Swab unpacking device and throat swab sampling robot

Abstract

The application relates to a swab unpacking device and a throat swab sampling robot. The swab unpacking device is used for taking out swabs in a swab connected package, the swab connected package comprises a plurality of sequentially connected packaging bags, and the swab unpacking device comprises a rack, a cutting station arranged on the rack, a cutting mechanism configured to cut the packaging bag located at the cutting station, a conveying mechanism configured to convey the swab connected package so that the packaging bag in the swab connected package moves to the cutting station along a first direction, and an ejection mechanism comprising a first driving member and an ejecting member connected with the driving member, wherein the first driving member is configured to drive the ejecting member to move along a second direction so as to eject the swab in the packaging bag at the cutting station and cut by the ejecting member. The swab unpacking device in the application can replace manual work to complete the swab unpacking work, and can release medical staff from the heavy and tedious unpacking work, thereby reducing the work burden of the medical staff.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to swab unpacking devices and throat swab sampling robots. Background Technology

[0002] Swab testing is a commonly used medical diagnostic method for infectious diseases, and it is especially important during outbreaks of highly contagious diseases. Swab testing allows for rapid diagnosis, thus helping to break the chain of transmission.

[0003] When medical staff collect swab samples, they first need to remove the swab packaging. Due to manufacturing processes, swab manufacturers often produce packages where each swab is in a separate bag, with dozens or even hundreds of bags linked together to form a continuous swab package. Medical staff must first disassemble this continuous package into multiple individual bags, then cut or tear each individual bag to remove the swab for sampling. Clearly, removing the swab packaging is a labor-intensive and tedious process, adding to the burden on medical staff. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a swab unpacking device and a throat swab sampling robot to address the problem of the large workload and tediousness of medical staff removing swab packaging.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a swab unpacking device for removing swabs from a swab bundle, the swab bundle comprising a plurality of packaging bags sequentially connected and containing the swabs, the swab unpacking device comprising: a frame with a cutting station on the frame; a cutting mechanism configured to cut the packaging bags located at the cutting station; a conveying mechanism configured to convey the swab bundle so that the packaging bags in the swab bundle move along a first direction to the cutting station; and an ejection mechanism comprising a first driving member and an ejection member connected to the first driving member, the first driving member being configured to drive the ejection member to move along a second direction so as to eject the swabs from the cut packaging bags located at the cutting station through the ejection member.

[0006] The swab unpacking device in this embodiment can replace manual labor in unpacking swabs and remove them for use by medical personnel. In use, the swab pack is placed on a frame, and a conveying mechanism transports the pack along a first direction until one of the bags reaches the cutting station on the frame. The cutting mechanism then cuts the bag at the cutting station to create a notch. Next, the first drive of the ejection mechanism drives the ejector to move along a second direction, applying a pushing force to the swab inside the bag from the outside, thus ejecting the swab from the bag. The swab head and at least a portion of the swab stem extend out of the bag through the notch. Medical personnel or a sampling robot can then retrieve the unpacked swab for sampling. Therefore, the swab unpacking device in this application embodiment can free medical staff from the heavy and tedious unpacking work by replacing manual labor, thereby reducing the workload of medical staff.

[0007] In some embodiments, the frame includes: a support platform for placing the swab bundle; and a mounting bracket disposed on the support platform and near a first edge of the support platform; wherein the cutting station is located on the support platform and near the first edge, and the cutting mechanism is disposed on the mounting bracket.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism includes a second drive member and a cutter connected to the second drive member, the second drive member being configured to drive the cutter to cut the packaging bag at the cutting station.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism further includes a pressure block connected to the second drive member, the second drive member being configured to drive the pressure block to move so as to press the packaging bag onto the support platform via the pressure block.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pressure block is provided with a groove on the side near the support platform, the groove extends along the second direction and penetrates the pressure block, the groove is used to provide movement space for the swab in the packaging bag; the cutter is provided with a clearance hole for avoiding the swab, the clearance hole is provided corresponding to the groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism includes: a rotating shaft rotatably supported on the support platform, the rotating shaft being parallel to the surface of the support platform; at least one roller sleeved on the rotating shaft, the roller being used to drive the swab bundle to move along the first direction; and a drive motor and a transmission assembly, the drive motor being connected to the rotating shaft through the transmission assembly to drive the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the platform.

[0012] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device further includes two baffles disposed on the support platform. The two baffles are respectively disposed close to the second edge and the third edge of the support platform, and the second edge and the third edge are adjacent to the first edge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket includes: a crossbeam extending along the second direction; two supports disposed at the ends of the crossbeam, the crossbeam being supported above the support platform by the supports; and a first guide mounted on the crossbeam, the first guide being configured to guide the swab bundle moving along the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device further includes a second guide member disposed at one end of the cutting station, the second guide member being configured to guide the movement direction of the swab when the swab is ejected.

[0015] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device further includes: a first detection device for detecting whether a packaging bag containing swabs has moved to the cutting station; a second detection device for detecting whether the ejected swab has been taken away; and a controller electrically connected to the first detection device, the second detection device, and the conveying mechanism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ejector includes: a push rod, one end of which is connected to the first drive member; and a push block disposed at the other end of the push rod.

[0017] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a throat swab sampling robot, including the swab unpacking device of any of the above embodiments.

[0018] The throat swab sampling robot in this embodiment includes a swab unpacking device that can replace manual labor to unpack swabs and remove them for use by medical personnel. In use, the swab unpacking device places the swab bundle on a frame, and a conveying mechanism transports the bundle along a first direction until one of the bags reaches the cutting station on the frame. The cutting mechanism then cuts the bag at the cutting station to create a notch. Next, the first drive of the ejection mechanism drives the ejector to move along a second direction, applying a pushing force from outside the bag to the swab inside, thus ejecting the swab from the bag. The swab head and at least a portion of the swab stem extend out of the bag through the notch. At this point, medical personnel or the sampling robot can retrieve the unpacked swab for sampling. Therefore, it can be seen that by replacing manual labor in unpacking swabs, the swab unpacking device frees medical staff from the heavy and tedious unpacking work, thereby reducing their workload. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the swab unpacking device in one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the swab unpacking device in one embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting mechanism in one embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cutter in one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the throat swab sampling robot used for nucleic acid sampling in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] When medical staff collect swab samples, they first need to remove the swab packaging. Due to manufacturing processes, swab manufacturers often produce packages where each swab is in a separate bag, with dozens or even hundreds of bags linked together to form a continuous swab package. Medical staff must first disassemble this continuous package into multiple individual bags, then cut or tear each individual bag to remove the swab for sampling. Clearly, removing the swab packaging is a labor-intensive and tedious process, adding to the burden on medical staff.

[0031] To address the aforementioned problems, an embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a swab unpacking device 10. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the swab unpacking device 10 in this embodiment is used to remove swabs from a swab bundle 20, wherein the swab bundle 20 includes a plurality of packaging bags 21 sequentially connected and containing swabs. Specifically, the swab unpacking device 10 includes a frame 100, a cutting mechanism 200, a conveying mechanism 300, and an ejection mechanism 400. The frame 100 is provided with a cutting station. The cutting mechanism 200 is configured to cut the packaging bags 21 located at the cutting station. The conveying mechanism 300 is configured to convey the swab bundle 20 so that the packaging bags 21 in the swab bundle 20 move along a first direction to the cutting station. The ejection mechanism 400 includes a first driving member 410 and an ejector 420 connected to the first driving member. The first driving member 410 is configured to drive the ejector 420 to move along a second direction so as to eject the swabs from the cut packaging bags 21 located at the cutting station through the ejector 420.

[0032] The swab unpacking device 10 in this embodiment can replace manual labor in unpacking swabs and remove them for use by medical personnel. In use, the swab unpacking device 10 places the swab bundle 20 on the frame 100, and the conveying mechanism 300 conveys the swab bundle 20, causing it to move along a first direction until one of the packaging bags 21 in the swab bundle 20 moves to the cutting station of the frame 100. Then, the cutting mechanism 200 cuts the packaging bag 21 located at the cutting station to form a notch in the packaging bag 21. Then, the first driving member 410 of the ejection mechanism 400 drives the ejector member 420 to move along a second direction, applying a pushing force from the outside of the packaging bag 21 to the swab inside, thereby ejecting the swab from the packaging bag 21. The swab head and at least a portion of the swab stem of the ejected swab extend out of the packaging bag 21 through the notch. At this point, medical staff or a sampling robot can pick up the swab that has been unpacked and ejected, and perform swab sampling. Therefore, the swab unpacking device 10 in this embodiment of the application, by replacing manual labor in unpacking swabs, frees medical staff from the heavy and tedious task of unpacking, thereby reducing their workload.

[0033] Furthermore, the first driving member 410 can be a device such as an electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder that can output linear motion, so that the first driving member 410 can drive the ejector member 420 to reciprocate, so as to eject the swab from the packaging bag 21.

[0034] In some embodiments, the frame 100 includes a support platform 110 and a mounting bracket 120. The support platform 110 is used to place the swab pack 20. The mounting bracket 120 is disposed on the support platform 110 and near the first edge 102 of the support platform 110. The cutting station is located on the support platform 110 and near the first edge 102. The cutting mechanism 200 is disposed on the mounting bracket 120.

[0035] It is understood that the cutting station refers to a virtual area on the carrier platform 110. The cutting mechanism 200 can cut the packaging bags 21 located in this area, but cannot cut packaging bags 21 located outside this area. In this embodiment, the frame 100 includes the carrier platform 110 and the mounting bracket 120. The carrier platform 110 is mainly used to place the swab bundles 20. The cutting station is located near the first edge 102 of the carrier platform 110. Thus, when a packaging bag 21 is cut in the cutting area and the swab in the packaging bag 21 is ejected and removed, the empty packaging bag 21 will leave the carrier platform 110 along with the overall movement of the swab bundles 20. In addition, the cutting mechanism 200 is mounted on the mounting bracket 120, so that a certain distance is formed between the cutting mechanism 200 and the carrying platform 110, so that the cutting mechanism 200 will not block the empty packaging bag 21, so that the empty packaging bag 21 can continue to move in the first direction and leave the carrying platform 110.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 200 includes a second drive member 210 and a cutter 230 connected to the second drive member 210. The second drive member 210 is configured to drive the cutter 230 to move, thereby cutting the packaging bag 21 at the cutting station. The second drive member 210 can be a device capable of outputting linear motion, such as an electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder, so that the second drive member 210 can drive the cutter 230 to reciprocate, thereby cutting the packaging bag 21.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 200 further includes a pressure block 220 connected to the second driving member 210. The second driving member 210 is also configured to drive the pressure block 220 to move, thereby pressing the packaging bag 21 onto the support platform 110. While the second driving member 210 drives the cutter 230 to perform the cutting action, the second driving member 210 also drives the pressure block 220 to move, causing the pressure block 220 to press down on the packaging bag 21. This prevents the packaging bag 21 from shifting position under the action of the cutter 230 while it is being cut. If the position of the packaging bag 21 shifts, the swab in the packaging bag 21 may deviate from the movement range of the ejector 420, making it impossible for the ejector 420 to reach the swab. Therefore, the pressure block 220 ensures that the cut packaging bag 21 remains in a stable position, thereby guaranteeing that the swab in the packaging bag 21 can be smoothly ejected by the ejector 420.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a groove 221 is provided on the side of the pressure block 220 near the support platform 110. The groove 221 extends along the second direction and penetrates the pressure block 220, providing movement space for the swab in the packaging bag 21. A clearance hole 231 is provided on the cutter 230 to avoid the swab, corresponding to the groove 221. During the cutting process of the cutting mechanism 200 cutting the packaging bag 21 at the cutting station, the pressure block 220 presses the packaging bag 21 firmly onto the support platform 110. The groove 221 prevents the swab in the packaging bag 21 from being pressed down, allowing the swab to be ejected by the ejector 420. Furthermore, the clearance hole 231 on the cutter 230 allows the swab to pass through the ejector 420, facilitating movement along the second direction. This prevents the swab from being blocked by the cutter 230 and thus prevents it from being ejected.

[0039] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism 300 includes a rotating shaft 310, a drive motor 320, a transmission assembly 330, and at least one roller 340. Specifically, the rotating shaft 310 is rotatably supported on the support platform 110, and the rotating shaft 310 is parallel to the table surface of the support platform 110. At least one roller 340 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 310, and the roller 340 is used to drive the swab bundle 20 to move along a first direction. The drive motor 320 is connected to the rotating shaft 310 through the transmission assembly 330 to drive the rotating shaft 310 to rotate relative to the table surface. In this embodiment, the drive motor 320 is used to provide power. When the drive motor 320 is running, it drives the rotating shaft 310 to rotate through the transmission assembly 330. The rotation further drives the roller 340 to rotate. When the roller 340 rotates, it drives the swab bundle 20 on the support platform 110 to move along the first direction through friction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the transmission assembly 330 includes a first synchronous pulley 331, a second synchronous pulley 332, and a synchronous belt 333. The first synchronous pulley 331 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 320, the second synchronous pulley 332 is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft 310, and the synchronous belt 333 is tensioned between the first synchronous pulley 331 and the second synchronous pulley 332. When the drive motor 320 is running, the output shaft of the drive motor 320 drives the first synchronous pulley 331 to rotate, the first synchronous pulley 331 drives the second synchronous pulley 332 to rotate via the synchronous belt 333, and the second synchronous pulley 332 further drives the rotating shaft 310 to rotate. In other embodiments, the transmission assembly 330 may also be a gear set including multiple gears.

[0041] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device 10 further includes two baffles 500 disposed on the support platform 110. The two baffles 500 are respectively disposed near the second edge 103 and the third edge 104 of the support platform 110, and both the second edge 103 and the third edge 104 are adjacent to the first edge 102. The two baffles 500 can position the swab bundle 20, that is, the swab bundle 20 needs to be placed between the two baffles 500. Thus, it can be ensured that the packaging bag 21 in the swab bundle 20 can move along the first direction to the cutting station without deviating from the cutting station.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 120 includes a crossbeam 121, two support columns 122, and a first guide member 123. The crossbeam 121 extends along a second direction, and the two support columns 122 are respectively disposed at the ends of the crossbeam 121, supporting the crossbeam 121 above the support platform 110. The first guide member 123 is mounted on the crossbeam 121 and configured to guide the swab package 20 moving along the first direction. This configuration ensures a certain distance between the crossbeam 121 and the support platform 110, preventing the crossbeam 121 from obstructing the empty packaging bag 21 and allowing it to continue moving along the first direction. Furthermore, the empty packaging bag 21, during its continued movement, is guided by the first guide member 123, which restricts the deformation and upward tilting of the empty packaging bag 21, preventing it from getting stuck in the swab unpacking device 10 and unable to detach from the support platform 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device 10 further includes a second guide 600, which is disposed at one end of the cutting station and configured to guide the movement direction of the swab when it is ejected. This configuration allows for precise control of the position of the ejected swabs, ensuring that each ejected swab moves to the same position. Thus, when the swab unpacking device 10 is applied to a sampling robot, it ensures that the sampling robot can successfully retrieve the swabs.

[0044] In some embodiments, the swab unpacking device 10 further includes a first detection device 700, a second detection device 800, and a controller. The first detection device 700 is used to detect whether a packaging bag 21 containing swabs has moved to the cutting station, the second detection device 800 is used to detect whether the ejected swab has been removed, and the controller is electrically connected to the first detection device 700, the second detection device 800, and the conveying mechanism 300. This configuration enables automated control of the swab unpacking device 10. Specifically, during the movement of the swab bundle 20 along the first direction, when the first detection device 700 detects that the packaging bag 21 containing swabs has moved to the cutting station, it sends a signal to the controller, which then controls the conveying mechanism 300 to stop. Then, the cutting mechanism 200 and the ejection mechanism 400 sequentially cut the packaging bag 21 and eject the swabs. Of course, the cutting mechanism 200 and the ejection mechanism 400 can be started manually or by the controller issuing a start signal. The second detection device 800 is used to detect whether the ejected swab has been removed. When the removal of the swab is detected, the second detection device 800 sends a signal to the controller, which controls the conveyor mechanism 300 to run until the next packaging bag 21 containing the swab moves to the cutting station after the first detection device 700. At this point, the controller controls the conveyor mechanism 300 to stop running again. This process is repeated to achieve automated conveying of swab packages.

[0045] Furthermore, the first detection device 700 and the second detection device 800 can be proximity sensors. When the swab moves into the detection range of the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor will send a signal to the controller. Alternatively, the first detection device 700 and the second detection device 800 can also be devices that perform detection based on image recognition. For example, the first detection device 700 and the second detection device 800 can be cameras, which identify whether there is a swab within the detection range by acquiring images.

[0046] In some embodiments, the ejector 420 includes a push rod 421 and a push block 422. One end of the push rod 421 is connected to the first drive member 410, and the push block 422 is disposed at the other end of the push rod 421. With this configuration, the first drive member drives the push block 422 to move via the push rod 421, and the push block 422 further pushes the swab to eject it from the packaging bag 21. It is understood that the push block 422 has a larger volume than the push rod 421, so that even if the swab is not in the center of the packaging bag 21 but has a certain degree of positional offset, it is still within the coverage area of ​​the push block 422, ensuring that the swab can be successfully ejected.

[0047] In some embodiments, the frame 100 further includes a plurality of support legs 130 disposed at the bottom of the support platform 110. By providing a plurality of support legs 130, the support platform 110 can be positioned at a suitable height. In addition, a certain space is created below the support platform 110, within which the drive motor 320 of the conveying mechanism 300 can be disposed, thereby optimizing the spatial layout of the swab unpacking device 10 and improving space utilization.

[0048] The second aspect of this application provides a throat swab sampling robot, including the swab unpacking device 10 in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above.

[0049] The throat swab sampling robot in this embodiment includes a swab unpacking device 10 that can replace manual labor to unpack swabs and remove them for use by medical personnel. In use, the swab unpacking device 10 places the swab bundle 20 on the frame 100, and the conveying mechanism 300 conveys the swab bundle 20, causing it to move along a first direction until one of the packaging bags 21 in the swab bundle 20 moves to the cutting station of the frame 100. Then, the cutting mechanism 200 cuts the packaging bag 21 at the cutting station to create a notch. Next, the first driving member 410 of the ejection mechanism 400 drives the ejector member 420 to move along a second direction, applying a pushing force from the outside of the packaging bag 21 to the swab inside, thereby ejecting the swab from the packaging bag 21. The swab head and at least a portion of the swab stem of the ejected swab extend out of the packaging bag 21 through the notch. At this point, medical staff or the sampling robot can retrieve the swab that has been unpacked and ejected, and perform swab sampling. Thus, the swab unpacking device 10 frees medical staff from the tedious and laborious task of unpacking swabs, thereby reducing their workload.

[0050] A throat swab sampling robot is an automated device capable of performing throat swab sampling. The following section uses nucleic acid sampling as an example to introduce the throat swab sampling robot.

[0051] The throat swab sampling robot can replace manual labor to complete tasks such as unpacking swabs, loading and unloading test tubes, nucleic acid sampling, breaking swabs and placing them into test tubes, and disinfecting after testing. It can effectively reduce labor intensity and, to a certain extent, reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection for medical staff.

[0052] The throat swab sampling robot mainly consists of the following modules:

[0053] Swab loading module: Applicable to existing throat swab packaging, it can independently load swabs for each test, and automate the entire process of swab grabbing, unpacking and swab retrieval.

[0054] It is feasible to feed one 500-pack of swabs at a time, and manual replenishment is required after use.

[0055] Face and mouth position recognition detection module: The face detection module identifies the position and posture of the person being tested, and the oropharyngeal recognition module automatically identifies the required detection sites in the oropharynx.

[0056] Detection action execution module: The throat swab sampling robot can be a force-controlled adaptive robot, which completes standardized nucleic acid sampling actions through force control. The entire force control is completed by force-position composite control to complete the nucleic acid detection action at the designated position, ensuring the comfort of the testing personnel and the detection effect; it has an abnormal handling mechanism, which automatically stops / avoids when the force exceeds the limit or is not in place, to prevent damage.

[0057] Test tube reagent loading and storage module: Automatically completes the loading, capping, and insertion of tested swabs for individual test tubes. It has test tube coding function and a separate test tube storage area for convenient loading, unloading, and transportation.

[0058] The test tube storage area has an upper section as a test tube buffer area, which can store up to 18*32=572 test tubes. The lower section can be used as a spare test tube buffer area. If the test tube buffer area in the upper section runs out of material, the maintenance personnel can directly replenish the material from the lower section, or it can be used as a storage area for other items.

[0059] Human-computer interaction module: Enables fully automated interaction with inspection personnel, with process guidance function and simple operation throughout; a camera is installed at the front end of the robotic arm, allowing the inspected personnel to view the recognition results and inspection actions in real time during the inspection.

[0060] Disinfection module: Fully automated disinfection of areas that may cause cross-infection, using different methods and frequencies. This includes: spray disinfection of high-risk areas after a single test, regular spray disinfection of workbenches and potentially high-risk areas, and continuous ultraviolet disinfection of the entire interior area.

[0061] Nucleic acid sampling workstation: The workstation is designed as an independent unit, which facilitates construction and maintenance.

[0062] The procedure for nucleic acid sampling based on a throat swab sampling robot can be referenced. Figure 5 .

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A swab unpacking device for removing swabs from a swab package, the swab package comprising a plurality of sequentially connected and sealed packaging bags containing the swabs, characterized in that... The swab unpacking device includes: A frame, wherein a cutting station is provided on the frame, and the frame includes a support platform for placing the swab package; A cutting mechanism configured to cut packaging bags located at the cutting station; A conveying mechanism configured to convey the swab bundles such that the packaging bags within the swab bundles move along a first direction to the cutting station; and An ejection mechanism, comprising a first driving member and an ejection member connected to the first driving member, the first driving member being configured to drive the ejection member to move in a second direction to eject a swab from a cut packaging bag at a cutting station through the ejection member; The cutting mechanism includes a second driving member, a cutter connected to the second driving member, and a pressure block connected to the second driving member. The second driving member is configured to drive the cutter to cut the packaging bag at the cutting station. The second driving member is also configured to drive the pressure block to press the packaging bag onto the support platform. The cutter is provided with a clearance hole, and the swab can pass through the clearance hole under the action of the ejector to move in the second direction.

2. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes: a mounting bracket, which is disposed on the support platform and near a first edge of the support platform; The cutting station is located on the support platform and close to the first edge, and the cutting mechanism is mounted on the mounting bracket.

3. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure block has a groove on the side near the support platform. The groove extends along the second direction and penetrates the pressure block. The groove is used to provide movement space for the swab in the packaging bag. The clearance hole is provided corresponding to the groove.

4. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes: A pivot shaft is rotatably supported on the support platform, and the pivot shaft is parallel to the surface of the support platform. At least one roller, the at least one roller being sleeved on the rotating shaft, the roller being used to drive the swab pack to move along the first direction; and A drive motor and a transmission assembly, wherein the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft via the transmission assembly to drive the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the table surface.

5. The swab unpacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The swab unpacking device also includes two baffles disposed on the support platform. The two baffles are respectively disposed close to the second edge and the third edge of the support platform, and the second edge and the third edge are adjacent to the first edge.

6. The swab unpacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes: A crossbeam, the crossbeam extending along the second direction; Two support columns, each positioned at one end of the crossbeam, support the crossbeam above the load-bearing platform via the support columns; and A first guide member is mounted on the crossbeam and is configured to guide the swab bundle moving along the first direction.

7. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swab unpacking device further includes a second guide member, which is disposed at one end of the cutting station and is configured to guide the movement direction of the swab when the swab is ejected.

8. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swab unpacking device also includes: The first detection device is used to detect whether a packaging bag containing a swab has moved to the cutting station; A second detection device is used to detect whether the ejected swab has been removed; and The controller is electrically connected to the first detection device, the second detection device, and the conveying mechanism.

9. The swab unpacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector includes: A push rod, one end of which is connected to the first driving member; and A push block is disposed at the other end of the push rod.

10. A throat swab sampling robot, characterized in that, Includes the swab unpacking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images