An opening mechanism for a sample tube opening machine and an opening machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to an opening mechanism for a sample tube capping machine, which includes a tray assembly provided with a sample tube cap adapter and an automatic loading and unloading mechanism connected to the capping machine. The tray assembly includes a tray body, and at least one set of fixing grooves is provided on the tray body. Clamping posts are respectively provided on both sides of the fixing groove. One end of the clamping post is connected with an elastic member, and one end of the elastic member is detachably connected to the tray body. The automatic loading and unloading mechanism includes a driving unit, a connecting member is connected to the driving unit, a fixing member is connected to the bottom end of the connecting member, a movable member is connected to the output end of the driving unit, a groove-shaped depression is provided on the fixing member, the movable member moves in the groove-shaped depression, and a limiting groove matching with the clamping post is provided on the inner wall of the groove-shaped depression. In the present invention, the adapter is limited by the positioning hole, and then the tray assembly is limited by the fixing member. The capping machine is used to control the rotation of the adapter to open the cap of the sample tube matching with the adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of biological and medical instruments, and specifically relates to an opening mechanism and an opening machine for a sample tube capping machine. Background Art

[0002] There are generally various samples in the fields of biology, medicine, and chemistry. These samples are usually stored in sample tubes. The number of these samples is usually very large. When these samples need to be used, in order to improve work efficiency, an opening machine is usually used to open or close the sample tubes.

[0003] The sample tubes are placed on a sample tray, and the sample tray positions and clamps the samples. The sample tray with the sample tubes is placed into the opening machine. There is a tray assembly fixed with an adapter in the opening machine. The adapter is adapted to the cap of the sample tube. The opening machine drives the tray assembly to move. When the adapter on the tray assembly is connected to the sample tube cap, the opening machine can be started to open or close the cap.

[0004] When replacing sample tube trays with different numbers or replacing sample tubes of different models, the tray assembly needs to be replaced. For traditional tray assemblies, manual replacement is required. When performing this operation, there is a risk of contaminating the sample tubes. At the same time, this operation requires manpower and is very time-consuming and laborious; therefore, improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to provide an opening mechanism for a sample tube capping machine, and another object is to provide an opening machine.

[0006] To achieve the above objects, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A limiting structure for a sample tube capping machine, including a tray assembly provided with a sample tube cap adapter and an automatic loading and unloading mechanism connected to the opening machine. The tray assembly includes a tray main body. At least one set of fixing grooves is provided on the tray main body. Clamping columns are respectively provided on both sides of the fixing groove. One end of the clamping column is connected with an elastic member, and one end of the elastic member is detachably connected to the tray main body.

[0008] The automatic loading and unloading mechanism includes a driving unit. A connecting member is connected to the driving unit. A fixing member is connected to the bottom end of the connecting member. A movable member is connected to the output end of the driving unit. A groove-shaped depression is provided on the fixing member. The movable member moves in the groove-shaped depression. A limiting groove matching with the clamping column is provided on the inner wall of the groove-shaped depression. The movable member extends towards the groove-shaped depression to form a first socket.

[0009] The driving unit operates to drive the fixing member to insert into the fixing groove of the tray main body. The fixing member presses downward to squeeze the clamping posts on both sides of the fixing groove to both sides. When the fixing member continues to press downward, the clamping posts slide along the groove-shaped depression under the elastic force of the elastic member until they are embedded inside the limiting groove, realizing the limitation of the tray assembly.

[0010] When replacing the tray assembly, the output end of the driving unit operates to drive the movable member to press downward into the groove-shaped depression. The first socket squeezes the clamping posts, causing the elastic member of the clamping posts to contract until the clamping posts disengage from inside the limiting groove, releasing the fixation of the tray main body. Under the action of gravity, the tray disengages from the fixing member, thereby replacing the tray assembly.

[0011] Optionally, a first limiting structure is provided in the vertical direction inside the groove-shaped depression, and a second limiting structure matching the first limiting structure is provided in the vertical direction on the outer side of the movable member.

[0012] Optionally, a second socket is formed at the bottom of the fixing member.

[0013] Optionally, the distance between the ends of the two clamping posts in the extended state located in the same fixing groove is greater than the minimum width of the first socket and the second socket.

[0014] Optionally, a plurality of positioning holes consistent with the positions of the sample tubes are provided on the tray main body.

[0015] Optionally, the top and bottom ends of the fixing groove both extend outward to form flared openings.

[0016] Optionally, relief holes are provided on both sides of the fixing groove.

[0017] Optionally, it includes the opening / closing mechanism for the sample tube capping machine as described above.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] In the present invention, by providing an adapter on the tray main body that is consistent with the position and quantity of the sample tubes, before the opening / closing operation, the driving unit operates to drive the fixing member to insert into the fixing groove of the tray main body. The fixing member presses downward to squeeze the clamping posts on both sides of the fixing groove to both sides. When the fixing member continues to press downward, the clamping posts slide along the groove-shaped depression under the elastic force of the elastic member until they are embedded inside the limiting groove, realizing the limitation of the tray assembly. The capping machine moves the tray assembly above the sample tube and drives downward, so that the adapter is connected to the sample tube cap body. The capping machine starts to drive the adapter to rotate, thereby opening or closing the sample tube.

[0020] When replacing trays of different numbers of sample tubes or replacing sample tubes of different models, it is necessary to replace the tray assembly. The lid opener moves the tray assembly to the replacement area, and the output end of the drive unit operates to drive the movable part to press downward into the groove-shaped depression. The first socket squeezes the clamping post, causing the elastic part of the clamping post to contract until the clamping post disengages from the inside of the limit groove, releasing the limit on the tray assembly. Under the action of gravity, the tray disengages from the fixing part, thereby replacing the tray assembly. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a front view structure diagram of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a bottom view structure diagram of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a side view structure diagram of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a side view sectional structure diagram of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a structure diagram of the fixing part, movable part and drive unit of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a structure diagram of the clamping post of the limit structure for the sample tube lid opener of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 1 Partial enlarged structure diagram at position A.

[0029] In the figure: 1. Tray body; 2. Fixed groove; 21. Relief hole; 22. Flared opening; 3. Fixing part; 31. First limit structure; 32. Groove-shaped depression; 33. Limit groove; 34. Second socket; 4. Movable part; 41. Second limit structure; 42. First socket; 51. Drive unit; 52. Connecting piece; 61. Clamping post; 62. Elastic part. Detailed Embodiment

[0030] The following further describes the present invention in detail with reference to specific drawings.

[0031] As Figure 1 - Figure 6As shown in the figure, the present invention discloses an opening mechanism for a sample tube lid opener, which includes a tray assembly provided with a sample tube lid adapter and an automatic loading and unloading mechanism connected to the lid opener. The tray assembly includes a tray body 1, and at least one set of fixing grooves 2 are provided on the tray body 1. Clamping posts 61 are respectively provided on both sides of the fixing groove 2. One end of the clamping post 61 is connected with an elastic member 62, and one end of the elastic member 62 is detachably connected to the tray body 1. The implementation manner of the detachable connection is that one end of the elastic member 62 is provided with a mounting block, and the clamping post 61 is detachably mounted on the tray body 1 through the mounting block; the elastic member 62 is realized by a spring.

[0032] The automatic loading and unloading mechanism includes a driving unit 51. A connecting member 52 is connected to the driving unit 51. A fixing member 3 is connected to the bottom end of the connecting member 52. A movable member 4 is connected to the output end of the driving unit 51. A groove-shaped depression 32 is provided on the fixing member 3. The movable member 4 moves within the groove-shaped depression 32. A limiting groove 33 that cooperates with the clamping post 61 is provided on the inner wall of the groove-shaped depression 32. The movable member 4 extends towards the groove-shaped depression 32 to form a first socket 42. The above connection manners can be: welding, integral molding or threaded connection. The driving unit 51 is realized by a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0033] On the other hand, a lid opener is proposed, which includes the opening mechanism for the sample tube lid opener described above.

[0034] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a number of positioning holes consistent with the position of the sample tube are provided on the tray body 1. An adapter that cooperates with the lid of the sample tube is fixed in the positioning holes. Before the opening operation, the driving unit 51 works to drive the fixing member 3 to insert into the fixing groove 2 of the tray body 1. The fixing member 3 presses down to squeeze the clamping posts 61 on both sides of the fixing groove 2 towards both sides. When the fixing member 3 continues to press down, the clamping post 61 slides along the groove-shaped depression 32 under the elastic force of the elastic member 62 until it is embedded inside the limiting groove 33, realizing the limitation of the tray body 1. The lid opener moves the tray assembly above the sample tube and drives downward to connect the adapter with the sample tube lid. The lid opener starts to drive the adapter to rotate, thereby opening or closing the sample tube.

[0035] When replacing the tray of different numbers of sample tubes or replacing sample tubes of different models, the tray assembly needs to be replaced. When the lid opener moves the tray assembly to the replacement position, the output end of the driving unit 51 works to drive the movable member 4 to press down into the groove-shaped depression 32. The first socket 42 squeezes the clamping post 61 to contract the elastic member 62 of the clamping post 61 until the clamping post 61 disengages from inside the limiting groove 33, releasing the limitation on the tray assembly. Under the action of gravity, the tray disengages from the fixing member 3, thereby replacing the tray assembly.

[0036] Such as Figure 1 、Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in Figure 7 , further, in this embodiment, a first limiting structure 31 is provided in the vertical direction inside the groove-shaped depression 32, and a second limiting structure 41 matching the first limiting structure 31 is provided in the vertical direction outside the moving member 4. The first limiting structure 31 is realized by a chute, and the second limiting structure 41 is realized by a slider.

[0037] It should be noted that a sliding structure is formed between the slider and the chute to limit the moving direction of the moving member 4 relative to the fixed member 3, so that the first socket 42 of the moving member 4 is stably inserted into the inside of the fixed member 3, and at the same time, the card group is squeezed, so that the tray body 1 is stably separated, avoiding the shaking of the lid opener and causing the shaking of the sample tube, which affects the final detection result of the sample.

[0038] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in Figure 6 , further, in this embodiment, the first socket 42 converges from both ends to the middle as the moving member 4 extends; a second socket 34 is formed at the bottom of the fixed member 3, and the second socket 34 converges from the periphery to the middle; the distance between the ends of the two card columns 61 in the extended state located in the same fixed slot 2 is greater than the minimum width of the first socket 42 and the second socket 34.

[0039] It should be noted that the fixed member 3 squeezes the card column 61 through the second socket 34, and the moving member 4 squeezes the card column 61 through the second socket 34. Since the minimum width of the first socket 42 and the second socket 34 is smaller than the card column 61 in the extended state located in the same fixed slot 2, when the first socket 42 and the second socket 34 squeeze the card column 61, it is smoother, avoiding the impact generated during squeezing and causing the tray assembly to shake.

[0040] As Figure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , further, in this embodiment, both the top and bottom ends of the fixed slot 2 expand outward to form flared openings 22, which facilitate the quick insertion of the fixed member 3 into the inside of the fixed slot 2.

[0041] As Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown in Figure 8 , further, in this embodiment, relief holes 21 are provided on both sides of the fixed slot 2. Through the relief holes 21, it is convenient to test the elastic member 62 of the card column 61 when the tray assembly is free.

[0042] The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made. These improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An opening mechanism for a sample tube opening machine, characterized in that, The invention comprises a tray assembly provided with a sample tube cover adapter and an automatic loading and unloading mechanism connected to a cover opener, wherein the tray assembly comprises a tray body, the tray body is provided with at least one set of fixing grooves, both sides of the fixing grooves are provided with clamping columns, one end of the clamping column is connected with an elastic member, and one end of the elastic member is detachably connected with the tray body; The automatic loading and unloading mechanism comprises a driving unit, a connecting piece is connected to the driving unit, a fixing piece is connected to the bottom end of the connecting piece, a movable piece is connected to the output end of the driving unit, a groove-shaped depression is provided on the fixing piece, the movable piece moves in the groove-shaped depression, a limiting groove matched with a clamping column is provided on the inner wall of the groove-shaped depression, and the movable piece extends toward the direction of the groove-shaped depression to form a first socket; The driving unit works to drive the fixing member to be inserted into the fixing groove of the tray body. The fixing member is pressed down to squeeze the clamping columns on both sides of the fixing groove to both sides. When the fixing member continues to be pressed down, the clamping columns slide along the groove depression under the elastic force of the elastic member until they are embedded in the limiting groove, thereby limiting the tray assembly. When replacing the tray assembly, the output end of the driving unit works to drive the movable part to press down into the groove-shaped depression, and the first socket squeezes the clamping column to shrink the elastic part of the clamping column until the clamping column is separated from the limiting groove, thereby releasing the fixation of the tray body. Under the action of gravity, the tray is separated from the fixing part, thereby replacing the tray assembly; A first limiting structure is provided in the vertical direction inside the groove-shaped recess, and a second limiting structure matching the first limiting structure is provided in the vertical direction outside the movable member; A second socket is formed at the bottom of the fixing member; The distance between the ends of the two clamping columns in the extended state and located in the same fixing slot is greater than the minimum width of the first socket and the second socket.

2. The opening mechanism for the sample tube opening machine according to claim 1, wherein, The tray body is provided with a plurality of positioning holes which are consistent with the positions of the sample tubes.

3. The opening mechanism for the sample tube opening machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top and bottom ends of the fixing groove both expand outwards to form a flared opening.

4. The opening mechanism for the sample tube opening machine according to claim 3, wherein, Both sides of the fixing groove are provided with clearance holes.

5. An open lid machine, characterized in that, It comprises a cover opening mechanism for a sample tube cover opening machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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