CN210037839U - Sample rack handling device and automatic detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a sample rack manipulation apparatus for an automated detection system. The sample rack manipulation apparatus includes a door pivotable between a closed position and an open position to load and unload sample racks. The door is provided with a loading device for pushing the sample rack to a loading position when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. The application also relates to an automatic detection system comprising the sample rack manipulation apparatus.

Description

Sample rack handling device and automatic detection system

Technical Field

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

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 (also referred to as analytical detectors) are commonly used to analyze the contents of sample tubes 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 test tube to the sampling part, and the sampling part transfers the sample in the sample test tube to the detection part to detect the sample.

The sample rack is used to receive, hold, align, hold, and/or carry one or more sample tubes to ensure that the sample tubes 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. Therefore, in the automatic detection process, it is necessary to know the state of the sample rack (sample tube). For this purpose, an indicating device for indicating the state of the sample rack to the operator is provided on the sample rack manipulation apparatus.

However, it was found that it is possible that the sample racks were not loaded correctly, e.g. overloaded or underloaded, i.e. the sample racks were not loaded in place. This may affect the operation of the automatic detection system.

To this end, it would be desirable in the art to provide a sample rack manipulation apparatus that is capable of efficiently indicating various states of a sample rack during automated detection and/or that is capable of improving the sample rack loading state (i.e., loading a sample rack into position).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

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

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample rack manipulation apparatus that can improve the loading state of a sample rack (i.e., make the sample rack load in place).

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample rack manipulation apparatus for an automated inspection system. The sample rack manipulation apparatus includes a door pivotable between a closed position and an open position to load and unload sample racks. The door is provided with a loading device for pushing the sample rack to a loading position when the door moves from the open position to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the loading device is configured to push multiple sample racks simultaneously to respective loading positions.

In some embodiments, the loading device is configured to push the outermost handle portion of the sample rack.

In some embodiments, the loading device is removably disposed on the door, or is integrally formed on the door.

In some embodiments, the loading device is a filling member filled in a recess of the inside of the door.

In some embodiments, the loading device is a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the door.

In some embodiments, the loading device is a plate-like member secured to an inner surface of the door.

In some embodiments, the door is provided with a sliding channel for each sample rack on its inner surface, and the loading means is an integral protrusion provided in a plurality of the sliding channels, or a separate protrusion provided in each of the sliding channels.

In some embodiments, the loading device comprises a movable member movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

In some embodiments, the movable member is connected to the door by a linkage.

In some embodiments, the loading device is flush with an inner surface of the door when in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulation apparatus further comprises a biasing member for applying a biasing force to the movable member.

In some embodiments, the sample rack manipulation apparatus further comprises an indication device and a detection device for detecting that a sample rack is in the loaded position, the indication device being triggered when the detection device detects that a sample rack is in the loaded position.

In some embodiments, the detection device comprises a light detection element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sample rack manipulation apparatus for an automated detection system is provided. The sample rack manipulation apparatus includes: a frame having a load/unload region therein for loading and unloading a plurality of sample racks; a door connected to the frame and movable between a closed position and an open position to load and unload the sample rack; and a loading device disposed on the door and configured to push a sample rack to a loading position when the door is moved from the open position to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the load/unload region is divided by a partition into load/unload channels for each sample rack.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing devices are positioned to align with the load/unload channels for each sample rack, respectively.

In some embodiments, the door is provided with a sliding channel on its inner surface for each sample rack.

In some embodiments, the loading means is an integral protrusion provided in a plurality of the sliding channels, or a separate protrusion provided in each of the sliding channels.

In some embodiments, the door is pivotally connected at its bottom to the frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an automated detection system is provided. The automatic detection system comprises the sample rack manipulation device.

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 including a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a door of the sample rack manipulation apparatus is in a closed position;

fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of fig. 1, wherein a door of the sample rack manipulation apparatus is opened to an intermediate position;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 2, wherein the door of the sample rack manipulation apparatus is further opened to an open position;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 3 about to load a sample rack to be tested;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the door of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 4 closed to an intermediate position;

fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the sample rack is correctly in a loading position;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8a is an enlarged schematic view of portion a in fig. 8;

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10a is an enlarged schematic view of portion B of fig. 10;

FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a variation of the sample rack manipulation apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and;

fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a door of a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to yet another 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.

The main structure and operation of the automatic detection system 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1. 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 sample (e.g., a biological fluid) is to be assayed, as shown in fig. 4, a test tube (container) 146 containing the sample is placed on the sample rack 140, and the sample rack 140 is then loaded into a loading/unloading area 170 of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10. In the illustrated example, the sample rack 140 is elongate in shape and is adapted to receive a plurality of sample tubes 146 (only one sample tube 146 is schematically shown). Referring again to fig. 1, the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 transports the sample rack 140 to the sampler 11. The sampler 11 collects the sample in the test tube 146 into the reaction stage 12. 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 the sample detection and analysis is completed, the reaction table 12 is cleaned by the cleaning device 17 for the next detection and analysis. After the sample testing analysis is completed, the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 transports the tested sample back to the loading/unloading area 170, and then, takes out the sample rack.

As is apparent from the above description, the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 constitutes a sample rack manipulation portion of the automatic detection system 1, the sampler 11 constitutes a sampling portion of the automatic detection system 1, and the components 12 to 17 shown in fig. 1 constitute a detection portion of the automatic detection 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 of the present invention.

For convenience of operation, it is very important to monitor the state of the sample rack (sample) in real time and provide the state of the sample rack to the operator. To this end, an indicating device 110 is provided on the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 to indicate the state of the sample rack, for example, a loaded state, a sampled state, a detected completed state, an unloaded state, and the like, to an operator.

A sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to fig. 1 to 5. As shown, the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 has an enclosed structure. The sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 includes a frame (or housing) 120 and a door 100 that allows access to the interior of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10. The frame 120 is substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. Frame 120 includes a front wall 121, side walls 122 and 124, a rear wall 123, a top cover 125, and a bottom 126. Defined on the bottom 126 is a load/unload region 170 for the sample rack. The load/unload region 170 is adjacent the front wall 121. The load/unload region 170 separates a load/unload channel 171 for each sample rack by a partition 172. The loading/unloading passage 171 may be determined according to the shape and size of the sample rack.

A recess 127 is provided on the front wall 121 at a position corresponding to the loading/unloading area 170 to seat the door 100. A notch 127 extends downwardly from the top of the front wall 121 such that the front wall 121 is generally U-shaped. The door 100 is pivotally connected or hinged at its bottom to the front wall 121, whereby the door 100 can be pivoted about its bottom outwards from a vertical orientation (closed position) to a horizontal orientation (open position) so that an operator can easily load or remove a sample rack 140 carrying sample tubes 146 into or from a respective load/unload channel 171 of the load/unload area 170.

The door 100 has a substantially plate shape as a whole. The door 100 has a top 102, side portions 103 on both sides of the top, and a panel 105 on one side of the top 102 and side portions 103. The lower portion of the panel 105 and/or side 103 forms the bottom 104 of the door 100 that is hinged to the frame 120 (as shown in fig. 5). In an example not shown, the door 100 may additionally include a bottom. In the illustrated example, the top 102, sides 103, and panels 105 together define a recess 106 (as best shown in fig. 5) facing the interior of the frame 120. The inner surfaces of the panel 105, top 102, side 103 and bottom 104 collectively form the inner surface of the door 100. It will be appreciated that the panel 105, top 102, sides 103 and bottom 104 may have the same thickness, i.e. the inner surface of the door is flat without forming the recess 106. The inner surface of the face plate 105 is provided with a slide channel 108 for each sample rack. When loading the sample rack 140, the sample rack 140 is placed in one of the slide channels 108 and the door 100 is then closed. Thus, the sample rack 140 slides in the slide channel 108 to the loading position as the door 100 moves.

The top 102 of the door 100 has a generally rectangular cross-section. The top portion 102 has a top surface (first surface) 102a and an inner surface (second surface) 102b facing the inside of the frame 120.

An indicating device 110 (shown in fig. 5) for indicating various states of the sample rack is provided in the top portion 102. The indicating device 110 may be a light emitting device, such as an LED indicator, that emits light of different colors or different frequencies depending on the state. One index device 110 may be provided for each sample rack 140 load/unload lane (also referred to as a sample rack lane and load position) 171. The pointing devices 110 may operate independently of each other.

In the illustrated example, a light-transmissive first window 101a is provided for each sample rack channel on the top surface 102 a. The plurality of first viewing windows 101a are arranged in alignment at intervals along the top surface 102a (i.e., discretely and side-by-side). When the door 100 is in the closed position as shown in fig. 1, the first window 101a faces the operator, so that the operator can conveniently receive an indication of the status of the specimen rack via the first window 101a by the indicating device 110. The operator can determine the loading and testing of the sample racks 140 in each lane 171, including the unloading of sample racks, the loading of sample racks to be tested, and the loading of tested sample racks, based on the color or frequency of the indicating device 110 corresponding to that lane.

Furthermore, in the illustrated example, a light-transmissive second window 101b is provided for each sample rack channel on the inner surface 102 b. A plurality of second viewing windows 101b are aligned at intervals along the inner surface 102 b. In the illustrated example, the first window 101a is disposed adjacent to and in alignment with the second window 101b at a corner between the top surface 102a and the inner surface 102 b. When the door 100 is in the open position as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the second viewing window 101b faces the operator, so that the operator can conveniently receive an indication of the status of the specimen rack via the second viewing window 101b by the indicating means 110. The operator can determine the loading and detection of the sample rack 140 in each lane 171 based on the color or frequency of the indicating device 110 corresponding to that lane.

When the specimen rack manipulation apparatus 10 is in the closed position shown in fig. 1, although the inner surface 102b of the top portion 102 is shielded by the top cover 125, the top surface 102a of the top portion 102 is in a horizontal orientation so that the operator can easily observe the indication information emitted by the indication device 110 from the first window 101a of the top surface 102a of the top portion 102. When the specimen rack manipulation apparatus 10 is in the open position of fig. 3 and 4, the top surface 102a of the top portion 102 is in the vertical orientation to be disadvantageous to the operator from viewing the indication information from the first window 101a, but the inner surface 102b is changed to the horizontal orientation, thereby facilitating the operator from viewing the indication information from the second window 101 b.

To facilitate the identification of the individual sample rack channels 171, markings 109, for example, indicating the number of the individual sample rack channel 171, are marked next to the respective viewing window. The mark 109 may be disposed on at least one of the first window 101a and the second window 101 b.

It should be understood that the door 100 of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific example illustrated. For example, the top surface 102a and the inner surface 102b of the top 102 of the door 100 may be continuously extending curved surfaces, or may be inclined at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane or a vertical plane. The first window 101a and the second window 101b may be formed as a single body, or may be formed as separate windows spaced apart. In an alternative embodiment, the viewing window may be omitted and the indicator means, e.g. indicator lights, may be exposed directly. The indicating means may have a first indicator that indicates from the top surface 102a and a second indicator that indicates from the inner surface 102 b.

In an example not shown, the first view and the second view may have different shapes and/or sizes for different priority loading positions (loading channels) of the sample rack; and/or the numbering of the markings may be of different sizes or colors. A higher priority loading position indicates that the automated inspection system 1 preferentially processes a sample rack when the sample rack is placed in the loading position. For example, a window corresponding to a higher priority load position may be designed to have a larger size or have a different shape than other windows, or a mark (number) next to the window may be designed to have a larger size or have a bright color.

Fig. 6 and 7 show a sectional view and a plan view, respectively, of the sample rack 140 that has been loaded into the loading/unloading area 170. In fig. 6 and 7, the door 100 is in an open position to clearly illustrate the loading of the sample rack 140. A detection device 150 for detecting whether the sample rack 140 is loaded is also provided in the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10. The detection means 150 is connected to a controller (not shown) or to the indication means 110. When the detection device 150 detects that the sample rack 140 is loaded, the indication device 110 is triggered via the controller or directly to indicate to the operator that the sample rack 140 is loaded. The detection device 150 may comprise a light detection element. For example, the detection device 150 may include a light emitter that emits light and a receiver for receiving light. The light emitter is disposed between the door 100 and the loading/unloading area 170 and is located at one side of the loading/unloading area 170 to emit light to the receiver at the other side. As the sample rack 140 progresses into the load/unload region 170, light emitted by the detection device 150 is blocked by the sample rack 140. Once the sample rack 140 is loaded to the correct loading position, the light emitted by the detection device 150 is no longer blocked by the sample rack 140 and is received by the receiver, which then triggers the indication device 110 to emit the loaded indication.

However, the inventors have also found that in practical operation there is a problem that the sample rack 140 is not loaded correctly, e.g. under loaded, i.e. the sample rack 140 is not fully brought into the loaded position. This is undesirable as it may affect the proper operation of the automatic detection system 1. To this end, a loading device for pushing the sample rack 140 to the loading position is also provided on the door 100 of the sample rack manipulation apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure to solve the problem of, for example, under-loading. The "loading position" as referred to herein refers to the correct loading position of the sample rack.

Fig. 8 to 9 respectively show schematic views of a loading device 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sample rack manipulation apparatus shown in fig. 8 to 9 includes a door 200. The door 200 differs from the door 100 shown in fig. 1 to 7 in that a loading device 210 for pushing the sample rack 140 to a correct loading position is further provided.

As shown in fig. 8-9, the panel 205 of the door 200 has an outer surface 205a and an inner surface 205b opposite the outer surface. The panel 205, top 202 and sides 203 of the door 200 together define a recess 206. The loading device 210 is fixed to the inner surface 205b of the door 200 or integrally formed on the inner surface 205 b. The loading device 210 is shown as a plate-like member. The loading device 210 extends from one side 203 to the other side 203 to push multiple sample racks simultaneously to the respective correct loading positions. The loading device 210 is positioned to push the outermost handle portion 144 of the sample rack 140. The handle portion 144 of the sample rack 140 is the portion of the sample rack 140 that is gripped by the operator.

After the sample rack 140 to be loaded is placed in the recess 206 of the door 200 (or the slide channel 108) in the open position as shown in fig. 4, the door 200 is gradually closed, and the sample rack 140 is moved toward the loading position under the urging of the door 200. When the sample rack 140 is about to reach the correct loading position, the loading device 210 contacts the handle portion 144 of the sample rack 140 and pushes the handle portion 144 of the sample rack 140 further until the sample rack 140 is fully in the correct loading position (as shown in fig. 8). Therefore, the problem of incorrect loading of the sample rack, e.g. under-loading, can be solved by the loading device 210.

Fig. 10 to 11 respectively show schematic views of a loading device 310 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The sample rack manipulation apparatus shown in fig. 10 to 11 includes a door 300. The door 300 is different from the door 200 shown in fig. 8 to 9 in the structure of the loading device.

As shown in fig. 10 to 11, the panel 305 of the door 300 has an outer surface 305a and an inner surface 305b opposite to the outer surface. The panel 305, top 302 and sides 303 of the door 300 together define a recess 306. The loading device 310 is a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 305 b. The loading device 310 includes a horizontal plate 310a, a vertical plate 310b, and an inclined plate 310 c. The loading device 310 extends from one side 303 to the other side 303 to push multiple sample racks simultaneously to the respective correct loading positions. The loading device 310 is positioned to push the outermost handle portion 144 of the sample rack 140. Due to the presence of the vertical plate 310b, the contact area with the handle portion 144 can be increased, whereby the sample rack 140 can be reliably pushed to the loading position. The loading device 310 may be cold rolled or roll formed. In an alternative embodiment, the loading device 310 may be a solid protrusion from the inner surface 305 b.

Fig. 12 shows a modification of the loading device of fig. 11. In fig. 11, the loading device 310 extends from one side 303 to the other side 303. However, in fig. 12, the loading devices 410 are discretely arranged at certain intervals between the two side portions 303. In other words, the loading device 410 shown in fig. 12 is a protruding piece protruding from the inner surface 405b of the door 400 at a position corresponding to each loading/unloading passage of the sample rack.

Fig. 13 illustrates a loading device 510 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the panel of door 500 includes an outer surface 505a, an inner surface 505b, and a recess 506. The loading device 510 is a filling member filled in the recess 506. The filling member may be detachably filled into the recess 506 of the door 510, or may be fixedly installed in the recess 506.

Fig. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a loading device 610 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the loading device 610 may include a movable member 611 and a biasing member 613, e.g., a spring. The biasing member 613 is provided at one end of the movable piece 611, and the other end of the movable piece 611 is pivotably connected to the door 600. Biasing member 613 biases movable member 611 toward load/unload region 170.

After placing the sample rack 140 to be loaded in the recess (or slide channel) of the door 600 in the open position as shown in fig. 4, the weight of the sample rack 140 moves the movable piece 611 toward the inner surface 605b of the panel 605 to the retracted position against the elastic force of the biasing member 613, possibly pressing the movable piece 611 even flush with the inner surface 605. As the door 600 is gradually closed, the force of the sample rack 140 acting on the door 600 gradually decreases. When the sample rack 140 is about to reach the correct loading position, the movable member 611 pushes the sample rack 140 to the correct loading position under the action of the biasing member 613. At this time, movable member 611 is in the extended position.

In an alternative embodiment, movable member 611 may be coupled to door 600 via a linkage mechanism, for example, such that movable member 611 is in an extended position when door 600 is in the closed position and movable member 611 is in a retracted position when door 600 is in the open position.

It should be understood that the respective components of the specimen rack manipulation apparatus according to the present disclosure are not limited to the illustrated specific examples as long as they can achieve the above-described functions.

While various embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described in detail 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 fall within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all the components described herein may be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims (21)

1. A sample rack manipulation apparatus for an automated detection system, the sample rack manipulation apparatus (10) comprising a door (100) hingeably movable between a closed position and an open position to load and unload sample racks,

characterized in that a loading device (210, 310, 410, 510, 610) is provided on the door (100) for pushing a sample rack (140) into a loading position when the door (100) is moved from the open position to the closed position.

2. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading device is configured to push a plurality of sample racks (140) to respective loading positions simultaneously.

3. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading device is configured to push an outermost handle portion (146) of a sample rack (140).

4. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loading device is detachably provided on the door (100) or is integrally formed on the door (100).

5. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loading device is a filling member filled in a recess (206, 306, 506) inside the door (100).

6. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loading device is a protrusion protruding from an inner surface (205b, 305b, 405b, 505b, 605b) of the door.

7. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the loading device is a plate-like member secured to an inner surface of the door.

8. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the door (100) is provided with a sliding channel (108) for each sample rack on its inner surface, and the loading means is an integral protrusion provided in a plurality of the sliding channels, or a separate protrusion provided in each of the sliding channels.

9. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the loading means comprises a movable member movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

10. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 9 wherein the movable member is connected to the door by a linkage.

11. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 9, wherein the loading device is flush with an inner surface of the door when in the retracted position.

12. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a biasing member for applying a biasing force to the movable member.

13. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising an indication device and a detection device for detecting that a sample rack is in the loaded position, wherein the indication device is triggered when the detection device detects that a sample rack is in the loaded position.

14. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the detection device comprises a light detection element.

15. A sample rack manipulation apparatus for an automated detection system, the sample rack manipulation apparatus comprising:

a frame (120), the frame (120) having a load/unload region (170) therein for loading and unloading a plurality of sample racks (140);

a door (100), the door (100) being connected to the frame (120) and being movable between a closed position and an open position to load and unload the sample rack (140); and

a loading device (210, 310, 410, 510, 610) disposed on the door and configured to push a sample rack to a loading position when the door is moved from the open position to the closed position.

16. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the load/unload region (170) is divided by a partition (172) into load/unload channels (171) for each sample rack.

17. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of indexing devices (110) are positioned to align with the load/unload channel (171) for each sample rack, respectively.

18. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the door (100) is provided with a sliding channel (108) on an inner surface thereof for each sample rack.

19. The sample rack manipulation apparatus of claim 18, wherein the loading device is an integral protrusion disposed in a plurality of the slide channels or a separate protrusion disposed in each of the slide channels.

20. The sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the door (100) is pivotably connected at its bottom (104) to the frame (120).

21. An automated detection system, characterized in that it comprises a sample rack manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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