Automatic lid opening and closing device

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic cup lid opening and closing device, including a cup body clamping mechanism. Above the cup body clamping mechanism is a cup lid screwing mechanism driven by a lifting mechanism. The cup lid screwing mechanism includes a clamping assembly driven by a first power source, and a cup lid clamping element is provided on the rotating shaft of the clamping assembly. When the cup lid is screwed, the cup lid is clamped in the clamping groove. The first anti-slip teeth in the clamping groove can increase the friction between the cup lid and the rotating gripper. That is, the cup lid is clamped using a mechanical structure without the need for an external mechanism (such as a motor), making the cup lid screwing mechanism more compact and reducing the size of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in vitro testing, and in particular to an automatic cup lid opening and closing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of laboratory medicine technology, microbiology testing has been widely applied in the field of in vitro detection, commonly used to detect viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and fungi. Pathogen testing is fundamental to infection control. Before microbiology testing, proper sampling is crucial. The sample is placed in a sample cup, and sample pretreatment requires opening and closing the cup. Since microbiology testing requires adding reagents in multiple stages, each sample cup needs to be opened and closed at least twice or more, making the operation cumbersome and inefficient. Furthermore, due to the large number of samples to be tested, manually twisting and closing the cups can easily lead to confusion between cups and lids, causing cross-contamination and inaccurate test results, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses by doctors.

[0003] In light of this, large-scale cap openers have emerged on the market. These machines can process reagent tubes in batches, opening multiple caps simultaneously. However, these machines often leave some tubes with caps remaining, and they only open caps, failing to meet the need for automatic cap closing. Furthermore, these machines are typically large and space-consuming, making them incompatible with in vitro diagnostic equipment. Therefore, designing a space-efficient cap-opening and closing device that can handle both tasks is a crucial problem urgently needing to be solved by the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cup lid opening and closing device that can not only open the lid but also close it. It has a compact structure and can be used in conjunction with clinical in vitro diagnostic equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The automatic cup lid opening and closing device of the present invention includes a cup body clamping mechanism, and a cup lid turning mechanism driven by a lifting mechanism is provided above the cup body clamping mechanism. The cup lid turning mechanism includes a clamping component driven by a first power source, and a cup lid clamping member is provided on the rotating shaft of the clamping component.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cup clamping mechanism includes a transmission assembly driven by a second power source and a cup clamping assembly disposed on the transmission assembly for clamping the cup.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission assembly is a pair of meshing transmission gears, one of which is connected to the second power source; the cup clamping assembly includes two clamping units with identical structures and symmetrically arranged, with one clamping unit on each transmission gear, and the two clamping units are symmetrically arranged. The two drive gears rotate in opposite directions to open the two clamping units; the two drive gears rotate in opposite directions to close the two clamping units, resulting in an ingenious structure.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping unit includes an opening and closing arm fixedly connected to the transmission gear or the mounting shaft of the transmission gear, and a chuck is vertically arranged at the other end of the opening and closing arm. The arc-shaped clamping surface of the chuck is provided with a second anti-slip tooth to prevent the cup lid from slipping and improve the success rate of opening and closing the lid.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism includes a linear power source and a guide assembly. The first mounting bracket of the cup lid screwing mechanism is connected to the linear power source and slides up and down along the guide assembly. The guide assembly guides the first mounting bracket, thereby improving the accuracy of the cup lid screwing mechanism.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the linear power source is a first lead screw stepper motor, a motor-driven lead screw, a chain drive mechanism, or a belt drive mechanism. More preferably, the linear power source is a first lead screw stepper motor or a motor-driven lead screw, saving installation space.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first power source is a reduction gear mechanism with a reduction ratio, and the rotating shaft is connected to the reduction gear mechanism in a transmission connection.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cup lid clamping member has a clamping groove for clamping the cup lid. More preferably, the cup lid clamping member is a rotating gripper fixed to the rotating shaft, the rotating gripper having the clamping groove, and the inner surface of the rotating gripper being provided with a first anti-slip tooth.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cup lid screwing mechanism further includes a position sensor for detecting the cup body's positioning information and a first initial position sensor for detecting the position of the cup lid clamping member. The position sensor and the first initial position sensor can be photoelectric or [other types are mentioned here]. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping unit includes an opening and closing arm fixedly connected to the transmission gear or the mounting shaft of the transmission gear, and a chuck is vertically arranged at the other end of the opening and closing arm, and a second anti-slip tooth is provided on the arc-shaped clamping surface of the chuck.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the automatic cup lid opening and closing device further includes a sample cup ejection mechanism, which includes a third power source disposed on the cup lid screwing mechanism and a pressing member driven to rise and fall by the third power source. After the lid is closed, a power is provided to disengage the cup lid from the rotating gripper, ensuring that the cup lid can be successfully pushed out of the rotating gripper, thereby realizing the ejection of the sample cup.

[0015] The advantages of this invention lie in its compact structure and simple, convenient operation. It can not only unscrew the lid from the sample cup but also screw the lid onto the sample cup, achieving automatic opening and closing of the sample cup and improving work efficiency. Simultaneously, when screwing the lid, it is engaged in a clamping groove. The first anti-slip tooth in the clamping groove increases the friction between the lid and the rotating gripper, thus achieving lid clamping through a mechanical structure without the need for external mechanisms (such as a motor), making the lid screwing mechanism more compact and reducing the size of the equipment. Furthermore, after the lid is closed, the sample cup ejection mechanism of this invention provides a force to disengage the lid from the rotating gripper, ensuring successful ejection of the lid from the rotating gripper, thereby achieving sample cup ejection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cup lid screwing mechanism described in this invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the cup lid screwing mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of section B.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a rear-view axonometric drawing of the cup lid screwing mechanism.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cup lid clamping component described in this invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism described in this invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cup clamping mechanism described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes are given. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. In this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature; In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “connection”, “fixed”, etc., shall be interpreted broadly. For example, “fixed” can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic cup lid opening and closing device of the present invention includes a cup body clamping mechanism, and a cup lid screwing mechanism driven by a lifting mechanism is provided above the cup body clamping mechanism. Wherein: like Figure 1 As shown, the cup lid screwing mechanism includes a first mounting frame 101, which is a frame structure formed by a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, and two side plates fixedly connected together; a first power source, which is mounted on the first mounting frame 101; and a clamping assembly, which has a rotating shaft 102 rotatably mounted on the first mounting frame 101 and a cup lid clamping member fixedly connected to the lower part of the rotating shaft 102. The cup lid clamping member has a clamping groove that cooperates with the cup lid, and the cup lid can be clamped in the clamping groove. The cup lid can be opened and closed by rotating the clamping groove.

[0028] like Figure 1-3 and Figure 5As shown, the first power source is a gear transmission mechanism with a certain reduction ratio (it can also be a chain transmission mechanism, belt transmission mechanism, motor-driven reducer, or other reduction transmission mechanism with a reduction ratio), which can increase torque and improve the success rate of opening and closing the cover. Specifically, the gear transmission mechanism includes a first motor 103 installed inside the first mounting bracket 101, a second gear 104 driven by the first motor 103, and a first gear 105 meshing with the second gear 104. The rotating shaft 102 is fixedly connected to the first gear 105, and the rotating shaft 102 is rotatably engaged with the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate of the first mounting bracket 101 through bearings. like Figure 3-4 As shown, a positioning sensor 108 (a photoelectric sensor, but it could also be an inductive switch, magnetic sensor, etc.) is mounted on the upper cover plate corresponding to the sensing rod 106. The rotating shaft 102 is a hollow structure, and the sensing rod 106 is movably inserted inside the rotating shaft 102. A limiting block 107 is provided at the lower part of the sensing rod 106 to prevent the sensing rod 106 from falling out. The limiting block 107 is located in the clamping groove and is connected to the sensing rod 106 by bolts, making disassembly and assembly simple and convenient. A positioning sensor 108 is mounted on the upper cover plate corresponding to the sensing rod 106. When the sample cup is in position, the limiting block 107 is lifted upward, and the limiting block 107 is forced to drive the sensing rod 106 to rise synchronously. The sensing rod 106 triggers the positioning sensor 108, and the positioning sensor 108 transmits the detected sample cup positioning signal to the control system. The control system can issue corresponding control commands to the first motor 103 and the first lead screw stepper motor 302 (described later) based on this signal.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 5-7 As shown, the cup lid clamping component includes a mounting sleeve (connected to the rotating shaft 102 by fastening bolts) fitted on the rotating shaft 102 and a rotating gripper 109 that cooperates with the cup lid. The limiting block 107 is also connected to the sensing rod 106 by bolts, which enables quick assembly and disassembly of the cup lid clamping component and facilitates the replacement of different models of rotating grippers 109 to meet the opening and closing requirements of different models of sample cups. It has a wide range of applications. The inner cavity of the rotating gripper 109 is a clamping groove. The inner side of the rotating gripper 109 is provided with a first anti-slip tooth 109.1. The first anti-slip tooth 109.1 is a sharp tooth that can directly pierce the outer surface of the cup lid, increase the friction between the cup lid and the rotating gripper 109, prevent slippage, and improve the success rate of opening the lid. A pair of mounting slots 109.2 are provided on the side wall of the rotary gripper 109. Each mounting slot 109.2 is provided with an elastic element (i.e., a spring piece 110). The bent part of the lower part of the spring piece 110 extends into the clamping slot to further fix the cup lid in place, ensuring the cup lid's locking effect, preventing the cup lid from falling off, and improving the success rate of opening and closing the lid.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, a first initial position sensor 111 (photoelectric type, but it can also be magnetic or reflective type) is mounted on one side of the first mounting bracket 101. A first sensing plate 112 for triggering the first initial position sensor 111 is provided on the second gear 104. The first initial position sensor 111 can be used to detect the initial position of the second gear 104 and further determine the initial position of the rotating shaft 102 and the rotating gripper 109.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 9 As shown, the cup clamping mechanism includes a second mounting bracket 201 mounted below the rotary gripper 109; a second power source mounted on the second mounting bracket 201, the second power source having a main gear 202; a transmission assembly having a pair of transmission gears 203 mounted on the second mounting bracket 201, the two transmission gears 203 meshing with each other, and one of the transmission gears 203 meshing with the main gear 202; and a cup clamping assembly having two identical clamping units, each transmission gear 203 having one clamping unit. When the two transmission gears 203 move towards each other, the two clamping units close, clamping the sample cup; when the two transmission gears rotate in opposite directions, the two clamping units open, facilitating the removal and placement of the sample cup.

[0032] like Figure 9 As shown, the second power source includes a second motor mounted on the second mounting bracket 201. The motor shaft of the second motor extends upward from the second mounting bracket 201, and a main gear 202 is mounted on the upper part of the motor shaft. Two transmission gears 203 are rotatably mounted on the second mounting bracket 201 via a mounting shaft (the mounting shaft is rotatably engaged with the second mounting bracket 201 via bearings). Each transmission gear 203 is provided with a clamping unit, which includes an opening and closing arm 204 fixed to the mounting shaft (of course, the opening and closing arm can also be directly fixed to the transmission gear 203). A chuck 205 is vertically provided at the other end of the opening and closing arm 204. During installation, the two clamping units are symmetrically arranged, so that the two chucks 205 are arranged opposite each other. The two transmission gears 203 can rotate towards each other and away from each other, realizing the opening and closing of the two opening and closing arms 204, thereby realizing the loosening and clamping of the cup body.

[0033] In actual processing, the opening and closing arm 204 and the chuck 205 are integrated structures. Of course, the opening and closing arm 204 and the chuck 205 can also be separate structures. Each chuck 205 has a second anti-slip tooth on its arc-shaped clamping surface to increase the friction between the chuck 205 and the cup body and prevent slippage.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the lifting mechanism includes a third mounting frame 301, a linear power source mounted on the third mounting frame 301, and a guide assembly mounted on the third mounting frame 301. The first mounting frame 101 is connected to the linear power source and slides up and down along the guide assembly.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the linear power source is a first lead screw stepper motor 302 (or a motor-driven lead screw, or a synchronous belt drive mechanism, etc.) mounted on the third mounting bracket 301. The back of the first mounting bracket 101 is provided with a lifting seat 303 that cooperates with the lead screw of the first lead screw stepper motor 302. The threaded seat on the lifting seat 303 is threadedly connected to the lead screw of the first lead screw stepper motor 302. The first lead screw stepper motor 302 can drive the cup lid screwing mechanism to rise and fall through the lifting seat 303, thereby realizing the rise and fall of the rotating gripper 109, laying the foundation for the opening and closing of the cup lid. The guide assembly includes a pair of first guide rails 304 (vertically arranged) set on the third mounting bracket 301. A pair of sliders 305 are provided on the back of the first mounting bracket 101. The sliders 305 are respectively locked on the corresponding first guide rails 304 and rise and fall along the first guide rails 304, effectively ensuring the movement trajectory of the cup lid screwing mechanism.

[0036] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, a second sensing plate 306 is provided on one side wall of the first mounting bracket 101, and a mounting plate 307 is provided on the upper part of the third mounting bracket 301. A second initial position sensor (photoelectric type, but it can also be magnetic or reflective type) is provided on the mounting plate 307. When the cup lid screwing mechanism rises to the initial height, the second sensing plate 306 triggers the second initial position sensor. The second initial position sensor transmits the information that the cup lid screwing mechanism is located at the initial height to the control system, laying the foundation for the opening action described later.

[0037] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the automatic cup lid opening and closing device of the present invention also includes a sample cup ejection mechanism. The sample cup ejection mechanism includes a third power source disposed on the first mounting frame 101 and a pressing member driven to rise and fall by the third power source. One end of the pressing member is clamped to the upper part of the sensing rod 106.

[0038] like Figure 1-3As shown, the third power source is a second lead screw stepper motor 401 fixedly connected within the first mounting bracket 101. The lead screw of the second lead screw stepper motor 401 is rotatably engaged with the first mounting bracket 101. The pressing component is a pressure plate 402 fixedly connected to a nut seat on the lead screw of the second lead screw stepper motor 401. The pressure plate 402 extends horizontally towards the sensing rod 106, and its end has a through groove 403 for easy mounting of the sensing rod 106. The upper part of the sensing rod 106 has a boss that mates with the pressure plate 402. After the lid is closed, the second lead screw stepper motor 401 drives the pressure plate 402 to move downward. The pressure plate 402 presses against the boss of the sensing rod 106, which in turn drives the sensing rod 106 to descend. This causes the limiting block 107 at the lower part of the sensing rod 106 to press down on the cup lid, thereby pushing the sample cup (with lid) downward and removing the sample.

[0039] like Figure 2-3 The second lead screw stepper motor 401 has a vertically downward lifting plate 404 mounted on its nut seat. A third sensing plate 405 is mounted on the lower part of the lifting plate 404. A pressure plate positioning sensor 406 is mounted on the lower cover plate of the first mounting bracket 101. When the lifting plate 404 drives the third sensing plate 405 to descend synchronously to the position of the pressure plate positioning sensor 406, the third sensing plate 405 triggers the pressure plate positioning sensor 406, and the second lead screw stepper motor 401 stops moving. To ensure the movement trajectory of the lifting plate 404, a second guide rail 407 is vertically mounted on the rear side plate of the first mounting bracket. A corresponding slider is mounted on the lifting plate 404 to match the second guide rail 407, allowing the lifting plate 404 to move up and down along the second guide rail 407.

[0040] The working process of this invention is as follows: When the sample cup lid needs to be opened, the sample cup is placed in the lid opening / closing position. The second motor drives the two transmission gears 203 to rotate in opposite directions via the main gear 202, causing the two clamps 205 to close, thereby clamping the sample cup body and fixing the sample cup. The first lead screw stepper motor 302 operates, causing the lid screwing mechanism to move downwards, and the rotating gripper 109 descends synchronously. Under the push of the first lead screw stepper motor 302, the rotating gripper 109 is fitted onto the lid, and the first anti-slip tooth 109.1 (a pointed tooth) inside the rotating gripper 109 penetrates the sample cup lid. The rotating gripper 109... As the cup lid continues to move downwards, when it is pushed upwards by the limiting block 107 and the sensing rod 106 is lifted, triggering the positioning sensor 108, it indicates that the cup lid is in place. The two spring pieces 110 limit the lower surface of the cup lid to prevent it from falling off. The first motor 103 drives the rotating shaft 102 to rotate through the first gear 105 and the second gear 104. The rotating gripper 109 rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft 102. At the same time, the first lead screw stepper motor 302 rotates in the opposite direction, causing the cup lid screwing mechanism to rise as a whole. The rotating gripper 109 rotates and rises at the same time, ensuring that the cup lid is detached from the cup body during the screwing process, thus realizing the opening operation.

[0041] When the lid needs to be closed, the first lead screw stepper motor 302 drives the cup lid screwing mechanism to descend as a whole. When the rotating gripper 109 descends to the preset height, the first motor 103 is started. The first motor 103 drives the rotating gripper 109 to rotate through the first gear 105 and the second gear 104. The rotating gripper 109 rotates and descends at the same time, screwing the cup lid onto the cup body. When the rotating gripper 109 descends to the preset height, the first lead screw stepper motor 302 and the first motor 103 stop working, completing the lid closing operation. After the lid is closed, the second lead screw stepper motor 401 drives the pressure plate 402 to descend. During the descent, the pressure plate 402 transmits force to the limiting block 107 through the boss and the sensing rod 106, causing the lid to disengage from the rotating gripper 109, thus completing the sample cup removal. After the sample removal is completed, the second motor rotates, causing the two transmission gears 203 to rotate in opposite directions, and the two opening and closing arms 204 open to facilitate the removal of the sample cup and the placement of the next sample cup.

[0042] It should be emphasized that the above embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications, substitutions, and improvements within the technical scope of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic cup lid opening and closing device, comprising a cup body clamping mechanism, and a cup lid screwing mechanism driven by a lifting mechanism disposed above the cup body clamping mechanism, characterized in that: The cup lid screwing mechanism includes a clamping assembly driven by a first power source, and a cup lid clamping member is provided on the rotating shaft of the clamping assembly; The cup lid clamping component is a rotating gripper fixed to the rotating shaft. The rotating gripper has a clamping groove, and the inner side of the rotating gripper is provided with a first anti-slip tooth, which is a sharp tooth. A pair of mounting grooves are provided on the side wall of the rotating gripper, and a spring piece is provided in each mounting groove. The bent part of the lower part of the spring piece extends into the clamping groove. The rotating shaft has a hollow structure, and a sensing rod is movably inserted inside the rotating shaft. A limiting block is provided at the lower part of the sensing rod to prevent the sensing rod from falling out. The limiting block is located in the clamping groove. A positioning sensor is mounted on the upper cover plate corresponding to the sensing rod. It also includes a sample cup ejection mechanism, which includes a third power source mounted on the first mounting bracket of the cup lid screwing mechanism and a pressing member driven to move up and down by the third power source. The pressing member extends horizontally in the direction of the sensing rod, and the end of the pressing member is provided with a through groove for mounting the sensing rod. The upper part of the sensing rod is provided with a boss that cooperates with the pressing member.

2. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup clamping mechanism includes a transmission assembly driven by a second power source and a cup clamping assembly disposed on the transmission assembly, the clamping assembly being used to clamp the cup.

3. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission assembly is a pair of meshing transmission gears, one of which is connected to the second power source. The cup clamping assembly includes two clamping units with identical structures and symmetrical arrangement, with one clamping unit on each transmission gear.

4. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping unit includes an opening and closing arm fixedly connected to the transmission gear or the mounting shaft of the transmission gear, and a chuck is vertically arranged at the other end of the opening and closing arm. The arc-shaped clamping surface of the chuck is provided with a second anti-slip tooth.

5. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes a linear power source and a guide assembly. The first mounting bracket of the cup lid screwing mechanism is connected to the linear power source and slides up and down along the guide assembly.

6. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The linear power source is a first lead screw stepper motor, a chain drive mechanism, or a belt drive mechanism.

7. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power source is a reduction gear mechanism with a reduction ratio, and the rotating shaft is connected to the reduction gear mechanism.

8. The automatic cup lid opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cup lid screwing mechanism also has a first position sensor for detecting the position of the cup lid clamping member.

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