CN112415212A

CN112415212A - Connecting device, sample rack operating equipment and automatic detection system

Info

Publication number: CN112415212A
Application number: CN201910773350.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 左立党; 杨丹明
Original assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
Current assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
Priority date: 2019-08-21
Filing date: 2019-08-21
Publication date: 2021-02-26

Abstract

The present application relates to a docking device for a sample rack manipulation apparatus. The docking device is adapted to transport sample racks containing sample containers between a loading/unloading zone, a sampling zone and a buffer zone of the sample rack manipulation apparatus. The docking device is provided with an identification code reading device which is suitable for reading the identification code of the sample rack and the identification code of the sample container on the sample rack when the sample rack is loaded on the docking device from the loading/unloading zone. The application also relates to a sample rack manipulation apparatus comprising the above mentioned docking device and an automated detection system comprising the sample rack manipulation apparatus.

Description

Connecting device, sample rack operating equipment and automatic detection system

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of medical technology, and more particularly, to a docking device, a sample rack manipulation apparatus including the docking device, and an automated inspection system including the sample rack manipulation apparatus.

Background

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not necessarily constitute prior art.

Automated detection systems (which may also be referred to as analytical detectors) are commonly used to analyze the contents of sample containers for a variety of purposes. An analytical test meter generally includes a sample rack manipulation section, a sampling section, and a test section. The sample rack manipulation part is used for conveying the sample containers to the sampling part, and the sampling part transfers the samples in the sample containers to the detection part to detect the samples.

The sample rack is used to receive, support, align, hold, and/or carry one or more sample containers to ensure that the sample containers are positioned and/or transported within the analytical test meter. The sample rack manipulation apparatus (sample rack manipulation section) is configured for loading, transporting and/or unloading one or more sample racks. In order to distinguish the individual sample containers from the sample rack, identification codes are applied to the sample rack and the individual sample containers.

A sample rack manipulation apparatus is known which comprises two code readers fixed to a rack. One for reading the identification code of the sample rack and the other for reading the identification code on the sample container. Therefore, the cost of the sample rack manipulation apparatus is high. Further, the sample rack needs to be transported to the code reader each time to read the identification code of the sample rack, and thus, the time and space required to transport the sample rack are increased.

Another known sample rack manipulation device comprises a code reader and a rotatable mirror. After the code reader reads the identification code of the sample rack, the mirror needs to be rotated to a specific position to read the identification code on the sample container. Likewise, after the identification code on the sample container has been read, the mirror also needs to be rotated back so that it can read the identification code of the next sample rack. Thus, the sample rack manipulation apparatus adds a component to drive the rotation of the mirror during operation, thereby increasing cost.

To this end, it is desirable in the art to provide a sample rack manipulation apparatus that can save on footprint and run time and/or can reduce costs.

Disclosure of Invention

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to one aspect of the invention, a docking device for a sample rack manipulation apparatus is provided. The docking device is adapted to transport sample racks containing sample containers between a loading/unloading zone, a sampling zone and a buffer zone of the sample rack manipulation apparatus. The docking device is provided with an identification code reading device which is suitable for reading the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container on the sample rack when the sample rack is loaded on the docking device from the loading/unloading zone.

The docking device according to the present disclosure is integrated with an identification code reading device. In this way, as the sample rack is loaded onto the docking device from the loading/unloading zone, the identification code reading device can read the identification code of the sample rack and the identification code of the sample container on the sample rack in turn. Therefore, the transport time and space for transporting the sample rack to the code reader fixed to the rack of the automatic inspection system to read the sample rack can be saved.

In some embodiments, the identification code reading device is an optical reading device. The optical reading device enables the design of the docking device to be more flexible and lower in cost.

In some embodiments, the optical reading device comprises at least one code reader configured to read the identification code of a sample rack and/or the identification code of a sample container by means of reflection of the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container by the mirror, and at least one mirror. In the docking device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to read both the identification code of the sample rack and the identification code of the sample container by one code reader. Therefore, the docking device according to the present disclosure may significantly reduce costs.

In some embodiments, the mirror is fixedly mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device. In the docking device according to the present disclosure, the mirror does not need to be rotated when reading the identification code of the sample rack and the identification code of the sample container. Therefore, the docking apparatus according to the present disclosure does not need to include a component for driving the mirror to rotate, whereby the structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the mirror is adjustably mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device via a mirror support. In some embodiments, the code reader is adjustably mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device via a code reader support. The mirror and/or code reader may be adjustably mounted and may be adapted to read identification codes on different sample racks or different sample containers.

In some embodiments, the mirror is located at one end of the docking device. In some embodiments, the one end of the docking device is adjacent to the loading/unloading zone. This is advantageous in that the identification code reading device can start reading the identification code of the sample rack just when the sample rack is loaded onto the docking device, and just finish reading the identification code of the last sample container when the sample rack is loaded in place on the docking device. In this way, the entire process of reading the identification code by the identification code reading device is optimized.

In some embodiments, the docking device comprises a sample rack loading section for carrying a sample rack and a code reading section for carrying the identification code reading device, the code reading section and the sample rack loading section being arranged horizontally adjacent to each other.

In some embodiments, the sample rack loading portion has a longitudinal direction substantially coinciding with a longitudinal direction of a sample rack loaded thereon, wherein the plurality of sample containers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the sample rack. The optical reading device comprises a first optical path from the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container to the mirror and a second optical path from the mirror to the code reader, wherein the second optical path is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sample rack loading section. In this way, the structure of the docking device can be made more compact.

In some embodiments, the docking device comprises two code reading portions located on opposite sides of the sample rack loading portion, and the identification code reading device is mounted on each of the two code reading portions. In this way, the reading accuracy can be judged and improved by comparing the reading results of the two identification code reading devices. Alternatively, one identification code reading device may be used as a backup device, for example, the identification code reading device may be activated when another identification code reading device fails.

In some embodiments, the identification code reading device is adapted to sequentially read the identification code of a sample rack and the identification code of a sample container on the sample rack when the sample rack is loaded in a stepwise manner or a continuous manner.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sample rack manipulation apparatus comprising the above mentioned docking device.

In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulation device comprises a sample rack for holding sample containers, the sample rack having a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of sample containers, the plurality of receptacles being arranged at equal intervals in a longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, each of the receptacles has a notch for exposing an identification code of a sample container, and the notch faces the identification code reading device.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an automated inspection system comprising the above-described sample rack manipulation apparatus.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an automatic detection system;

fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a docking device in which a code reader on the docking device is reading an identification code on a first sample container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the docking device of fig. 2;

fig. 4 is another perspective view of the docking device of fig. 2;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a code reader on the docking device of fig. 2 reading an identification code on a sample rack;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a code reader on the docking device of fig. 2 reading an identification code on a second sample container;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of a code reader on the docking device of fig. 2 reading the identification code on the last sample container;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a code reader support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a mirror support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

Overview of automated inspection System

The main structure and the working principle of the automatic detection system 1 are described below with reference to fig. l. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an automatic detection system 1. For the sake of clarity, some parts of the automatic detection system 1, in particular the cover, the support structure, the control means, etc., are omitted from fig. 1. The automated detection system 1 is configured for automatically performing detection analysis, such as clinical chemistry, immunology or genetics, of a plurality of samples. As shown in the drawing, the automatic inspection system 1 mainly includes a sample rack manipulation apparatus 10, a sampler 11, a reaction stage 12, a reagent dispenser 13, a reagent storage 14, an optical analysis device 15, a stirring device 16, and a cleaning device 17.

When a test analysis of a sample (e.g., a biological fluid) is required, as shown in fig. 1, a container (test tube) 20 containing the sample is placed on a sample rack 30, and then the sample rack 30 is loaded into a loading/unloading area TA of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10. The sample racks 30 are transported from the loading/unloading zone TA to the sampling zone TD or via a buffer zone TC to the sampling zone TD by means of a docking device 100 moving in the transfer zone TB. The sample in the container 20 is collected into the reaction stage 12 by the sampler 11. The reaction table 12 rotates to transport the sample to the reagent dispenser 13, and the reagent dispenser 13 dispenses the corresponding reagent stored in the reagent storage 14 into the sample. The stirring device 16 stirs the mixture of the sample and the reagent to be uniformly mixed for reaction. The reaction table 12 is rotated to the detection position, whereby the reaction product is detected and analyzed by means of the optical analysis device 15 to obtain a detection analysis result. After all the samples on the sample rack 30 are tested and analyzed, the reaction platform 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 17 for the next test and analysis. After the sample testing analysis is completed, the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 transports the tested sample rack 30 to the loading/unloading area TA or finally to the loading/unloading area TA via the buffer area TC, and then the operator may take out the tested sample rack 30 from the loading/unloading area TA.

As is apparent from the above description, the specimen rack manipulation apparatus 10 constitutes a specimen rack manipulation unit of the automatic inspection system 1, and the components 11 to 17 shown in fig. 1 constitute a specimen inspection unit of the automatic inspection system 1. It should be understood, however, that the automatic detection system 1 shown in fig. 1 is for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting to the present invention.

Sample rack

Referring to fig. 1-4, a sample rack 30 is used to receive, support, align, and hold one or more sample containers 20 containing samples, the sample containers 20 being arranged in a column on the sample rack 30. The number of sample containers 20 that can be carried on one sample rack 30 is typically 6 to 10, and 7 are shown in the figure, i.e., sample containers 201 to 207. In the illustrated example, the sample rack 30 is elongated, and the sample containers 201 to 207 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the sample rack 30. The number of the sample containers can be comprehensively considered according to the size of the equipment, the sample waiting time of the next sample rack and other factors. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this number. However, the number of sample containers 20 actually filled in the sample rack 30 may be determined according to actual circumstances.

The sample rack 30 may be a sample rack that is common to commonly used sample containers, such as cylindrical test tubes or cups, and the universal sample rack 30 is commercially available from Beckman Coulter, Inc.

As described above, the sample rack 30 carrying the sample containers 20 passes through the respective areas TA, TB, TC, and TD of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 to perform various operations. To distinguish the samples in the respective sample containers 20 from the sample racks 30, each sample rack 30 and each sample container 20 on the sample rack 30 carries a respective unique Identification code, such as a bar code or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, not shown) tag. The identification code on the sample rack 30 may contain sample rack identification information relating only to that sample rack, and the identification code on the sample container 20 may contain sample identification information relating only to the sample in that sample container.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the specimen rack 30 includes a grip portion 32 to be gripped by an operator, a front end portion 34 opposite to the grip portion 32, and a main body portion 31 between the grip portion 32 and the front end portion 34. The handle portion 32 is proximate to a door (not shown) of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10, while the front end portion 34 is proximate to the transport zone TB of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10. The identification code of the sample rack 30 may be applied to the front end portion 34, for example, the front end face 34a of the front end portion 34.

The main body portion 31 is provided with 7 accommodating portions 33 along the longitudinal direction of the sample rack 30 to accommodate the sample containers 201 to 207, respectively (see fig. 4). The receptacle 33 is shaped to have a notch 332 with the receptacle 33 of the sample container 20 extending along the height of the sample rack 30 to expose an identification code (not shown) on the sample container 20, thereby enabling the identification code reading device to easily read the identification code on the sample container 20.

As shown in fig. 2, when the docking device 100 loads the sample rack 30 from the loading/unloading zone TA, the sample rack 30 is loaded onto the rail 130 of the docking device 100 in the direction D indicated by the arrow in the figure.

The identification code reading device according to the present disclosure is integrated on the docking device 100 for transporting the sample rack. When the sample rack 30 is loaded onto the docking device 100 in the direction D, the identification code reading device sequentially reads the sample rack identification code on the front end face of the sample rack 30 and the respective sample identification codes of the sample containers 201 to 207.

Connecting device

As shown in fig. 1, the docking apparatus 100 includes a sample rack loading section 100a and a code reading section (fixing structure) 100 b. The specimen rack loading portion 100a has a rail 130 for carrying the specimen rack 30 (see fig. 2). The code reading portion 100b is provided side by side with the loading portion 100a, i.e., arranged horizontally adjacent to each other. When the sample rack 30 is loaded on the docking device 100, the code reading portion 100b is located on one side of the sample rack 30 (see fig. 7). It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise examples illustrated. For example, the docking device may include two code reading portions located on opposite sides of the sample rack loading portion, and each of the two code reading portions may have an identification code reading device mounted thereon. Thus, the two code reading parts can verify the identification accuracy by comparing the identification results, or can be designed as a fault redundancy.

In the illustrated example, the identification code reading means of the docking device 100 comprises a code reader 110 and a mirror 120. The code reader 110 scans and reads the identification codes (e.g., bar codes) of the sample racks and sample containers by reflection of the identification codes by the mirror 120. The reflection of the identification code by the mirror 120 is indicated by reference numeral 122. The identification code reading device in the illustrated example is an optical reading device. However, it should be understood that the identification code reading means may be any other means known to the person skilled in the art capable of reading the identification code of the sample rack and/or the sample container, for example, means for reading the identification code by electrical signal feedback.

The mirror 120 is located near one end of the docking device 100 where the sample rack 30 is first loaded, which facilitates scanning and reading of the identification codes of the sample racks 30 and the identification codes of the sample containers 201 to 207 one by one throughout the loading of the sample racks 30.

The recess 332 of the receptacle 33 of the sample rack 30 is located on the side facing the mirror. In this way, the mirror 120 is facilitated to reflect the identification code on the sample container 20 to the code reader 110 via the notch. The optical reading device comprises a first optical path from the identification code of the sample rack and/or sample container to the mirror and a second optical path from the mirror to the code reader. The second optical path is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sample holder loading portion. The longitudinal direction of the sample rack loading portion substantially coincides with the longitudinal direction of the sample rack loaded thereon, along which the plurality of sample containers are arranged.

Fig. 5 shows a state of the docking device 100 in which the identification code of the sample rack 30 is being read. As shown in fig. 5, when the sample rack 30 is loaded onto the docking device 100, the identification code located on the front end portion 34 of the sample rack 30 first enters the reading position of the identification code reading device. At this time, the code reader 110 first reads the identification code of the sample rack 30 by reflection of the mirror 120.

As the sample rack 30 continues to be loaded onto the docking device 100, as shown in fig. 2-4, the first sample container 201 reaches the reading position of the code reader 110. At this time, the code reader 110 reads the identification code of the first sample container 201 by reflection from the mirror 120.

Figure 6 shows the code reader 110 reading the identification code on the second sample container 202. In the example of fig. 6, the second sample container 202 is in a reflecting position from the mirror 120, i.e. reaching the reading position of the code reader 110.

Figure 7 shows the code reader 110 reading the identification code on the last sample container 207. In the example of fig. 7, the last sample container 207 is in the reflecting position of the mirror 120, i.e. reaches the reading position of the code reader 110.

The docking device 100 according to the present disclosure may load the sample racks in a stepwise manner in order to read the identification codes of the sample racks and sample containers. However, it should be understood that the docking device 100 may also continuously load the sample racks depending on the scanning or code reading frequency of the code reader 110, the size (e.g., width) of the identification code, and the loading speed of the sample racks.

Figure 8 shows a code reader support 130 for mounting and supporting the code reader 110. The code reader 110 is fixedly mounted on the code reader support 130, and the code reader support 130 is fixedly mounted on the code reading portion 100b of the docking device 100. As shown in fig. 8, the code reader support 130 is provided with mounting holes 132, and the code reader support 130 is fixedly connected to the code reading portion 100b by inserting fasteners (not shown) into the mounting holes 132. Similarly, the code reader support 130 is provided with mounting holes 134, and the code reader 110 is fixedly coupled to the code reader support 130 by inserting fasteners (not shown) into the mounting holes 134. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the attachment of mounting holes and fasteners illustrated, but may take the form of any suitable attachment known in the art.

Advantageously, the mounting position of the code reader support 130 relative to the code reading portion 100b can be adjusted in at least one direction. As shown in fig. 8, the mounting hole 132 may be an elongated hole to adjust the position of the code reader support 130 relative to the code reader 100 b. It will be appreciated that the code reader support 130 may be adjustably mounted to the code reading portion 100b in any suitable manner known in the art.

Furthermore, the mounting position of the code reader 110 relative to the code reader support 130 can be adjusted in at least one direction. As shown in fig. 8, the mounting hole 134 may be an elongated hole to adjust the position of the code reader 110 relative to the code reader support 130. It should be appreciated that the code reader 110 may be adjustably mounted to the code reader support 130 in any suitable manner known in the art.

Fig. 9 shows a mirror support 140 for mounting and supporting the mirror 120. The mirror 120 is fixedly mounted on the mirror support 140, and the mirror support 140 is fixedly mounted on the code reading portion 100b of the docking device 100. As shown in fig. 9, the mirror support 140 is provided with mounting holes 142, and the mirror support 140 is fixedly attached to the code reading portion 100b by inserting fasteners (not shown) into the mounting holes 142. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the attachment of mounting holes and fasteners illustrated, but may take the form of any suitable attachment known in the art.

Advantageously, the mounting position of the mirror support 140 relative to the code reading portion 100b can be adjusted in at least one direction. As shown in fig. 9, the mounting hole 142 may be an elongated hole to adjust the position of the mirror support 140 relative to the code reading portion 100 b. It is to be understood that the mirror support 140 may be adjustably mounted to the code reader 100b in any suitable manner known in the art.

Further, the mounting position of the mirror 120 relative to the mirror support 140 may be adjusted in at least one direction in any suitable manner known in the art.

While various embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been specifically described above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and modifications described above but may include other various possible combinations and combinations. Other modifications and variations may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all the components described herein may be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A docking device for a sample rack manipulation apparatus, wherein the docking device is adapted to transport sample racks containing sample containers between a loading/unloading zone, a sampling zone and a buffer zone of the sample rack manipulation apparatus,

the docking device is provided with an identification code reading device which is suitable for reading the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container on the sample rack when the sample rack is loaded on the docking device from the loading/unloading zone.

2. The docking device of claim 1, wherein the identification code reading device is an optical reading device.

3. The docking device according to claim 2, wherein the optical reading device comprises at least one code reader and at least one mirror, the code reader being configured to read the identification code of a sample rack and/or the identification code of a sample container by means of reflection of the mirror against the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container.

4. The docking device of claim 3, wherein the mirror is fixedly mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device.

5. The docking device of claim 3, wherein the mirror is adjustably mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device via a mirror support.

6. The docking device of claim 3, wherein the code reader is adjustably mounted on a fixed structure of the docking device via a code reader support.

7. The docking device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mirror is located at one end of the docking device.

8. The docking device of claim 7, wherein said one end of said docking device is adjacent to said loading/unloading zone.

9. The docking device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the docking device comprises a sample rack loading section for carrying a sample rack and a code reading section for carrying the identification code reading device, the code reading section and the sample rack loading section being arranged in horizontally abutting relationship with each other.

10. The docking device of claim 9, wherein the sample rack loading portion has a longitudinal direction substantially coinciding with a longitudinal direction of a sample rack loaded thereon, wherein a plurality of sample containers are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the sample rack,

the optical reading device comprises a first optical path from the identification code of the sample rack and/or the identification code of the sample container to the mirror and a second optical path from the mirror to the code reader, wherein the second optical path is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sample rack loading section.

11. The docking device of claim 9, wherein the docking device comprises two code reading portions on opposite sides of the sample rack loading portion, each of the two code reading portions having the identification code reading device mounted thereon.

12. The docking device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the identification code reading device is adapted to sequentially read the identification code of a sample rack and the identification code of a sample container on the sample rack as the sample rack is loaded in a stepwise or continuous manner.

13. A sample rack manipulation apparatus comprising a docking device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sample rack manipulation device comprises a sample rack for holding sample containers, the sample rack having a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of sample containers, the plurality of receptacles being arranged at equal intervals in a longitudinal direction.

15. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the receptacles has a notch for exposing an identification code of a sample container, and the notch faces the identification code reading device.

16. An automated detection system comprising a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15.