Sample tube holder and method of use

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of in-vitro diagnosis, and discloses a sample tube fixing device and a use method. The sample tube fixing device comprises a sample rack and a clamping assembly. The sample rack is provided with a plurality of placement holes for inserting sample tubes. A plurality of clamping assemblies are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the placement holes. The clamping assembly comprises a plurality of flexible sheets which are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the placement hole. The flexible sheets enclose a limiting hole with a smaller diameter than the placement hole. The flexible sheets are provided with protruding adjusting blocks which extend in the circumferential direction of the limiting hole. The adjusting blocks are arranged on the flexible sheets in the radial direction of the limiting hole. The adjusting blocks are wedge-shaped blocks which gradually thicken from one end to the other end in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The sample tube fixing device can clamp sample tubes of different specifications, and the force required to remove the sample tubes is small. In addition, the sample tube fixing device can be used to open or close the sample tubes, thereby simplifying the operation steps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic technology, and in particular to a sample tube fixing device and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automation and intelligence in in vitro diagnostic equipment, the automation level of sample dispensing instruments has begun to meet the needs of various medical institutions. Sample dispensing instruments generally need to be used in conjunction with sample tube racks for placing sample tubes. Traditional sample tube racks usually have multiple sample tube slots to manage multiple sample tubes uniformly. In reality, different types or brands of sample tubes may have differences, such as tube opening size and tube wall thickness. This may cause the sample tube rack to be unable to fit some sample tubes, requiring manual sorting, which in turn leads to discontinuous testing sequence numbers, uncontrollable testing turnaround time, and affects testing efficiency.

[0003] Based on this, a test tube rack has been proposed in related technologies. A flexible friction plate is added to the test tube rack, and an array of openings is set on the flexible friction plate. After the sample tube is inserted into the array of openings, the flexible friction plate can provide sufficient friction to the sample tube, allowing sample tubes with differences to be placed on the test tube rack and kept as centered as possible. However, the above-mentioned test tube rack still has the following problems: Removing the sample tube requires overcoming a large frictional force with the flexible friction plate, making removal relatively difficult; moreover, the sample tube generally includes a cap. When adding samples or reagents to the sample tube, it is necessary to remove the sample tube from the test tube rack to open it. After opening the sample tube, it must be placed back on the test tube rack to add samples or reagents. After the test, when discarding the sample tube, it is also necessary to remove the sample tube from the test tube rack to seal it, making the operation cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a sample tube fixing device that can stably place sample tubes of different specifications on it and make them easy to remove, and can open or close the sample tubes without removing them, thus simplifying the operation steps.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A sample tube fixing device includes a sample holder and clamping components. The sample holder has multiple placement holes for inserting sample tubes. Multiple clamping components are arranged corresponding to the placement holes one by one. Each clamping component includes multiple flexible sheets spaced apart circumferentially along the placement holes. The multiple flexible sheets surround a limiting hole with a diameter smaller than the placement hole. Each flexible sheet has a protruding adjusting block extending circumferentially along the limiting hole. The multiple adjusting blocks are arranged radially on the flexible sheets along the limiting hole. Each adjusting block is configured as a wedge-shaped block whose thickness gradually increases from one end to the other in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0007] Preferably, the placement hole is a through hole.

[0008] Preferably, the sample rack includes an upper top plate, a lower bottom plate, and a support column. The upper top plate and the lower bottom plate are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The placement hole is opened on the upper top plate, and the two ends of the support column are respectively connected to the upper top plate and the lower bottom plate.

[0009] Preferably, the device also includes a flexible pad, on which the clamping assembly is disposed, and the flexible pad is disposed on the upper top plate.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping assembly and the flexible pad are integrally injection molded.

[0011] Preferably, the device also includes elastic fasteners, a plurality of which are arranged around the placement hole. Each elastic fastener includes a main body and a limiting part. The main body is L-shaped and bent toward the center of the placement hole. The limiting part is located at the lower end of the main body and is bent toward the center of the placement hole.

[0012] Preferably, the elastic fastener further includes a snap-fit ​​portion, which is disposed at one end of the main body away from the limiting portion and has a bending direction opposite to the limiting portion. The snap-fit ​​portion can be snapped onto the upper top plate and is located in the gap between adjacent flexible sheets in the same clamping assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the device also includes a pressure plate, which is located above the flexible pad and fixedly connected to the upper top plate. The pressure plate has a plurality of through holes that correspond one-to-one with the placement holes, and the radius of the through holes is smaller than the radius of the placement holes.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of use for opening or closing a sample tube using any of the sample tube fixing devices described above, wherein the method of use specifically includes:

[0015] Insert the sample tube into the placement hole;

[0016] When opening the sample tube, rotate the cap of the sample tube at a constant speed along the direction of increasing thickness of the adjusting block;

[0017] When closing the sample tube, first rotate the tube cap at a constant speed in the opposite direction of the thickness increase of the adjusting block with a torque less than that used when opening the sample tube, and then instantaneously increase the rotation speed and increase the torque of rotating the tube cap to continue rotating the tube cap.

[0018] Preferably, the sample tube is further rotated in the opposite direction of the thickness increase of the adjustment block to remove the sample tube.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The sample fixing device of the present invention can be adapted to the placement of sample tubes of various sizes by setting flexible sheets. The clamping component includes a wedge-shaped adjusting block. When the adjusting block is squeezed by the sample tube, it can produce local deformation, so that the frictional resistance received by the sample tube when rotating clockwise and counterclockwise is different. Therefore, by performing different operations of rotating the sample tube clockwise or counterclockwise, the sample tube can be removed, opened or closed respectively. Compared with removing the sample tube from the sample fixing device and then opening or closing the sample tube and then placing it back on the sample fixing device, the operation steps are simplified and the operation efficiency is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sample tube fixing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the sample tube fixing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample tube fixing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component and the flexible pad in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic fastener in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Flexible pad; 11. Flexible sheet; 12. Adjusting block; 2. Top plate; 31. Placement hole; 3. Bottom plate; 4. Support column; 5. Elastic fastener; 51. Main body; 52. Limiting part; 53. Snap-fit ​​part; 6. Pressure plate; 7. Sample tube. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0029] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0032] Figures 1-6 The illustration shows a sample tube fixing device proposed in an embodiment of the present invention, used to fix a sample tube 7, which includes a tube body and a tube cap. The fixing device includes a sample holder and clamping components. The sample holder has placement holes 31 for inserting the sample tube 7. Multiple placement holes 31 are spaced apart on the sample holder. The specific distribution can be arranged in a rectangular array, a ring array, or other shapes according to actual needs, and is not specifically limited here. Multiple clamping components are arranged corresponding to the placement holes 31 one-to-one. Each clamping component includes multiple flexible sheets 11 spaced apart circumferentially along the placement holes 31. The multiple flexible sheets 11 enclose a limiting hole with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the placement hole 31. Each flexible sheet 11 has a protruding adjusting block 12 extending circumferentially along the limiting hole. The adjusting block 12 is a wedge-shaped block whose thickness gradually increases from one end to the other in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (viewed from above). It should be emphasized that the adjusting block 12 will undergo local deformation when subjected to pressure.

[0033] The diameter of the limiting hole is smaller than that of the general sample tube 7. During the insertion of the sample tube 7 into the limiting hole, the multiple flexible sheets 11 that surround and form the limiting hole are squeezed by the sample tube 7 and move towards the wall of the placement hole 31. The original planar structure is deformed into a conical structure or a conical structure with a larger taper is deformed into a conical structure with a smaller taper. The elastic potential energy generated by the deformation of the flexible sheet 11 causes the flexible sheet 11 to clamp the sample tube 7 in the center. At this time, some of the adjustment blocks 12 on the flexible sheet 11 abut against the outer wall of the sample tube 7 and produce local deformation. That is to say, the contact between the sample tube 7 and the adjustment block 12 is a surface contact. Assuming the adjusting block 12 is a wedge-shaped block whose thickness gradually increases clockwise, when the sample tube 7 is rotated clockwise, the upper slope of the adjusting block 12 deforms under the pressure of the sample tube 7, increasing the frictional force that hinders the rotation of the tube. At this point, the sample tube 7 is difficult to continue rotating clockwise, and the tube cap can be rotated to open the sample tube 7. When the sample tube 7 is rotated counterclockwise, the lower slope of the adjusting block 12 is thinner and is instantly detached from the tube by the pressure of the sample tube 7, reducing the frictional force and making it easier to remove the sample tube 7. It can be understood that when the adjusting block 12 is a wedge-shaped block whose thickness gradually increases counterclockwise, removing the sample tube 7 requires rotating clockwise, while opening the sample tube 7 requires rotating counterclockwise.

[0034] In this embodiment, sample tubes 7 of different diameters require different degrees of compression deformation of the flexible sheet 11 to pass through the limiting hole. For the sample tube 7 to be held by the flexible sheet 11 and abut against the adjusting block 12, it is essential to have multiple adjusting blocks 12 radially arranged on the flexible sheet 11. However, connecting multiple adjusting blocks 12 together on the same flexible sheet 11 would affect the deformation capacity of the flexible sheet 11. Therefore, the multiple adjusting blocks 12 are arranged radially at intervals along the limiting hole.

[0035] The placement hole 31 can be a through hole or a blind hole. In order to facilitate observation of the sample state inside the sample tube 7, in this embodiment, the placement hole 31 is set as a through hole and the length of the placement hole 31 is less than the length of the sample tube 7.

[0036] Optionally, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the sample rack includes an upper top plate 2, a lower bottom plate 3, and support columns 4. The upper top plate 2 and the lower bottom plate 3 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Placement holes 31 are formed on the upper top plate 2. The two ends of the support columns 4 are connected to the upper top plate 2 and the lower bottom plate 3 respectively to support the upper top plate 2. Depending on the size and shape of the upper top plate 2, there can be multiple support columns 4. For example, the support columns 4 are made of aluminum material, which is lightweight but has relatively high structural strength.

[0037] Considering that the deformation capacity of the clamping component decreases after long-term use and needs to be replaced periodically, in this embodiment, the clamping component is set on the flexible pad 1, which is set above the upper top plate 2 and is separate from the upper top plate 2. When the clamping capacity of the clamping component decreases or is damaged, the flexible pad 1 can be replaced directly without replacing the entire sample holder, thus reducing the replacement cost.

[0038] For example, in order to reduce the processing difficulty, the clamping component and the flexible pad 1 are integrally injection molded, and the size of the flexible pad 1 is the same as that of the upper top plate 2. When the flexible pad 1 is aligned with the upper top plate 2 and installed on the upper top plate 2, the clamping component and the placement hole 31 naturally correspond one-to-one.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the sample tube fixing device in this embodiment also includes multiple elastic fixing members 5. The upper ends of the multiple elastic fixing members 5 are arranged around the placement hole 31. Each elastic fixing member 5 includes a main body 51 and a limiting part 52. The main body 51 is L-shaped and bends towards the center of the placement hole 31. The limiting part 52 is located at the lower end of the main body 51, and its end away from the main body 51 bends towards the center of the placement hole 31 to axially limit the sample tube 7 with a diameter that is too small, preventing the sample tube 7 from falling out of the placement hole 31. The reason why the sample tube 7 falls out is that the flexible sheet 11 does not have enough clamping force on it. After the sample tube 7 is placed in the placement hole 31, the contact position between the sample tube 7 and the adjusting block 12 can be adjusted by rotating the sample tube 7 to increase the clamping force. It is understandable that when the sample tube 7 with a relatively large diameter is inserted into the placement hole 31, the bending point of the main body 51 will abut against the outer wall of the sample tube 7 and deform. The limiting part 52 will also move away from the center of the placement hole 31. When the diameter of the circle formed by the multiple limiting parts 52 is not less than the diameter of the sample tube 7, the bottom of the sample tube 7 can pass through the limiting part 52 and continue downward without interference from the limiting part 52.

[0040] For example, the elastic fastener 5 also includes a snap-fit ​​portion 53, which is disposed at the end of the main body 51 away from the limiting portion 52 and is bent in the opposite direction to the limiting portion 52, that is, bent away from the center of the placement hole 31. The snap-fit ​​portion 53 can be snapped onto the upper top plate 2 and located in the gap between adjacent flexible sheets 11.

[0041] Furthermore, in order to prevent the snap-fit ​​part 53 from detaching from the upper top plate 2, the sample tube fixing device in this embodiment also includes a pressure plate 6. The pressure plate 6 is disposed above the flexible pad 1 and is detachably connected to the upper top plate 2 in a manner not limited to screw connection. The pressure plate 6 can cooperate with the upper top plate 2 to limit the elastic fixing member 5. The pressure plate 6 has a plurality of through holes corresponding one-to-one with the placement hole 31, so that the sample tube 7 can be inserted into the placement hole 31. It can be understood that the radius of the through hole is smaller than the radius of the placement hole 31.

[0042] An embodiment of the present invention also proposes a method of using the above-described sample tube fixing device, which can open or close the sample tube 7. Taking the gradual increase in thickness of the adjusting block 12 in a clockwise direction as an example, the method of use specifically includes the following steps:

[0043] Place the sample tube 7 into the placement hole 31 and rotate it clockwise so that the sample tube 7 is clamped and limited by the clamping component.

[0044] When it is necessary to open the sample tube 7, the cap of the sample tube 7 is rotated at a constant speed in the direction of increasing thickness of the adjusting block 12, i.e., clockwise, with a torque of N1. The clamping force of the clamping component on the tube body of the sample tube 7 gradually increases. When the clamping force of the flexible sheet 11 on the tube body exceeds the highest threshold, the tube body no longer rotates with the cap. Continue to rotate the cap clockwise, and the cap can be unscrewed from the tube body, thereby opening the sample tube 7.

[0045] When the cap is to be screwed back, i.e., to seal sample tube 7, the tube body remains in its original position on the sample tube fixing device. The cap is rotated counterclockwise at a uniform speed with a torque of N2 (N2 < N1). Initially, the friction between the tube body and the cap is small, and the tube body does not rotate with the cap. As the rotation continues, the friction between the tube body and the cap increases. When the tube body tends to rotate with the cap, the rotation speed and the torque for rotating the cap are instantaneously increased to N3 (N3 > N1) to ensure good sealing between the tube body and the cap. For example, N2 = 0.95N1, N3 = 1.2N1.

[0046] When opening or closing sample tube 7, it is generally done automatically by the capping mechanism of the sample dispensing instrument or manually by the operator. If the capping mechanism is used, a torque sensor should be installed on the capping mechanism to monitor torque changes in real time. As for the other structures of the capping mechanism, they are the same as those in the prior art, as long as they include a rotating jaw that can perform rotational operations, a rotary drive that provides rotational power to the rotating jaw, and a height-adjustable Z-axis. Further explanation is not required here.

[0047] The above-described method of use also involves removing the sample tube 7 from the sample tube fixing device. When it is necessary to remove it, rotate the cap of the sample tube 7 counterclockwise. The clamping force of the clamping component on the tube body will decrease. Then, apply an upward force to the cap to remove the entire sample tube 7 from the sample tube fixing device.

[0048] It should be noted that during the insertion of sample tube 7 into placement hole 31, it is inevitable that it will not be centered. If the tube body does not rotate with the cap when the cap of sample tube 7 is rotated counterclockwise, it indicates that sample tube 7 is not centered. First, fine-tune the position of sample tube 7 along the X and Y directions. When the torque detected by the torque sensor decreases to the minimum threshold, the Z-axis of the capping mechanism removes sample tube 7 along the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample tube fixing device, characterized in that, include: The sample rack is provided with multiple placement holes (31) for inserting sample tubes (7). A plurality of clamping components are provided corresponding to the placement holes (31). Each clamping component includes a plurality of flexible sheets (11) spaced apart circumferentially along the placement holes (31). The plurality of flexible sheets (11) enclose a limiting hole with a diameter smaller than that of the placement holes (31). A protruding adjusting block (12) is provided on the flexible sheet (11) extending circumferentially along the limiting hole. The plurality of adjusting blocks (12) are radially arranged on the flexible sheet (11) along the limiting hole. The adjusting block (12) is configured as a wedge-shaped block whose thickness gradually increases from one end to the other in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The plurality of adjusting blocks (12) are radially spaced apart along the limiting hole. When the sample tube (7) rotates along the direction of increasing thickness of the adjusting block (12), the adjusting block (12) can be locally deformed under the pressure of the sample tube (7); during the process of rotating the sample tube (7) in the opposite direction of increasing thickness of the adjusting block (12), the sample tube (7) can be removed when the torque is detected to decrease to the minimum threshold. By rotating the sample tube (7) to adjust the contact position between the sample tube (7) and the adjusting block (12), the frictional resistance experienced by the sample tube (7) when rotating clockwise and counterclockwise is different, thereby increasing or decreasing the clamping force, so as to remove the sample tube (7), open the sample tube (7) or close the sample tube (7) respectively.

2. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement hole (31) is a through hole.

3. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample rack includes an upper top plate (2), a lower bottom plate (3), and a support column (4). The upper top plate (2) and the lower bottom plate (3) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The placement hole (31) is opened on the upper top plate (2). The two ends of the support column (4) are respectively connected to the upper top plate (2) and the lower bottom plate (3).

4. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a flexible pad (1), the clamping assembly is disposed on the flexible pad (1), and the flexible pad (1) is disposed on the upper top plate (2).

5. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping assembly and the flexible pad (1) are integrally injection molded.

6. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes elastic fasteners (5), a plurality of elastic fasteners (5) are arranged around the placement hole (31), the elastic fasteners (5) include a main body (51) and a limiting part (52), the main body (51) is L-shaped and bent toward the center of the placement hole (31), the limiting part (52) is located at the lower end of the main body (51), and the end of the limiting part (52) away from the main body (51) is bent toward the center of the placement hole (31).

7. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic fastener (5) further includes a snap-fit ​​part (53), which is located at one end of the main body (51) away from the limiting part (52) and the bending direction is opposite to that of the limiting part (52). The snap-fit ​​part (53) can be snapped onto the upper top plate (2) and is located in the gap between adjacent flexible sheets (11).

8. The sample tube fixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure plate (6), which is located above the flexible pad (1) and fixed to the upper top plate (2). The pressure plate (6) has a plurality of through holes that correspond one-to-one with the placement hole (31), and the radius of the through holes is smaller than the radius of the placement hole (31).

9. The method of use, characterized in that, The method of using the sample tube fixing device according to any one of claims 1-8 to open or close the sample tube (7) specifically includes: Insert the sample tube (7) into the placement hole (31); When the sample tube (7) is opened, the cap of the sample tube (7) is rotated at a constant speed along the direction of increasing thickness of the adjusting block (12); When closing the sample tube (7), first use less torque than when opening the sample tube (7) to rotate the tube cap at a constant speed in the opposite direction of the thickness of the adjusting block (12), and then instantly increase the rotation speed and the torque of rotating the tube cap to continue rotating the tube cap.

10. The method of use according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes rotating the sample tube (7) in the opposite direction along the thickness of the adjustment block (12) to remove the sample tube (7).

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