A device for automatically dispensing swabs from a continuous swab packaging bag

Abstract

The application provides a device for automatically outputting cotton swabs in a continuous cotton swab packaging bag, comprising a control module, a driving module, a cutting module and a transmission separation module comprising a guide rail and a meshing gear set; the meshing gear set is located below or obliquely below the guide rail, the driving module can drive the meshing gear set to rotate under control, thereby enabling the part of the packaging bag clamped between the meshing gears to move downward or obliquely downward, so as to drive the rear part of the packaging bag to be transmitted forward along the upper surface of the guide rail and cut by the cutting module during the transmission; the rotation of the meshing gear set can also drive the cut packaging bag to be transmitted to the front end of the guide rail and be redirected to continue transmission towards the meshing gear set, so that the cotton swab in the cut packaging bag is separated from the packaging bag at the front end of the guide rail, and the cotton swab can continue to be automatically output forward. Compared with manually tearing the packaging bag, the application significantly reduces the labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medical auxiliary device, specifically to a device for automatically dispensing cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag. Background Technology

[0002] Nucleic acid testing typically involves medical staff taking a clean swab and inserting it into the throat, nostril, or anus of the person being tested to obtain a sample.

[0003] Sampling with swabs is usually done manually by medical staff. They manually tear open the outer packaging of each swab bag and then perform the sampling operation. Manually tearing open a large number of swab bags requires medical staff to exert a high level of labor intensity, which can easily cause fatigue and local abrasions and sores on the fingers. It may also lead to cross-contamination of the sampled specimens, increasing the risk of infection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above situation, the main objective of this invention is to provide a device for automatically dispensing cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag, which effectively reduces the labor intensity of medical staff manually tearing open the cotton swab packaging bag and effectively avoids the problem of cross-contamination of sampled specimens.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a device for automatically outputting cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag, including a control module, a drive module, a conveying and separating module, and a cutting module;

[0007] The conveying and separating module includes a guide rail and a meshing gear set;

[0008] The meshing gear set is located below or diagonally below the guide rail. The meshing gear set includes at least two gears that mesh with each other. Under the control of the control module, the drive module can drive the meshing gear set to rotate, thereby causing the portion of the packaging bag that is clamped between the meshing gears to move downward or diagonally below, thereby driving the rear portion of the packaging bag to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail.

[0009] The cutting module is located above the guide rail and is used to cut open the packaging bag that is being conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail;

[0010] The rotation of the meshing gear set can also drive the cut packaging bag to continue to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail until it reaches the front end of the guide rail, and then change direction to continue conveying in the direction of the meshing gear set. This causes the cotton swabs inside the cut packaging bag to separate from the packaging bag at the front end of the guide rail, so that the cotton swabs can continue to be automatically output forward.

[0011] Preferably, the upper surface of the guide rail is provided with a first limiting sidewall and a second limiting sidewall on both sides.

[0012] Preferably, the conveying and separating module further includes a rotatable packaging bag guide shaft, which is located at the front end of the guide rail, and the cross-section of the packaging bag guide shaft is circular.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting module includes a blade holder, a force-applying structure, and a cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade is fixed relative to the blade holder, and the force-applying structure provides a continuous downward force to the blade holder.

[0014] Preferably, the blade tip is spaced apart from the guide rail to cut open the upper packaging layer of the packaging bag.

[0015] Preferably, the device further includes a sensing module, which includes a sensor connected to the control module. The projection of the sensor onto the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection at the front end of the guide rail.

[0016] When the sensor detects the projection of the tip of the automatically output cotton swab passing through the sensor, the control module triggers a delay control. When the delay ends, the control module controls the drive module to automatically stop driving.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor can also trigger the control module when it detects the projection of the tail of the cotton swab passing through the sensor, so that the control module controls the drive module to automatically resume drive operation.

[0018] Preferably, the device further includes a cotton swab guiding module located directly in front of the automatically output cotton swabs. The cotton swab guiding module includes a cotton swab guiding nozzle, which has a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the cotton swab guiding nozzle is trumpet-shaped, and the front end of the cotton swab guiding nozzle has a through groove for the cotton swab to pass through.

[0019] Preferably, the projection of the cotton swab guide nozzle onto the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection of the sensor, and the projection distance between the guide nozzle and the sensor is set to meet the requirement that at the end of the delay, the head of the automatically output cotton swab can extend beyond the front end of the cotton swab guide nozzle.

[0020] Preferably, the device further includes a housing, and the control module, drive module, conveying and separating module and cutting module are all located inside the housing. A through hole is also provided on the front side wall of the housing for the front end of the automatically output cotton swab to pass through.

[0021] In the device for automatically outputting cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag provided by this invention, the drive module, under the control of the control module, can drive the meshing gear set to rotate. The meshing gear set clamps the continuous cotton swab packaging bag between the gears in the set and moves it downwards or diagonally downwards. The portion of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag located on the upper surface of the guide rail is driven to move forward along the guide rail. During the forward movement, the packaging bag is cut open by the cutting module located above the guide rail. As the meshing gear set continues to rotate, the cut packaging bag continues to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail until it reaches the front end of the guide rail, where it is redirected and conveyed towards the meshing gear set located below or diagonally downwards on the guide rail. This causes the cotton swab inside the cut packaging bag to separate from the cut packaging bag at the front end of the guide rail, allowing the cotton swab to continue to be automatically output forward. The cut packaging bag is then clamped between the gears in the meshing gear set and continues to move downwards or diagonally downwards, driving the portion of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag located on the upper surface of the guide rail to continue moving forward along the guide rail. It continues to be cut when passing the cutting module, allowing the next cotton swab to continue to be automatically output forward. The cut packaging bag is then clamped between the gears in the meshing gear set, providing conditions for subsequent packaging bags to be cut and other cotton swabs to be automatically output forward, ultimately enabling the continuous automatic output of one cotton swab after another.

[0022] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be explained in detail through the introduction of specific technical features and technical solutions in specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the beneficial technical effects brought about by these technical features and technical solutions through the introduction of these technical features and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device for automatically dispensing cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the device for automatically outputting cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the transmission separation module provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the cutting module provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the cutting module provided by the present invention after removing the pressure block;

[0029] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the cutting blade and conveying separation module provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the cutting module and conveying separation module provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the cutting module, conveying and separating module and driving module provided by the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0033] label name label name label name 100 Transmission Separation Module 211 pressure block 412 cotton swab guide tip back end 110 guide 212 The side wall of the tool holder 500 Control module 111 First limiting sidewall 213 Positioning guide block 600 driver module 112 Second limiting sidewall 220 Cutting blade 700 shell 120 Meshing gear set 230 Tool holder tension spring 710 Via 130 Packaging bag guide shaft 310 sensor 800 cotton swabs 200 Cutting module 410 cotton swab guide tip 210 knife holder 411 cotton swab guide tip Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention is described below based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following detailed description of the present invention, some specific details are described in detail, but well-known methods, processes, procedures, and elements are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the essence of the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0036] Unless the context explicitly requires it, the words "comprising," "including," and similar terms throughout the specification and claims should be interpreted as encompassing rather than being exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning "including but not limited to."

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] See appendix Figure 1-8This invention provides an automatic device for outputting cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag, comprising a control module 500, a drive module 600, a conveying and separating module 100, and a cutting module 200. The conveying and separating module 100 includes a guide rail 110 and a gear set 120. The gear set 120 is located below or diagonally below the guide rail 110 and includes at least two meshing gears. Under the control of the control module 500, the drive module 600 can drive the gear set 120 to rotate, thereby causing the portion of the packaging bag sandwiched between the meshing gears to move downwards or diagonally downwards, thus conveying the rear portion of the packaging bag forward along the upper surface of the guide rail 110. The cutting module 200 is located above the guide rail 110. Used to cut open the packaging bag that is being conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail 110; through the rotation of the meshing gear set 120, the cut packaging bag can also be driven to continue to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail 110 until it reaches the front end of the guide rail 110 and changes direction to continue to be conveyed in the direction of the meshing gear set 120, so that the cotton swab 800 inside the cut packaging bag separates from the packaging bag at the front end of the guide rail, so that the cotton swab can continue to be automatically output forward.

[0039] The present invention provides an automatic device for dispensing cotton swabs from continuous cotton swab packaging bags. The device operates on continuous cotton swab packaging bags (not shown in the accompanying drawings), each bag containing one cotton swab. These packaging bags are continuous, one after another, connected end-to-end. Although the internal spaces of each packaging bag are not interconnected, the end of one packaging bag is connected to the beginning of the next, thus forming the continuous cotton swab packaging bag that is the object of this invention. The primary objective of this invention is to enable the cotton swabs within the continuous packaging bag to be automatically dispensed forward, one after another, towards the hand of the medical personnel (or the mechanical device for dispensing the cotton swabs, such as a robotic arm or hand).

[0040] Specifically, when the device of the present invention automatically outputs cotton swabs from the continuous cotton swab packaging bag is in operation:

[0041] Before the device starts working for the first time, the first end of the entire continuous cotton swab packaging bag is manually placed on the guide rail in the conveying and separating module, and the first end is manually pulled until it passes the front end of the guide rail and changes direction towards the meshing gear set until it is inserted between the meshing gears in the meshing gear set in the conveying and separating module. This constitutes the initial state in which the device of the present invention can start working. In this initial state, the continuous cotton swab packaging bag usually includes four parts: a first part sandwiched between the meshing gear set 120, a second part located after the first part in the overall extension direction of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag and located between the front end of the meshing gear set 120 and the guide rail 110, a third part located on the guide rail 110, and a fourth part extending or stacked at the rear end of the guide rail 110 (those skilled in the art will understand that if the total length of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag is relatively short, then in this initial state, there may be no fourth part).

[0042] The operator can control the drive module 600 to provide driving power to the meshing gear set 120 through the control module 500. For example, when the control power is pressed, the drive module 600, under the control of the control module 500, provides driving power to the meshing gear set 120, driving the meshing gear set 120 in the transmission separation module 100 to rotate.

[0043] Within the conveying and separating module 100, a meshing gear set 120 located below or diagonally below the guide rail 110 rotates. At least two meshing gears within the set clamp and drive the first portion of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag located between these gears to move downwards or diagonally downwards (see attached diagram). Figure 1The continuous cotton swab packaging bag moves diagonally downwards in the direction shown by the arrow in the diagram. Because the cotton swab packaging bag is continuous, the movement of the first part will pull the movement of the second, third, and fourth parts that follow. Among them, the movement direction of the third part, which is located above the guide rail 110, is forward along the guide rail 110 after being pulled. During the forward movement, it is cut by the cutting module 200 located above the guide rail 110, and this part of the packaging bag is cut open one by one. With the meshing gear set 120 The continuous rotation of the packaging bag causes the front portion of the package to be continuously pulled. This cut portion of the package continues to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail 110 until it reaches the front end of the guide rail 110, and then changes direction and continues to be conveyed towards the meshing gear set 120. As a result, the cotton swabs in the cut package (taking the cotton swabs in the first cut package as an example) at the front end of the guide rail, the head of the cotton swab 800 (in this invention, the head of the cotton swab refers to the part of each cotton swab facing forward in a single package, not the part of the cotton swab wrapped with cotton) separates from the cut package. Therefore, the cotton swab 800 does not change direction towards the meshing gear set 120 with the cut portion of the package, but can continue to move forward with the head of the cotton swab, that is, the result is that the cotton swab 800 is automatically output forward. One way to handle the automatically forward-output cotton swab is for medical staff / robotic arms to remove and use the swab before its center of gravity reaches the front end of the guide rail, that is, before the swab is about to fall off because it has extended long enough from the front end of the guide rail.

[0044] As the meshing gear set 120 rotates continuously, the cut portion of the packaging bag is clamped between the gears within the meshing gear set 120 and continues to move downwards or diagonally downwards (it can move until it enters the medical waste collection container). This causes the rear portion of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag located on the upper surface of the guide rail 110 to continue moving forward along the guide rail 110. (At this time, of course, for each individual packaging bag that initially extends or accumulates at the rear end of the guide rail and belongs to the fourth part of the continuous cotton swab packaging bag, the one that is relatively forward will also be driven onto the guide rail.) As it passes through the cutting module 200, it is cut open one by one. At this time, the cotton swabs inside the cut packaging bag can continue to be automatically output forward, and the cut packaging bag continues to be clamped between the gears within the meshing gear set 120, providing conditions for subsequent packaging bags to be cut open and other cotton swabs to be automatically output forward. Ultimately, it can continuously and automatically output one cotton swab after another.

[0045] Therefore, the device for automatically outputting cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag provided by the present invention can efficiently open the cotton swab packaging, making it convenient for medical staff to use, and effectively solving the problems of staff fatigue, local finger abrasion, and sample cross-contamination during large-area swab collection.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that, as described above, in the initial state of the device of the present invention (before the first power-on operation), the packaging bag has a first part clamped between the meshing gear set, a second part located after the first part in the overall extension direction of the packaging bag and between the meshing gear set and the front end of the guide rail, and a third part located above the guide rail, etc. When the device starts working for the first time, it is the third part that is cut. Each individual packaging bag included in the first part and the second part has no chance to be cut by the cutting module. Therefore, before setting the device of the present invention to the initial state, the cotton swabs in each individual packaging bag corresponding to the first part and the second part can be manually removed; or by customization, each individual packaging bag of the first part and the second part can be customized to be without cotton swabs, and then the first part can be inserted into the meshing gear set.

[0047] When sampling is paused, i.e., when swabs are temporarily no longer needed, the operator can control the control module 500, for example, by turning off the power supply. This causes the drive module 600 to stop supplying power to the meshing gear set 120. At this time, the meshing gear set 120 stops rotating, and the continuous swab packaging bag stops moving, resting in a state where some parts are clamped between the meshing gear set 120, some are located between the meshing gear set 120 and the front end of the guide rail 110, some are on the guide rail 110, and some may also extend / accumulate at the rear end of the guide rail 110 (obviously, the packaging bag parts clamped between the meshing gear set and the front end of the guide rail have been cut open). If sampling needs to be resumed, the power supply can be turned on, and the meshing gear set 120 resumes rotation. As the packaging bag parts clamped between the meshing gear set 120 are driven downward or diagonally downward, the packaging bag parts located on the guide rail 110 are moved downward. The upper part of the packaging bag is pulled forward along the guide rail and cut open one by one, and the cotton swabs inside are automatically output forward.

[0048] Preferably, the meshing gear set 120 includes a driving gear and a driven gear that form a meshing relationship.

[0049] With the above setup, a meshing gear set can be formed through a simple structure, which facilitates the design and manufacture of the meshing gear set.

[0050] Preferably, see appendix. Figure 2 , 3In addition to 6-8, the upper surface of the guide rail 110 is provided with a first limiting sidewall 111 and a second limiting sidewall 112 on both sides.

[0051] The portion of the continuous packaging bag located above the guide rail 110 is situated on the upper surface of the guide rail 110. The presence of a first limiting sidewall 111 and a second limiting sidewall 112 on both sides of this upper surface serves to guide the portion of the continuous packaging bag located above the guide rail, preventing it from deviating from the guide rail or even falling off it, thus ensuring the normal operation of the device for automatically dispensing cotton swabs from the continuous cotton swab packaging bag according to the present invention.

[0052] Preferably, see Appendix Figure 2 , 3 6 and 7, the conveying and separating module 100 also includes a rotatable packaging bag guide shaft 130, which is located at the front end of the guide rail 110 and has a circular cross-section.

[0053] Because the cut portion of the continuous packaging bag will be pulled by the front portion and turn after passing the front end of the guide rail until it enters the meshing gear set, the aforementioned turning can be facilitated by setting a packaging bag guide shaft 130 with a circular cross section at the front end of the guide rail.

[0054] Preferably, see Appendix Figure 1 , 2 4, 5, 7 and 8, the cutting module 200 includes a blade holder 210, a force-applying structure and a cutting blade 220, the cutting blade 220 being fixed relative to the blade holder 210, and the force-applying structure continuously providing a downward force to the blade holder 210.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, the tool holder 210 may include a pressure block 211. The pressure block 211 may be integrally formed with the frame of the tool holder 210 to form an integral tool holder, or it may be manufactured independently and then fixed to the frame of the tool holder to form an integral tool holder. The pressure block 211 firmly presses the cutting blade onto the side wall 212 of the frame of the tool holder (for example, a screw hole may be opened on the pressure block, and by screwing a screw into the screw hole, the screw head tightly presses against the pressure block, thereby making the pressure block firmly press the cutting blade onto the side wall of the frame of the tool holder), thereby achieving relative fixation between the cutting blade 220 and the tool holder 210.

[0056] The structure of the force-applying structure is not limited. It can be two fixed structures with both ends fixed to the guide rail, while the main body presses against the elastic band at the top of the tool holder; or it can be two sets of tool holder tension springs 230 with one end fixed to the guide rail and the other end pulling on the top of the tool holder (see Appendix). Figure 1 Other examples include pressure blocks installed on top of the tool holder, as long as they can provide a continuous downward force to the tool holder, so that the cutting block can maintain a preset distance from the upper surface of the guide rail, or can return to the preset distance after the distance between the cutting block and the upper surface of the guide rail changes.

[0057] Understandably, the distance between the tip of the cutting blade 220 and the upper surface of the guide rail 110 should not be too large. If the distance is too large, the tip of the blade cannot touch the packaging bag, and therefore cannot cut open the packaging bag to expose the cotton swab. Therefore, ideally, the tip of the cutting blade 220 and the upper surface of the guide rail should be spaced at a preset distance so that the tip of the blade can touch and cut open the packaging bag. However, since the packaging bag contains cotton swabs, and the distribution of the cotton swabs within the bag is random (possibly centered, slightly to the left, right, or tilted to the left or right), when the cutting blade cuts through the bag, the cut may be exactly the part supported by the cotton swabs, or it may be the part to the left or right of the cotton swabs that is not supported. The "preset spacing" ensures that the tip of the cutting blade is sufficient to cut through the part of the packaging bag that is not supported by the cotton swabs. However, if the tip of the cutting blade 220 cuts through the part of a packaging bag that is supported by the cotton swabs, the cutting blade 220 will obviously be supported by the cotton swabs as well. At this time, the distance between the tip of the cutting blade 220 and the upper surface of the guide rail 110 changes, and is no longer the preset spacing, but greater than the preset spacing. After the single packaging bag is cut and transported forward, the cotton swabs inside the packaging bag no longer support the cutting blade 220. At this time, due to the continuous downward force provided by the force-applying structure to the blade holder 210, the blade holder 210 can be driven to sink moderately. This causes the cutting blade 220, which is fixed to the blade holder 210, to sink, restoring the state where the blade tip of the cutting blade 220 and the upper surface of the guide rail 110 are at a preset distance. The preset distance is preferably 0.4mm-0.6mm.

[0058] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 7 The blade tip of the cutting blade 220 is spaced apart from the guide rail 110 and is used to cut open the upper packaging layer of the packaging bag.

[0059] Understandably, as components of a mechanical device, the cutting blade 220 and guide rail 110 are typically made of materials with a certain strength, rigidity, and durability. However, to minimize damage to the cutting blade 220 and guide rail 110, the cutting module is positioned at a distance from the guide rail, ensuring that the cutting module can cut through the upper packaging layer of the packaging bag. Once the upper packaging layer of a single packaging bag is cut open, the cotton swab inside has an outlet and can detach from the single packaging bag, achieving automatic forward output.

[0060] Further, see Appendix Figure 4 and 5 The tool holder 210 may further include a positioning guide block 213. The curvature of the surface of the positioning guide block 213 that contacts the cutting blade 220 matches the curvature of the cutting edge side of the cutting blade 220. For example, if the cutting edge side of the cutting blade 220 is a bevel, then the surface of the positioning guide block 213 that contacts the cutting blade 220 is also a bevel. The inclination direction and inclination angle of the bevel are consistent with the bevel side. In this way, the cutting blade can be positioned conveniently and quickly by making the cutting edge side of the cutting blade 220 fully contact the corresponding surface of the positioning guide block 213. Then, the cutting blade 220 and the pressure block 211 of the tool holder are fixed together.

[0061] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The device further includes a sensing module, which includes a sensor 310 connected to the control module 500. The projection of the sensor 310 on the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection at the front end of the guide rail 110. When the sensor 310 detects the projection of the head of the automatically output cotton swab passing through the sensor, it triggers a delay control of the control module 500. When the delay ends, the control module 500 controls the drive module 600 to automatically stop driving.

[0062] The device of this invention has the function of stopping after outputting one cotton swab at a time. Specifically, under the control of the control module 500, the drive module 600 can automatically stop operating at a certain point within the time frame from when each cotton swab is automatically output to when it is ready for medical personnel to use and will not fall off the guide rail. This causes the gear set 120 to stop rotating, the continuous packaging bag to stop moving, and the automatic output of the next cotton swab to cease. This function is facilitated by a sensing module, which includes a sensor 310. The relative positional relationship between the sensor 310 and the guide rail 110 satisfies the condition that the projection of the sensor 310 on the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection of the front end of the guide rail 110. That is, the sensor 310 does not necessarily need to be directly in front of the front end of the guide rail 110; it can be located above or below that point, as long as it can sense the projection of the cotton swab's head passing through it. When the sensor 310 detects the projection of the head of the automatically output cotton swab passing through the sensor 310, it triggers the delay control of the control module 500 connected to the sensor 310. The delay time can be determined according to the speed at which the cotton swab is automatically output, that is, the running speed of the continuous packaging bag. For example, if it is necessary to stop moving forward after the projection of the head of the cotton swab exceeds the sensor by 3 cm, and the running speed of the continuous packaging bag is 1 cm / second, then the delay time can be set to 3 seconds. Of course, the delay time cannot be too long. If it is too long, the cotton swab will extend too far, that is, the center of gravity of the cotton swab will extend beyond the front end of the guide rail 110, and the cotton swab will fall and become inconvenient to pick up.

[0063] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The sensor 310 can also trigger the control module 500 when it detects the projection of the tail of the cotton swab passing through the sensor, so that the control module 500 controls the drive module 600 to automatically resume drive operation.

[0064] When the cotton swab is removed, the projection of the tail of the cotton swab usually passes through the sensor 310. After the sensor 310 detects that the projection of the tail of the cotton swab has passed through the sensor 310, it triggers the control module 500, causing the drive module 600 to automatically resume drive operation, the meshing gear set 120 to resume rotation, and drive the continuous packaging bag to continue moving. The part of the continuous packaging bag located on the upper part of the guide rail 110 is cut open when it moves forward along the guide rail 110 and passes under the cutting module, and continues to automatically output cotton swabs forward.

[0065] Of course, the control module of the present invention can also have other different control strategies. That is, in addition to the control based on the sensor sensing signal described above, as an alternative or supplement, the control module of the present invention can also be controlled based on external signals. For example, the control module 500 can receive external signals sent by an external computer or an external PLC, and control the drive module 600 to start or stop working based on the external signals.

[0066] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The device also includes a cotton swab guiding module, which is located directly in front of the automatically output cotton swabs. The cotton swab guiding module includes a cotton swab guiding nozzle 410, which includes a front end 411 and a rear end 412. The rear end 412 is trumpet-shaped, and the front end 411 has a through groove for the cotton swab to pass through.

[0067] During the automatic output of the cotton swab, the cotton swab gradually detaches from the front end of the guide rail 110 starting from the head, while the rear part of the cotton swab is still on the guide rail 110. In order to prevent the cotton swab from falling due to the excessive length of the part extending from the front end of the guide rail 110, the present invention provides a cotton swab guiding module. After the head of the cotton swab leaves the front end of the guide rail 110, it can be inserted into the cotton swab guiding module located directly in front of the cotton swab, effectively reducing the risk of the cotton swab falling.

[0068] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2 The projection of the cotton swab guide nozzle 410 onto the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection of the sensor 310. The projection distance between the guide nozzle 410 and the sensor 310 is set to meet the requirement that at the end of the delay, the automatically output cotton swab head can extend beyond the front end of the cotton swab guide nozzle.

[0069] Thus, at the end of the delay control, since the head of the automatically output cotton swab extends beyond the front end 411 of the guide nozzle 410, it can protrude in front of the guide nozzle 410, making it easy for medical staff / robotic arms to grasp the protruding part and remove the cotton swab for use.

[0070] Preferably, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 and 2 The device also includes a housing 700, and the control module 500, drive module 600, conveying and separating module 100 and cutting module 200 are all located inside the housing 700. A through hole 710 is also opened on the front side wall of the housing 700, through hole 710 for the head of the automatically output cotton swab to pass through.

[0071] By designing the outer casing 700, the device for automatically dispensing continuous cotton swabs from the packaging bag provided by this invention becomes a single unit, which also facilitates the protection of the control module 500, drive module 600, conveying and separating module 100, and cutting module 200 housed inside the casing. To facilitate the use of the automatically dispensed cotton swabs, a through-hole 710 can be provided at a corresponding location on the front sidewall of the casing, allowing the head of the automatically dispensed cotton swab to pass through. This ensures that the swab protrudes before the through-hole 710, making it easy for medical personnel / robotic arms to grasp the protruding part and remove the swab for use. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described preferred solutions can be freely combined and stacked without conflict.

[0072] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Various obvious or equivalent modifications or substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art regarding the above details without departing from the basic principles of the present invention will be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for automatically dispensing cotton swabs from a continuous cotton swab packaging bag, characterized in that, It includes a control module, a drive module, a conveying and separating module, and a cutting module; The conveying and separating module includes a guide rail and a meshing gear set; The meshing gear set is located below or diagonally below the guide rail. The meshing gear set includes at least two gears that mesh with each other. Under the control of the control module, the drive module can drive the meshing gear set to rotate, thereby causing the portion of the packaging bag that is clamped between the meshing gears to move downward or diagonally below, thereby driving the rear portion of the packaging bag to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail. The cutting module is located above the guide rail and is used to cut open the packaging bag that is being conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail; The rotation of the meshing gear set can also drive the cut packaging bag to continue to be conveyed forward along the upper surface of the guide rail until it reaches the front end of the guide rail, and then change direction to continue conveying in the direction of the meshing gear set. This causes the cotton swabs inside the cut packaging bag to separate from the packaging bag at the front end of the guide rail, so that the cotton swabs can continue to be automatically output forward.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the guide rail is provided with a first limiting sidewall and a second limiting sidewall on both sides respectively.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying and separating module also includes a rotatable packaging bag guide shaft, which is located at the front end of the guide rail and has a circular cross-section.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting module includes a blade holder, a force-applying structure, and a cutting blade. The cutting blade is fixed relative to the blade holder, and the force-applying structure provides a continuous downward force to the blade holder.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blade tip is spaced apart from the guide rail and is used to cut open the upper packaging layer of the packaging bag.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a sensing module, which includes a sensor connected to the control module. The sensor's projection on the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection at the front end of the guide rail. When the sensor detects the projection of the tip of the automatically output cotton swab passing through the sensor, the control module triggers a delay control. When the delay ends, the control module controls the drive module to automatically stop driving.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sensor can also trigger the control module when it detects the projection of the tail of the cotton swab passing through the sensor, so that the control module controls the drive module to automatically resume drive operation.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device also includes a cotton swab guiding module, which is located directly in front of the automatically output cotton swabs. The cotton swab guiding module includes a cotton swab guiding nozzle, which has a front end and a rear end. The rear end of the cotton swab guiding nozzle is trumpet-shaped, and the front end of the cotton swab guiding nozzle has a through groove for the cotton swab to pass through.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The projection of the cotton swab guide tip onto the horizontal plane where the device is located is in front of the projection of the sensor. The distance between the projection of the guide tip and the projection of the sensor is set to meet the requirement that at the end of the delay, the head of the automatically output cotton swab can extend beyond the front end of the cotton swab guide tip.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The device also includes a housing, and the control module, drive module, conveying and separating module and cutting module are all located inside the housing. A through hole is also opened on the front side wall of the housing, through which the front end of the automatically output cotton swab passes.

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