Test tube closure device

Abstract

This invention relates to a test tube capping device, mainly comprising an upper cover tray, a test tube tray, and a lifting platform. When the lifting platform rises, it lifts the test tube tray and the test tubes on it, causing the test tubes to engage with the upper cover mounted on the upper cover tray. After engagement, the lifting platform lowers the test tube tray and the test tubes, and the upper cover, already pressed against the test tubes, detaches from the upper cover tray and descends with the test tubes. Therefore, this invention can cap only the test tubes already mounted on the test tube tray, allowing for capping of a specific number of test tubes at specific locations without requiring capping the entire tray. Furthermore, the overall configuration of the device is more compact, the mechanism and operation are quite simple, stable and reliable, and cost-effective.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a test tube capping device, and more particularly to a test tube capping device that can automatically seal test tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a crucial biotechnology in virus detection. With the increasing demand for PCR testing, all testing equipment manufacturers are striving to develop highly automated PCR testing equipment in order to improve testing efficiency and accuracy.

[0003] However, one step in the RNA extraction and PCR detection workflow is sealing the RNA extraction tubes to facilitate subsequent PCR or qPCR detection. In traditional testing procedures, this is mostly done manually, which is not only labor-intensive but also carries the risks of sample contamination and human infection.

[0004] With the continuous innovation of automated PCR testing equipment, most existing automated tube sealing devices use heat sealing, which involves covering the test tube tray with a plastic film and heating it to fuse the film to the tray, thus sealing the tubes. However, while heat sealing is fast, the sealing film occupies a considerable amount of space, preventing further reduction in the overall size of the sealing device. More importantly, heat sealing requires sealing the entire tray (e.g., 8×12 tubes) at once. If not all trays contain RNA extraction solution, empty tubes will be sealed, becoming unusable and wasteful.

[0005] Therefore, a test tube capping device that is small in size, simple to operate, safe and reliable, and can cap individual test tubes with precise alignment and stable pressure application is something that the public and industry have been eagerly anticipating. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a test tube capping device that provides sufficient force to press the cap completely onto the test tube and ensures that the cap or test tube will not be deformed during the pressing process. Importantly, it can cap a specific number of tubes without needing to cap the entire tray.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a test tube capping device of the present invention mainly includes a top cover carrier, a test tube carrier, and a lifting platform; the top cover carrier includes multiple receiving slots for accommodating at least one top cover; the test tube carrier includes multiple through slots for accommodating at least one test tube; the lifting platform is used to raise or lower the test tube carrier and at least one of the at least one test tube; wherein, when the lifting platform raises the test tube carrier and at least one of the at least one test tube, and brings the at least one test tube closer to and engages with at least one top cover, the lifting platform lowers the test tube carrier and at least one of the at least one test tube, and the at least one top cover disengages from the multiple receiving slots of the top cover carrier.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, the test tube capping device of the present invention can use a lifting platform to lift the test tube carrier and test tubes, and engage the test tubes with the upper cap; after engagement, the lifting platform lowers the test tube carrier and test tubes, and the upper cap, which has been pressed with the test tubes, will disengage from the multiple slots of the upper cap carrier and descend with the test tubes. Accordingly, the configuration of the present invention is quite flexible and adaptable, and can cap only test tubes already loaded with the test liquid, or cap a specific number of test tubes at a specific location, without needing to cap the entire tray; moreover, the overall configuration of the equipment is more compact, the mechanism components and operating methods are quite simple, stable and reliable, and have a cost advantage.

[0009] Furthermore, during the ascent of the test tube tray and test tubes, the present invention utilizes the latches on the lifting platform to engage the ejector pins of the test tube tray. Once the capping is complete and the descent begins, the latches will pull the test tube tray downwards, thus ensuring that all test tubes and test tube trays descend smoothly with the lifting platform. Moreover, the lifting drive module employed in this invention may include a toggle mechanism or other equivalent force-multiplying mechanism to ensure that the lifting platform can apply sufficient engagement force.

[0010] Furthermore, the lifting platform of the present invention may include a test tube holder comprising multiple holes; these holes may correspond to multiple through slots in the test tube carrier, and the opening diameter of each hole is smaller than the diameter of at least one test tube. Thus, when the lifting platform rises, the multiple holes of the test tube holder will fit over all the test tubes, lifting them to engage with the top cover. In other words, because the diameter of the holes in the test tube holder is smaller than the maximum diameter of the test tubes, when a test tube is inserted into a hole in the test tube holder, the hole will slightly hold the test tube, thereby allowing the test tube to rise or fall without requiring the entire test tube carrier to engage with the top cover carrier. Therefore, the entire capping action is quite reliable and stable. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the removal of the carrier tray conveying module.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a left-side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which only shows the base plate, lifting drive module, lifting platform, test tube tray and top cover tray.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of components such as the test tube holder, test tube carrier, upper cover carrier, and press-in plate, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view showing the lifting platform at its lower limit position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing the lifting platform in the claw action position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5C A cross-sectional view showing the lifting platform at its upper limit position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Before the test tube capping device of the present invention is described in detail in this embodiment, it should be noted that similar components will be represented by the same component symbols in the following description. Furthermore, the drawings of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale, and not all details may be shown in the drawings.

[0019] Please refer to the following first. Figure 1 The figure shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the test tube capping device of this embodiment mainly includes a lifting platform 4, a frame 5, a tray conveying module 91, a tray slide rail 92, and a lifting drive module 7. The frame 5 includes a base plate 51, a top plate 52, and four guide members 53. The four guide members 53 are arranged between the base plate 51 and the top plate 52 and are located at the four corners. The lifting platform 4 is arranged on the four guide members 53 and can slide relative to them. The lifting drive module 7 is arranged on the base plate 51 and is used to drive the lifting platform 4 to rise or fall. In this embodiment, the guide member 53 is a guide post, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a combination of a guide rail and a slider, or other equivalent mechanisms or components that can guide lifting movements.

[0020] Additionally, the tray conveying module 91 and the tray slide rail 92 are mounted on the frame 5 and located between the bottom plate 51 and the top plate 52. In this embodiment, the tray conveying module 91 is a conveyor belt device used to transport the test tube tray 3 into or away from the lifting platform 4 and the top plate 52. That is, the test tube tray 3 containing test tubes T can be automatically loaded or unloaded from the device via the conveyor belt. On the other hand, the tray slide rail 92 is used to guide the top cover tray 2 into or away from the tray conveying module 91 and the top plate 52. In this embodiment, a manual method is used; when the top cover C needs to be replenished, the top cover tray 2 is manually pulled out, the top cover C is inserted at the corresponding position, and then the top cover tray 2 is pushed in. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, a fully automatic capping method can also be used, for example, using a robotic arm (not shown) to perform the capping operation.

[0021] Please also refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 ; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the tray removal and conveying module of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a left-side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which only shows the base plate 51, the lifting drive module 7, the lifting platform 4, the test tube tray 3, and the upper cover tray 2; Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of components such as the test tube holder 41, test tube tray 3, upper cover tray 2, and pressing plate 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the relevant mechanisms for realizing the lifting action in this embodiment. The lifting drive module 7 mainly includes a motor 71, a screw 72, a screw slider 73, and a toggle mechanism 74. The motor 71 is mounted on the base plate 51, and the screw 72 is powered and connected to the motor 71. The screw slider 73 is coupled to the screw 72. The toggle mechanism 74 is hinged between the base plate 51, the screw slider 73, and the lifting platform 4.

[0022] Accordingly, when the motor 71 drives the screw 72 to rotate, the screw 72 drives the screw slider 73 to move horizontally, thereby driving the lifting platform 4 to rise or fall through the toggle mechanism 74. The purpose of using the toggle mechanism 74 in this embodiment is to ensure sufficient force; through actual simulation and measurement, the toggle mechanism 74 in this embodiment can provide a force of more than 120 kg, which is more than enough for the capping force required for all sizes of test tube trays 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the toggle mechanism 74. Any equivalent mechanism or component that can drive the lifting platform 4 to rise and fall and can provide a specific force can be used in the present invention, such as directly using a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 4The diagram shows a test tube holder 41, which is mounted on the lifting platform 4. The test tube holder 41 includes multiple holes 411 corresponding to multiple through slots 31 of the test tube carrier 3. The opening diameter of each hole 411 is smaller than the diameter of the test tube T. Taking the conical test tube in the diagram as an example, the opening diameter of the hole 411 of the test tube holder 41 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the test tube T. Therefore, the test tube T will only partially insert into the hole 411 of the test tube holder 41, and after insertion, the test tube T will be stuck in the hole 411, allowing the test tube holder 41 to move the test tube T up and down. Additionally, the pressing plate 6 is located on the lower surface of the top plate 52 and is made of a cushioning rubber material. The main purpose of the pressing plate 6 is to absorb excessive or uneven force during capping, improving the smoothness of the capping process and ensuring that each test tube T can engage with the top cap C.

[0024] Please continue reading. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the top cover C in this embodiment is a strip-shaped top cover, so the receiving groove 21 is also in the form of a long groove. Since each top cover C is engaged in the receiving groove 21 through only about 3 contact points, it can be easily detached. In addition, each of the four edges of the top cover carrier 2 is provided with a positioning hole 22, which is an elongated hole; wherein, the long axis direction of the positioning hole 22 adjacent to the handle 23 is the same as the length direction of the receiving groove 21, and the long axis direction of the positioning hole 22 away from the handle 23 is the same as the width direction of the receiving groove 21.

[0025] In addition, each of the four edges of the test tube carrier 3 is provided with a material ejection post 32, which penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the test tube carrier 3. The part of the material ejection post 32 protruding from the upper surface of the test tube carrier 3 is the positioning end 321. When the test tube T is engaged with the upper cover C, the positioning end 321 will be inserted into the positioning hole 22 of the upper cover carrier 2. In this embodiment, by setting the orientation of the positioning hole 22 to be different, when the positioning end 321 is inserted into the positioning hole 22, the elongated positioning hole 22 can absorb the displacement error between the test tube carrier 3 and the upper cover carrier 2, making the positioning of the two easier and more accurate.

[0026] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Four columns 54 are erected on the base plate 51 (see below) Figure 2The lifting platform 4 is equipped with four latches 8, and the positions of the four columns 54 correspond to the four latches 8. Each latch 8 includes a first end 81, a second end 82, a middle pivot 83, and a spring 84. The middle pivot 83 is located between the first end 81 and the second end 82 and is pivotally connected to the test tube holder 41. The spring 84 is located between the second end 82 and the test tube holder 41. The spring 84 is used to drive the second end 82 away from the test tube holder 41, that is, to drive the first end 81 of the latch 8 to latch the ejector column 32. The column 54 is used to support the second end 82 of the latch 8 to overcome the elastic force of the spring 84, so that the first end 81 of the latch 8 releases the ejector column 32.

[0027] For further explanation, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 5A The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the lifting platform 4 in the lower limit position P2 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, when the lifting platform 4 is in the lower limit position P2 of the upward stroke, the column 54 abuts against the second end 82 of the latch 8, while the first end 81 of the latch 8 is raised. Next, please see Figure 5B The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lifting platform in the position of the claw action Pr according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As the lifting platform 4 rises, when the lifting platform 42 reaches the claw action position Pr, the pointed tip of the column 54 will cause the second end 82 of the claw 8 to gradually detach from the column 54, while the first end 81 of the claw 8 will gradually catch the ejection column 32 of the test tube tray 3.

[0028] like Figure 5C As shown, Figure 5C To show a cross-sectional view of the lifting platform 4 in the upper limit position P1 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; when the lifting platform 42 moves away from the latch action position Pr and gradually rises towards the upper limit position P1, the latch 8 has completely disengaged from the column 54, and the first end 81 of the latch 8 has also latched onto the ejector column 32. At this time, the test tube T has also been inserted into the hole 411 of the test tube holder 41. Then, the lifting platform 4 will continue to rise until the lifting platform 4 reaches the upper limit position P1. However, as the lifting platform 4 rises, the test tube holder 41 will push the test tube T up so that the open end of the test tube T engages with the upper cover C.

[0029] Once the test tube T is engaged with the upper cover C, the lifting platform 4 begins to descend. At this time, the first end 81 of the latch 8 is still engaged with the ejector column 32, so the lifting platform 4 will pull the test tube carrier 3 down, and the upper cover C will disengage from the receiving groove 21 of the upper cover carrier 2. Next, when the lifting platform 4 descends and reaches the latch action position Pr, please see... Figure 5B After the second end 82 of the latch 8 contacts the column 54, the first end 81 of the latch 8 lifts up and releases the ejector column 32, allowing the test tube tray 3 to remain on the tray conveying module 91 (see...). Figure 1 At this point, the lifting platform 4 will continue to descend to its lower limit position P2. Please see... Figure 5A During the descent, the test tube T will gradually detach from the hole 411 of the test tube holder 41, so the test tube T, together with the test tube carrier 3, will remain on the carrier transport module 91.

[0030] As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, the lifting platform 4 rises, allowing the test tube holder 41 to lift the test tube T to engage with the upper cover C. Therefore, only the test tube T that needs to be capped will engage with the upper cover, eliminating the need for capping the entire tray. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable latch 8 pulls the test tube tray 3 downwards, ensuring that after capping, the test tube tray 3 descends smoothly and rests on the tray conveying module 91. However, in this embodiment, the test tube holder 41 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber. Therefore, when the test tube T is inserted into the hole 411 of the test tube holder 41, the friction between them will allow the upper cover C to smoothly detach from the groove 21 of the upper cover tray 2; and when the test tube tray 3 rests on the tray conveying module 91 and the lifting platform 4 continues to descend, the test tube T can also easily detach from the hole 411.

[0031] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, this embodiment also has a variety of detection devices, including a cover sensor set above the top plate 52, which can be used to detect the cover that needs to be replenished, i.e. its position, and the presence or absence of test tubes; and a tray position sensor set on the tray conveying module 91, which can be used to detect the real-time position of the test tube tray 3.

[0032] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for ease of explanation. The scope of the claims of this invention should be determined by the claims themselves, and not limited to the above embodiments.

[0033] Symbol Explanation

[0034] 2: Top cover tray

[0035] 3: Test tube carrier tray

[0036] 4: Lifting Platform

[0037] 5: Rack

[0038] 6: Press-in plate

[0039] 7: Lifting drive module

[0040] 8: Claw

[0041] 21: Container

[0042] 22: Positioning hole

[0043] 23: Grip

[0044] 31: Through-cut groove

[0045] 32: Return column

[0046] 41: Test tube holder

[0047] 51: Base Plate

[0048] 52: Top plate

[0049] 53: Guiding components

[0050] 54: Column

[0051] 71: Motor

[0052] 72: Screw

[0053] 73: Screw and slider

[0054] 74: Toggle Mechanism

[0055] 81: First End

[0056] 82: Second end

[0057] 83: Mid-section pivot

[0058] 84: Spring

[0059] 91: Carrier tray conveying module

[0060] 92: Carrier tray slide rail

[0061] 321: Positioning end

[0062] 411: Hole

[0063] C: Top cover

[0064] T: test tube

[0065] P1: Upper limit position

[0066] P2: Lower limit position

[0067] Pr: Position of the claw action.

Claims

1. A test tube capping device, comprising: The cover tray includes a plurality of accommodating slots for accommodating at least one cover. A test tube carrier tray includes multiple through slots and at least one ejector column, the multiple through slots being used to accommodate at least one test tube; A lifting platform for raising or lowering the test tube tray and at least one of the at least one test tubes; The frame includes a base plate, a top plate, and multiple guide members, which are disposed between the base plate and the top plate. The lifting platform is disposed on the multiple guide members and can slide relative to them. as well as At least one upright and at least one latch, the at least one upright being erected on the base plate and the at least one latch being disposed on the lifting platform; A press-in plate, which is disposed on the top plate; The top cover tray and the test tube tray can be selectively positioned between the lifting platform and the pressing plate; Wherein, when the lifting platform raises the test tube tray and at least one of the at least one test tube, and brings the at least one test tube close to and engages with the at least one top cover, the lifting platform lowers the test tube tray and at least one of the at least one test tube, and the at least one top cover disengages from the plurality of cavities of the top cover tray. When the at least one test tube is engaged with the at least one top cover, the at least one latch engages with the at least one ejector column. As the lifting platform descends, the at least one latch pulls the test tube carrier down and touches the at least one column. The at least one column then drives the at least one latch to release the at least one ejector column.

2. The test tube capping device according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting platform includes a test tube holder with multiple holes; the multiple holes correspond to the multiple through slots of the test tube carrier, and the opening diameter of each hole is smaller than the diameter of the at least one test tube; when the lifting platform rises, the multiple holes of the test tube holder are fitted onto the at least one test tube, and the at least one test tube is lifted to engage with the at least one top cover.

3. The test tube capping device according to claim 1 further includes a lifting drive module, which is disposed on the base plate and is used to drive the lifting platform to rise or fall.

4. The test tube capping device according to claim 3, wherein, The lifting drive module includes a motor, a screw, a screw slider, and a toggle mechanism. The motor is mounted on the base plate, the screw is powered by the motor, the screw slider is coupled to the screw, and the toggle mechanism is hinged between the base plate, the screw slider, and the lifting platform.

5. The test tube capping device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one ejector column extends toward the upper surface of the test tube carrier and protrudes to the positioning end; the upper cover carrier includes at least one positioning hole; when the at least one test tube is engaged with the at least one upper cover, the positioning end of the at least one ejector column is inserted into the positioning hole; the at least one positioning hole is an elongated hole.

6. The test tube capping device according to claim 3, wherein, The lifting drive module drives the lifting platform to slide between the upper limit position, the latching action position, and the lower limit position. The latching action position is located between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. During one upward stroke of the lifting platform, when the lifting platform reaches the latching action position, at least one latch disengages from at least one column and latches at least one ejector column, and the lifting platform continues to rise to the upper limit position. During one downward stroke of the lifting platform, when the lifting platform reaches the latching action position, at least one column acts on at least one latch, causing at least one latch to release at least one ejector column, and the lifting platform continues to descend to the lower limit position.

7. The test tube capping device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one latch includes a first end, a second end, a middle pivot, and a spring. The middle pivot is located between the first end and the second end and is pivotally connected to the lifting platform. The spring is located between the second end and the lifting platform. During the upward stroke of the lifting platform, when the lifting platform reaches the latch's operating position, the at least one column disengages from the second end of the at least one latch, and the spring drives the first end to latch onto the at least one ejector column. During the downward stroke of the lifting platform, when the lifting platform reaches the latch's operating position, the at least one column abuts against the second end of the at least one latch, causing the first end to disengage from the at least one ejector column.

8. The test tube capping device according to claim 3 further includes a tray conveying module, which is disposed on the frame and is used to convey the test tube tray to enter or move away from the lifting platform and the pressing plate.

9. The test tube capping device according to claim 8 further includes a tray slide rail disposed on the frame and located between the tray conveying module and the pressing plate, for guiding the upper cover tray into or away from the tray conveying module and the pressing plate.

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