CN214268802U

CN214268802U - Device for storing samples

Info

Publication number: CN214268802U
Application number: CN202023324940.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴栋杨; 练子富; 李临
Original assignee: Chemclin Diagnostics Corp
Current assignee: Chemclin Diagnostics Corp
Priority date: 2020-12-31
Filing date: 2020-12-31
Publication date: 2021-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-31

Abstract

The utility model relates to a device for saving sample. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of storage compartments independent of one another, each storage compartment having a selectively openable compartment door, wherein a plurality of groups of first samples can be stored in different storage compartments; a transfer passage provided adjacent to the hatch door of each storage bin; and an internal transport mechanism movable within the transport path, the internal transport mechanism configured to move the first sample to and/or from the hatch door of each storage compartment.

Description

Device for storing samples

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a medical treatment experimental facilities technical field especially relates to an equipment for saving sample.

Background

The sample generally includes a test sample, a quality control sample, and a calibration sample. Quality control samples and calibration samples typically need to be stored in a relatively cold environment. When the quality control or calibration is needed, the corresponding operation can be carried out in the instrument through the quality control sample and the calibration sample.

In the prior art, it is common to provide corresponding cold storage areas in the instrument that requires quality control or calibration to store the desired quality control and calibration samples therein. This arrangement is relatively simple for the control and calibration operations because the control sample and calibration sample are always in the instrument. However, this makes the instrument bulky and relatively cumbersome. In addition, for a laboratory equipped with many identical or similar instruments, it is redundant and relatively costly to provide each instrument with a corresponding control sample and calibration sample.

At present, there are also laboratories that use separate refrigerators for holding quality control samples and calibration samples. The storage space of the refrigerator is large, and an operator can flexibly use a group of quality control samples and calibration samples for the quality control and calibration of a plurality of instruments according to needs. However, depending on the laboratory requirements, a number of quality control samples and calibration samples are typically placed in the refrigerator. The operator needs to control and calibrate for each instrument at the start of the daily job. For this reason, the operator needs to manually open the refrigerator, take out the quality control sample and the calibration sample, close the refrigerator, and send the quality control sample and the calibration sample to different instruments. On one hand, this results in frequent opening and closing and long-term opening of the refrigerator, thereby easily causing condensation and the like in the refrigerator. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a complicated structure in a refrigerator to solve these problems, for example, to provide a laminator to coat the surface of a sample placed in the refrigerator. This results in high costs for sample storage. On the other hand, the operator needs to manually transport different quality control samples and calibration samples between the refrigerator and different instruments. Such an operation is inefficient and prone to errors.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

To the above problem, the utility model provides an equipment for saving sample. One or more of the above-mentioned problems can be solved, or at least partially solved, by such a device for storing samples.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for storing a sample is presented, comprising: a plurality of storage compartments independent of one another, each storage compartment having a selectively openable compartment door, wherein a plurality of groups of first samples can be stored in different storage compartments; a transfer passage provided adjacent to the hatch door of each storage bin; and an internal transport mechanism movable within the transport path, the internal transport mechanism configured to move the first sample to and/or from the hatch door of each storage compartment.

Through the arrangement, under the condition that different first samples need to be provided for a plurality of instruments, the opening time and the switching frequency of each storage cabin can be reduced, so that the problems of condensation and the like of condensed water can be effectively avoided, and the arrangement of an additional laminating machine and other structures is not needed. The arrangement is simple in structure and relatively low in cost, and the equipment can be made to have a small size and can be better adapted to various use environments.

In a preferred embodiment, the internal transport mechanism is a ferry vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one first sample rack is provided in each storage compartment, each first sample rack being configured to hold a group of first samples, and the internal transport mechanism is configured to receive the first sample racks holding the first samples from the storage compartment and/or to transport the first sample racks holding the first samples to the storage compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises an external transport mechanism arranged adjacent to the transport path, the external transport mechanism being configured to receive the first sample from the internal transport mechanism in the transport path and to transport the first sample to an instrument external to the device and/or to transport the first sample external to the device to the internal transport mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the external delivery mechanism comprises: a first conveyor track configured to be drivable in an inside-to-outside direction to convey a first sample at the internal conveyor mechanism out of the apparatus; a second conveyor track configured to be drivable in an outside-to-inside direction to convey a first sample outside of the apparatus to the internal conveyor mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second conveyor tracks extend to respective instruments outside the apparatus, the instruments comprising detection instruments and/or sample sorters.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second sample storage area configured for storing a second sample, the internal transport mechanism being configured to be operable to transport the second sample in the second sample storage area to the external transport mechanism and/or to transport the second sample from the external transport mechanism to the second sample storage area.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an information identification mechanism arranged adjacent to the external transport mechanism, the information identification mechanism being configured to identify an information code of the second sample when the second sample is moved via the external transport mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the second sample comprises a test sample.

In a preferred embodiment, each storage compartment is provided with a corresponding temperature control module for individually controlling the temperature of each storage compartment.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a housing and a second sample storage area for storing a second sample, the respective storage compartments and/or second sample storage areas being arranged in two rows within said housing, the transport path being formed between the two rows of storage compartments and/or second sample storage areas.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment and/or the second sample storage region is located at a first end side of the extension of the transport channel within the housing, and an external transport mechanism is arranged adjacent to the transport channel at a second end side of the extension of the transport channel within the housing, which external transport mechanism is configured to receive the first and/or second sample from the internal transport mechanism in the transport channel and to transport the first and/or second sample to an instrument outside the device and/or to transport the first and/or second sample outside the device to the internal transport mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sample comprises a calibration sample and/or a quality control sample.

Drawings

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for storing samples according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, like parts are provided with like reference numerals. The figures are not drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, the apparatus 100 for storing samples includes a storage compartment 120 and a second sample storage area 180. The storage compartment is used for storing a first sample, in particular a first sample having special requirements with respect to the storage temperature. The second sample holding section 180 is for holding a second sample (e.g., including a test sample). In fig. 1, only one storage compartment 120 and one second sample storage area 180 are labeled for clarity. In practical use, because this application can be applied to the detection assembly line that many instruments constitute, need deposit a large amount of calibrators, quality control article and detection sample. Therefore, a plurality of storage compartments and second sample storage areas can be placed according to actual needs. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 should not be construed as limiting the number and location of storage compartments in the present application.

The storage compartments 120 are each provided with its own hatch (not shown). The hatches of the different storage compartments can be opened and closed independently of each other. The storage compartment 120 can be used to hold a first sample 131, including, for example, a quality control sample and/or a calibration sample. For example, a group of first samples 131 may be placed on the first sample rack 130 and then placed in the storage compartment 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, 10 sample holders 130 are disposed within the storage compartment 120 of the apparatus 100.

However, it should be understood that more or fewer sample holders may be provided for each storage compartment as desired. Even, only one sample rack may be provided per storage compartment. In this case, each storage compartment may have a relatively small size.

Each storage compartment 120 may be provided with its own temperature control module (not shown) for temperature control of the respective storage compartment 120. For example, the temperature control module may maintain the temperature within the storage compartment 120 between 2-8 ℃ to refrigerate the first sample 131 within this temperature range. However, the temperature control module may also bring the temperature within the storage compartment to other ranges, as desired.

As also shown in fig. 1, the apparatus 100 further includes a delivery channel 141. An internal conveying mechanism 140, such as a ferry vehicle, is disposed within the conveying path 141. The transport channel 141 is adjacent to the hatch of each storage compartment 120 to enable the internal transport mechanism 140 to move to the hatch of the corresponding storage compartment 120 to receive the first sample 131 within the storage compartment 120 or to transport the first sample 131 to the corresponding storage compartment 120.

It should be understood that the first sample holders 130 carrying the first samples 131 may be transported as needed to enable transport of a desired set of the first samples 131.

It should also be understood that the internal transport mechanism 140 may also be configured as a conveyor belt or any other suitable form, as desired.

It should also be understood that a corresponding movement mechanism may be provided to facilitate movement of the first sample 131 or the first sample rack 130 between the internal transport mechanism 140 and the storage compartment 120. The moving mechanism here may be, for example, a hook or claw type moving mechanism known in the art.

The apparatus 100 also includes an external delivery mechanism. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the external transport mechanism includes a first transport track 151 and a second transport track 152. An external transport mechanism is disposed adjacent to the transport path 141 and is configured to receive the first sample 131 from the internal transport mechanism 140 in the transport path 141 and transport it to an instrument external to the apparatus 100. This can be achieved, for example, by the first conveyor track 151 being driven from the inside outwards. Alternatively, an external transport mechanism may be used to transport the first sample 131 outside of the apparatus 100 to the internal transport mechanism 140. This can be achieved, for example, by the second conveying track 152 being driven from the outside inwards.

In one embodiment, the first and second transfer rails 151 and 152 may extend all the way to the respective instruments that need to transfer the first samples 131, thereby transferring the respective first samples 131 to the different instruments, respectively.

In another embodiment, the first conveyor track 151 and the second conveyor track 152 can also interface with other conveyor devices to cooperatively accomplish the conveyance of the first sample 131.

The instrument may include, for example, the detection instrument 200 and may also include a sample sorter 300. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, different directions of transport away from the device 100 are provided for the detection instrument 200 and the sample sorter 300, which requires correspondingly different first and second transport rails 151, 152.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 further comprises a second sample storage area 180 for storing a second sample (e.g., comprising a test sample) 191. Similar to the first sample, a second sample may be placed on the second sample holder 190 and placed in the second sample storage area 180. The second sample storage area 180 may be formed, for example, by a removable basket. It should be understood that the second sample may be transferred from the sample sorter 300 into the second sample storage area 180 by the second transfer rail 152 and the internal transfer mechanism 140 described above, or transferred from the second sample storage area 180 to the inspection instrument 200 outside the apparatus 100 by the internal transfer mechanism 140 and the first transfer rail 151. Alternatively, the second sample 191, for example placed in a basket, may be placed directly into the apparatus 100 by the operator, as desired. The basket forms a second sample storage area 180 within the apparatus 100. When the second sample 191 is needed, the second sample 191 is transported to the inspection apparatus 200 outside the apparatus 100 via the internal transport mechanism 140 and the first transport track 151.

It should be understood that where the second sample is a test sample, the second sample storage area 180 need not have a similar low temperature environment as the storage compartment 120. For example, the temperature control module may be omitted at the second sample storage area 180; or an additional temperature control module may be provided to ensure that the ambient temperature of the second sample holding section 180 is room temperature.

Further, the apparatus 100 may further include an information identifying mechanism (e.g., a scanner) 161 disposed adjacent to the external conveying mechanism. Thus, the information recognition mechanism 161 can perform information recognition on the first sample and/or the second sample during the moving transportation of the sample through the external transport mechanism.

In addition, the apparatus 100 also includes a status indication and control mechanism 170 for displaying to an operator the current operating conditions of the apparatus 100, such as the temperature within each storage compartment 120 and the stored information for each of the first and second samples. In addition, the operator may also set the operation of the apparatus 100 through the status indicating and control mechanism 170, such as setting the desired temperature in each storage compartment 120, the time at which each or each set of first samples 131 is transported out of the apparatus 100 for quality control and calibration, and the like.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary preferred arrangement of the device 100. The device 100 includes a housing 110. The plurality of storage compartments 120 and/or the second sample storage areas 180 may be arranged in two rows within the housing 110. The two rows of storage compartments 120 and/or the second sample storage areas 180 are spaced apart from each other to form the above-described transport path 141 therebetween. The hatch of each storage compartment 120 faces the transfer passage 141. These storage compartments 120 and/or second sample storage areas 180 are located opposite a first end side (lower side in fig. 1) of the extension of the transport path 141 located within the housing 110. The above-described state indicating and controlling mechanism 170 is also provided at the first stage side. The status indicating and control mechanism 170 may be exposed outside of the housing 110 for viewing and operation by an operator.

Further, the external conveyance mechanism is located on a second end side (upper side in fig. 1) of the casing 110 where the conveyance path 141 extends. In addition, the first and second conveying

rails

151 and 151 of the external conveying mechanism may be disposed on either or both sides (left and right sides in fig. 1) of the conveying path 141 with respect to the direction in which the conveying path 141 extends. Further, an information recognition mechanism 161 is preferably provided between the above-described first and second conveyance rails 151 and 152 arranged in parallel with each other for recognizing the sample passing through the first and second conveyance rails 151 and 152.

This arrangement is relatively compact and reasonable, thereby facilitating a reduction in the size of the apparatus 100.

An example of a method of operation of the apparatus 100 of the present invention includes the following steps.

First, the first sample 131 to be used, which is stored in the corresponding storage compartment 120, is transferred to the outside of the apparatus 100 for use according to a preset time (for example, the morning of the day). This process can be automated by the internal transport mechanism 140 and the external transport mechanism.

Then, after the first sample 131 is used, the used first sample 131 is transported back to the corresponding storage compartment 120 by the internal transport mechanism 140 and the external transport mechanism.

It should be appreciated that while the first conveyor track 151 in the external conveyor mechanism conveys the set of first samples 131 outward, the second conveyor track 152 in the external conveyor mechanism may convey the set of used first samples 131 back into the apparatus 100. This is advantageous in improving the operating efficiency of the apparatus 100.

It is very important for the apparatus and the working method thereof of the present invention that the door of the storage compartment 120 where the first sample 131 that is not needed is kept closed, and only the door of the storage compartment 120 where the first sample 131 that is needed is opened when the inner transporting mechanism 140 reaches the corresponding position. This arrangement is advantageous for multiple instruments sharing a single device 100. For each first sample, the opening time and the switching times of the storage compartment in which the first sample is located can be reduced correspondingly. Thereby effectively avoiding the occurrence of condensed water or other related problems. This arrangement also allows the device 100 of the present invention to be of a smaller size, facilitating its adaptation to a variety of different use environments. This allows the device 100 of the present invention to be integrated into the injector of a medical detection instrument.

In addition, the utility model discloses an equipment 100 can cooperate with a plurality of instruments through first delivery track 151 and second delivery track 152 to further do benefit to and realize that a plurality of instruments share an equipment 100. If necessary, the corresponding first and second samples may be transferred from the one apparatus 100 to the instrument via the track, and the corresponding first and second samples may be received from the respective instruments to the same apparatus 100.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way as long as there is no structural conflict. The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing a sample, comprising:

a plurality of storage compartments independent of one another, each storage compartment having a selectively openable compartment door, wherein a plurality of groups of first samples can be stored in different storage compartments;

a transfer passage provided adjacent to the hatch door of each storage bin; and

an internal transport mechanism movable within the transport passageway, the internal transport mechanism configured to move the first sample to and/or from the hatch door of each storage compartment.

2. The apparatus for storing samples of claim 1 wherein the internal transport mechanism is a ferry vehicle.

3. An apparatus for storing samples according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one first sample rack is provided in each storage compartment, each first sample rack being configured to hold a group of first samples, the internal transport mechanism being configured to receive first sample racks holding first samples from the storage compartment and/or transport first sample racks holding first samples to the storage compartment.

4. The device for storing samples according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an external transport mechanism arranged adjacent to the transport path, the external transport mechanism being configured to receive a first sample from an internal transport mechanism in the transport path and transport the first sample to an instrument external to the device and/or to transport the first sample external to the device onto the internal transport mechanism.

5. The apparatus for storing samples of claim 4, wherein the external transport mechanism comprises:

a first conveyor track configured to be drivable in an inside-to-outside direction to convey a first sample at the internal conveyor mechanism out of the apparatus;

a second conveyor track configured to be drivable in an outside-to-inside direction to convey a first sample outside of the apparatus to the internal conveyor mechanism.

6. The apparatus for storing samples according to claim 5, wherein the first and second conveyor tracks extend to respective instruments outside the apparatus, the instruments comprising a detection instrument and/or a sample sorter.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second sample storage area configured for storing a second sample, and the internal transport mechanism is configured for transporting the second sample in the second sample storage area to the external transport mechanism and/or transporting the second sample from the external transport mechanism to the second sample storage area.

8. The apparatus for storing samples of claim 7, further comprising an information recognition mechanism disposed adjacent to the external transport mechanism, the information recognition mechanism configured to recognize an information code of a second sample as the second sample moves via the external transport mechanism.

9. The apparatus for storing samples of claim 7, wherein the second sample comprises a test sample.

10. An apparatus for storing samples according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each storage compartment is provided with a respective temperature control module for individually controlling the temperature of each storage compartment.

11. The apparatus for storing samples according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing and a second sample storage area for storing a second sample, the respective storage compartments and/or second sample storage areas being arranged in two rows within the housing, a transport channel being formed between the two rows of storage compartments and/or second sample storage areas.

12. Device for storing samples according to claim 11, characterized in that the storage compartment and/or the second sample storage area is located at a first end side of the transport channel extension within the housing, an external transport mechanism being provided adjacent to the transport channel at a second end side of the transport channel extension within the housing, the external transport mechanism being configured to be able to receive the first and/or second sample from an internal transport mechanism in the transport channel and to transport the first and/or second sample to an instrument outside the device and/or to transport the first and/or second sample outside the device onto the internal transport mechanism.

13. The device for storing samples according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sample comprises a calibration sample and/or a quality control sample.