DK173762B1 - Method and plant for handling sample bottles in a laboratory - Google Patents

Description

DK 173762 B1]

The present invention relates to a method for handling sample bottles in a laboratory, wherein a plurality of sample bottles are placed in an articulated bus, each part comprising an opening for receiving a sample bottle transported through a number of processes, the bus being supported by transport means which guides them through rectilinear 5 and curvilinear processes. The invention further relates to a plant for handling sample bottles in a laboratory, where a number of sample bottles are placed in an articulated bus, each part comprising an opening for receiving a sample bottle which is transported ffa apparatus to apparatus where different processes are carried out, comprising conveying means comprising, at least between subsequent processing apparatus, rectilinear and 10 curved segments arranged in extension of each other to support the bus, the rectilinear segments of the conveying means comprising driven conveyor belts.

In laboratories, it is known to handle sample bottles through various apparatus in which processes or tests of the samples contained in the sample bottles are performed. In 15 such laboratories, frequent testing is carried out on a very large number of samples throughout the day.

Thus, it is not uncommon for up to 30,000 bottles to be handled. day.

For the purpose of handling sample bottles, US Patent No. 3,587,676 discloses a system for advancing a articulated chain consisting of sample bottle holders. According to this specification, the chain is guided through rectilinear and curvilinear processes, with drive means providing for conveying the chain through treatment stations. Although this system mentions an opportunity to divide the chain into individual sections dealing with few chain links, such sections must be interconnected so that a continuous endless chain is always formed for use in transferring the sample bottles through the system. Such an endless chain cannot be compared to a bus, as the endless chain will engage a rectilinear and / or a curved segment. Thus, no transport problem will exist when the chain is to be driven through the system. Furthermore, the described system will have a limited efficiency since sample bottles can only be passed through the system in endless rows. Thus, every 30 single sample bottles must be passed through each single process or apparatus in the laboratory, and this must be done in the same order as any other bottle located in the chain.

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This will result in low capacity and low efficiency. It will not be possible to create a buffer before a workstation and then pass a number of sample bottles or sections of sample bottles in parallel and simultaneously through a process apparatus. On the other hand, such an option exists with the use of separate buses.

US Patent No. 5,351,801 describes a system in which rectilinear racks are advanced through various processing steps. In particular, this paper addresses the problem of passing the rectangular racks through the system at varying speeds. The script does not contain instructions for a division of these racks. Therefore, a system formed in accordance with the US 10 will not be flexible and efficient with the possibility of fitting to special sizes and designing laboratories.

As can be seen from the above, it has thus been known in the past to use so-called racks or buses, in which a number of sample bottles are placed in 15 arranged brackets instead of using the endless chains. The known buses are rectangular rods or trays which contain a number of recesses in which a number of sample bottles are placed.

For example, between 7 and 20 sample bottles may be placed in such rod-shaped racks.

The rod-shaped racks are handled manually or semi-automatically through a laboratory, carried from device to device in which processes or tests are carried out. However, from the above-mentioned US patent, a fully automatic handling is known. However, this handling is only described for rod-shaped racks. The known automatic handling is thus associated with disadvantages. Thus, situations will frequently arise where some of the capacity of the process equipment is not being utilized sufficiently effectively.

Furthermore, as mentioned, a relatively large area will be needed for the placement of the various process apparatus with sufficient space between the apparatus for handling the rod-shaped racks. Furthermore, it will be difficult to have the individual 30 processors placed at different levels, as the manual handling of the rod-shaped racks necessitates an ergonomically appropriate placement.

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In order to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, US Patent No. 3,916,157 discloses a jointed bus, each joint comprising an opening capable of accommodating a sample bottle. The described links in the bus are disadvantageous as they are not arranged to be able to fix sample bottles, so that reliable reading of bar codes or other information can be obtained which may be on the sample bottle itself.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a method and a system that alleviate the above-mentioned drawbacks and enable efficient handling of the sample bottles according to a principle suitable for automating the passage of the sample bottles through the laboratory.

This is achieved according to the present invention by a method which is characterized in that the bus is driven in the rectilinear courses, the bus being in frictional engagement with the conveying means and passing through the curvilinear processes, the friction between the bus and the transporting means being greater than the friction between the bus and segments defining the curvilinear processes, and that during the transport the bus is always brought into contact with a rectilinear process, as well as a facility which is characterized in that the curvilinear segments comprise a recess in which the bus joints are fully or partially absorbed for implying a change of direction, that the friction between the bus and the conveyor belts 20 is greater than the friction between the bus and the curve segments and that the curve of a curve segment is shorter than a bus.

Due to the curvature of certain segments of the conveying means, it becomes possible to swing the flexible bus around corners which may have a relatively small radius of curvature depending on the configuration of the bus. Furthermore, it will be possible to turn the bus into very small space by using curve segments which change the direction of movement 180 °. Against this background, there will be a great deal of flexibility in the way process devices can be placed in a laboratory.

30 As the buses are supported by transport agencies, manual handling of the buses is avoided. As the buses are flexible and passed through the waveforms, the area requirements will be significantly reduced compared to traditional handling of rod-shaped racks, which are transferred manually from process apparatus to process apparatus.

As the bus is driven through the rectilinear processes using driven conveyor belts, 5 simple and inexpensive transport of the buses is achieved throughout the process. In the curved segments, the bus will simply be passed through in a passive manner while simultaneously imparting change of direction. Since the curve segment will always have a shorter recess than the length of a bus, a bus will always engage with a rectilinear segment before or after the curve segment. In this way, the bus will safely be passed through a laboratory from process to process.

The conveying means comprise driven conveyor belts as well as curved segments having a recess in which the joints of the bus are fully or partially absorbed to effect a change of direction. The friction between the bus and the conveyor belts is greater than the friction 15 between the bus and the curve segments. As each curve segment is shorter than a bus, it will be pushed through a curve segment and then engaged with the subsequently driven conveyor belt for further transport. Since the friction between the bus and the conveyor belts is greater than the friction between the bus and the curve segments, there will never be a risk that a bus will brake in a curve segment. Also, there is no risk of a bus being stopped in a curve segment, as the front or rear end will always be in contact with a driven conveyor belt. In individual buses, part of the joint will preferably be interchangeable, so that it becomes possible to use the joints in connection with sample bottles of different sizes. Sample bottles may have different sizes and designs depending on their use.

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Furthermore, it will be possible to use buses of different lengths depending on the number of sample bottles from different users who must have carried out checks in the laboratory.

It is possible to stop the buses. Thus, at least a portion of the 30 processing apparatus will be provided with detachable stop means which can cooperate with the buses so that it builds a buffer storage immediately in front of the processing apparatus.

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This makes it possible to utilize the capacity of the processing apparatus optimally, as a new bus will always be ready to pass into the processing apparatus when a passing bus is driven out of the processing apparatus.

5 The individual conveyor belts used can be operated at variable speeds depending on the capacity of the process equipment, so that optimum utilization is made depending on the processes / tests to be performed in connection with the actual tests contained in the buses. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the conveyor belts at different speeds. Thus, the speed of the buses can be accelerated when it is to be transported on 10 relatively long rectilinear conveyor lanes, or accelerated when it is to be passed through a curve segment and / or into a process apparatus. The use of different speeds as well as mutually variable speeds makes it possible to utilize the capacity of the process equipment optimally.

15 In general, the buses, when in the process apparatus, will have a straight line. The system can thus be used in conjunction with processes known per se that have previously been used for handling rod-shaped buses. However, the buses may also be used in other types of process apparatus where the sample bottles are arranged according to a curve, for example a circle segment.

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Since each joint of a bus includes an opening for receiving a sample bottle, it will be possible to design the opening so that the sample bottle is fixed therein in a predefined position. This can be done, for example, by providing each joint with means for engaging a hinge for the cap of the test vials. Furthermore, it will be possible to retain the sample bottles in the openings of the individual joints, so that the samples, while in the bus, can be turned, shaken or rotated to avoid layering in the samples contained in the sample bottles.

When passing through the laboratory, the buses are passed from segment to segment by the 30 transport means. By using separate rectilinear and curve-shaped segments, it is possible, for example, by using a central electronic recording and control unit, to pass the individual buses through the process apparatus necessary to perform processes for the tests, which is in the sample bottles of the bus. It should be noted that the system can also be used to guide the buses through a transport process where it passes through all process equipment. It will then be possible to deactivate or activate process apparatus depending on whether a treatment of the actual samples contained in the bus sample bottles is to be performed.

As the bus will be on the transport means and through it will be passed through the laboratory, a risk of erroneous test results is avoided due to 10 misplacement or change of order of buses and the like, which could be done by manual handling.

The joints of the buses used will be provided with a recess for receiving part of the sample bottle so that it is held in a rotationally fixed position. Hereby it becomes possible to use electronically recordable codes, for example in the form of barcodes and / or electronic tags, which are associated with each individual link and / or each sample bottle. By using a central electronic recording and control unit, it will be possible to process / analyze and record an analysis of each individual sample bottle. Alternatively, it is also possible to do the registration on the basis of an electronically recordable code that is simply associated with the first link and / or sample bottle in a bus.

If the system comprises switching means in connection with the curve segments, it will be possible to use the recordable codes by controlling the passage 25 of the individual buses through various transport paths in the transport means and thus through optional process apparatus.

The switching means used to transmit the buses one way or the other through the transport means will be controlled as a result of signals from the recording and control unit. These signals will be given as a result of detecting the electronically recordable code associated with each bus / bus.

7 DK 173762 B1 If the joints are mutually pivotal at a spatial angle, which can be established by connecting the joints with a hinge pin which passes through line openings in a U-shaped fork and through an opening in a spaced tab which can swing between the fork branches, it will be possible to carry the segments of the transport organs in 5 different levels. This increases flexibility as it becomes possible to place process equipment side by side as well as above and below each other. This can be done without regard to ergonomic considerations, which will be required if manual handling is required, which necessitates an appropriate working height for the buses.

According to the invention, the system is advantageously provided with an insertion station where sample bottles are placed in the buses. This can be done manually or automatically by using robots which transfer the sample bottles from racks or trays used for sample collection and for transporting the sample bottles to a laboratory. Furthermore, the facility includes a warehouse in which the buses can be parked. Thus, empty buses ready to be filled with sample bottles may be parked or buses equipped with sample bottles may be parked thereafter to be handled through the laboratory. The storage also includes an emptying and washing station where the sample bottles are automatically emptied and removed from the buses. The buses are cleaned and ready to be supplied with sample bottles again. The sample bottles can be removed manually 20 or automatically from the buses.

It should be noted that laboratories may be designed to perform very different processes / tests. However, the system according to the invention will allow each sample to pass only through the laboratory process apparatus necessary for the current sample. Examples of applications include, for example, quality tests in the food industry and / or quality tests of water quality, milk quality and the like.

The process apparatus used in the laboratory will not be limiting to the present invention. It will thus be possible to use known process apparatus, 8 DK 173762 B1, which are interconnected by means of transport means used for transporting buses according to the invention.

The invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant according to the invention; FIG. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a bus according to the invention; 3 is a partial view illustrating a bus in a curve segment; FIG. 4 is a plan view of a workpiece for a portion of a joint of FIG. 2; FIG. 5-7 different pictures for illustrating said part of the joint in a folded state ready for placement in a joint, and 15 fig. 8 is a partial view of a rectilinear segment and a curved segment of a plant according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a principle sketch of a plant according to the invention located in a laboratory 1. Γ the plant includes transport means 2 for transporting buses 3 (see Figure 2) through 20 different process apparatus 4 in the plant. The bus 3 contains a plurality of links 9, each intended to contain a sample bottle 6.

The conveying means 2 of the system, more clearly shown in FIG. 8, include rectilinear segments 7 and curved segments 8. It is possible for a bus 3 to be transported through the rectilinear segments 7 and the curved segments 8, the bus being flexible. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexibility is established by producing the buses of a number of interconnected links 9 (see in particular Fig. 3). The joints 9 are connected to each other by means of a hinge pin 10 passing through the openings 11 in a U-shaped fork 12 at one end of a joint, and which openings 11 are aligned with an opening 13 in a tab 14 which is provided at the other end of an adjacent joint so that the openings 11,13 are aligned. The two branches of the fork will form an angle, preferably between 0 and 10 ° (not shown), so that the tab 14 can swing between the two branches. This allows for a mutual oscillation at a spatial angle of the various joints 9, so that the bus can both turn corners and be carried up and down by inclines in the transport means 2.

The U-fork 12 and tab 14 are an integral part of a bottom piece 15 of each joint 9. Each joint is provided with a recess 16 for receiving the bottom of a sample bottle 6. To support the sample bottles 6 at an upper position, each joint further provided with an upper part 17, which is particularly evident in Figures 4-7. The upper portion 17 is shown in an unfolded condition in FIG. 4th

10 It will be seen here that at each end of the joint, openings 18 are provided for the passage of screws, whereby the upper portion 17 is secured to the base of the joint 15. This attachment occurs when the upper portion 17 is folded along fold lines 19 and gives an appearance. , which can be seen in the three right-angled images in Figures 5,6 and 7.

In a central portion 20 between the two fold lines 19, an opening 21 is formed through which the upper portion of the sample bottle 6 passes. At one side of the opening 20 is a portion 22 which, in the folded state, extends upwardly from an intermediate portion 20. The upwardly directed portion 22 is provided with a recess 23 and serves to fix the sample bottles in a rotational position relative to each joint. 3, the recess 23 serving 20 for engaging a hinge (24) for a lid 25 on a sample bottle 6. It is noted that such a fixing means is advantageous for reading a bar code located on the sample bottles. Depending on the design of the sample bottles 6, the upper portion 17 of each joint will be designed differently. Thus, the bottom pieces 15 can be provided with differently shaped upper parts 17.

In FIG. 8 it is seen that a rectilinear segment 7 comprises a rail 26 in which there is a groove 27. In the groove 27, a conveyor belt (not shown) runs around end rollers (not shown), at least one of which is driven at the end of each rail section. 26. Due to the use of a track 27, it is ensured that the conveyor belt and the buses placed thereon will be conveyed in a simple manner 30 without risk of sliding laterally. However, on each side is provided a guide shield 28 (only one is shown in Fig. 8) which ensures that a bus 3 does not overturn.

In FIG. 8, it is further seen that each curve segment 8 is constituted by a rail 29, which also comprises a recess 30, in which the bottom pieces 15 of the bus 3 are received to impart a change of direction to the bus. It should be noted that the length of the recess 30 in a curve segment will always be shorter than the length of a bus 3. Furthermore, a material choice will be made 5, so that the friction between the footings 15 and the conveyor belt will always be greater than the friction between the bottom pieces 15 and the recess. 30 in a curve segment 8. This ensures that a bus will always slide effortlessly through a curve segment which is arranged in extension of a rectilinear curve segment and then inserted into a subsequent rectilinear segment which is placed in extension of the curve segment. .

The FIG. 1 may be provided with a plurality of rectangular segments arranged in succession to form the long transport paths between different process devices 4. The conveyor belts in such subsequent rectilinear segments 7 are arranged to be operated with variable and mutually different speeds. Hereby, the velocity can be accelerated by passing over a long distance and accelerated before the entrance to a curve segment 8.

At the curve segments 8 well-known shift tracks are provided, as well as detachable 20 engagement means, which can control the passage of the buses 3 through one or the other transport path in such a shift track. The switching means is controlled by an electronic recording and control unit which performs the control by a scan of bar codes 31, which may be arranged on each sample bottle 6 or just the front sample bottle in a bus 3.

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At any of the process apparatus 4, detachable stop means may be provided, for example in the form of pivotal pins, against which the buses are stopped, so that a buffer storage can be built directly in front of the process apparatus 4. A process apparatus 4 can always be utilized efficiently, the buses 3 always being used. will be fed to the 30 stop means and be ready to be fed into the processing apparatus when a prior bus leaves it. This control can be done by means of the electronic registration and 11 DK 173762 B1 control unit. For the purpose of passing the buses through the plant, such a unit will be encoded with data for the processes carried out in each process apparatus 4.

The system shown in FIG. 1, comprises two different feeding stations 32, 33. It is possible to use several different feeding stations, thereby making it possible to place different types of sample bottles 6 in the buses 3. The sample bottles are transferred into the buses by a robot 34 which transfers sample bottles from racks 35,36 used for collecting the sample bottles 6 and for transporting them to the laboratory 1.

From the insertion stations 32, 33, the transport means 2 pass the bottles through a storage 10 37. In the storage 37, filled buses are stored until the registration and control unit gives signal of the bus passage through the system. After the buses pass through the facility, the sample bottles are passed through the storage 37 to a emptying and washing station 38, where the sample bottles are automatically emptied and removed from the buses. At the same time, the buses 3 are cleaned and ready to receive sample bottles again at the feeding stations 32,33. The plant 15 comprises a reversing apparatus 39. This can be used to turn or rotate the samples before they are introduced into process apparatus. This, in a manner known per se, avoids inaccuracy in the samples due to layering. The system further comprises a distributor 40. It is possible in this part to take out parts of the samples in the sample bottles 6, so that these can be tested in process apparatus not adapted for all processing a bus. This may be the case, for example, with a cryoscope 41. The plant also includes a station 42 where vision, smell and taste tests can be performed. Furthermore, the system shown comprises water baths 43,44, where, for example, a temperature of 20 ° C and 40 ° C can be established.

The bottom 15 of each of the bus 3's joints will preferably be made of plastic which is made either by casting or milling. The upper part 17 will preferably be made of a thin metal sheet. Alternatively, this part may also be made of plastic. In addition to the recess 16 for receiving a sample bottle, a recess for receiving an electronic chip may be formed in the underside of the bottom piece 15. Such an electronic chip can either be fixedly encoded or programmable, so that every single sample can be recorded using the associated chip located in the base piece 15. Such an electronic chip can be used in place of the bar codes 31. or in addition to a barcode entry.

Although the bar code 31 of Figure 2 is shown located on the bottle itself, it will also be possible to place the bar code on the lid 25 of a sample bottle. In FIG. 2, there is also shown a bus 3 with twenty links 9. It will be possible to make the bus with fewer or more links, but it is preferred to use buses with a certain number of links in each facility.

The typical speeds used in passing the buses through the facility may be between half a meter per hour. per second and 3 meters per second. second.

Claims (8)

A method for handling sample bottles (6) in a laboratory (1), wherein a plurality of sample bottles are placed in an articulated bus (3), each link (9) comprising an opening (21) for receiving a sample bottle (6) ) conveyed through a number of processes (4), the bus being supported by transport means passing them through rectilinear (7) and curvilinear (8), characterized in that the bus (3) is driven in the rectilinear (7), the bus being in frictional engagement with the conveying means and passing through the curved paths (8), the friction between the bus and the transporting means being greater than the friction between the bus and segments defining the curved paths and the bus (3) during its transport always be engaged by a straight line (7). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that each bus (3) is registered as a central recording and control unit and the buses are passed through the processes (4) as a result of signals from the recording and control unit. A system for handling sample bottles in a laboratory (1), wherein a plurality of sample bottles (6) are placed in an articulated bus (3), each link (9) comprising an opening (21) for receiving a sample bottle being transported from apparatus (4) to apparatus (4), wherein different processes are performed, the plant comprising transport means comprising at least between successive process apparatus (4) rectilinear and curvilinear segments (7,8) arranged in succession to support the bus (3), wherein the rectangular segments (7) of the conveying means comprise driven conveyor belts, characterized in that the curved segments (8) comprise a recess (30) in which the joint (9) of the bus is fully or partially accommodated for changing the direction that the friction between the bus (3) and the conveyor belts is greater than the friction between the bus (3) and the curve segments (8) and that the recess (30) of a curve segment is shorter than a bus (3). An installation according to claim 3, characterized in that the joints (9) are pivotable at a spatial angle. DK 173762 B1 Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the joints (9) are interconnected via a hinge pin (10) passing through line openings (11, 13) in a U-shaped fork (12) and in a tab arranged therebetween (14) and that the two branches of the fork form an angle between 0 and 10 ° to allow the pivot of the tabs between the branches in a plane containing the hinge pin. System according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that each joint (9) comprises a bottom piece (15) for engagement with the segments (7,8) and an upper part (17) having an opening (21) for receiving a sample bottle (6). 10 Installation according to claim 3, characterized in that the conveyor belts are arranged to be driven at variable and mutually different speeds and that detachable stop means for cooperation with at least a part of the process apparatus (4) are arranged. the buses (3) so that a buffer storage can be built up by such a processing apparatus (4). System according to any one of claims 3-7, characterized in that each bus and / or sample bottle has a recordable code, preferably in the form of a bar code and / or an electronic chip, that the apparatus comprises an electronic recording and a control unit which detects and controls the passage of the individual buses through optional process apparatus by means of said code, the system comprising switching means located adjacent to the curve segments and which is controlled by signals from the recording and control unit. System according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that it comprises an insertion station (32,33), where sample bottles (6) are arranged in the buses (3), a bearing (37), where buses (3) with or without sample bottles (6) can be stored as well as an emptying and washing station (38) where sample bottles are emptied and removed from the buses which are simultaneously cleaned.