivered from the second bidirectional transfer track to the second feed channel and to the second sample analyzer; a second unloading buffer region located between the second bidirectional transfer track and the second feed channel, where the second unloading buffer region may be used for storing the sample rack; and a second unloading mechanism for delivering the sample rack in the second feed channel to the second unloading buffer region for storage or delivering the sample rack stored in the second unloading buffer region to the second bidirectional transfer track.

In one embodiment, the first sample rack transport apparatus and the second sample rack transport apparatus are adjacently configured to use the first bidirectional transfer track and the second bidirectional transfer track to transport the sample rack. The controller may determine whether the sample rack located at the first sample transport apparatus needs to be transported to the second feed channel, and when the sample rack needs to be transported to the second feed channel, controls the second sample transport apparatus to transport the sample rack to the second feed channel.

In one embodiment, the sample rack transport apparatus includes the bidirectional transfer track that can bidirectionally transfer a sample rack to replace a plurality of sample rack transfer tracks in a conventional device, so that space occupied by the entire sample rack transport apparatus may be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Moreover, the sample rack transport apparatus further includes the unloading buffer region. A sample rack may be stored in the unloading buffer region. When the bidirectional transfer track may be idle, the sample rack stored in the unloading buffer region may be delivered by the unloading mechanism to the bidirectional transfer track for distribution by the bidirectional transfer track. The unloading buffer region may be disposed, so that a plurality of rows of sample racks can stay at the unloading buffer region at the same time without affecting normal movement of sample racks on the bidirectional transfer track and the feed channel, thereby satisfying the distribution requirements of the sample racks and improving the transport and detection efficiency of the sample racks. Therefore, the sample rack transport apparatus in this application can ensure the transport efficiency of sample racks while simplifying the structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is described more comprehensively below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various implementations of the present disclosure are provided. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different ways, and may be not limited to the implementations described herein.

It should be noted that when an element is said to be “fixed” on another element, the element may be directly fixed to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When one element is said to be “connected” to another element, the element may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms “vertical”, “horizontal”, “left”, “right”, and similar expressions used herein are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used herein have meanings same as those generally understood by a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure. The terms are used herein in the specification of the present disclosure only for describing specific implementations but are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The term “and/or” used herein includes one or any and all combinations of a plurality of related items.

Referring toFIG. 1, a sample analysis device10may include a sample rack transport apparatus100and a sample analyzer200. A sample that needs to be detected may be loaded in a sample rack300. The sample rack transport apparatus100may be used for delivering the sample rack300. The sample analyzer200may be used for detecting analyzing the sample in the sample rack300.

Referring toFIG. 2, the sample may be loaded in a test tube, and may be loaded on the sample rack300by using the test tube. The sample rack300may be a test tube rack and has a plurality of test tube positions for loading a plurality of test tubes. The sample may be a blood sample or other body fluid samples such as a sample for blood routine examination, a C-reactive protein (CRP) sample, a smear slide sample, a glycated hemoglobin sample, a urine sample, a cerebrospinal fluid sample, and a pleuroperitoneal fluid sample.

In one embodiment, the sample rack transport apparatus100includes a bidirectional transfer track110, a feed channel120, an unloading buffer region130, and an unloading mechanism140. The bidirectional transfer track110may be used for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack300without passing through the sample analyzer200. The sample analysis device10may further include a front housing150. The bidirectional transfer track110may be fixed on the front housing150.

The feed channel120may be in parallel with the bidirectional transfer track110. The sample rack300may be delivered from the bidirectional transfer track110to the feed channel120and delivered to the sample analyzer200.

A feed mechanism121may be disposed on the feed channel120. The feed mechanism121may be used for pushing the sample rack300by a distance of one or more intervals between adjacent test tube positions each time. In one embodiment, the feed channel120includes a working position directly opposite the sample analyzer200. When the sample rack300may be pushed to the working position, the sample analyzer200inserts a sample needle to draw the sample in the test tube. Alternatively, the test tube may be grasped and sent into the analyzer. In this embodiment, the sample analyzer200may be an instrument for analyzing a blood sample or other body fluid samples, including but be not limited to, a blood analyzer, a CRP analyzer, a smear slide machine, a glycated hemoglobin analyzer, a slide scanner, a flow cytometer, an immunity analysis apparatus, a coagulation measurement apparatus, a biochemical analysis apparatus, and a urine analysis apparatus.

The unloading buffer region130may be located between the bidirectional transfer track110and the feed channel120. The unloading buffer region130may be used for storing the sample rack300. The unloading buffer region130can store a plurality of rows of the sample racks300. The sample rack transport apparatus100may further include an unloading sensor131. The unloading sensor131may be located beside the unloading buffer region130, may be directly opposite the unloading buffer region130, and may be used for detecting whether the sample rack300may be stored in the unloading buffer region130. When it is detected that the unloading buffer region does not have a test tube rack, the unloading mechanism140may be in a stop and standby state.

The unloading mechanism140may be used for delivering the sample rack300in the feed channel120to the unloading buffer region130for storage or delivering the sample rack300stored in the unloading buffer region130to the bidirectional transfer track110. After detection by the sample analyzer200, the sample rack300may be delivered from the feed channel120to the unloading buffer region130for storage. When the bidirectional transfer track110is idle, the sample rack300stored in the unloading buffer region130may be delivered by the unloading mechanism140to the bidirectional transfer track110for distribution by the bidirectional transfer track110. After the sample rack300is delivered to the bidirectional transfer track110, the bidirectional transfer track110may output the sample rack300on two sides or deliver the sample rack300back to the feed channel120for reexamination.

In one embodiment, the sample rack transport apparatus100includes the bidirectional transfer track110that can bidirectionally transfer the sample rack300to replace a plurality of sample rack transfer tracks in a conventional device, so that space occupied by the entire sample rack transport apparatus100may be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Moreover, the sample rack transport apparatus100further includes the unloading buffer region130. A sample rack300may be stored in the unloading buffer region130. When the bidirectional transfer track110is idle, the sample rack300stored in the unloading buffer region130may be delivered by the unloading mechanism140to the bidirectional transfer track110for distribution by the bidirectional transfer track110. The unloading buffer region130may be disposed, so that a plurality of rows of sample racks300can stay at the unloading buffer region at the same time130without affecting normal movement of sample racks300on the bidirectional transfer track110and the feed channel120, thereby satisfying the distribution requirements of the sample racks300and improving the transport and detection efficiency of the sample racks300.

In one embodiment, the sample rack transport apparatus100may further include a loading buffer region160and a loading mechanism170. The loading buffer region160may be located between the bidirectional transfer track110and the feed channel120. The loading buffer region160may be used for storing the sample rack300. The loading buffer region160may store a plurality of rows of sample racks300.

The loading mechanism170may be used for delivering the sample rack300in the bidirectional transfer track110to the loading buffer region160for storage or delivering the sample rack300stored in the loading buffer region160to the feed channel120.

The loading mechanism170may deliver the sample rack300from the bidirectional transfer track110to the loading buffer region160to wait for a vacancy on the feed channel120. When a vacancy appears on the feed channel120, the loading mechanism170then delivers the sample rack300from the loading buffer region160to the feed channel120.

The loading mechanism170may be a push rod. The push rod may be driven by a power mechanism to push the sample rack300, so as to push the sample rack300from the bidirectional transfer track110to the loading buffer region160for storage, or push the sample rack300stored in the loading buffer region160to the feed channel120.

The sample rack transport apparatus100may further include a loading sensor161. The loading sensor161may be located beside a loading buffer region, may be directly opposite the loading buffer region160, and may be used for detecting whether the sample rack300may be stored in the loading buffer region160. When it may be detected the loading buffer region160does not have a sample rack, the loading mechanism170may be in a standby state.

The sample rack transport apparatus100further includes a loading full-load detection sensor (not shown). The loading full-load detection sensor may be located beside the loading buffer region160and may be directly opposite the end of the loading buffer region160near the feed channel120and may be used for detecting whether the loading buffer region160may be fully filled with sample racks300. When the loading buffer region160is fully filled with sample racks300, the loading mechanism170stops delivering a sample rack300in the feed channel120to the loading buffer region160. In other embodiments, it may be known whether the loading buffer region160is full by determining whether a quantity of sample racks300that enter the loading buffer region160exceeds a preset value.

An optocoupler sensor165may be disposed at the end of the bidirectional transfer track110near the loading buffer region160, and may be used for detecting whether the sample rack300may be transferred to a position opposite the loading buffer region160. When the optocoupler sensor163detects that the sample rack300is in position and there may be still a vacancy on the loading buffer region160, the loading mechanism170may deliver the sample rack300to the loading buffer region160for storage.

An optocoupler sensor163may be also disposed at an end of the feed channel120near the loading buffer region160, and may be used for detecting whether the sample rack300may be successfully loaded on the feed channel120.

The unloading buffer region130includes a panel (not shown in the figure) used for supporting the sample rack300. An elongated hole133may be provided on the panel.

Referring again toFIG. 2, a bottom slot310may be provided at the bottom of the sample rack300. A plurality of bottom slots310may be provided and are arranged in a length direction of the sample rack300.

Referring also toFIG. 3, the unloading mechanism140may be disposed below the unloading buffer region130. The unloading mechanism140includes a support141, a horizontal pushing assembly143, a push-claw mounting base145, an elevation assembly147, and a push claw149.

The horizontal pushing assembly143may be disposed on the support141. The push-claw mounting base145may be linked to the horizontal pushing assembly143. The horizontal pushing assembly143may drive the push-claw mounting base145to move horizontally.

The horizontal pushing assembly143includes a horizontal guide rail143a, an electric motor143b, and a belt143c. The horizontal guide rail143amay be disposed on the support141. The push-claw mounting base145may be slidably disposed on the horizontal guide rail143a. The electric motor143bmay be disposed on the support141. The belt143cmay be linked to the electric motor143b. The push-claw mounting base145may be connected to the belt143c. The electric motor143bmay use the belt143cto drive the push-claw mounting base145to slide on the horizontal guide rail143a.

The electric motor143bmay be a step motor143b. Under the control of an external control system, the electric motor143bperforms transmission by using the belt143c, to enable the sample rack300to move by a distance of the width of the sample rack300each time.

The elevation assembly147may be disposed on the push-claw mounting base145. The push claw149may be disposed on the elevation assembly147. The elevation assembly147may drive elevation of the push claw149. The push claw149may be directly opposite the elongated hole133. The elevation assembly147may be an elevation cylinder. The elevation of a piston rod (not shown in the figure) on the elevation cylinder may be used to drive the elevation of the push claw149. The elevation assembly may have another structure, for example, a transfer member driven by an electric motor. Any structure that can implement the elevation of the push claw and does not interfere with unloading may be applicable.

The elevation assembly147drives the push claw149to rise, to enable the push claw149to pass through the elongated hole133and fit with the bottom of the sample rack300. The horizontal pushing assembly143can drive the push-claw mounting base145to move horizontally, so as to enable the push claw149to drive the sample rack300to slide on the panel. When the push claw149drives the sample rack300to a specified place, the elevation assembly147drives the push claw149to drop, to enable the push claw149to be separated from the sample rack300, and the horizontal pushing assembly143drives the push-claw mounting base145to restore the position.

The push claw149may apply a pushing force to a side surface of the sample rack300to push the sample rack300to move. In addition, the push claw149may also be hooked to a slot wall of the bottom slot310of the sample rack300to pull the sample rack300to move.

In one embodiment, two elongated holes133are provided on the panel, and the two elongated holes133are parallel to each other. The push claw149includes a main body portion149aand two hook bodies149b, and the two hook bodies149bare disposed on the main body portion at an interval149a.

The elevation assembly147drives the push claw149to rise, to enable the two hook bodies149bto respectively pass through two elongated holes133and fit with the bottom of the sample rack300.

In operation, the two hook bodies149bmay fit two different positions on the sample rack300and drive the sample rack300to move, so that a force applied by the unloading mechanism140to the sample rack300may become more uniform and the stability of the movement of the sample rack300may be ensured.

The quantity of the hook bodies149bneed not be limited to 2, and there may further be more than two hook bodies149bto drive the sample rack300more stably to move. A person skilled in the art can understand that only one hook body149bor another push-claw structure may be disposed on the main body portion149aof the push claw, and the position of the elongated hole133may be correspondingly adjusted. For example, there may be only one elongated hole, provided that the test tube rack300may be pushed in the unloading buffer region130. The test tube racks may be pushed one by one, or a plurality of test tube racks may be pushed together.

The sample rack transport apparatus100further includes an unloading full-load detection sensor135. The unloading full-load detection sensor135may be located beside the unloading buffer region130and may be directly opposite the end of the unloading buffer region130near the bidirectional transfer track110and may be used for detecting whether the unloading buffer region130may be fully filled with sample racks300. When the unloading buffer region130is fully filled with sample racks300, the unloading mechanism140stops delivering a sample rack300in the feed channel120to the unloading buffer region130. In another implementation, it may also be known whether the unloading buffer region130is full by determining whether a quantity of sample racks300that enter the unloading buffer region130exceeds a preset value.

The sample rack transport apparatus100may further include an unloading detection mechanism180for detecting whether the sample rack300may be delivered from the unloading buffer region130to the bidirectional transfer track110.

The unloading detection mechanism180includes a contact181and a detection optocoupler183. The contact181may be an arc-shaped hook structure. The contact181may be disposed on a side of the bidirectional transfer track110and may be rotatable, to enable an end portion of the contact181to enter or exit a region above the bidirectional transfer track110.

The sample rack300may be delivered from the unloading buffer region130to the bidirectional transfer track110and touches the end portion of the contact181. The contact181rotates and triggers the detection optocoupler183. When the contact181triggers the detection optocoupler183, the detection optocoupler183may send a signal indicating that the sample rack300may be in position.

When the bidirectional transfer track110transfers the sample rack300, the contact181rotates to leave the region above the bidirectional transfer track110to prevent normal working of the bidirectional transfer track110from being affected.

It should be noted that when the unloading mechanism140delivers a plurality of rows of sample racks300to the bidirectional transfer track110, because a plurality of rows of sample racks300press each other, pressure may exist between elements such as the sample rack300in the first row and the side wall on the bidirectional transfer track110and further generates a force of friction. As a result, the bidirectional transfer track110may fail to smoothly take away the sample rack300in the first row, and the scheduling of the entire sample rack transport apparatus100may further be affected.

To resolve the foregoing problem, when the unloading detection mechanism180detects that the sample rack300in the first row may be in position on the bidirectional transfer track110, the push claw149drops and returns to the bottom of the sample rack300in the second row. After the push claw149reaches the bottom of the sample rack300, the push claw149rises to be hooked to a slot wall of the bottom slot310of the sample rack300in the second row, and pulls the sample racks300in the second and subsequent rows to movement backward, so as to enable the sample rack300in the first row to be separated from the other sample racks300to eliminate the pressure applied to the sample rack300in the first row.

In addition, a plurality of rows of sample racks300may be stored in the unloading buffer region130. Therefore, during operation, one of the sample racks300may be manually removed. For example, if there are originally five sample racks300for detection, the sample rack300in the third row may be manually removed. The control system may consider the sample rack300that may be originally in the fourth row as the sample rack300in the third row. As a result, during subsequent scheduling, the sample rack300in the fourth row may be scheduled to an incorrect place, further causing problems that sample examination results are missing or reexamination may be not performed. Moreover, to avoid mistakes, once discovering that the quantity of sample racks300in the unloading buffer region130does not match expectation, the control system stops delivering a sample rack300, and the delivery efficiency of the entire sample rack transport apparatus100may be affected.

To resolve the foregoing problem, the sample rack transport apparatus100may further include a sample rack identification mechanism190. The sample rack identification mechanism190may be disposed on a side of the bidirectional transfer track110, and may be directly opposite the end of the bidirectional transfer track110near the unloading buffer region130. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism190may be disposed on a side of the unloading buffer region130, and may be directly opposite the end of the unloading buffer region130near the bidirectional transfer track110.

The sample rack identification mechanism190may identify identity information of the sample rack300to further know which sample rack300may be removed, so as to avoid incorrect delivery of a sample rack300, thereby improving the delivery efficiency of the sample rack transport apparatus100.

In one embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism190may be a radio frequency identifier (RFID). A chip recording identity information (not shown) may be bonded to each sample rack300. The radio frequency identifier can recognize a chip on the sample rack300.

It may be understood that in another embodiment, the sample rack identification mechanism190may alternatively be a barcode scanner. A barcode recording identity information may be bonded onto the sample rack300. The barcode scanner may be used to recognize the barcode on the sample rack300. Alternatively, the sample rack300may further be recognized in another manner, and the identification may be not limited to the foregoing manner.

In the sample analysis device10and the sample rack transport apparatus100of the sample analysis device10, only a single bidirectional transfer track110may be used to replace a plurality of sample rack transfer tracks in a conventional device. Therefore, it may be more challenging to ensure the scheduling efficiency in a structure that has a single bidirectional transfer track110than in a structure that has a plurality of sample rack transfer tracks.

In operation, as shown inFIG. 4, the bidirectional transfer track110may be occupied in the following eight scenarios, which are respectively:

A transport path1of the sample rack300: [Bidirectional passthrough]

Entry from the right side in the figure→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the left side in the figure.

A transport path2of the sample rack300: [Passthrough to the right side in the figure]

Entry from the left side in the figure→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the right side in the figure.

A transport path3of the sample rack300: [Loading and unloading on different sides, entry into examination, and output after examination may be completed]

Entry from the right side in the figure→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the left side in the figure.

A transport path4of the sample rack300: [Loading and unloading on the same side, entry into examination, and output after examination may be completed]

Entry from the right side in the figure→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the right side in the figure.

A transport path5of the sample rack300: [Loading and unloading on different sides, reexamination on a current apparatus]

Entry from the right side in the figure→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the left side in the figure.

A transport path6of the sample rack300: [Loading and unloading on different sides, reexamination on a current apparatus]

Entry from the right side in the figure→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the right side in the figure.

A transport path7of the sample rack300: [Reexamination on a different apparatus]

The loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→the loading mechanism170in another sample analysis device10→the loading buffer region160in the another sample analysis device10→the feed channel120in the another sample analysis device10→the unloading buffer region130in the another sample analysis device10→the bidirectional transfer track110in the another sample analysis device10→output from the left side in the figure.

A transport path8of the sample rack300: [Reexamination on a different apparatus]

The loading mechanism170in another sample analysis device10→the loading buffer region160in another sample analysis device10→the feed channel120in the another sample analysis device10→the unloading buffer region130in the another sample analysis device10→the bidirectional transfer track110in the another sample analysis device10→the loading mechanism170→the loading buffer region160→the feed channel120→the unloading buffer region130→the bidirectional transfer track110→output from the right side in the figure.

Referring toFIG. 5, because a single bidirectional transfer track110bears the transfer task of the foregoing plurality of sample racks300, to ensure delivery efficiency, a time-division multiplexing technique may be used, and priorities are arranged according to a transfer task:

1. No speed reduction: A quantity of sample racks300on the loading buffer region160may be preferentially ensured to satisfy continuous operation of the detection of sample racks300by the sample analyzer200.

2. Reexamination samples: Reexamination samples including a sample for blood routine examination, a CRP sample, a smear slide sample, a glycated hemoglobin sample, and the like may be preferentially scheduled.

3. Full unloading buffer region130: The detection speed may be affected when the unloading buffer region130may be full. A sample rack300in the unloading buffer region130may be preferentially transferred to an external unloading platform (not shown).

4. Sample unloading: A sample rack300to be unloaded may be preferentially transferred from the unloading buffer region130to an external unloading platform.

During scheduling, by using path calculation, scheduling may be performed according to the foregoing priorities and the load of an entire sample analysis device10. In the foregoing scheduling method, when a path may be occupied, a sample rack300that needs to be scheduled temporarily stops in the unloading buffer region to wait for resources. Region segmentation may be used for path calculation to increase the use efficiency of the bidirectional transfer track110.

The sample rack transport apparatus in this application100further includes a controller400. The controller400may communicate with and be connected to other members of the sample rack transport apparatus100to control the movement of members such as the bidirectional transfer track110, the feed mechanism121, the unloading mechanism140, and the loading mechanism170. The sample in the sample rack300may be drawn and then transferred to an end of the feed channel120. When the information that may be about the unloading full-load detection sensor135and may be acquired by the controller400may be that the unloading buffer region130may be not full, the controller400controls the unloading mechanism140to transport the sample rack300to the unloading buffer region130for storage. The controller400determines or acquires whether the current sample rack300may be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track110. The current sample rack300means a sample rack300that may be closest to the bidirectional transfer track110in the unloading buffer region130.

When the current sample rack300may be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track110, the controller400has already adjusted the movement direction of the bidirectional transfer track100to be a direction in which the current sample rack300may be delivered to a destination of the current sample rack300, and controls the unloading mechanism140to deliver the current sample rack300to the bidirectional transfer track110. The unloading buffer region130may buffer a plurality of sample racks300. The entry of a sample rack300into the unloading buffer region130and the delivery of the sample rack300out from unloading buffer region130are not continuous. A sample rack300generally needs to wait in the unloading buffer region130for the controller400to determine whether the current sample rack300may be delivered to the bidirectional transfer track110.

The unloading mechanism140may be disposed below the panel used for supporting the sample rack300in the unloading buffer region130, and the unloading mechanism140does not interfere with the sample rack300during movement. Therefore, a sample rack300from which a sample has been drawn in the feed channel120may be delivered to the unloading buffer region130provided that an unloading region in this application may be not full. Meanwhile, provided that the bidirectional transfer track110can accommodate a sample rack300in the unloading buffer region130, even if a sample rack300in the feed channel120may be still in a sample drawing state, the unloading mechanism140can deliver a sample rack300to the bidirectional transfer track110in real time, thereby improving the scheduling efficiency.

In addition, the controller400may further determine or acquire status information about whether the unloading buffer region130is not full, and when determining or acquiring that the unloading buffer region130is not full, controls the unloading mechanism140to deliver the sample rack300in the feed channel120to the unloading buffer region130for storage, until the controller400determines or acquires that the unloading buffer region130may be full.

According to another aspect, a sample analysis system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sample analysis system includes a first sample analyzer200, a second sample analyzer200, a first sample rack transport apparatus100, a second sample rack transport apparatus100, and a controller400.

The first sample rack transport apparatus100and the second sample rack transport apparatus100are adjacently configured to transport a sample rack300.

The first sample rack transport apparatus100includes: a first bidirectional transfer track110for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack300without passing through the first sample analyzer200; a first feed channel120, in parallel with the first bidirectional transfer track110, where the sample rack300may be delivered from the first bidirectional transfer track110to the first feed channel120and delivered to the first sample analyzer200; a first unloading buffer region130located between the first bidirectional transfer track110and the first feed channel120, where the first unloading buffer region130may be used for storing the sample rack300; and a first unloading mechanism140for delivering the sample rack300in the first feed channel120to the first unloading buffer region130for storage or delivering the sample rack300stored in the first unloading buffer region130to the first bidirectional transfer track110.

The second sample rack transport apparatus100includes: a second bidirectional transfer track110for bidirectionally transferring the sample rack300without passing through the second sample analyzer200; a second feed channel120, in parallel with the second bidirectional transfer track110, where the sample rack300may be delivered from the second bidirectional transfer track110to the second feed channel120and delivered to the second sample analyzer200; a second unloading buffer region130located between the second bidirectional transfer track110and the second feed channel120, where the second unloading buffer region130may be used for storing the sample rack300; and a second unloading mechanism140used for delivering the sample rack300in the second feed channel120to the second unloading buffer region130for storage or delivering the sample rack300stored in the second unloading buffer region130to the second bidirectional transfer track110.

In one embodiment, the first sample rack transport apparatus100and the second sample rack transport apparatus100are adjacently configured by using the first bidirectional transfer track110and the second bidirectional transfer track to transport the sample rack300.

The controller400may determine whether the sample rack300located at the first sample transport apparatus needs to be transported to the second feed channel120, and when the sample rack300needs to be transported to the second feed channel120, controls the second sample transport apparatus to transport the sample rack300to the second feed channel120.

In the sample analysis system, the foregoing more than two sample rack transport apparatuses100are adjacently configured by using a bidirectional transport track, so that sample racks300may be transported among more than two sample analyzers200, so as to perform flow-line work of a plurality of sample analyzers200and implement the automation of sample analysis and examination.

The sample rack transport apparatus100includes the bidirectional transfer track110that can bidirectionally transfer the sample rack300to replace a plurality of sample rack transfer tracks in a conventional device, so that space occupied by the entire sample rack transport apparatus100may be reduced, thereby reducing costs. Moreover, the sample rack transport apparatus100further includes the unloading buffer region130. A sample rack300may be stored in the unloading buffer region130. When the bidirectional transfer track110may be idle, the sample rack300stored in the unloading buffer region130may be delivered by the unloading mechanism140to the bidirectional transfer track110for distribution by the bidirectional transfer track110. The unloading buffer region130may be disposed, so that a plurality of rows of sample racks300can stay at the unloading buffer region at the same time130without affecting normal movement of sample racks300on the bidirectional transfer track110and the feed channel120, thereby satisfying the distribution requirements of the sample racks300and improving the transport and detection efficiency of the sample racks300. Therefore, the sample rack transport apparatus in this application100can ensure the transport efficiency of sample racks300while simplifying the structure.

The technical features in the foregoing embodiments may be combined in various embodiments. For ease of description, all possible combinations of the technical features in the foregoing embodiments are not described. However, provided that these combinations of the technical features do not conflict with each other, the combinations should be construed as falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The above-mentioned examples merely represent several embodiments of the present disclosure, giving specifics and details thereof, but should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present patent of disclosure thereby. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art could also make some alterations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and these would all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection shall be in accordance with the appended claims.