Blood collection tube transmitter, delivery mechanism, and blood collection tube transmission method

Abstract

The application discloses a blood collection tube sending machine, a conveying mechanism and a blood collection tube sending method. The blood collection tube sending machine comprises a rack, a storage bin, a lifting mechanism and a sending mechanism on the rack, and a conveying mechanism arranged on the rack. One end of the conveying mechanism extends into the storage bin to receive the blood collection tubes which are moved by the lifting mechanism one by one. The other end of the conveying mechanism is connected with the sending mechanism. The conveying mechanism is used to drive the blood collection tubes falling thereon to move towards the sending mechanism and output the blood collection tubes to the sending mechanism with the tube caps facing forward. The conveying mechanism is arranged between the lifting mechanism and the sending mechanism. The conveying mechanism can output the blood collection tubes with the tube caps facing forward, so that the state of the blood collection tubes does not need to be detected, the sending block does not need to be controlled to rotate forward or backward, and the control difficulty can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a blood collection tube dispenser, a delivery mechanism, and a method for dispensing blood collection tubes. Background Technology

[0002] In hospitals and testing centers, blood collection tubes need to be moved to the laboratory for testing and analysis after blood collection. Therefore, a certain device is needed to transport the blood collection tubes.

[0003] For example, the blood collection tube delivery machine disclosed in Chinese patent application No. 202010656502.5 mainly uses pneumatics to deliver the blood collection tube. When sending the blood collection tube, the cap of the blood collection tube needs to be facing downwards. However, in the existing structure, an identification sensor is needed to identify the orientation of the blood collection tube, and then the rotation direction of the sending rotating seat is controlled to make the blood collection tube in the sending rotating seat in the state of the cap facing downwards.

[0004] However, using a direction recognition sensor to detect the status of the blood collection tube increases the sensor structure and the amount of data analysis required by the software. Furthermore, the recognition accuracy of the direction recognition sensor has a significant impact on the accurate control of the rotating carrier, thus requiring high accuracy from the direction recognition sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art and to provide a blood collection tube dispenser, a delivery mechanism, and a method for dispensing blood collection tubes.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A blood collection tube dispenser includes a frame, on which a storage bin, a lifting mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism are mounted. A conveying mechanism is also mounted on the frame, with one end extending into the storage bin and the other end connected to the dispensing mechanism. The conveying mechanism is used to receive blood collection tubes that are transferred one by one by the lifting mechanism and to drive the blood collection tubes that fall onto it to move toward the dispensing mechanism, and to output the blood collection tubes to the dispensing mechanism with the tube cap facing forward.

[0008] Preferably, the conveying mechanism includes a first conveying section, a second conveying section, and a guiding mechanism. The distance between the two first conveying belts of the first conveying section is less than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube. The distance between the two second conveying belts of the second conveying section is greater than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube and less than the outer diameter of the cap of the blood collection tube. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding inclined surface. The lower end of the guiding inclined surface is located below the second conveying belt and biased towards the input end of the conveying mechanism. The upper end of the guiding inclined surface is biased towards the output end of the conveying mechanism and is not higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying section.

[0009] Preferably, the conveying mechanism includes a first roller, a second roller, and a third roller arranged at the same height. Two first conveyor belts are fitted on the first roller and the second roller, and two second conveyor belts are fitted on the second roller and the third roller. The two second conveyor belts are located outside the two first conveyor belts, and the third roller is connected to a conveying motor that drives its rotation.

[0010] Preferably, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are round belts.

[0011] Preferably, the guiding mechanism includes a fourth roller, which is located between and below the first roller and the second and third rollers, and two third conveyor belts located inside the second conveyor belt are fitted on the fourth roller and the third roller.

[0012] Preferably, the guiding mechanism includes a fourth roller and a fifth roller. The fourth roller is located between and below the first roller and the second and third rollers. The fifth roller is located above the fourth roller and its top is at a height equivalent to the top of the first roller. Two third conveyor belts located inside the second conveyor belt are fitted on the fourth roller and the fifth roller. The two third conveyor belts are simultaneously fitted on the third roller.

[0013] Preferably, the distance between the fourth roller and the second roller is not less than the length of the blood collection tube.

[0014] Preferably, the guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes at least a guide ramp. The upper surface of the guide ramp is the guide slope. The upper end of the guide slope is at a height equivalent to that of the second conveying surface, and the distance between the upper end of the guide slope and the third roller does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube.

[0015] Preferably, the guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes a guide ramp and a guide plate. The upper surface of the guide ramp is the guide slope. The guide plate is connected to the upper end of the guide ramp and the distance between the guide plate and the third roller does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube. The top surface of the guide plate is at approximately the same height as the bottom of the second conveyor belt.

[0016] Preferably, the blood collection tube dispenser further includes a rolling feeding mechanism and a barcode scanning device. The rolling feeding mechanism is used to receive the blood collection tubes transferred to it by the lifting mechanism and drive the blood collection tubes to rotate so that the barcode scanning device can read the barcode on the outer wall of the blood collection tubes. The rolling feeding mechanism can also cause the blood collection tubes on it to fall onto the conveying mechanism after the barcode scanning device reads the barcode.

[0017] A conveying mechanism is used to drive the blood collection tubes falling onto it to move towards the sending mechanism and output the blood collection tubes with the tube cap facing forward. The conveying mechanism includes a first conveying section, a second conveying section, and a guiding mechanism. The distance between the two first conveyor belts of the first conveying section is less than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube body. The distance between the two second conveyor belts of the second conveying section is greater than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube body and less than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube cap. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding ramp. The lower end of the guiding ramp is located below the second conveyor belt and biased towards the input end of the conveying mechanism. The upper end of the guiding ramp is biased towards the output end of the conveying mechanism and is not higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying section.

[0018] The method for delivering blood collection tubes includes the following steps:

[0019] S1, Provide a blood collection tube transmitter as described above, and connect the transmitting mechanism of the blood collection tube transmitter to the gas supply pipeline and the transmitting pipeline;

[0020] S2, Place the blood collection tube to be sent into the feed hopper;

[0021] S3, the lifting mechanism starts to lift the blood collection tubes that have entered the storage bin from the feed hopper one by one to the conveying mechanism;

[0022] S4, the conveying mechanism starts to move the blood collection tube toward the sending mechanism and deliver the blood collection tube into the sending cavity of the rotating sending block of the sending mechanism with the tube cap facing forward;

[0023] S5, the sending mechanism starts, causing the rotating sending block to rotate until the sending chamber is connected to the sending pipe and the air supply pipe;

[0024] S6, the air supply line blows air into the sending chamber to blow the blood collection tube inside into the sending pipeline and deliver it to the target location.

[0025] The advantages of the technical solution of this invention are mainly reflected in:

[0026] This invention provides a conveying mechanism between the lifting mechanism and the sending mechanism. This conveying mechanism allows the blood collection tubes to be output with the cap facing forward, eliminating the need to detect the state of the blood collection tubes or control the forward and reverse rotation of the sending block, thus effectively reducing control difficulty. The conveying mechanism can effectively increase the conveying length of each blood collection tube, improve the working efficiency of the lifting mechanism, and reduce the frequency of starting and stopping the motor of the lifting mechanism.

[0027] The conveying mechanism of the present invention adopts a two-section structure. By setting the gap between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, the blood collection tube can be kept in a flat state when it is on the first conveyor belt, thereby avoiding collision between the blood collection tube and other structures. When the blood collection tube is conveyed to the second conveyor belt, it can switch to a vertical state under the action of gravity, thereby ensuring that the cap of the blood collection tube is in an upward state. Then, when the blood collection tube passes through the guide mechanism, it can be effectively switched to a flat state with the cap facing forward and output.

[0028] The guiding mechanism of the present invention can be implemented using plates or conveyor belts, and can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. When plates are used, the structure is simpler. When conveyor belts are used, they can effectively provide power to the lower part of the blood collection tube, thereby making the transport of the blood collection tube more efficient and improving efficiency.

[0029] This invention incorporates a barcode scanning mechanism and a rolling feeding mechanism. By scanning the barcode, it can determine whether all blood collection tubes entering the blood collection tube dispenser have been dispensed, effectively detecting lost blood collection tubes and improving the efficiency of dispensing. At the same time, it can accurately determine the information of lost blood collection tubes so that appropriate remedial measures can be taken in a timely manner. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the blood collection tube dispenser of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the blood collection tube dispenser of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the conveying mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism of the present invention using a first type of guide plate as the guiding mechanism;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism of the present invention using a second type of guide plate as the guiding mechanism;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the rolling feeding mechanism of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rolling feed mechanism of the present invention, in which the rolling wheels are located at both ends of the short axis of the elliptical annular groove;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing that the rolling wheels in the rolling feeding mechanism of the present invention are located at both ends of the major axis of the elliptical annular groove;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the transmitting mechanism of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmitting mechanism of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The objectives, advantages, and features of this invention will be illustrated and explained through the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments. These embodiments are merely typical examples of applying the technical solutions of this invention, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent substitutions or equivalent transformations fall within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0042] In the description of the solution, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience and simplification of 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 the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Also, in the description of the solution, with the operator as a reference, the direction closer to the operator is the proximal end, and the direction farther from the operator is the distal end.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] The blood collection tube transmitter disclosed in this invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as shown below. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 As shown, it includes a frame 1, on which a storage bin 2, a feeding hopper 3, a lifting mechanism 4, a conveying mechanism 5, and a sending mechanism 6 are provided.

[0045] The specific structures of the storage bin 2, feeding hopper 3, lifting mechanism 4, and sending mechanism 6 can be the same as those described in the background art, and will not be repeated here. Of course, in another embodiment, the lifting mechanism 4 can also omit the buffer wheel and the second drive motor that drives the buffer wheel in the feeding component of the existing equipment in the background art.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the present invention uses a conveying mechanism 5 to replace the discharge channel in the prior art so that the blood collection tubes 100 transferred by the lifting mechanism 4 are transported one by one to the sending mechanism 6. At the same time, the conveying mechanism 5 outputs the blood collection tubes 100 with the tube caps 101 facing forward to the outside of the conveying mechanism 5, thereby meeting the sending requirements.

[0047] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 3 As shown, the conveying mechanism 5 includes a frame 501 and a first conveying section 502 and a second conveying section 503 disposed on the frame 501. The first conveying section 502 extends from the inside of the storage bin 2 to the outside of the storage bin 2, and the second conveying section 503 is located on the outside of the storage bin 2. The distance between the two first conveying belts 52 of the first conveying section 502 is smaller than the distance between the second conveying belts 53 of the second conveying section 503. The distance between the two first conveying belts 52 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 102 of the blood collection tube 100, and the distance between the two second conveying belts 53 is larger than the outer diameter of the tube body 102 and smaller than the outer diameter of the cap 101. A guide mechanism 504 is provided below the conveying surface of the second conveying section 503. The guide mechanism 504 includes a guide slope 51. The lower end of the guide slope 51 is biased toward the input end 505 of the conveying mechanism 5, and the upper end of the guide slope 51 is biased toward the output end 506 of the conveying mechanism 5 and is not higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying section 503.

[0048] As attached Figure 3 As shown, when the blood collection tube 100 falls onto the first conveyor belt 52 by the lifting mechanism 4, it is conveyed forward in a flat position. However, at this time, it is not possible to determine whether the cap 101 or the other end of the blood collection tube 100 is facing forward. When the blood collection tube 100 is conveyed from the first conveying section 502 to the second conveying section 503, since the distance between the two second conveyor belts 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the tube body 102, the tube body 102 will fall below the second conveyor belts 53. Only the cap 101 is partially held and supported by the second conveyor belts 53, that is, the blood collection tube 100 is in a state where the cap 101 is facing upward and the tail 103 is facing downward. When the blood collection tube 100 is conveyed through the guide mechanism by the second conveying section, the cap 101 continues to move forward, and the lower half of the blood collection tube 100 contacts the lower end of the guide slope 51. As the blood collection tube 100 continues to move and is guided by the guide slope 51, the blood collection tube 100 gradually switches from a vertical state to a horizontal state or an inclined state, and the cap 101 of the blood collection tube 100 is in a forward-facing state.

[0049] The first conveying section 502 and the second conveying section 503 of the conveying mechanism 5 can each have their own power source. To simplify the structure of the conveying mechanism 5 and reduce the number of power sources, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 3As shown, the conveying mechanism 5 includes a first roller 54, a second roller 55, and a third roller 56 arranged at the same height. Two first conveyor belts 52 are mounted on the first roller 54 and the second roller 55. The first roller 54, the second roller 55, and the two first conveyor belts constitute the first conveying section. Two second conveyor belts 53 are mounted on the second roller 55 and the third roller 56. The two second conveyor belts are located outside the two first conveyor belts. The second roller 55, the third roller 56, and the two second conveyor belts constitute the second conveying section. One of the third roller 56, the second roller 55, and the first roller 54 is connected to a conveyor motor 57 that drives its rotation. To ensure the stability of the conveying process, the first and second conveyor belts are round belts. In order to avoid interference between the conveying motor 57 and the feed hopper 3, the conveying motor 57 is connected to the third roller 56. The conveying motor 57 can be located on the left or right side of the frame 501, depending on the specific design requirements. Correspondingly, the one of the two feed hoppers 3 located on the same side as the conveying motor 57 needs to be made smaller to facilitate avoidance.

[0050] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the conveying mechanism 5 also includes a discharge chute 58 connecting the third roller 56 and the sending mechanism 6. The upper end of the discharge chute 58 is slightly lower than the top of the third roller 56, and the lower end of the discharge chute 58 is connected to the sending mechanism 6. A sensor (not shown in the figure) is installed at the discharge chute 58 to detect whether a blood collection tube slides out from the discharge chute 58 to the sending mechanism 6. Of course, the discharge chute 58 is not essential and can be omitted in some embodiments.

[0051] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the specific structure of the guiding mechanism 504 can be designed as needed. In one embodiment, the guiding mechanism 504 includes a fourth roller 59, which is located below the first roller 54. Two third conveyor belts 510 located inside the two second conveyor belts are sleeved on the fourth roller 59 and the third roller 56. The distance between the two third conveyor belts 510 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 102.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, as shown in the appendix Figure 3As shown, the guiding mechanism includes a fourth roller 59 and a fifth roller 511. The fourth roller 59 is located below the first roller 54, and the fifth roller 511 is located above the fourth roller 59, with its top height roughly equal to that of the top of the first roller 54. Two third conveyor belts 510, located inside the two second conveyor belts, are fitted onto the fourth roller 59 and the fifth roller 511. The two third conveyor belts 510 are simultaneously fitted onto the third roller 56. This structure effectively allows the blood collection tube 100 to be output horizontally, thus facilitating docking with the sending mechanism 6. The distance between the fifth roller 511 and the second roller 55 is not less than the length of the blood collection tube 100.

[0053] Of course, the guiding mechanism can also be a structure without a conveying function, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 4 As shown, the guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes at least a guide ramp 512. The upper surface of the guide ramp 512 is the guide slope 51. The upper end of the guide slope 51 is at a height equivalent to that of the second conveying surface, and the distance between the upper end of the guide slope 51 and the third roller 56 does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube 100. Thus, when the blood collection tube contacts the guide plate, the upper end of the blood collection tube moves forward under the drive of the two second conveying belts, while the lower end of the blood collection tube can slide along the guide ramp 512.

[0054] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes a guide ramp 512 and a guide plate 513. The upper surface of the guide ramp 512 is the guide ramp 51. The guide plate 513 is connected to the upper end of the guide ramp 512 and the distance between it and the third roller 56 does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube 100. The top surface of the guide plate 513 is at a height equivalent to the bottom of the second conveyor belt 53.

[0055] In practical applications, blood collection tubes 100 may be lost, meaning the number of blood collection tubes delivered to the blood collection tube transmitter may differ from the number of blood collection tubes sent out. Therefore, to accurately determine whether blood collection tubes 100 are lost during transmission and to identify the specific lost blood collection tubes 100, the following method is used: Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 6 As shown, the blood collection tube dispenser also includes a barcode scanning device 7 and a rolling feeding mechanism 8. The rolling feeding mechanism 8 is used to receive the blood collection tubes transferred to it by the lifting mechanism 4 and drive the blood collection tubes to rotate so that the barcode scanning device 7 can read the barcode on the outer wall of the blood collection tube. After the barcode scanning device 7 reads the barcode, the rolling feeding mechanism 8 can also cause the blood collection tubes on it to fall onto the conveying mechanism.

[0056] The rolling feeding mechanism 8 includes two parallel drive rollers 81 of equal height. The axes of the two drive rollers 81 are parallel to the axis of the storage bin 2. The two drive rollers 81 are located inside the storage bin 2 and directly above the first conveying section 502 of the conveying mechanism 5. Each drive roller 81 is rotatably mounted on a roller frame 82. Each roller frame 82 is also equipped with a drive motor 83. Each drive motor 83 is connected to the drive roller 81 on the same roller frame 82 via a transmission belt 84 and drives the drive roller 81 to rotate.

[0057] During operation, the lifting mechanism 4 moves the blood collection tubes 100 one by one onto the two drive rollers 81. Then, the two drive motors 83 drive the drive rollers 81 to rotate, thereby rotating the blood collection tubes 100. The barcode scanning device 7 reads the barcode on the outer wall of the blood collection tube 100 to obtain the data corresponding to each blood collection tube 100 and performs corresponding statistics. Before the blood collection tubes 100 enter the storage bin 2, the data corresponding to the barcode on each blood collection tube 100 is stored in the system. When the blood collection tubes 100 enter the storage bin 2, by reading the information of each blood collection tube 100, it can be determined which data corresponding to the barcode on the blood collection tubes 100 has been read and which has not. This effectively determines whether any blood collection tubes 100 are lost and which blood collection tubes 100 are lost, effectively ensuring the reliability of blood collection tube 100 delivery.

[0058] After the barcode is read by the barcode scanner 7, the blood collection tubes 100 on the two drive rollers 81 need to be transported to the conveying mechanism 5. In this embodiment, as shown in the attached... Figure 6 - Appendix Figure 8 As shown, a translation drive mechanism connects the two roller frames 82. The translation drive mechanism includes rolling wheels 85 located at the bottom of the two roller frames 82, with the axes of the rolling wheels 85 extending longitudinally. The two rolling wheels 85 are rolled within an elliptical annular groove 87 on the top surface of a disc 86. The disc 86 is rotatably mounted on the frame 1, and a disc drive motor 88 is connected to the bottom of the disc 86 to drive its rotation. Each roller frame 82 has two bushings 89, which correspond one-to-one, and guide shafts 810 are inserted into the two coaxial bushings 89. The conveying mechanism 5 is located above the disc 86 and between the two roller frames 82.

[0059] When the motor drives the disk 86 to rotate, the two rolling wheels 85 roll along the elliptical annular groove 87. In one state, as shown in the attached... Figure 7As shown, the two rolling wheels 85 are located at both ends of the short axis of the elliptical annular groove 87. At this time, the distance between the two driving rollers 81 is minimal and smaller than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube 100, so that the blood collection tube 100 can be supported between the two driving rollers 81. When the disc 86 rotates 90°, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 8 As shown, the two rollers 85 are located at both ends of the long axis of the elliptical annular groove 87. At this time, the distance between the two drive rollers 81 is the largest and is greater than the outer diameter of the tube body 102 of the blood collection tube 100, so that the blood collection tube 100 can fall from between the two drive rollers 81 to the conveying mechanism 5.

[0060] When sending blood collection tubes 100, there are often some that require expedited delivery. If they are simply fed into the feed hopper 3 like other blood collection tubes 100, expedited processing cannot be achieved. Therefore, as shown in the attached... Figure 9 As shown, the blood collection tube dispenser also includes an emergency feeding component 9. The outer contour of the emergency feeding component 9 is a cuboid, but it can also be other feasible shapes. It is located outside the storage bin 2 and above the conveying mechanism 5. Its top is provided with a feed inlet 91 opposite to the second conveying section of the conveying mechanism 5. The feed inlet 91 is a flared opening with its axis extending longitudinally along the Z direction. The diameter of the inner end of the feed inlet 91 is larger than the outer diameter of the cap 101 of the blood collection tube 100. The emergency feeding component 9 has a discharge chamber 92 that communicates with and is directly opposite the feed inlet 91. The width of the discharge chamber 92 is approximately the same as the width of the feed inlet 91 and is directly opposite the second conveying section. The discharge chamber 92 is offset from the storage bin 2. The cavity wall of the storage chamber 2 includes a vertical blocking surface 93 and a relief slope 94 connected below the vertical blocking surface 93. The vertical blocking surface 93 extends downward from the inner end of the feed inlet for a certain length, and the vertical blocking surface 93 is a first distance from the inner end of the feed inlet 91. The first distance is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body 102 of the blood collection tube 100. The downward extension length of the vertical blocking surface 93 is not less than the outer diameter of the tube body 102 of the blood collection tube 100. Therefore, when the blood collection tube 100 enters the feed inlet 91 with the cap 101 facing downward, the vertical blocking surface 93 can effectively prevent the blood collection tube 100 falling into the second conveying section from tilting away from the storage chamber 2, thereby avoiding the problem of material jamming.

[0061] The blood collection tube dispenser also includes a control device mounted on the frame. The control device can combine the signals from sensors located at various designated positions with the control program to control the entire blood collection tube dispenser to operate automatically. The corresponding control technology is known and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] This embodiment has the same overall structure as Embodiment 1, the difference being: as shown in the attached... Figure 10 Appendix Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the sending mechanism 6 is no longer driven by a motor, but by a rotary cylinder 61 driving the rotating sending block 62 to rotate relative to the connecting seat 63. In the application scenario with an air source, the rotary cylinder 61 can effectively reduce equipment cost and control difficulty compared to a motor.

[0064] As attached Figure 10 Appendix Figure 11 As shown, the rotating transmitting block 62 of the transmitting mechanism 6 does not need to be mostly enclosed in the connecting seat 63. In this embodiment, the rotating transmitting block 62 is approximately cylindrical in shape. There are two connecting seats 63, located above and below the rotating transmitting block 62. Each connecting seat has a central hole for docking with the transmitting cavity 621 on the rotating transmitting block 62. The lower connecting seat 63 is used to connect the air supply line, and the upper connecting seat 63 is used to connect the transmitting line.

[0065] The connecting seat 63 has an arc groove that matches the outer circumferential surface of the rotating transmitting block 62. The connecting seat 63 also has a connecting plate 631, on which a set of bolts 64 are movably inserted. The bolts 64 are screwed onto a mounting bracket 65, which has a through hole for the connecting seat to pass through. Each bolt 64 is fitted with a spring 66, one end of which abuts against the connecting plate 631, and the other end abuts against the head of the bolt 64. Thus, the springs 66 cause the two connecting seats 63 to tightly clamp the rotating transmitting block 62 between them, while effectively accommodating wear between the rotating transmitting block 62 and the connecting seat 63, ensuring their contact surfaces remain in a tight fit and guaranteeing airtightness.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] This embodiment discloses a method for sending blood collection tubes, including the following steps:

[0068] S1, a blood collection tube transmitter as described in the above embodiment is provided, and the transmitting mechanism 6 of the blood collection tube transmitter is connected to the gas supply pipeline and the transmitting pipeline.

[0069] S2, the blood collection tube 100 to be sent is placed into the feeding hopper 3; when placing the blood collection tube 100 into the feeding hopper 3, the blood collection tube 100 can be poured in manually from the inlet of the hopper, or the inlet of the feeding hopper 3 of the blood collection tube sender can be connected to the feeding conveyor line, and the blood collection personnel can directly place the blood collection tube 100 on the feeding conveyor line, and the feeding conveyor line will transport the blood collection tube 100 to the hopper for sending.

[0070] S3, when it is determined that there is a blood collection tube 100 in the storage bin 2, the lifting motor of the lifting mechanism 4 starts to drive the turntable to rotate, so that the transfer pipe on the turntable moves the blood collection tube 100 from below the storage bin 2 to above the storage bin 2 and to the conveying mechanism 5.

[0071] S4, the conveying mechanism 5 starts to move the blood collection tube 100 toward the sending mechanism 6 and delivers the blood collection tube 100 to the sending chamber 621 of the sending mechanism 6 with the tube cap 101 facing forward. The sending chamber 621 is normally connected to the unloading slide 58 of the conveying mechanism 5.

[0072] S5, the motor or rotary cylinder of the sending mechanism 6 is started to rotate the sending block to the sending cavity 621 on the sending block, which is connected to the sending pipe and the air inlet.

[0073] S6, the air supply line connected to the sending mechanism 6 blows air into the sending chamber 621 to blow the blood collection tube 100 inside into the sending pipeline and deliver it to the target location.

[0074] After the sending is completed, the rotary cylinder drives the sending block to rotate in the opposite direction to reset. At this time, the sending cavity 621 on the sending block is connected to the unloading slide 58.

[0075] Furthermore, when the transmitter has a barcode scanning device 7 and a rolling feeding mechanism 8, in step S3, the lifting mechanism 4 moves the blood collection tube 100 onto the two drive rollers 81. The drive rollers 81 rotate, causing the blood collection tube 100 to rotate. At the same time, the barcode scanning device 7 scans the code. After the scanning is completed, the disc drive motor 88 starts to drive the turntable to rotate 90°. At this time, the two drive rollers 81 move in opposite directions, causing the blood collection tube 100 to fall onto the two first conveyor belts below them for conveying.

[0076] When there are no blood collection tubes 100 at the storage bin 2, conveying mechanism 5, and sending mechanism 6, it is determined whether the number of barcodes read is consistent with the number of barcodes obtained upstream. If they are consistent, it is confirmed that all blood collection tubes 100 have been effectively sent. If they are inconsistent, it is determined that some blood collection tubes 100 are lost, and the information corresponding to the barcodes on the lost blood collection tubes 100 (the information corresponding to the barcodes not read by the scanning device 7) is determined from the system.

[0077] This invention has many other embodiments, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A blood collection tube dispenser, comprising a frame, wherein the frame has a storage bin, a lifting mechanism, and a dispensing mechanism, characterized in that: The frame is also equipped with a conveying mechanism. One end of the conveying mechanism extends into the storage bin to receive the blood collection tubes that are transferred to it one by one by the lifting mechanism. The other end of the conveying mechanism is connected to the sending mechanism. The conveying mechanism is used to drive the blood collection tubes that fall onto it to move toward the sending mechanism and output the blood collection tubes to the sending mechanism with the tube cap facing forward. The conveying mechanism includes a first conveying section, a second conveying section, and a guiding mechanism. The distance between the two first conveying belts of the first conveying section is less than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube. The distance between the two second conveying belts of the second conveying section is greater than the outer diameter of the blood collection tube and less than the outer diameter of the cap of the blood collection tube. The guiding mechanism includes a guiding ramp. The lower end of the guiding ramp is located below the second conveying belt and is biased towards the input end of the conveying mechanism. The upper end of the guiding ramp is biased towards the output end of the conveying mechanism and is not higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying section. The blood collection tube dispenser also includes an emergency feeding component, which is located outside the storage bin and above the conveying mechanism. Its top has a feed inlet opposite to the second conveying section. The feed inlet is a flared opening with its axis extending longitudinally along the Z-axis. The diameter of the inner end of the feed inlet is larger than the outer diameter of the cap of the blood collection tube. The emergency feeding component has a discharge chamber communicating with and directly opposite the feed inlet. The width of the discharge chamber is approximately equal to the width of the feed inlet and is directly opposite the second conveying section. The discharge chamber's deviation from the storage bin wall includes a vertical blocking surface and a clearance slope connected below the vertical blocking surface. The vertical blocking surface extends downwards from the inner end of the feed inlet by a certain length, and the vertical blocking surface is a first distance from the inner end of the feed inlet.

2. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism includes a first roller, a second roller, and a third roller arranged at the same height. Two first conveyor belts are mounted on the first roller and the second roller, and two second conveyor belts are mounted on the second roller and the third roller. The two second conveyor belts are located outside the two first conveyor belts. The third roller is connected to a conveying motor that drives its rotation.

3. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first and second conveyor belts are round belts.

4. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism includes a fourth roller, which is located between and below the first roller and the second and third rollers. Two third conveyor belts located inside the second conveyor belt are fitted on the fourth roller and the third roller.

5. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism includes a fourth roller and a fifth roller. The fourth roller is located between and below the first roller and the second and third rollers. The fifth roller is located above the fourth roller and its top is at the same height as the top of the first roller. Two third conveyor belts located inside the second conveyor belt are fitted on the fourth roller and the fifth roller. The two third conveyor belts are simultaneously fitted on the third roller.

6. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes at least a guide ramp. The upper surface of the guide ramp is the guide slope. The upper end of the guide slope is at a height equivalent to the conveying surface of the second conveying section, and the distance between the upper end of the guide slope and the third roller does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube.

7. The blood collection tube dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism is a guide plate, which includes a guide ramp and a guide plate. The upper surface of the guide ramp is the guide slope. The guide plate is connected to the upper end of the guide ramp and the distance between the guide plate and the third roller does not exceed half the length of the blood collection tube. The top surface of the guide plate is at approximately the same height as the bottom of the second conveyor belt.

8. The blood collection tube dispenser according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: Also includes A rolling feeding mechanism and a barcode scanning device are provided. The rolling feeding mechanism is used to receive blood collection tubes transferred to it by the lifting mechanism and drive the blood collection tubes to rotate so that the barcode scanning device can read the barcode on the outer wall of the blood collection tubes. The rolling feeding mechanism can also cause the blood collection tubes on it to fall onto the conveying mechanism after the barcode scanning device reads the barcode.

9. A method for delivering blood collection tubes, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1, providing a blood collection tube transmitter as described in any one of claims 1-8, and connecting the transmitting mechanism of the blood collection tube transmitter to the gas supply pipeline and the transmitting pipeline; S2, Place the blood collection tube to be sent into the feed hopper; S3, the lifting mechanism starts to lift the blood collection tubes that have entered the storage bin from the feed hopper one by one to the conveying mechanism; S4, the conveying mechanism starts to move the blood collection tube toward the sending mechanism and deliver the blood collection tube into the sending cavity of the rotating sending block of the sending mechanism with the tube cap facing forward; S5, the sending mechanism starts, causing the rotating sending block to rotate until the sending chamber is connected to the sending pipe and the air supply pipe; S6, the air supply line blows air into the sending chamber to blow the blood collection tube inside into the sending pipeline and deliver it to the target location.

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