Vertical transmission equipment

Abstract

A vertical transmission device includes a base, a bracket, and a positioning assembly. The base includes a mounting surface, the bracket is movably mounted on the base and includes a bearing surface for supporting a tray, and the positioning assembly is mounted on the base and selectively positions the bracket. The bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transmission device, and more particularly to a vertical transmission device. Background Technology

[0002] Commercially available automated nucleic acid magnetic bead extraction instruments all use horizontal turntable systems or horizontal multi-axis slide systems to transfer consumables such as well plates. Therefore, the instruments need to occupy a large space in the horizontal or transverse direction. This design is not conducive to increasing the number of instruments within a limited space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, one object of the present invention is to provide a vertical transmission device to solve the aforementioned problems caused by conventional horizontal transfer methods.

[0004] A vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a bracket, and a positioning assembly. The base includes a mounting surface. The bracket is movably disposed on the base and includes a bearing surface. The bearing surface is used to bear a tray. The positioning assembly is disposed on the base and selectively positions the bracket. The bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base.

[0005] A vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a bracket, and a positioning assembly. The bracket is movably disposed on the base and includes a bearing surface. The bearing surface is used to bear a tray. The positioning assembly is disposed on the base and selectively positions the bracket. In a normal direction of the bearing surface, the bearing surface of the bracket does not overlap with the track.

[0006] A vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a bracket, and a positioning assembly. The bracket includes a bearing surface and is movably disposed on the base along a movement path. The positioning assembly is disposed on the base and selectively positions the bracket. The bearing surface and an imaginary plane containing the movement path are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] According to the vertical transmission device disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, since the bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket does not overlap with the track in a normal direction of the bearing surface, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the movement path, the bearing surface of the bracket can move perpendicularly to the base. With this configuration, the bracket can move vertically when the base is positioned, thus the vertical transmission device occupies less space in the horizontal or lateral directions, which is beneficial for meeting requirements such as increasing the number of instruments within a limited space.

[0008] The foregoing description of the disclosure of this invention and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of this invention, and to provide a further explanation of the claims of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the transmission component of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a front view schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the track of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the positioning assembly of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the track according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the track according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged three-dimensional schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a front view schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the track of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the positioning assembly of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a front view schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the track of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the positioning assembly of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0033] 1,1',1a,1b: Vertical transmission equipment

[0034] 10: Base

[0035] 11: Setting Face

[0036] 12: Transmission gears

[0037] 20,20',20”,20a,20b: Track

[0038] 30,30': Bracket

[0039] 31,31': Connection structure

[0040] 32: Supporting structure

[0041] 40: Roller parts

[0042] 50: Transmission components

[0043] 51:Outer panels

[0044] 70, 70a, 70b: Positioning assembly

[0045] 71: Pivot component

[0046] 72, 72a: Contact Structure

[0047] 73,73b: Positioning Structure

[0048] 74: Elastic component

[0049] 81: Carrier disk

[0050] 82: Magnetic sleeve

[0051] 83: Magnet rod

[0052] 84: Lifting Mechanism

[0053] 85: Sliding Mechanism

[0054] 86: Sample Addition Device

[0055] 87: Power Source

[0056] 89: Power Source

[0057] 201,201',201”,201a,201b: First planar segment

[0058] 202,202',202”,202a,202b: Second plane segment

[0059] 203, 203”, 203a: Slope section

[0060] 311, 311': Connecting part

[0061] 312: Pivot section

[0062] 313: Positioning hole

[0063] 321: Bearing surface

[0064] 511: Plate section

[0065] 512: Emphasize Structure

[0066] 711: Occlusal structure

[0067] 891: Drive roller

[0068] 5111: Assembly Department

[0069] 5112: Pivot hole

[0070] 5113: Occlusal structure

[0071] AX: Pivot axis

[0072] G: Direction of gravity

[0073] MP: Activity Path

[0074] NL: Normal direction

[0075] P1: Imaginary plane

[0076] P2: Imaginary plane

[0077] S1: First sensor Detailed Implementation

[0078] First, please refer to Figures 1-3 One embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical transmission device 1, which may include a base 10, a track 20, and a bracket 30. The track 20 is disposed on the base 10. As shown, the base 10 may have a mounting surface 11, which refers to a surface on the base 10 suitable for mounting or having the track 20 mounted. The bracket 30 is movably disposed on the track 20 to move relative to the base 10 along a movement path MP on the track 20. In other words, the track 20 defines the movement path MP of the bracket 30 relative to the base 10. In this embodiment, the track 20 may be, for example, a closed track with a desired shape; therefore, as shown, the movement path MP of the bracket 30 may be, for example, a closed curve on an imaginary plane P1. In this configuration, the bracket 30 can repeatedly move along the movement path MP to different regions of the base 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the bracket 30 may include a bearing surface 321, which may be a flat surface on the bracket 30 suitable for bearing a tray 81. An imaginary plane P2 containing the bearing surface 321 may be perpendicular to an imaginary plane P1 containing the aforementioned track 20; in other words, the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 may be perpendicular to the mounting surface 11 of the base 10. In this configuration, the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 does not overlap with the track 20 or the mounting surface 11 of the base 10 in the normal direction of the bearing surface 321 (i.e., a normal direction NL of the imaginary plane P2). Therefore, the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 can move perpendicularly to the base 10 or the track 20, so that the vertical transmission device 1 occupies less space in the horizontal or lateral directions, thereby facilitating the fulfillment of requirements such as increasing the number of instruments within a limited space.

[0080] It should be further noted that the carrier plate 81 may be, but is not limited to, a multiwell plate with multiple culture wells for holding the required samples. For example, the carrier plate 81 may be, for instance, a 96-well cell culture plate. Thus, the carrier plate 81 can move relative to the base 10 along the movement path MP with the support 30. However, it should be stated that the number of supports 30 on the base 10 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the carrier plate 81 that the support 30 can support, its design, or its purpose.

[0081] In this embodiment, the vertical transmission device 1 may further include a roller member 40. The roller member 40 is movably disposed on the track 20, and thus can only move relative to the base 10 along the movement path MP. The bracket 30 is pivotally connected to the roller member 40 and can rotate relative to the base 10 about a pivot axis AX. Therefore, the bracket 30 can be movably disposed on the base 10 along the movement path MP via the roller member 40, and can also rotate relative to the base 10 about the pivot axis AX.

[0082] Furthermore, since the bracket 30 is pivotally connected to the roller 40, when the bracket 30 is affected by gravity, the bracket 30 can be aligned so that the normal direction NL of its bearing surface 321 is parallel to the gravity direction G. In other words, when the track 20 is placed vertically, the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 can be perpendicular to the setting surface 11 of the base 10 and can be naturally aligned to a horizontal state by gravity. This helps to automatically adjust the carrier plate 81 it carries to a horizontal state during the movement of the bracket 30 relative to the base 10, thereby helping to stabilize the state of the sample in the carrier plate 81.

[0083] Optionally, the vertical transfer device 1 in this embodiment may also include a magnetic sleeve 82, a magnetic rod 83, and a lifting mechanism 84. The lifting mechanism 84 may be mounted on the base 10. The magnetic sleeve 82 and the magnetic rod 83 may be connected to different tracks of the lifting mechanism 84 via any suitable bracket, so as to move vertically under the drive of the lifting mechanism 84. Thus, when the bracket 30 moves the tray 81 below the magnetic sleeve 82 and the magnetic rod 83, the lifting mechanism 84 may move the magnetic sleeve 82 and the magnetic rod 83 according to a set sequence and time point to insert the sample into the culture tank of the tray 81, and the lifting mechanism 84 may also drive the magnetic sleeve 82 and the magnetic rod 83 according to a set activity mode, thereby performing the predetermined processing on the sample.

[0084] Optionally, the vertical transfer device 1 in this embodiment may also include a sliding mechanism 85 and a sample dispensing device 86. The sliding mechanism 85 may be disposed on the base 10 or on an external structure adjacent to one side of the base 10. The sample dispensing device 86 may be connected to the sliding mechanism 85 via any suitable bracket and move horizontally under the drive of the sliding mechanism 85. Thus, when the carrier 30 moves the tray 81 along the moving path MP to the side of the base 10 corresponding to the sliding mechanism 85, the sliding mechanism 85 may laterally move the sample dispensing device 86 above the tray 81 according to a set manner, adding the required reagent into the designated culture tank.

[0085] Understandably, the vertical transfer device 1 may also use the bracket 30 to move the tray 81 to other areas of the base 10 for additional processing of the sample, but the present invention is not limited to the relevant processing of the sample.

[0086] Furthermore, the vertical transmission device 1 may also include a power source 87, a plurality of transmission gears 12, and a transmission component 50. The transmission gears 12 are rotatably mounted on the mounting surface 11 of the base 10 and may be adjacent to one side of the track 20. The power source 87 may be, but is not limited to, any suitable motor, which may be mounted on the base 10 and connected to one of the transmission gears 12 to drive the connected transmission gear 12 to rotate relative to the base 10. The transmission component 50 may be, but is not limited to, a chain, which may mesh with the aforementioned transmission gear 12. Thus, the transmission component 50 may be configured along one side of the track 20 (or, the moving path MP) and may be movably mounted on the base 10 via the transmission gears 12. In this configuration, when the power source 87 drives the connected transmission gear 12 to rotate, the rotating transmission gear 12 may drive the other transmission gears 12 to rotate synchronously via the transmission component 50.

[0087] Furthermore, please refer to the aforementioned accompanying figures for further details. Figures 4-9 , Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the vertical transmission device 1. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram, Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the transmission component 50. Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vertical transmission device 1. Figure 8 This is a front view schematic diagram of vertical transmission device 1, and Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the track 20 of the vertical transmission device 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the vertical transmission device 1 may further include a pivot member 71, which passes through the roller member 40. The transmission member 50 may include a plurality of outer plates 51. The pivot member 71 may pass through one of the outer plates 51 of the transmission member 50. As shown, the outer plate member 51 may include a plate portion 511. The plate portion 511 may include a pivot hole 5112 opposite to each other and an assembly portion 5111. The plate portion 511 is sleeved on the pivot member 71 through the pivot hole 5112 and fixed to other parts of the transmission member 50 (unlabeled, such as the inner plate and the roller) by the assembly portion 5111.

[0089] In this embodiment, the pivot member 71 may include an engagement structure 711 formed on its outer surface, and the plate portion 511 may also include an engagement structure 5113 formed on the inner wall surface of the pivot hole 5112. The engagement structure 711 and the engagement structure 5113 extend along the pivot axis AX and may be a concave-convex matching structure. Thus, when the engagement structure 711 is located at the engagement structure 5113, the pivot member 71 can only reciprocate relative to the outer plate member 51 along the pivot axis AX, but cannot rotate relative to the outer plate member 51 about the pivot axis AX.

[0090] The bracket 30 may include a connecting structure 31 and a supporting structure 32. The supporting structure 32 refers to the portion of the bracket 30 used to support the tray 81, and it may include the aforementioned bearing surface 321. The connecting structure 31 may be pivotally mounted on the pivot member 71 and connected to the supporting structure 32. Therefore, the supporting structure 32 may be connected to the pivot member 71 via the connecting structure 31, and the connecting structure 31 may be pivotally connected to the roller member 40 via the pivot member 71. Further, the connecting structure 31 may include a connecting portion 311 and a pivoting portion 312 opposite to each other. The connecting portion 311 refers to the portion of the connecting structure 31 used to connect the supporting structure 32, and the pivoting portion 312 refers to the portion of the connecting structure 31 used to be pivotally mounted on the pivot member 71.

[0091] In this configuration, a portion of the outer plate 51 of the transmission member 50 can be pivotally connected between the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 and the roller member 40. Therefore, both the bracket 30 and the roller member 40 can rotate relative to the outer plate 51. When the power source 87 drives the transmission member 50 via the connected transmission gear 12, the power source 87 can drive the bracket 30 and the roller member 40 synchronously along the movement path MP by means of the pivot member 71 that passes through the outer plate 51 of the transmission member 50.

[0092] Furthermore, the vertical transmission device 1 can selectively position the bracket 30 when it moves to a specific area of ​​the base 10, thereby preventing the bracket 30 from swaying or shaking due to its own weight or other external forces. For example, the vertical transmission device 1 can selectively keep the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 and the tray 81 on it horizontal when the bracket 30 moves to a specific position.

[0093] Specifically, the vertical transmission device 1 may further include a positioning assembly 70, which may include the aforementioned pivot 71, a contact structure 72, a positioning structure 73, and an elastic member 74. The contact structure 72 and the positioning structure 73 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the pivot 71. For example, the contact structure 72 may be located on the side of the roller member 40 relatively away from the bracket 30, while the positioning structure 73 may be located on the side of the bracket 30 relatively away from the roller member 40, and may extend in a direction relatively closer to the roller member 40.

[0094] Furthermore, the contact structure 72 is a portion of the positioning assembly 70 used to contact the surface of the track 20. Corresponding to the contact structure 72, the track 20 may include a first planar segment 201, a second planar segment 202, and a ramp segment 203. The first planar segment 201 and the second planar segment 202 refer, for example, to flat surfaces on the track 20 parallel to the mounting surface 11 (or, imaginary plane P1) of the base 10 and used for contacting the contact structure 72. Moreover, the first planar segment 201 and the second planar segment 202 are not coplanar, but are offset in the direction of the pivot axis AX. For example, the first planar segment 201 refers, for example, to a flat surface on the track 20 relatively close to the bracket 30, while the second planar segment 202 refers, for example, to a flat surface on the track 20 relatively far from the bracket 30. The ramp segment 203 may refer, for example, to an inclined surface on the track 20 connecting the first planar segment 201 and the second planar segment 202 and inclined relative to the first planar segment 201 and the second planar segment 202. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, optionally, in this embodiment, the second planar segment 202 and the ramp segment 203 may be disposed, for example, at the straight section of the track 20, while the first planar segment 201 may be disposed, for example, at the turning section of the track 20.

[0095] During the movement of the bracket 30 along the active path MP, the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 can selectively contact the first plane segment 201, the second plane segment 202, or the ramp segment 203 and slide on them. The undulations formed by the first plane segment 201, the second plane segment 202, and the ramp segment 203 can drive the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 and the pivot member 71 and the positioning structure 73 connected thereto to move in the direction of the pivot axis AX.

[0096] On the other hand, corresponding to the positioning structure 73, the bracket 30 may also include a positioning hole 313. The positioning hole 313 may be located, for example, at the pivot portion 312 of the connecting structure 31, and the pivot member 71 may be located between the positioning holes 313. When the bracket 30 moves to a specific position or area, the engagement between the track 20 and the contact structure 72 can drive the positioning structure 73 of the positioning assembly 70 to insert into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30, thereby restricting the rotation of the bracket 30 relative to the base 10.

[0097] The elastic element 74 can be, for example, any suitable compression spring, which can be sleeved on the pivot 71 and clamped between the roller 40 and the contact structure 72, so as to normally drive the contact structure 72 relatively away from the roller 40 and press against the first planar segment 201, the second planar segment 202 or the ramp segment 203 of the track 20, thereby causing the pivot 71 and the positioning structure 73 to move in the same direction.

[0098] Alternatively, the vertical transmission device 1 may also include a first sensor S1, and the transmission member 50 may also include a protruding structure 512 protruding from the plate portion 511. The first sensor S1 may be disposed on the base 10. For example, the first sensor S1 may be configured on the movement path of the protruding structure 512 on the outer plate 51. When the first sensor S1 senses the protruding structure 512, it can determine that the bracket 30 has reached the predetermined position.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first planar segment 201 is, for example, closer to the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 than the second planar segment 202. Therefore, when the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 is located (or abuts) against the first planar segment 201, the first planar segment 201 can maintain the positioning structure 73 in a state relatively far away from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30 via the contact structure 72. When the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 is located (or abuts) against the second planar segment 202, since the positioning structure 73 can be indirectly driven by the elastic member 74 to move in the direction of the track 20, the second planar segment 202 can cause the positioning structure 73 to be inserted into the positioning hole 313 on the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 via the contact structure 72 to position the bracket 30.

[0100] Specifically, please and Figure 5 See further Figure 10 ,in, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of bracket 30 before it is positioned by positioning assembly 70. Figure 10 for Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the bracket 30 relative to the base 10 and positioned by the positioning assembly 70. The transmission member 50 can drive the bracket 30, roller member 40, and positioning assembly 70 along the movement path MP via its outer plate 51 and pivot member 71. Since the first planar segment 201 is, for example, closer to the connection structure 31 of the bracket 30 than the second planar segment 202, in other words, the second planar segment 202 is, for example, farther away from the connection structure 31 of the bracket 30 than the first planar segment 201, therefore, as... Figure 5 When the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 is located on the first planar segment 201 of the track 20, the first planar segment 201 can keep the positioning structure 73 in a state relatively far away from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30 via the contact structure 72. At this time, the bracket 30 can rotate or swing relative to the transmission member 50, and thus can be automatically aligned by gravity during the movement along the active path MP.

[0101] like Figure 10 As the transmission member 50 continues to drive the bracket 30 and its positioning assembly 70 along the movement path MP, the positioning assembly 70 can enter the range of the second planar section 202 via the ramp section 203. During this process, the elastic member 74 can drive the contact structure 72 to press against the track 20, so the contact structure 72 can move along the pivot axis AX with the surface undulation of the track 20, thereby synchronously allowing the positioning structure 73 to be inserted into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30. The positioning assembly 70 holds the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 with the positioning structure 73. Since the pivot member 71 cannot rotate relative to the outer plate member 51 of the transmission member 50, when the positioning structure 73 is inserted into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30, the positioning assembly 70 can maintain the bracket 30 in its current horizontal state and prevent it from rotating or swinging relative to the transmission member 50.

[0102] At this point, the transmission member 50 can still drive the bracket 30 to continue moving along the active path MP within the range of the second planar segment 202 until the first sensor S1 senses the protruding structure 512 on the outer plate 51 (or, when the protruding structure 512 moves to a position that can trigger the first sensor S1), indicating that the bracket 30 has reached the predetermined position. At that time, the power source 87 can stop driving the transmission member 50, allowing the bracket 30 to remain at its current position for the necessary processing. Then, after a preset time, the power source 87 can drive the transmission member 50 again to allow the bracket 30 to continue moving along the active path MP.

[0103] Therefore, by matching the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70 with the contour of the uneven surface of the track 20, the positioning structure 73 of the positioning assembly 70 can automatically hold the bracket 30 when the bracket 30 moves to a specific area, thereby eliminating the rotational freedom of the bracket 30.

[0104] The above is merely one exemplary embodiment of the vertical transmission device of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Below, other exemplary embodiments that can achieve similar effects will be listed. However, it should be noted that, for the purpose of brief description, the following embodiments mainly focus on describing the differences between them and the foregoing embodiments. Similarities or similarities can be understood by referring to the corresponding foregoing content and will not be elaborated further. Furthermore, the same reference numerals can represent substantially similar or identical structures.

[0105] For example, the surface profile of the contact structure on the track used for the positioning assembly can also be adjusted according to the requirements of the bracket's movement or stopping method. Please refer to Figure 11 Another embodiment of the invention provides a track 20', which may include a first planar segment 201' and a second planar segment 202' not located at a turn, and a ramp segment 203 connecting therebetween. Alternatively, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 Another embodiment of the invention proposes a track 20", which may also include a first planar segment 201” and a second planar segment 202” not located at the turn. In addition, the ramp segment 203” connecting the first planar segment 201” and the second planar segment 202” may be a curved surface with a suitable curvature to, for example, achieve the speed at which the positioning assembly holds or releases the bracket.

[0106] Please see Figure 13 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical transmission device 1', which may include a power source 89, which may be, but is not limited to, any suitable geared motor, and may include a drive roller 891, which is reciprocating about a direction parallel to the pivot axis AX. As shown, the vertical transmission device 1' may, for example, employ the aforementioned track 20'. The drive roller 891 may contact one end edge (e.g., one side of the pivot portion 312) of the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 when the bracket 30 moves to a predetermined position. Thus, when the bracket 30 moves relative to the track 20' to a predetermined area and the positioning assembly 70 releases the bracket 30, the drive roller 891 may drive the bracket 30 and the positioning assembly 70 to wobble or swing back and forth with a small amplitude (e.g., a swing angle of about 10 to 20 degrees) relative to the base 10.

[0107] Furthermore, the surface area on the track used for contact structure abutment can also be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, please refer to... Figures 14-18Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical transmission device 1a, wherein the track 20a has a first planar segment 201a, a second planar segment 202a, and a ramp segment 203a. The first planar segment 201a, the second planar segment 202a, and the ramp segment 203a may, for example, have undulations similar to those of the first planar segment 201, the second planar segment 202a, and the ramp segment 203 in the aforementioned embodiments, but the surface area of ​​the first planar segment 201a, the second planar segment 202a, and the ramp segment 203a may be significantly smaller than that of any of the first planar segments, the second planar segment, and the ramp segment in the aforementioned embodiments. Correspondingly, the contact structure 72a of the positioning assembly 70a may, for example, be roller-shaped. In this configuration, the contact structure 72a may only contact the first planar segment 201a, the second planar segment 202a, and the ramp segment 203a with its outer ring. Therefore, the positioning assembly 70a and the track 20a may have a relatively small contact area, thereby helping to further reduce the friction generated when the bracket 30 moves.

[0108] Comparison Figure 14 and Figure 18 It is understood that when the contact structure 72a of the positioning assembly 70a is located in the first planar segment 201a of the track 20a, the first planar segment 201a can maintain the positioning structure 73 in a state relatively far from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30 via the contact structure 72a. As the transmission member 50 continues to drive the bracket 30 and the positioning assembly 70a thereon, the positioning assembly 70a can enter the range of the second planar segment 202a via the ramp segment 203a. The second planar segment 202a can maintain the positioning structure 73 in a state of being inserted into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30 via the contact structure 72a, thereby maintaining the bracket 30 in its current horizontal state and preventing it from rotating or swinging relative to the transmission member 50. Therefore, similarly, through the cooperation of the contact structure 72a of the positioning assembly 70a and the undulating contour of the track 20a, the positioning structure 73 of the positioning assembly 70a can achieve the effect of automatically holding the bracket 30 when the bracket 30 moves to a specific area.

[0109] Please see Figures 19-23 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical transmission device 1b, wherein the positioning hole 313 on the connecting structure 31' of the bracket 30' can be located on one of the surfaces of the connecting structure 31' facing the roller member 40. Correspondingly, the positioning structure 73b of the positioning assembly 70b of the vertical transmission device 1b can extend and protrude in a direction relatively away from the roller member 40. Furthermore, the second planar segment 202b of the track 20b can be configured at the bend of the track 20b, while the first planar segment 201b can be configured at the straight segment of the track 20b.

[0110] Under this configuration, compare Figure 19 and Figure 23It is understood that when the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70b is located in the second planar segment 202b of the track 20b, the second planar segment 202b can keep the positioning structure 73b in a state relatively far from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30' via the contact structure 72. As the transmission member 50 continues to drive the bracket 30' and the positioning assembly 70b thereon, the positioning assembly 70b can enter the range of the first planar segment 201b via the ramp segment 203. The first planar segment 201b can then insert the positioning structure 73b into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30' by abutting the contact structure 72, thereby keeping the bracket 30' in its current horizontal state and preventing it from rotating or swinging relative to the transmission member 50. Therefore, similarly, through the cooperation of the contact structure 72 of the positioning assembly 70b and the undulating contour of the track 20b, the positioning structure 73b of the positioning assembly 70b can achieve the effect of automatically holding the bracket 30' when the bracket 30' moves to a specific area.

[0111] According to the vertical transmission device disclosed in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, since the bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket does not overlap with the track in a normal direction of the bearing surface, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the movement path, the bearing surface of the bracket can move perpendicularly to the base. With this configuration, the bracket can move vertically when the base is positioned, thus the vertical transmission device occupies less space in the horizontal or lateral directions, which is beneficial for meeting requirements such as increasing the number of instruments within a limited space.

[0112] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention. For a description of the scope of protection defined in the present invention, please refer to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vertical transmission device, comprising: A base, including a mounting surface; A bracket is movably disposed on the base and includes a bearing surface for supporting a tray; as well as A positioning assembly is disposed on the base and selectively positions the bracket; The bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base; It also includes a track and a roller component. The track is disposed on the mounting surface, and the roller component is movably disposed on the track. The bracket includes a connecting structure and a supporting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller component and connected to the supporting structure. The bearing surface is located on the supporting structure. The positioning assembly includes a contact structure, a pivot member, and a positioning structure. The contact structure slidably contacts the track. The pivot member connects the contact structure and the positioning structure and passes through the roller member and the connecting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller member via the pivot member. The connecting structure includes two positioning holes. The pivot member is located between a plurality of the positioning holes. The positioning structure is selectively inserted into the plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket.

2. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 1, wherein, The track includes a first planar segment, a ramp segment, and a second planar segment. The ramp segment connects the first planar segment and the second planar segment. The ramp segment is inclined relative to the first planar segment and the second planar segment. When the contact structure of the positioning assembly is located on the first planar segment, the positioning structure is inserted into a plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket. When the contact structure is located on the second planar segment, the positioning structure disengages from the plurality of positioning holes.

3. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 2, wherein, The plurality of positioning holes of the connection structure are located on a surface of the connection structure that is relatively far from the roller component.

4. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 2, wherein, The plurality of positioning holes of the connection structure are located on a surface of the connection structure facing the roller component.

5. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an elastic member sleeved on the pivot member and connected between the contact structure and the roller member, so as to drive the contact structure to selectively abut against the first planar segment, the second planar segment, or the ramp segment.

6. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first sensor and a transmission member, the first sensor being disposed on the base, the transmission member being movably disposed on the base, the transmission member comprising a plate portion and a protruding structure protruding from the plate portion, a portion of the plate portion being pivotally connected between the roller member and the connecting structure of the bracket, the first sensor sensing the protruding structure when the positioning structure is inserted into the plurality of positioning holes.

7. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a drive roller disposed on the base, the drive roller selectively contacting the connecting structure of the bracket, causing the bracket to swing relative to the roller.

8. A vertical transmission device, comprising: A base; A bracket is movably disposed on the base and includes a bearing surface for supporting a tray; as well as A positioning assembly, disposed on the base and selectively positioning the bracket, Wherein, in a normal direction of the bearing surface, the bearing surface of the bracket does not overlap with the base; It also includes a track and a roller component. The base includes a mounting surface, the track is disposed on the mounting surface, and the roller component is movably disposed on the track. The bracket includes a connecting structure and a supporting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller component and connected to the supporting structure. The bearing surface is located on the supporting structure. The positioning assembly includes a contact structure, a pivot member, and a positioning structure. The contact structure slidably contacts the track. The pivot member connects the contact structure and the positioning structure and passes through the roller member and the connecting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller member via the pivot member. The connecting structure includes two positioning holes. The pivot member is located between a plurality of the positioning holes. The positioning structure is selectively inserted into the plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket.

9. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 8, wherein, The track includes a first planar segment, a ramp segment, and a second planar segment. The ramp segment connects the first planar segment and the second planar segment. The ramp segment is inclined relative to the first planar segment and the second planar segment. When the contact structure of the positioning assembly is located on the first planar segment, the positioning structure is inserted into a plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket. When the contact structure is located on the second planar segment, the positioning structure disengages from the plurality of positioning holes.

10. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 9, wherein, The plurality of positioning holes of the connection structure are located on a surface of the connection structure that is relatively far from the roller member or on a surface of the connection structure that faces the roller member.

11. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a first sensor and a transmission member, the first sensor being disposed on the base, the transmission member being movably disposed on the base, the transmission member comprising a plate portion and a protruding structure protruding from the plate portion, a portion of the plate portion being pivotally connected between the roller member and the connecting structure of the bracket, the first sensor sensing the protruding structure when the positioning structure is inserted into the plurality of positioning holes.

12. A vertical transmission device, comprising: A base; A bracket, including a bearing surface and movably disposed on the base along an active path; as well as A positioning assembly, disposed on the base and selectively positioning the bracket, The bearing surface is perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the activity path; It also includes a track and a roller component. The track is disposed on the mounting surface of the base, and the roller component is movably disposed on the track. The bracket includes a connecting structure and a supporting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller component and connected to the supporting structure. The bearing surface is located on the supporting structure. The positioning assembly includes a contact structure, a pivot member, and a positioning structure. The contact structure slidably contacts the track. The pivot member connects the contact structure and the positioning structure and passes through the roller member and the connecting structure. The connecting structure is pivotally connected to the roller member via the pivot member. The connecting structure includes two positioning holes. The pivot member is located between a plurality of the positioning holes. The positioning structure is selectively inserted into the plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket.

13. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 12, wherein, The track includes a first planar segment, a ramp segment, and a second planar segment. The ramp segment connects the first planar segment and the second planar segment. The ramp segment is inclined relative to the first planar segment and the second planar segment. When the contact structure of the positioning assembly is located on the first planar segment, the positioning structure is inserted into a plurality of positioning holes to position the bracket. When the contact structure is located on the second planar segment, the positioning structure disengages from the plurality of positioning holes.

14. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 12, wherein, The plurality of positioning holes of the connection structure are located on a surface of the connection structure that is relatively far from the roller member or on a surface of the connection structure that faces the roller member.

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