CN115193730A

CN115193730A - Sample tube sorting method

Info

Publication number: CN115193730A
Application number: CN202210088950.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨辰; 许峰
Original assignee: Kingcon Intelligent Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Kingcon Intelligent Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-06
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2022-10-18
Also published as: CN216679100U; CN216937133U; CN217141254U; CN217141255U; CN216857438U; CN217451041U; CN217451040U; CN115193731A

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method comprises the steps of (a) allowing a sorting part to obtain a sample tube; and (b) allowing the sorting section to selectively transfer the sample tubes to a processing section having a different function to sort the sample tubes based on the properties of the sample tubes.

Description

Sample tube sorting method

Technical Field

The invention relates to sample tube sorting, in particular to a sample tube sorting method.

Background

Sample tubes are containers commonly used by medical institutions for holding samples (such as, but not limited to, blood samples, urine samples, and the like). Depending on the test conditions, the sample sampling site and the test site are different, and different test items may need to be performed at different test sites, for example, for some medical institutions, the sample sampling site and the test site may be distributed in different rooms of the same building, or the sample sampling site and the test site may be distributed in different buildings, so that after the sample is sampled at the sample sampling site and sealed in the sample tube, the sample tube needs to be transferred to the corresponding test site to test the sample. To improve the efficiency of the transfer, the medical institution is usually provided with transport means for transporting the sample tubes, which transport means may be, for example, a pneumatic transport means comprising an emitter part arranged at the sampling site and a conduit part arranged to communicate the emitter part with the detection site, at which the sampling person places the sample tubes containing the samples, the emitter part being capable of emitting the sample tubes to allow the sample tubes to be emitted along the conduit part from the sampling site to the detection site. Because the sample tubes are various in types, and different types of samples are contained in the sample tubes, the samples may need to be sent to different detection sites for detection, or may need to be sent to the same site for detection at different time periods, after the samples are sampled and sealed in the sample tubes at the sampling sites, the sample tubes need to be classified to obtain the attributes of the samples contained in the sample tubes, so that the sample tubes are subsequently processed in a proper manner.

Disclosure of Invention

One objective of the present invention is to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method can sort sample tubes according to attributes of the sample tubes, and select a way to process the sample tubes in a subsequent process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method can send the sample tube to a detection location through a sending unit, so as to subsequently detect the sample in the sample tube at the detection location.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method can convey the sample tube to a detection apparatus through a conveying unit, so as to subsequently detect the sample in the sample tube at the detection apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method can store the sample tubes by a storage unit to transfer a large number of the sample tubes by the storage unit in a subsequent process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for sorting sample tubes, wherein the method for sorting sample tubes can temporarily store the sample tubes by a temporary storage unit, and subsequently, the sample tubes temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit can be further sent by the sending unit, conveyed by the conveying unit, or stored by the storage unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method sorts the sample tubes received by a receiving portion to the sending unit, the conveying unit, the storing unit or the buffer unit through a sorting portion, so as to improve the sorting efficiency of the sample tubes.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a sample tube sorting method, wherein the sample tube sorting method can identify the attribute of the sample tube, so that the sorting part can sort the sample tube to the sending unit, the conveying unit, the storing unit or the temporary storage unit according to the attribute of the sample tube.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample tube sorting method for sorting sample tubes, wherein the sample tube sorting method comprises the steps of:

(a) Allowing a sorting section to obtain a sample tube; and

(b) Allowing the sorting section to selectively transfer the sample tubes to a processing section having a different function to sort the sample tubes based on the properties of the sample tubes.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, before the step (a), the method for sorting sample tubes further comprises the steps of: and acquiring the attribute of the sample tube.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the step (a), the method for sorting sample tubes further comprises the steps of: identifying an attribute of the sample tube.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the method, the attribute of the sample tube is identified by an identification part provided in the sorting part.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the method, the sorting part transfers the sample tube to a detection area formed by an identification part to allow the identification part to identify the property of the sample tube in the detection area.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a transmission unit and a transmission unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the sending unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the sending unit located on the lower side of a processing platform after passing through a sending punch of the processing platform and can be sent by the sending unit;

when the sorting section selects transfer of the sample tubes to the transport unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be transported along the transport unit located on the upper side of the processing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a sending unit and a storing unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the sending unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the sending unit on the lower side of a processing platform after passing through a sending perforation of the processing platform and can be sent by the sending unit;

when the sorting section selects transfer of the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit located on the lower side of the processing platform after passing through a storage perforation of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a manner that the storage unit is removed from the lower side of the processing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a sending unit and a temporary storage unit, wherein:

when the sorting part selects to transfer the sample tubes to the temporary storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit positioned on the upper side of the processing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a transfer unit and a storage unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the transport unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be transported along the transport unit on the upper side of a processing platform;

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a transfer unit and a register unit, wherein:

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections having different processing functions are a storage unit and a register unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit located on the underside of a processing platform after passing through a storage perforation of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a manner that the storage unit is removed from the underside of the processing platform;

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit, a transferring unit and a storing unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the transport unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be transported along the transport unit located on the upper side of the processing platform;

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing sections with different processing functions are a sending unit, a transferring unit and a register unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the transport unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be transported along the transport unit located at an upper side of the processing platform;

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing units with different processing functions are a transfer unit, a storage unit and a register unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit on the underside of the processing platform after passing through a storage aperture of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a way that the storage unit is removed from the underside of the processing platform;

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the processing units with different processing functions are a sending unit, a transferring unit, a storing unit and a temporary storage unit, wherein:

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a sample tube sorting method for sorting sample tubes, wherein the sample tube sorting method comprises the steps of:

(A) Forming a sorting space on the upper side of a processing platform; and

(B) Sorting the sample tubes in the sorting space according to their properties by means of a sorting section, wherein the sorting section allows the sample tubes, after passing through a delivery aperture of the processing platform, to be received by a delivery unit located on the underside of the processing platform and to be delivered by the delivery unit when the sample tubes need to be delivered.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the sample tube needs to be transported, the sorting part transfers the sample tube to a transport unit located at the rear side of the processing platform to allow the transport unit to transport the sample tube.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sorting section allows the sample tube to be received after passing through a storage aperture of the processing platform by a storage unit located on the underside of the processing platform, wherein the storage unit is removable from the front side of the processing platform, when the sample tube needs to be stored.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the sample tubes need to be temporarily stored, the sorting unit transfers the sample tubes to a temporary storage unit located at an upper side of the processing platform, so as to allow the temporary storage unit to temporarily store the sample tubes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step (B) further comprises the steps of:

(b.1) allowing a dispensing opening of a dispenser of the dispensing unit to align with the dispensing aperture of the processing platform to allow the sample tubes passing through the dispensing aperture of the processing platform to enter a dispensing space of the dispenser from the dispensing opening of the dispenser;

(b.2) allowing said dispensing opening of said dispenser to align with a conduit inlet of a transfer conduit;

(b.3) transferring the sample tubes held in the dispensing space of the dispenser to the aligned transport tube via the dispensing opening of the dispenser and the tube inlet of the aligned transport tube; and

(b.4) the gas flow formed in the transport duct drives the sample tubes to be transported along the transport duct from the duct inlet of the transport duct in the direction of a duct outlet of the transport duct.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the number of transport ducts is at least two, thereby allowing the dispensing opening of the dispenser to be aligned with the duct inlet of one of the at least two transport ducts in step (b.2).

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a sample tube sorting apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of another perspective view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of one of the usage states of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a state that a receiving portion of the sample tube sorting apparatus receives a sample tube.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a second usage state of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a state that a sorting part of the sample tube sorting apparatus transfers the sample tube to a transferring unit.

Fig. 3C is a perspective view of the third usage state of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a state that the sorting part of the sample tube sorting apparatus transfers the sample tube to a sending unit.

Fig. 3D is a perspective view of the fourth usage state of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a state that the sorting portion of the sample tube sorting apparatus transfers the sample tube to a buffer unit.

Fig. 3E is a perspective view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the state that the sorting part of the sample tube sorting apparatus is transferred to the sample tube storage unit.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a sending unit of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sending unit of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sample tube sorting apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a sample tube sorting apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The technical scheme of the invention is specifically as follows according to the contents disclosed in the claims and the specification of the invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the present disclosure, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and the like are used in an orientation or positional relationship indicated in the drawings for ease of description and simplicity of description, and do not indicate or imply that the referenced devices or components must be constructed and operated in a particular orientation and thus are not to be considered limiting.

It is understood that the terms "a" and "an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more," i.e., that a quantity of one element may be one in one embodiment, while a quantity of another element may be plural in other embodiments, and the terms "a" and "an" should not be interpreted as limiting the quantity.

Referring to fig. 1A to 5 of the drawings, a sample tube sorting apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed and illustrated in the following description, wherein the sample tube sorting apparatus sorts the sample tubes 100 according to the attributes of the sample tubes 100, so as to process the sample tubes 100 in a suitable manner for subsequent selection.

It is worth mentioning that in the present application, the properties of the sample tube 100 are limited by the specimen contained in the sample tube 100. In other words, the samples contained in the sample tubes 100 are different, and the properties of the sample tubes 100 are also different.

Specifically, referring to fig. 1A to 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a sorting unit 10 and at least two processing units 20, each processing unit 20 processes the sample tube 100 in a different manner, wherein the sorting unit 10 selectively transfers the sample tube 100 to the different processing units 20 according to the property of the sample tube 100 to process the sample tube 100, so as to improve the processing efficiency of the sample tube 100.

More specifically, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, the processing unit 20 may be four types, which are a sending unit 201, a conveying unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a buffer unit 204. After the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the sending unit 201, the sending unit 201 may send the sample tube 100, for example, the sending unit 201 may send the sample tube 100 to a detection location. After the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the transfer unit 202, the transfer unit 202 may transfer the sample tube 100, for example, the transfer unit 202 may transfer the sample tube 100 to a detection device. After the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tubes 100 to the storage unit 203, the storage unit 203 may store the sample tubes 100 for subsequent centralized transfer of the stored sample tubes 100. After the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tubes 100 to the temporary storage unit 204, the temporary storage unit 204 can temporarily store the sample tubes 100, and the temporarily stored sample tubes 100 can be subsequently sent to the detection location via the sending unit 201 or transferred to the detection equipment via the transfer unit 202.

It should be noted that in some other examples of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the processing unit 20 may select at least two of the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204. For example, in a specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the processing unit 20 has two types, which are the sending unit 201 and the transporting unit 202, respectively, or the sending unit 201 and the storing unit 203, respectively, or the sending unit 201 and the temporary storage unit 204, respectively, or the transporting unit 202 and the storing unit 203, respectively, or the transporting unit 202 and the temporary storage unit 204, respectively, or the storing unit 203 and the temporary storage unit 204, respectively. In another specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the processing unit 20 has three types, which are the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, and the storing unit 203, or the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, and the buffer unit 204, or the sending unit 201, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204, or the conveying unit 202, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204, respectively.

Although the processing portions 20 of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention can be combined in different ways, for convenience of describing and understanding the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the present invention will be further disclosed and explained with reference to the embodiments of the sample tube sorting apparatus disclosed in fig. 1A to 5 in the following description.

With continued reference to fig. 1A-5, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a processing platform 30, wherein the processing platform 30 has a first end 31, a second end 32, a platform inner side 33, and a platform outer side 34, the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the processing platform 30 correspond to each other to define a length direction of the processing platform 30, and the platform inner side 33 and the platform outer side 34 correspond to each other to define a width direction of the processing platform 30. The transmitting unit 201 is disposed at a lower portion of the processing platform 30; the transfer unit 202 is disposed at the stage inner side 33 of the processing stage 30, and the transfer unit 202 extends along a length direction of the processing stage 30; the storage unit 203 is detachably disposed at a lower portion of the processing platform 30; the temporary storage unit 204 is disposed at an upper portion of the processing platform 30.

In particular, the sending unit 201 is disposed at a lower portion of the processing platform 30 in a manner that the sending unit 201 is held at the second end 32 of the processing platform 30, such that the sending unit 201 can be hidden by the processing platform 30 to ensure the integrity of the appearance of the sample tube sorting apparatus. Preferably, the processing platform 30 has a sending perforation 35, the sending perforation 35 corresponds to the sending unit 201, such that the sorting unit 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the sending unit 201 via the sending perforation 35 of the processing platform 30 at the upper portion of the processing platform 30 according to the property of the sample tube 100, so as to allow the sending unit 201 to send the sample tube 100 to the inspection site. It should be noted that the type of the sending unit 201 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention as long as it can send the sample tube 100, for example, the sending unit 201 may be a pneumatic sending unit, refer to fig. 4 and 5.

In the embodiment of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, the transport unit 202 extends from the middle of the processing platform 30 to the second end 32 of the processing platform 30 at the platform inner side 33 of the processing platform 30, such that when the inspection device is mounted at the second end 32 of the sample tube sorting apparatus, the transport unit 202 can directly interface the inspection device, allowing the transport unit 202 to transport the sample tube 100 directly to the inspection device. Alternatively, in another specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the conveying unit 202 extends from the first end 31 to the second end 32 of the processing platform 30 at the platform inner side 33 of the processing platform 30. It should be noted that the type of the conveying unit 202 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention as long as it can convey the sample tube 100, and for example, the conveying unit 202 may be a crawler-type conveying unit.

The storage unit 203 is detachably disposed at the lower portion of the processing platform 30 on the platform outer side 34 of the processing platform 30, so that on one hand, the storage unit 203 can be hidden by the processing platform 30 to ensure the appearance integrity of the sample tube sorting apparatus, and on the other hand, an operator can mount the storage unit 203 at the lower portion of the processing platform 30 on the platform outer side 34 of the processing platform 30 or detach the storage unit 203 from the lower portion of the processing platform 30 so as to be operated. Preferably, the processing platform 30 has a storage aperture 36, and the storage aperture 36 corresponds to the storage unit 203, such that the sorting unit 10 can transfer the sample tubes 100 to the storage unit 203 via the storage aperture 36 of the processing platform 30 at the upper portion of the processing platform 30 according to the property of the sample tubes 100, so as to allow the concentrated transfer of a plurality of the sample tubes 100 stored in a subsequent pair. It should be noted that the type of the storage unit 203 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, as long as the storage unit can store the sample tubes 100, and for example, the storage unit 203 may be a drawer type storage unit.

The buffer unit 204 is formed on the upper portion of the processing platform 30, for example, the processing platform 30 is provided with a blind hole or a through hole to form the buffer unit 204, and the sample tube 100 is buffered in such a way that a part of the sample tube 100 is held in the buffer unit 204.

With continued reference to fig. 1A to 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a support 40, the processing platform 30 is disposed on the support 40 to support the processing platform 30 at a proper height position by the support 40, so that the sample tube sorting apparatus can form a mounting space 200 at a lower portion of the processing platform 30 and a sorting space 300 at an upper portion of the processing platform 30, and the sending through hole 35 and the storing through hole 36 of the processing platform 30 are communicated with the mounting space 200 and the sorting space 300. The delivery unit 201 and the storage unit 203 are concealed in the assembly space 200 of the sample tube sorting device, the transport unit 202 and the buffer unit 204 are disposed in the sorting space 300, wherein the sorting unit 10 is configured to transfer the sample tubes 100 from the sorting space 300 of the sample tube sorting device to the delivery unit 201, the transport unit 202, the storage unit 203 or the buffer unit 204.

It should be noted that the space type of the assembly space 200 and the sorting space 300 formed by the supporting body 40 and the processing platform 30 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, for example, the assembly space 200 may be a closed space, and the sorting space 300 may be an open space.

With continued reference to fig. 1A to 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a mounting top 50, wherein the mounting top 50 is held at an upper portion of the processing platform 30 in such a manner that the mounting top 50 is disposed at the supporting body 40, wherein the sorting section 10 is a robot arm which is held at the sorting space 300 in such a manner as to be mounted at the mounting top 50, such that the sorting section 10 can selectively transfer the sample tubes 100 to the sending unit 201, the transferring unit 202, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204 at the sorting space 300.

Specifically, the sorting part 10 includes a mounting block 11, a clamping head 12 and a joint frame 13, opposite ends of the joint frame 13 are rotatably mounted to the mounting block 11 and the clamping head 12, respectively, wherein the mounting block 11 is used for forming a mounting end 101 of the sorting part 10, and the mounting block 11 is mounted to the assembling top 50, and correspondingly, the clamping head 12 is used for forming a clamping end 102 of the sorting part 10, and the clamping head 12 is used for clamping the sample tube 100. In other words, the mounting end 101 of the sorting part 10 is mounted to the mounting top 50 to mount the sorting part 10 in a suspended manner, so that the clamping end 302 of the sorting part 10 can be held in suspension with the sorting space 300 to allow the sorting part 10 to sort the sample tubes 100 in the sorting space 300 in a manner that the clamping end 102 of the sorting part 10 clamps the sample tubes 100.

Preferably, the mounting block 11 of the sorting part 10 is slidably mounted to the assembly top 50 to allow the sorting part 10 to slide in the sorting space 300, thereby further improving the flexibility of the sorting part 10 in sorting and transferring the sample tubes 100 in the sorting space 300.

With continued reference to fig. 1A to 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a receiving portion 60, wherein the receiving portion 60 is disposed on the processing platform 30, and the receiving portion 60 extends from the first end 31 of the processing platform 30 toward the second end 32, so that the sample tube 100 received by the receiving portion 60 can be conveyed from the first end 31 of the processing platform 30 toward the second end 32. Preferably, the receiving portion 60 is provided to the stage inner side 33 of the processing stage 30 and an upper portion of the processing stage 30. It should be noted that the type of the receiving portion 60 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention as long as it can transport the sample tube 100, and for example, the receiving portion 60 may be a crawler-type receiving portion.

Alternatively, in a variant of the sample tube sorting device according to the invention, the receiving unit 60 of the sample tube sorting device and the transport unit 202 of the processing unit 20 may be one and the same mechanism.

In addition, with continued reference to fig. 1A to 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus further includes a receiving pipeline 400 and a sending pipeline 500, wherein a receiving end of the receiving pipeline 400 corresponds to an end of the receiving part 60 to allow the receiving part 60 to receive the sample tube 100 from the receiving pipeline 400, and wherein the sending pipeline 500 is configured to correspond to the sending unit 201 and the detection site to allow the sample tube 100 sent by the sending unit 201 to be sent to the detection site via the sending pipeline 500.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 further comprises at least one transport conduit 910 and a distributor 920, wherein each transport conduit 910 has a conduit inlet 9101 and a conduit outlet 9102 corresponding to the conduit inlet 9101, respectively, the conduit outlet 9102 being arranged to communicate with the sending conduit 500, wherein the sending aperture 35 of the processing platform 30 corresponds to the distributor 920, and the distributor 920 is configured to distribute the sample tube 100 to a different transport conduit 910, wherein the transport conduit 910 is configured to allow a flow of gas from the conduit inlet 9101 in a direction towards the conduit outlet 9102 to send the sample tube 100 by driving the sample tube 100 along the transport conduit 910, thus enabling sending of the sample tube 100.

For example, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, the number of the transport pipelines 910 of the sending unit 201 is three, which are respectively defined as a first transport pipeline 911, a second transport pipeline 912 and a third transport pipeline 913, and the first transport pipeline 911, the second transport pipeline 912 and the third transport pipeline 913 respectively have the pipeline inlet 9101 and the pipeline outlet 9102. Said conduit inlet 9101 of said first transport conduit 911, said conduit inlet 9101 of said second transport conduit 912 and said conduit inlet 9101 of said third transport conduit 913 are each arranged to correspond to said distributor 920 for allowing said sample tube 100 distributed by said distributor 920 to enter one of said first transport conduit 911, said second transport conduit 912 and said third transport conduit 913. The conduit outlet 9102 of the first delivery conduit 911 is configured to communicate with the delivery conduit 500 corresponding to a first receiving location, the conduit outlet 9102 of the second delivery conduit 912 is configured to communicate with the delivery conduit 500 corresponding to a second receiving location, and the conduit outlet 9102 of the third delivery conduit 913 is configured to communicate with the delivery conduit 500 corresponding to a third receiving location. When the distributor 920 distributes the sample tubes 100 into the first transport conduit 911, the gas flow generated within the first transport conduit 911 allows the sample tubes 100 to be sent along the first transport conduit 911 and the sending conduit 500 to the first receiving location. When the dispenser 920 dispenses the sample tubes 100 into the second transport conduit 912, the airflow generated within the second transport conduit 912 allows the sample tubes 100 to be sent along the second transport conduit 912 and the sending conduit 500 to the second receiving location. When the distributor 920 distributes the sample tubes 100 into the third transport duct 913, the air flow generated in the third transport duct 913 allows the sample tubes 100 to be sent along the third transport duct 913 and the sending duct 500 to the third receiving location.

Further, the distributor 920 has a distribution space 921 and a distribution opening 922 communicating with the distribution space 921, wherein the distributor 920 has a receiving state and a distribution state, and the distributor 920 can be switched between the receiving state and the distribution state. When the dispenser 920 is in the receiving state, the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 corresponds to the sending aperture 35 of the processing platform 30, such that the sample tube 100 is allowed to enter and be held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 after passing through the sending aperture 35 of the processing platform 30, for example, the sample tube 100 is allowed to enter and be held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 via the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920. When the distributor 920 is in the distribution state, the distribution opening 922 of the distributor 920 is aligned with the pipe inlet 9101 of one of the transport pipes 910, such that subsequently the sample tubes 100 held in the distribution space 921 of the distributor 920 are allowed to enter the transport pipes 910 via the distribution opening 922 of the distributor 920 and the aligned pipe inlet 9101 of the transport pipe 910.

For example, when the dispenser 920 is in the dispensing state, the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 can be aligned with the conduit inlet 9101 of the first transport conduit 911, such that subsequently, a sample tube 100 held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 is allowed to enter the first transport conduit 911 via the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 and the conduit inlet 9101 of the first transport conduit 911, and the sample tube 100 can be sent to the first receiving location via the sending conduit 500. When the dispenser 920 is in the dispensing state, the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 can be aligned with the conduit inlet 9101 of the second transport conduit 912, such that subsequently, the sample tubes 100 held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 are allowed to enter the second transport conduit 912 via the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 and the conduit inlet 9101 of the second transport conduit 912, and the sample tubes 100 can be sent to the second receiving location via the sending conduit 500. When the dispenser 920 is in the dispensing state, the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 may be aligned with the conduit inlet 9101 of the third transport conduit 913, such that subsequently, the sample tube 100 held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 is allowed to enter the third transport conduit 913 through the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 and the conduit inlet 9101 of the third transport conduit 913, and the sample tube 100 may be sent to the third receiving location via the sending conduit 500.

Preferably, the distributor 920 is a disc-shaped distributor, wherein the distributor 920 can be rotationally switched between the receiving state and the distributing state, and the distributor 920 can be rotationally selectively aligned with the tube inlet 9101 of one of the transport tubes 910, in such a way, that the miniaturization of the sending unit 201 and thus the miniaturization of the sample tube sorting apparatus is facilitated.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 further includes a transferring unit 930, wherein the transferring unit 930 is configured to transfer the sample tubes 100 held in the distributing space 921 of the distributor 920 to the corresponding transport pipelines 910.

Specifically, the dispenser 920 further has a pushing opening 923, and the pushing opening 923 communicates with the dispensing space 921 such that the dispensing space 921 is perforated. The transfer unit 930 comprises a transfer driver 931 and a push rod 932 drivably connected to the transfer driver 931, wherein the transfer driver 931 is configured to drive the push rod 932 to extend into the dispensing space 921 through the pushing opening 923 of the dispenser 920 and to be capable of further extending toward the dispensing opening 922, and is configured to drive the push rod 932 to exit the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 or to drive the push rod 932 to be held in a position close to the pushing opening 923 in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920. When the transfer driver 931 drives the push rod 932 to extend into the distribution space 921 through the pushing opening 923 of the distributor 920 and further extend toward the distribution opening 922, the push rod 932 can push the sample tubes 100 held in the distribution space 921 of the distributor 920 to enter the transport duct 910 through the distribution opening 922 of the distributor 920 and the duct inlets 9101 of the transport duct 910. When the transfer driver 931 drives the push rod 932 to exit the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 or drives the push rod 932 to be held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 at a position close to the pushing opening 923, the sample tube 100 can be fed into the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 to be subsequently dispensed by the dispenser 920.

Preferably, the transfer driver 931 of the transfer unit 930 is mounted to the distributor 920 to allow the transfer unit 930 to rotate synchronously with the distributor 920, so that the transfer unit 930 can reliably transfer the sample tubes 100 held in the distribution space 921 of the distributor 920 to the corresponding transport tubes 910 after the distribution openings 922 of the distributor 920 are aligned with the tube inlets 9101 of one of the transport tubes 910.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the end of the transport conduit 910 defining the conduit inlet 9101 is attached to the outer wall of the distributor 920, such that when the distribution opening 922 of the distributor 920 is not aligned with the conduit inlet 9101 of the transport conduit 910, the outer wall of the distributor 920 closes the conduit inlet 9101 of the transport conduit 910, thereby ensuring that the transport conduit 910 defines an air flow flowing from the conduit inlet 9101 in the direction of the conduit outlet 9102, thereby allowing the sample tube 100 to be driven along the transport conduit 910 to be delivered to the receiving location via the delivery conduit 500.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 further comprises at least one sending gas source unit 940, wherein the sending gas source unit 940 comprises a sending gas source generator 941 and at least one sending gas source pipe 942 connected to the sending gas source generator 941, wherein the transmission pipe 910 has a gas source port 9103, the gas source port 9103 is near an end portion of the transmission pipe 910 for forming the pipe inlet 9101, wherein the end portion of the sending gas source pipe 942 is mounted to the gas source port 9103 of the transmission pipe 910. The sending gas pipe 942 is configured to transmit the gas flow generated by the sending gas generator 941 to the transmission pipeline 910, so that the transmission pipeline 910 forms a gas flow flowing from the pipeline inlet 9101 to the pipeline outlet 9102.

In this particular example of the sending unit 201 shown in fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 includes one sending gas source unit 940, the sending gas source unit 940 includes one sending gas source generator 941 and three sending gas source pipes 942, the three sending gas source pipes 942 are respectively defined as a first sending gas source pipe 9421, a second sending gas source pipe 9422 and a third sending gas source pipe 9423, wherein opposite ends of the first sending gas source pipe 9421 are respectively mounted to the gas source ports 9103 of the sending gas source generator 941 and the first conveying pipe 911, such that the first sending gas source pipe 9421 is used to transmit the gas flow generated by the sending gas source generator 941 to the first conveying pipe 911 to allow the first conveying pipe 911 to generate the gas flow, opposite ends of the second sending gas source pipe 9422 are respectively mounted to the sending gas source generator 941 and the gas source port 9103 of the second conveying pipe 912 to allow the sending gas source generator 941 to generate the gas flow, such that the second sending gas source pipe 941 is mounted to the third sending gas source pipe 9423 to allow the sending gas source generator 941 to generate the sending gas flow generated by the third conveying pipe 941 to generate the sending gas flow, and such that the third sending gas source pipe 9423 is mounted to allow the sending gas source generator 941 to generate the sending gas flow generated by the third conveying pipe 913.

Alternatively, in another specific example of the sending unit 201 of the present invention, the sending unit 201 includes three sending gas source units 940, each sending gas source unit 940 includes one sending gas source generator 941 and one sending gas source pipe 942, respectively, so that opposite ends of the sending gas source pipe 942 of each sending gas source unit 940 are respectively mounted to the sending gas source generator 941 and each transmission pipeline 910.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 further includes a dispensing driver 950, wherein the dispenser 920 is drivably mounted to the dispensing driver 950, so that the dispenser 920 is driven by the dispensing driver 950 to rotate to switch between the receiving state and the dispensing state.

It is worth mentioning that the type of the dispenser driver 950 is not limited in the sending unit 201 of the present invention as long as it can drive the dispenser 920 to rotate. For example, in a specific example of the sending unit 201 of the present invention, the dispensing driver 950 is a motor, and the dispenser 920 is mounted to a rotor of the motor such that the dispenser 920 can be driven to rotate by the dispensing driver 950.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5, the sending unit 201 further comprises a connection rack 960, and the distribution driver 950 and the end portion of each of the transport pipes 910 for forming the pipe inlet 9101 are respectively mounted to the connection rack 960 so as to integrate the distribution driver 950 and the transport pipes 910 by the connection rack 960. The connection rack 960 can be mounted to the processing platform 30 to allow the transmission unit 201 to be mounted to the mounting space 200.

Fig. 3A to 3E show the usage of the sample tube sorting apparatus.

Fig. 3A shows a state in which the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus receives the sample tube 100. In particular, the sample tube 100 can be transported along the receiving channel 400 to an end of the receiving portion 60 corresponding to the first end 31 of the processing platform 30, and the receiving portion 60 can bring the sample tube 100 to move from the first end 31 of the processing platform 30 towards the second end 32.

Referring to fig. 3B, the sorter 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the transport unit 202 according to the property of the sample tube 100, so as to allow the transport unit 202 to continue moving toward the second end 32 of the processing platform 30 and finally to be transported to the inspection device. Specifically, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 from the receiving unit 60 to the conveying unit 202 in a manner of clamping the sample tube 100.

It should be noted that in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 3E, when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving channel 400 to the receiving portion 60, the sorting portion 10 obtains the data related to the property of the sample tube 100, so that when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving portion 60, the sorting portion 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the transporting unit 202 according to the property of the sample tube 100.

Referring to fig. 3C, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the sending unit 201 according to the property of the sample tube 100, so as to allow the sending unit 201 to send the sample tube 100 to the detection location. It is understood that the sample tubes 100 sent by the sending unit 201 are sent along the sending pipe 500. Specifically, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the distributor 920 of the sending unit 201 through the sending perforation 35 of the processing platform 30 in a manner of clamping the sample tube 100, so as to distribute the sample tube 100 to the transfer pipeline 910 at the subsequent distributor 920 to allow the sending unit 201 to send the sample tube 100.

It should be noted that in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving channel 400 to the receiving portion 60, the data related to the property of the sample tube 100 is obtained by the sorting portion 10, so that when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving portion 60, the sorting portion 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the sending unit 201 according to the property of the sample tube 100.

Referring to fig. 3D, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tubes 100 to the buffer unit 204 according to the attributes of the sample tubes 100, so as to allow the buffer unit 204 to temporarily store the sample tubes 100 in the sample tube sorting apparatus. Specifically, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the buffer unit 204 in a manner of clamping the sample tube 100, and an end (e.g., bottom end) of the buffered sample tube 100 is held at the buffer unit 204.

It should be noted that in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to fig. 5, when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving channel 400 to the receiving portion 60, the data related to the property of the sample tube 100 is obtained by the sorting portion 10, so that when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving portion 60, the sorting portion 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the buffer unit 204 according to the property of the sample tube 100.

Referring to fig. 3E, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tubes 100 to the storage unit 203 according to the attributes of the sample tubes 100, so as to collectively process a plurality of sample tubes 100 stored in the storage unit 203 in the following. Specifically, the sorting unit 10 deposits the sample tube 100 to the storage unit 203 through the storage through hole 36 of the processing platform 30 in a manner of holding the sample tube 100.

It should be noted that in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving channel 400 to the receiving portion 60, the data related to the property of the sample tube 100 is obtained by the sorting portion 10, so that when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving portion 60, the sorting portion 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the storage unit 203 according to the property of the sample tube 100.

Fig. 6 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and unlike the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 3E, in this specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 4, the sorting unit 10 is disposed on the processing platform 30.

Fig. 7 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 3E, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 5, the sample tube sorting apparatus further includes an identification part 70, wherein the identification part 70 is configured to obtain the relevant data of the sample tube 100 to identify the attribute of the sample tube 100, and the sorting part 10 is connected to the identification part 70 to sort the sample tubes 100 according to the identification result of the identification part 70.

It should be noted that the type of the identification part 70 is not limited in the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, for example, the identification part 70 may be an image capturing device which obtains the relevant data of the sample tube 100 by capturing an image (e.g. video or image) of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100, or the identification part 70 may be a color sensor which obtains the relevant data of the sample tube 100 by obtaining the color of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100.

With continued reference to fig. 7, in this embodiment of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the identification part 70 is disposed on the sorting part 10, such that when the sorting part 10 is moved to the upper portion of the receiving part 60, the identification part 70 can obtain the relevant data of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100, or when the sorting part 10 obtains the sample tube 100 from the receiving part 60, the identification part 70 can obtain the relevant data of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100.

Fig. 8 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, different from the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 7, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 8, the identification part 70 is disposed at the receiving part 60, so that when the sample tube 100 is transferred to the receiving part 60 along the receiving pipeline 400, the identification part 70 can obtain the relevant data of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100.

Fig. 9 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, different from the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 7, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 7, the identification part 70 is disposed on the supporting body 40, and the identification part 70 forms a detection region 701 at the upper part of the processing platform 30, after the sorting part 10 obtains the sample tube 100 from the receiving part 60 and transfers the sample tube 100 to the detection region 701 formed by the identification part 70, the identification part 70 can obtain the relevant data of the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100.

Fig. 10 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 9, in the specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 9, the sample tube sorting apparatus includes a holding portion 80 for holding the sample tubes 100 that are not sorted, wherein the sorting portion 10 is configured to obtain the sample tubes 100 from the holding portion 80. Specifically, in the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 10, a plurality of unsorted sample tubes 100 are held in the holding unit 80, the sorting unit 10 may move to a position corresponding to the holding unit 80 and acquire the sample tubes 100 from the holding unit 80, then the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tubes 100 to the detection regions 701 formed by the identification unit 70 to allow the identification unit 70 to acquire the relevant data of the sample tubes 100 to identify the attributes of the sample tubes 100, and then the sorting unit 10 selectively transfers the sample tubes 100 to the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, the storage unit 203 or the buffer unit 204 according to the attributes of the sample tubes 100.

Fig. 11 shows the sample tube sorting apparatus according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 1A to 5, in this specific example of the sample tube sorting apparatus shown in fig. 11, a feeding machine 600 is disposed at a side portion of the sample tube sorting apparatus, and a discharge port of the feeding machine 600 corresponds to the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus, so that the sample tube 100 can automatically enter the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus from the discharge port of the feeding machine 600 to be processed subsequently. In a preferred example of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the outlet of the feeding machine 600 can directly abut against the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus, so that the sample tube 100 can directly enter the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus from the outlet of the feeding machine 600, in another preferred example of the sample tube sorting apparatus of the present invention, the outlet of the feeding machine 600 can indirectly abut against the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus through a transmission device, so that the sample tube 100 can enter the transmission device from the outlet of the feeding machine 600, and enter the receiving portion 60 of the sample tube sorting apparatus after being transmitted by the transmission device.

Alternatively, the holding portion 80 may be detachably attached to the processing platform 30, or the holding portion 80 may be detachably attached to the supporting body 40.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a sample tube sorting method for sorting the sample tubes 100, wherein the sample tube sorting method comprises the following steps:

(a) Allowing the sorting section 10 to access the sample tubes 100; and

(b) Allowing the sorting part 10 to selectively transfer the sample tubes 100 to the processing part 20 having different functions according to the properties of the sample tubes 100 to sort the sample tubes 100.

Preferably, in the step (a), the sorting part 10 can obtain the sample tube 100 from the receiving part 60, for example, in the specific example of fig. 1A to 5, the receiving part 60 corresponds to the receiving pipeline 400, so that the sample tube 100 transmitted from the receiving pipeline 400 can be received by the receiving part 60 and transmitted along the receiving part 60 from the first end 31 to the second end 32 of the processing platform 30, and the sorting part 10 can receive the sample tube 100 from the receiving part 60 during the transmission of the sample tube 100 by the receiving part 60; in the specific example of fig. 11, the receiving portion 60 corresponds to a discharge port of the feeder 600, such that the sample tube 100 discharged from the discharge port of the feeder 600 can be received by the receiving portion 60 and transported along the receiving portion 60 from the first end 31 of the processing platform 30 to the second end 32, and the sorting portion 10 can receive the sample tube 100 from the receiving portion 60 during the transportation of the sample tube 100 by the receiving portion 60.

It should be noted that the manner in which the sorting unit 10 obtains the sample tubes 100 is not limited in the method for sorting sample tubes according to the present invention, and for example, the sorting unit 10 may obtain the sample tubes 100 from the receiving unit 60 in a manner of clamping the sample tubes 100. In particular, the sorting unit 10 may be implemented as a robotic arm, such that the sorting unit 10 can pick up the sample tube 100 from the receiving unit 60 in a manner that grips the sample tube 100.

Further, before the step (a), the method for sorting sample tubes further comprises the steps of: obtaining attributes of the sample tube 100, such that in step (b), the sorting unit 10 can selectively transfer the sample tube 100 to a different processing unit 20 according to the attributes of the sample tube 100. Optionally, after the step (a), the method for sorting sample tubes further comprises the steps of: identifying properties of the sample tube 100 such that, in step (b), the sorting section 10 is capable of selectively transferring the sample tube 100 to a different processing section 20 depending on the properties of the sample tube 100.

For example, in the specific example of fig. 7, the identification unit 70 is disposed at the sorting unit 10, so that when the sorting unit 10 is moved to the upper portion of the receiving unit 60, the identification unit 70 can obtain the data related to the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100, or when the sorting unit 10 obtains the sample tube 100 from the receiving unit 60, the identification unit 70 can obtain the data related to the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100. In the specific example of fig. 8, the identification component 70 is disposed on the receiving component 60, such that when the sample tube 100 is transported along the receiving channel 400 to the receiving component 60, the identification component 70 can obtain the data related to the sample tube 100 to identify the property of the sample tube 100. In the specific example of fig. 9, the identification part 70 forms one of the detection regions 701, and the sorting part 10 can transfer the sample tube 100 to the detection region 701 formed by the identification part 70 to allow the identification part 70 to identify the property of the sample tube 100 in the detection region 701.

Further, in the step (b), the processing section 20 having different functions may be a combination of at least two of the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204. For example, in a specific example of the sample tube sorting method, the processing units 20 may be the sending unit 201 and the conveying unit 202; in another specific example, the processing units 20 may be the sending unit 201 and the storage unit 203; in another specific example, the processing units 20 may be the sending unit 201 and the temporary storage unit 204; in another specific example, these processing sections 20 may be the transfer unit 202 and the storage unit 203, respectively; in another specific example, the processing sections 20 may be the transfer unit 202 and the buffer unit 204, respectively; in another specific example, the processing sections 20 may be the storage unit 203 and the buffer unit 204; in another specific example, these processing sections 20 may be the sending unit 201, the transfer unit 202, and the storage unit 203, respectively; in another specific example, these processing sections 20 may be the sending unit 201, the transferring unit 202, and the buffer unit 204, respectively; in another specific example, these processing sections 20 may be the conveying unit 202, the storage unit 203, and the buffer unit 204, respectively; in another specific example, the processing units 20 may be the sending unit 201, the conveying unit 202, the storing unit 203, and the buffer unit 204, respectively.

When the sorting part 10 selects to transfer the sample tube 100 to the sending unit 201, the sample tube 100 is allowed to be received by the sending unit 201 located at the lower side of the processing platform 30 after passing through the sending penetration hole 35 of the processing platform 30, and can be sent by the sending unit 201.

When the sorting unit 10 selects to transfer the sample tube 100 to the transport unit 202, the sample tube 100 is allowed to be transported along the transport unit 202 located at the upper side of the processing platform 30.

When the sorting section 10 selects to transfer the sample tubes 100 to the storage unit 203, the sample tubes 100 are allowed to be received by the storage unit 203 located on the lower side of the processing platform 30 after passing through the storage through holes 36 of the processing platform 30, and can be transferred by the storage unit 203 in such a manner that the storage unit 203 is removed from the lower side of the processing platform 30.

When the sorting unit 10 selects to transfer the sample tube 100 to the temporary storage unit 204, the sample tube 100 is allowed to be temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 204 located at the upper side of the processing platform 30.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a sample tube sorting method for sorting the sample tubes 100, wherein the sample tube sorting method comprises the steps of:

(A) Forming the sorting space 300 at an upper side of the processing platform 30; and

(B) The sample tubes 100 are sorted in the sorting space 300 according to the properties of the sample tubes 100 by the sorting part 10, wherein when the sample tubes 100 need to be sent, the sorting part 10 allows the sample tubes 100 to be received by the sending unit 201 located at the lower side of the processing platform 30 after passing through the sending through holes 35 of the processing platform 30, and to be sent by the sending unit 201.

Preferably, when the sample tube 100 needs to be transported, the sorting part 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the transport unit 202 located at the rear side of the processing platform 30 to allow the transport unit 202 to transport the sample tube 100. When the sample tubes 100 need to be stored, the sorting section 10 allows the sample tubes 100 to be received by the storage unit 203 located on the underside of the processing platform 30 after passing through the storage aperture 36 of the processing platform 30, wherein the storage unit 203 is removable from the front side of the processing platform 30. When the sample tube 100 needs to be temporarily stored, the sorting unit 10 transfers the sample tube 100 to the temporary storage unit 204 located at the upper side of the processing platform 30, so as to allow the temporary storage unit 204 to temporarily store the sample tube 100.

Further, the step (B) further comprises the steps of:

(b.1) allowing the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 of the sending unit 201 to align with the sending aperture 35 of the processing platform 30 to allow the sample tube 100 passing through the sending aperture 35 of the processing platform 30 to enter the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 from the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920;

(b.2) allowing the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 to align with the conduit inlet 9101 of the transport conduit 910;

(b.3) transferring the sample tube 100 held in the dispensing space 921 of the dispenser 920 to the aligned transport tube 910 via the dispensing opening 922 of the dispenser 920 and the aligned tube inlet 9101 of the transport tube 910; and

(b.4) the gas flow formed in the transport duct 910 drives the sample tube 100 to be sent along the transport duct 910 from the duct inlet 9101 of the transport duct 910 towards the duct outlet 9102 of the transport duct 910.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments are only examples, wherein features of different embodiments may be combined with each other to obtain embodiments that are easy to realize in accordance with the disclosure of the invention, but that are not explicitly indicated in the drawings.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention described above and shown in the drawings are given by way of example only and are not limiting of the invention. The objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been shown and described in the embodiments, and any variations or modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the principles described.

Claims

1. A sample tube sorting method is used for sorting sample tubes and is characterized by comprising the following steps:

(a) Allowing a sorting section to obtain a sample tube; and

2. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the step (a), the method further comprises the steps of: and acquiring the attribute of the sample tube.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after the step (a), the steps of: attributes of the sample tube are identified.

4. The method for sorting sample tubes according to claim 3, wherein the method identifies the property of the sample tube by an identification part provided in the sorting part.

5. The method for sorting sample tubes according to claim 3, wherein the sorting unit transfers the sample tubes to a detection area formed by an identification unit, so as to allow the identification unit to identify the properties of the sample tubes in the detection area.

6. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit and a transferring unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the transport unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be transported along the transport unit located on the upper side of the processing platform.

7. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit and a storing unit, wherein:

8. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit and a buffer unit, wherein:

9. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a transfer unit and a storage unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects transfer of the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit located on the underside of the processing platform after passing through a storage perforation of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a manner that the storage unit is removed from the underside of the processing platform.

10. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a transfer unit and a buffer unit, wherein:

11. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a storage unit and a buffer unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit on the underside of a processing platform after passing through a storage aperture of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a way that the storage unit is removed from the underside of the processing platform;

12. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit, a transferring unit and a storing unit, wherein:

13. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the step (b), the processing units having different processing functions are a sending unit, a conveying unit and a temporary storage unit, wherein:

14. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein in step (b), the processing units having different processing functions are a conveying unit, a storage unit and a buffer unit, wherein:

when the sorting section selects to transfer the sample tubes to the storage unit, the sample tubes are allowed to be received by the storage unit located on the underside of the processing platform after passing through a storage perforation of the processing platform and can be transferred by the storage unit in such a manner that the storage unit is removed from the underside of the processing platform;

15. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in step (b), the processing parts having different processing functions are a sending unit, a transferring unit, a storing unit and a buffer unit, wherein:

16. The sample tube sorting method is used for sorting sample tubes, and is characterized by comprising the following steps:

(A) Forming a sorting space on the upper side of a processing platform; and

(B) Sorting the sample tubes in the sorting space according to the properties of the sample tubes by means of a sorting section, wherein the sorting section allows the sample tubes to be received by a sending unit located on the underside of the processing platform after passing through a sending aperture of the processing platform and to be sent by the sending unit when the sample tubes need to be sent.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sorter transfers the sample tubes to a transport unit located at the rear of the processing platform to allow the transport unit to transport the sample tubes when the sample tubes need to be transported.

18. The method of sorting sample tubes according to claim 16, wherein the sorter allows the sample tubes to be received by a storage unit located on an underside of the processing platform after passing through a storage aperture of the processing platform, wherein the storage unit is removable from a front side of the processing platform, when the sample tubes need to be stored.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the sorter transfers the sample tubes to a staging unit located on an upper side of the processing platform to allow the staging unit to stage the sample tubes when the sample tubes need to be staged.

20. The method for sorting sample tubes according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the step (B) further comprises the steps of:

21. Sample tube sorting method according to claim 20, wherein the number of transport ducts is at least two, thereby allowing the dispensing opening of the dispenser to align with the duct inlet of one of the at least two transport ducts in step (b.2).