A pressurized sampling tube

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of sampling detection, and particularly relates to a pressing type sampling tube, which comprises a tube body and a tube cover. The tube cover is screw-connected to the top end of the tube body. A vertical blind hole, a vertical channel and a vertical through hole are formed in the tube cover. A pressing head is vertically and slidably connected in the vertical blind hole. The top end of the pressing head extends out of the vertical blind hole. The bottom end of the pressing head is fixedly connected with an elastic reset member. The bottom end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected with the bottom wall of the vertical blind hole. The top end of the vertical channel is communicated with the vertical blind hole. The bottom end of the vertical channel is communicated with the internal space of the tube body. The vertical through hole is provided with a blocking head for blocking the vertical through hole. The blocking head and the pressing head are connected through a U-shaped connecting rod. A sealing ring is fixedly installed in the vertical channel. In the application, the blocking head and the pressing head move synchronously. Therefore, the sampler only needs to exert pressure on the pressing head to open the sampling tube. The operation is single-handed, and the information on the label of the tube body will not be wiped off. The operation is simple and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sampling and detection technology, and specifically relates to a press-type sampling tube. Background Technology

[0002] In the detection of respiratory and enteroviruses such as the novel coronavirus, SARS, H1N1 influenza, avian influenza, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease, disposable sampling swabs are typically used to extract secretions from the nasopharynx. After collection, the disposable sampling swab containing the pathogen is inserted into a virus sampling tube containing a preservation liquid. Currently, the sampling tubes used in the sampling process mainly consist of a tube body and a cap. The sampling procedure is as follows: Remove the cap, take a sample from the subject, place the swab head into the tube body, break the swab with slight force, allowing the swab head to fall into the tube body, and then reseal the tube body with the cap to prevent spillage of the preservation liquid inside. Furthermore, the sampling tube is placed on a stable shelf throughout the entire process.

[0003] As can be seen from the above sampling process, the sampling personnel need to open the sampling tube first. Regardless of whether it is fixed by a screw or an insertion method, the sampling personnel need to use both hands to open the sampling tube, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, thus negatively impacting sampling efficiency. Furthermore, the sampling personnel should disinfect their hands before and after sampling, and the rubber gloves they wear are covered in disinfectant. Therefore, when the sampling personnel touch the sampling tube, they can easily wipe away the text and graphics on the label on the outer wall of the tube, resulting in the loss of barcode number signals and making it difficult to match the sampling results with the sampled object. Therefore, it is necessary to design a sampling tube that can be opened and sealed with one hand. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a press-type sampling tube to solve the problem that the operation of existing sampling tubes is cumbersome because they require the use of both hands.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a press-type sampling tube, comprising a tube body and a tube cap. The top end of the tube body is open, and the tube cap is threadedly connected to the top end of the tube body. The tube cap has a vertical blind hole, a vertical channel, and a vertical through hole. A pressing head is vertically slidably connected inside the vertical blind hole. The top end of the pressing head extends out of the vertical blind hole, and an elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the pressing head. The bottom end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the vertical blind hole. The top end of the vertical channel communicates with the vertical blind hole, and the bottom end of the vertical channel communicates with the internal space of the tube body. The vertical through hole is provided with a sealing head for sealing the vertical through hole. A U-shaped connecting rod is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the sealing head. The end of the U-shaped connecting rod away from the sealing head passes through the vertical channel and is fixedly connected to the pressing head. A sealing ring is fixedly installed inside the vertical channel.

[0006] The working principle and beneficial effects of this solution are as follows: In this solution, a U-shaped connecting rod connects the pressing head and the sealing head. When the pressing head slides downwards, the sealing head moves downwards accordingly, disengaging from the vertical through-hole and releasing the seal. The vertical through-hole connects the internal space of the tube to the outside, allowing the swab head to be inserted into the tube. Conversely, when the pressing head slides upwards to reset under the action of the elastic reset element, the sealing head moves upwards and re-seals the vertical through-hole. In other words, this solution only requires the sampling personnel to apply pressure to the pressing head to open the sampling tube, allowing for one-handed operation instead of two-handed operation, simplifying the process and improving sampling efficiency. Furthermore, this solution allows the sampling personnel to avoid touching the tube body, preventing the erasure of text and graphics on the tube label, thus ensuring the integrity of the barcode information. Moreover, this solution allows the sampling personnel to easily break the sampling swab using the vertical through-hole.

[0007] Optionally, the vertical through hole includes a vertical section and an expansion section from top to bottom, the diameter of the expansion section gradually increases from top to bottom, and the sealing head is used to seal the expansion section.

[0008] In this design, the diameter of the expansion section gradually increases from top to bottom. This makes it easier for the sealing head to enter the expansion section and seal it, thereby achieving the sealing of the vertical through hole.

[0009] Optionally, a rubber layer is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sealing head.

[0010] In this design, the rubber layer is elastic and can fit tightly against the inner circumferential wall of the expansion section, thereby improving the sealing performance between the sealing head and the expansion section.

[0011] Optionally, the pipe cap includes a pipe cap body and a protrusion, and the vertical blind hole penetrates through the protrusion.

[0012] In this design, the protrusion provides sufficient height for the vertical blind hole, thereby preventing the pipe cover body from being the same height as the protrusion and thus reducing the volume of the pipe cover body.

[0013] Optionally, the pressing head has a cavity, and a piston is vertically slidably connected inside the cavity. The piston divides the cavity into an independent upper chamber and a lower chamber. A piston rod is connected to the upper surface of the piston, and a threaded section is provided on the piston rod. The threaded section is threadedly connected to the top wall of the upper chamber. A first airflow channel is provided inside the U-shaped connecting rod, and a second airflow channel is provided inside the sealing head. A sealing airbag is provided at the top of the sealing head. One end of the first airflow channel is connected to the lower chamber, and the other end of the first airflow channel is connected to the end of the second airflow channel away from the sealing airbag. The end of the second airflow channel away from the first airflow channel is connected to the sealing airbag.

[0014] In this design, rotating the piston rod allows the piston to slide vertically within the cavity, thus changing the volume of the lower chamber. This causes air to flow between the lower chamber and the sealing airbag, altering the volume of the sealing airbag. As the volume of the sealing airbag increases, it seals the vertical section, thereby achieving a secondary seal on the vertical through-hole and further preventing the preservation liquid inside the tube from spilling out through the vertical through-hole.

[0015] Optionally, the lower chamber is provided with an inflatable airbag, and the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel are provided with a ventilator. One end of the ventilator is connected to the inflatable airbag, and the other end of the ventilator is connected to the sealing airbag.

[0016] In this design, air from the inflatable airbag flows into the sealing airbag through the vent tube, increasing the volume of the sealing airbag and thus sealing the vertical section. Furthermore, the design of the inflatable airbag reduces the sealing requirements between the piston and the inner wall of the cavity; the sealing airbag can expand regardless of whether the piston is in a sliding, sealed connection with the inner wall of the cavity.

[0017] Optionally, a rotating head is fixedly connected to the top end of the piston rod.

[0018] In this design, the rotating head makes it easy for sampling personnel to rotate the piston rod.

[0019] Optionally, a horizontally arranged locking screw is threaded onto the protrusion, and the end of the locking screw near the pressing head can abut against the pressing head.

[0020] In this solution, a locking screw is used to lock the pressing head, preventing the sampling tube from being opened by accidental contact with the pressing head.

[0021] Optionally, the top wall of the upper chamber is provided with ventilation holes.

[0022] In this design, the vent hole on the top wall of the upper chamber connects the upper chamber to the outside atmosphere, thus reducing the resistance encountered by the piston during vertical sliding.

[0023] Optionally, the cross-section of the pressing head is rectangular.

[0024] In this design, when the cross-section of the pressing head is rectangular, the pressing head will not rotate within the vertical blind hole, thus preventing the sealing head from being misaligned with the vertical through hole. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a press-type sampling tube according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a press-type sampling tube according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a press-type sampling tube with the press head sliding down in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a press-type sampling tube according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of B in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the pipe cover in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0033] The markings in the accompanying drawings include: tube body 1, tube cap 2, tube cap body 210, protrusion 220, vertical blind hole 3, vertical channel 4, vertical through hole 5, vertical section 510, expansion section 520, pressing head 6, elastic reset element 7, locking screw 8, sealing head 9, second airflow channel 901, rubber layer 10, U-shaped connecting rod 11, first airflow channel 111, sealing ring 12, piston 13, upper chamber 14, vent hole 141, lower chamber 15, piston rod 16, connecting sleeve 17, turning head 18, sealing airbag 19, inflatable airbag 20, and venting tube 21.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] This embodiment is basically as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: A press-type sampling tube includes a tube body 1 and a tube cap 2. The top end of the tube body 1 is open, and the tube cap 2 is threadedly connected to the top end of the tube body 1. (Combined) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pipe cap 2 has a vertical blind hole 3, a vertical channel 4, and a vertical through hole 5. The pipe cap 2 includes a pipe cap body 210 and a protrusion 220, with the vertical blind hole 3 penetrating through the protrusion 220. A pressing head 6 is vertically slidably connected inside the vertical blind hole 3. The pressing head 6 has a rectangular cross-section, with its top end extending out of the vertical blind hole 3. An elastic reset member 7 is welded to the bottom end of the pressing head 6, and its bottom end is welded to the bottom wall of the vertical blind hole 3. In this embodiment, the elastic reset member 7 is a spring, and there are four elastic reset members 7 distributed at the four corners of the pressing head 6. A horizontally arranged locking screw 8 is threaded onto the protrusion 220, and the right end of the locking screw 8 can abut against the pressing head 6.

[0036] The top end of the vertical channel 4 communicates with the vertical blind hole 3, and the bottom end of the vertical channel 4 communicates with the internal space of the pipe body 1. The vertical through hole 5 is equipped with a sealing head 9 for sealing the vertical through hole 5. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 4 As shown, the vertical through hole 5 includes a vertical section 510 and an expansion section 520 from top to bottom. The diameter of the expansion section 520 gradually increases from top to bottom. The sealing head 9 is used to seal the expansion section 520. A rubber layer 10 is bonded to the outer peripheral wall of the sealing head 9 to improve the sealing performance between the sealing head 9 and the inner peripheral wall of the expansion section 520. A U-shaped connecting rod 11 is welded to the bottom end of the sealing head 9. The end of the U-shaped connecting rod 11 away from the sealing head 9 passes through the vertical channel 4 and is welded to the pressing head 6. A sealing ring 12 is bonded inside the vertical channel 4. The U-shaped connecting rod 11 is tightly fitted to the inner peripheral wall of the sealing ring 12.

[0037] In use, the sampling tube is placed on a stable shelf, with the tube body 1 inserted vertically. First, the sampling personnel rotate the locking screw 8 clockwise, moving it to the left and releasing the lock on the pressing head 6. Next, the sampling personnel use their right hand to hold the sampling swab and sample the object. Then, the sampling personnel apply downward pressure to the pressing head 6 with their left hand, causing it to slide downward against the force of the elastic reset member 7. During this process, because the U-shaped connecting rod 11 connects the pressing head 6 and the sealing head 9, the U-shaped connecting rod 11 moves the sealing head 9 downward. After the sealing head 9 moves downward, it no longer blocks the vertical through hole 5, which connects the internal space of the tube body 1 to the outside atmosphere. Thus, the sampling personnel can insert the swab head into the tube body 1 through the vertical through hole 5. Then, the sampling personnel use the wall of the vertical through hole 5 to apply force to break the sampling swab, and the swab head falls into the tube body 1.

[0038] Finally, the sampling personnel remove their left hand from the pressing head 6, and the pressing head 6 is no longer under downward pressure. Thus, the pressing head 6 slides upward and resets under the action of the elastic reset member 7. During this process, the U-shaped connecting rod 11 moves the sealing head 9 upward and resets it. The rubber layer 10 on the outer peripheral wall of the sealing head 9 once again adheres tightly to the inner peripheral wall of the expansion section 520, thereby sealing the vertical through hole 5. After sampling is completed (the swab head of the sampled object has been completely inserted into the tube body 1), the sampling personnel rotate the locking screw 8 counterclockwise. The locking screw 8 moves to the right, and the right end of the locking screw 8 re-clamps against the pressing head 6, thereby relocking the pressing head 6 and preventing accidental activation of the sampling tube.

[0039] In addition, a sealing ring 12 is designed inside the vertical channel 4, so that if the tube body 1 is accidentally tilted, the preservation liquid inside the tube body 1 will not spill out through the vertical channel 4, the vertical blind hole 3 and the vertical through hole 5.

[0040] In summary, during the sampling process, the sampling personnel do not need to remove the tube cap 2; they only need to apply pressure to the pressing head 6 with one hand to open the sampling tube, thereby inserting the swab head into the tube body 1. This eliminates the need for two-handed operation, making it simple, convenient, and highly efficient. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rubber gloves worn by the sampling personnel will not come into contact with the label on the outer wall of the tube body 1, ensuring that the font and graphics on the label are not erased, thus guaranteeing the integrity of the barcode information and not affecting the correspondence of the test results. Moreover, in mixed testing (where one sampling tube contains swab heads from ten or twenty sampling subjects), this embodiment eliminates the need to frequently remove the tube cap 2, significantly reducing the exposed area of ​​the internal space of the tube body 1 and further preventing contamination of the internal substances (preservative solution and swab heads) of the tube body 1.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the pressing head 6 has a cavity, and a piston 13 is vertically slidably connected inside the cavity. The piston 13 divides the cavity into an independent upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 15. The top wall of the upper chamber 14 has a vent hole 141. A piston rod 16 is connected to the upper surface of the piston 13. Specifically, in this embodiment, a rubber connecting sleeve 17 is bonded to the upper surface of the piston 13, and the bottom end of the piston rod 16 is interference-fitted with the connecting sleeve 17. The piston rod 16 has a threaded section, which is threadedly connected to the top wall of the upper chamber 14; a rotating head 18 is integrally formed at the top end of the piston rod 16.

[0043] The U-shaped connecting rod 11 has a first airflow channel 111, and the sealing head 9 has a second airflow channel 901. The sealing head 9 has a sealing airbag 19 attached to its top. The top left side of the first airflow channel 111 is connected to the lower chamber 15, the top right side of the first airflow channel 111 is connected to the bottom of the second airflow channel 901, and the top of the second airflow channel 901 is connected to the sealing airbag 19.

[0044] In this embodiment, after sampling is completed (the swab heads of the sampled object have been completely inserted into the tube body 1), the sampling personnel fix the tube cap body 210 with one hand and pinch the screw head 18 with the other hand and rotate it clockwise. The piston rod 16 rotates clockwise. Since the piston rod 16 is threadedly connected to the top wall of the upper chamber 14, the piston rod 16 moves downward while rotating clockwise, thereby pushing the piston 13 to slide downward. The volume of the lower chamber 15 decreases and the internal pressure increases. As a result, the air in the lower chamber 15 flows into the sealing airbag 19 through the first airflow channel 111 and the second airflow channel 901. The volume of the sealing airbag 19 increases, and the sealing airbag 19 presses against the inner peripheral wall of the vertical section 510, thereby sealing the vertical section 510 and achieving secondary sealing of the vertical through hole 5, further preventing the preservation liquid in the tube body 1 from spilling through the vertical through hole 5.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, the blocking airbag 19 can also be in an inflated state initially, at which time the position of the piston 13 is lower than that of the airbag 19. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, piston 13 is... Figure 5 The position shown is closer to the bottom wall of the lower chamber 15. Before use, the sampling personnel rotate the screw head 18 counterclockwise, causing the piston rod 16 to move upward, which in turn causes the piston 13 to slide upward. This allows the air in the sealing airbag 19 to flow into the lower chamber 15, reducing the volume of the sealing airbag 19 and preventing it from pressing against the inner wall of the vertical section 510, thus no longer blocking the vertical through hole 5. Next, the sampling personnel apply downward pressure to the pressing head 6 according to the operating method described in Embodiment 1 to open the sampling tube.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that: [The following is a combination of the two embodiments] Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, an inflatable airbag 20 is provided in the lower chamber 15, which is more easily inflated than the sealing airbag 19. A ventilator 21 is provided in the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel. The left end of the ventilator 21 is connected to the inflatable airbag 20, and the right end of the ventilator 21 is connected to the sealing airbag 19.

[0048] In this embodiment, after sampling is completed (the swab heads of the sampled objects have been completely inserted into the tube body 1), the sampling personnel fix the tube cap body 210 with one hand and pinch the screw head 18 with the other hand and rotate it clockwise. The piston rod 16 rotates clockwise. Since the piston rod 16 is threadedly connected to the top wall of the upper chamber 14, the piston rod 16 moves downward while rotating clockwise, thereby pushing the piston 13 to slide downward. The piston 13 gradually squeezes the inflatable airbag 20 in the lower chamber 15. The air in the inflatable airbag 20 flows into the sealing airbag 19 through the vent tube 21. The volume of the sealing airbag 19 increases, and the sealing airbag 19 presses against the inner peripheral wall of the vertical section 510, thereby sealing the vertical section 510 and achieving secondary sealing of the vertical through hole 5, further preventing the preservation liquid in the tube body 1 from spilling through the vertical through hole 5. Compared to Embodiment 2, this embodiment has less stringent requirements for the sealing between the piston 13 and the cavity periphery. Regardless of whether the piston 13 is slidably and sealingly connected to the inner wall of the cavity, the expansion of the sealing airbag 19 can be achieved. This significantly reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the pressing head 6.

[0049] In another embodiment, no ventilation pipe 21 is provided in the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel, and the top left side of the first airflow channel is connected to the inflatable airbag 20. In this way, the air in the inflatable airbag 20 flows directly into the sealing airbag 19 through the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel, thereby expanding the sealing airbag 19. No additional pipes are required, reducing the use of components and saving resources.

[0050] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the fields covered by these embodiments. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can improve and implement this solution based on the guidance provided in this application and their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness or practicality of the invention. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims. The specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A press-type sampling tube, comprising a tube body and a tube cap, wherein the top end of the tube body is open, and the tube cap is threadedly connected to the top end of the tube body, characterized in that: The tube cap has a vertical blind hole, a vertical channel, and a vertical through hole. A pressing head is vertically slidably connected inside the vertical blind hole, with its top end extending out of the blind hole and its bottom end fixedly connected to an elastic reset member. The bottom end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the vertical blind hole. The top end of the vertical channel communicates with the vertical blind hole, and the bottom end of the vertical channel communicates with the internal space of the tube body. The vertical through hole is equipped with a sealing head for blocking the vertical through hole. A U-shaped connecting rod is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the sealing head. The end of the U-shaped connecting rod away from the sealing head passes through the vertical channel and is fixedly connected to the pressing head. When the pressing head slides downward, the sealing head moves downward accordingly, disengaging from the vertical through hole, and the vertical through hole communicates with the internal space of the tube body. A sealing ring is fixedly installed inside the vertical channel, and the U-shaped connecting rod is tightly fitted to the inner circumferential wall of the sealing ring. A cavity is formed inside the pressing head, and a piston is vertically slidably connected within the cavity. The piston divides the cavity into an independent upper chamber and a lower chamber. A piston rod is connected to the upper surface of the piston, and a threaded section is provided on the piston rod, which is threadedly connected to the top wall of the upper chamber. A first airflow channel is formed inside the U-shaped connecting rod, and a second airflow channel is formed inside the sealing head. A sealing airbag is located at the top of the sealing head, and an inflatable airbag is located in the lower chamber. The left top end of the first airflow channel communicates with the inflatable airbag, and air from the inflatable airbag flows directly into the sealing airbag through the first and second airflow channels, thus inflating the sealing airbag.

2. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical through hole includes a vertical section and an expansion section from top to bottom. The diameter of the expansion section gradually increases from top to bottom. The sealing head is used to seal the expansion section.

3. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 2, characterized in that: A rubber layer is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sealing head.

4. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pipe cap includes a pipe cap body and a protrusion, and the vertical blind hole penetrates through the protrusion.

5. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rotating head is fixedly connected to the top end of the piston rod.

6. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protrusion is threaded with a horizontally arranged locking screw, and the end of the locking screw near the pressing head can abut against the pressing head.

7. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top wall of the upper chamber is provided with ventilation holes.

8. The press-type sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the pressing head is rectangular.

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