Vertical transmission equipment

Abstract

A vertical transmission device includes a base, a rail, and a bracket. The base has a mounting surface, the rail is mounted on the mounting surface, and the bracket is movably mounted on the rail. The bracket includes a bearing surface for supporting a tray, and 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 rail, and a bracket. The base has a mounting surface. The rail is disposed on the mounting surface. The bracket is movably disposed on the rail. The bracket includes a bearing surface for bearing a tray. 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 track, and a bracket. The track is disposed on the base. The bracket is movably disposed on the track. The bracket has a bearing surface for bearing a tray. 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 disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base and a bracket. The bracket includes a bearing surface and is movably disposed on the base along a moving path, the bearing surface of the bracket being perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the moving path.

[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 does not overlap with the track in the normal direction of the bearing surface of the bracket, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket and an imaginary plane containing its movement path are perpendicular to each other, the bearing surface of the bracket can move perpendicularly to the base or track. With this configuration, the bracket can move vertically when positioned on the base, 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 partial schematic diagram of the transmission components of a vertical transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bracket being positioned by the positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0018] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a bracket along the moving path just coming into contact with the positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 11-12 This is a schematic diagram of the bracket being positioned at different angles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a vertical transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a top view schematic diagram of a positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0024] 1,1',1”: Vertical transmission equipment

[0025] 10: Base

[0026] 11: Setting Face

[0027] 12: Transmission gears

[0028] 20,20': Track

[0029] 21: Perforation

[0030] 30,30': Bracket

[0031] 31,31': Connection structure

[0032] 32: Supporting structure

[0033] 40: Roller parts

[0034] 50,50': Transmission components

[0035] 51,51':Outer panels

[0036] 60,60',60”: Positioning assembly

[0037] 61,61': Positioning Structure

[0038] 61a: First positioning structure

[0039] 61b: Second positioning structure

[0040] 62: C-shaped connection part

[0041] 63: Fixing part

[0042] 64: Accepted document

[0043] 65: Guide rod

[0044] 66: Elastic component

[0045] 71: Pivot component

[0046] 81: Carrier disk

[0047] 82: Magnetic sleeve

[0048] 83: Magnet rod

[0049] 84: Lifting Mechanism

[0050] 85: Sliding Mechanism

[0051] 86: Sample Addition Device

[0052] 87: Power Source

[0053] 88: Power Source

[0054] 311: Connecting part

[0055] 312, 312': Pivot section

[0056] 313: Positioning hole

[0057] 321: Bearing surface

[0058] 511: Plate section

[0059] 512: Emphasize Structure

[0060] 671: First driving gear

[0061] 672: First driven gear

[0062] 673: Second driving gear

[0063] 674: Second driven gear

[0064] 641: Resisted slope

[0065] 642: Release the ramp

[0066] 5112: Pivot hole

[0067] 5111: Assembly Department

[0068] AX: Pivot axis

[0069] G: Direction of gravity

[0070] MP: Activity Path

[0071] NL: Normal direction

[0072] P1: Imaginary plane

[0073] P2: Imaginary plane

[0074] S1: First sensor

[0075] S2: Second sensor Detailed Implementation

[0076] First, please refer to Figures 1-3One 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Furthermore, please refer to the aforementioned accompanying figures for further details. Figures 4-7 , Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the vertical transmission device 1. Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the transmission component 50 of the vertical transmission device 1. Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of the vertical transmission device 1, and Figure 7 for Figure 4 Another enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram of the vertical transmission device 1.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 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.

[0090] Specifically, the vertical transmission device 1 may further include a positioning assembly 60 and a first sensor S1, while the transmission member 50 may further include a protruding structure 512 protruding from the plate portion 511. The positioning assembly 60 may be disposed on the base 10, and may include a power source 88 and a positioning structure 61. The power source 88 may be, but is not limited to, any suitable motor, and may be disposed on the base 10. The positioning structure 61 may be connected to the power source 88 to be movably disposed on the base 10 via the power source 88. Specifically, the power source 88 may cause the positioning structure 61 to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the pivot axis AX. Corresponding to the positioning structure 61, the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 may further include a positioning hole 313. The positioning hole 313 may be located between the connecting portion 311 and the pivot portion 312 of the connecting structure 31. The first sensor S1 may be disposed on the base 10. For example, the first sensor S1 may be disposed on the movement path of the protruding structure 512 on the outer plate 51. When the first sensor S1 detects the protruding structure 512, it can determine that the bracket 30 has reached the predetermined position. At that time, the power source 88 can drive the positioning structure 61 of the positioning assembly 60 to insert into the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30, so as to restrict the rotation of the bracket 30 relative to the base 10.

[0091] Optionally, the positioning assembly 60 may also include a second sensor S2. The second sensor S2 may be disposed on the base 10. For example, the second sensor S2 may be configured on the movement path of the positioning structure 61 of the positioning assembly 60. When the second sensor S2 detects the positioning structure 61, it ensures that the power source 88 has reliably disengaged the positioning structure 61 from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30, which helps to ensure that subsequent movement of the bracket 30 is not interfered with or affected by the positioning structure 61.

[0092] Next, please... Figure 7 See further Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the bracket 30 being positioned by the positioning assembly 60. First, as... Figure 7 The transmission component 50 can drive the bracket 30 and roller component 40 to move along the active path MP via its outer plate 51 and pivot component 71. See Figure 8When the first sensor S1 senses the protruding structure 512 on the outer panel 51, or when the protruding structure 512 moves to a position that triggers the first sensor S1, it indicates that the bracket 30 has reached the predetermined position. At this time, the power source 87 can temporarily stop driving the transmission component 50, and the power source 88 can drive the positioning structure 61 of the positioning assembly 60 to insert into the positioning hole 313 on the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30. As shown in the figure, the positioning assembly 60 holds the portion of the bracket 30 relatively away from the pivot axis AX with the positioning structure 61. Therefore, the bracket 30 can be accurately maintained in the predetermined position and state. At this time, the normal direction NL of the imaginary plane P2 on which the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 is located can be parallel to the direction of gravity G. Thus, the positioning assembly 60 helps to keep the bearing surface 321 of the bracket 30 in the predetermined horizontal state.

[0093] Next, when the bracket 30 needs to continue moving along the movement path MP, the power source 88 can retract the positioning structure 61 of the positioning assembly 60, causing the positioning structure 61 to disengage from the positioning hole 313 of the bracket 30. When the second sensor S2 senses the positioning structure 61, it can be ensured that the positioning structure 61 has reliably disengaged from the movement path of the bracket 30. Then, the power source 87 can drive the transmission member 50 again, and the bracket 30 and the roller member 40 can continue to move along the movement path MP under the drive of the transmission member 50.

[0094] 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 of the vertical transmission device 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.

[0095] For example, please refer to Figure 9 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical transmission device 1', the main difference from the aforementioned embodiment being the positioning assembly 60'. Specifically, the positioning assembly 60' may include a positioning structure 61', a C-shaped connecting part 62, a fixing part 63, a receiving member 64, a guide rod 65, and an elastic member 66. Correspondingly, the track 20' may include a perforation 21.

[0096] The fixing part 63 can be fixed to the base 10. The guide rod 65 can pass through the fixing part 63, and the abutment 64 and the C-shaped connecting part 62 can be respectively connected to the opposite ends of the guide rod 65. The abutment 64 is movably located in the hole 21 of the track 20'. The first sensor S1 can be disposed, for example, on the fixing part 63. Specifically, the first sensor S1 can be disposed, for example, on the side (or surface) of the fixing part 63 facing the abutment 64. The elastic member 66 can be any suitable compression spring. The elastic member 66 can be sleeved on the guide rod 65 and clamped between the abutment 64 and the fixing part 63, so as to normally drive the abutment 64 relatively away from the fixing part 63, thereby causing a portion of the abutment 64 to pass through the hole 21 of the track 20' and be located in the track 20'. Please refer to the same Figure 10 Specifically, the receiving member 64 may include a receiving ramp 641 and a releasing ramp 642. The receiving ramp 641 and the releasing ramp 642 are opposite to each other and inclined relative to the movement path MP. Under the drive of the elastic member 66, the receiving ramp 641 and the releasing ramp 642 can be maintained in the track 20, thereby being located on the movement path of the roller member 40. The receiving ramp 641 refers to the ramp on the receiving member 64 used to receive the push of the roller member 40, while the releasing ramp 642 refers to another ramp on the receiving member 64 that is inclined relative to the receiving ramp 641 and can abut against the roller member 40. The positioning structure 61' connects to the C-shaped connecting portion 62. Specifically, the positioning structure 61' may be, for example, a bent or hook-shaped structure located at one end edge of the C-shaped connecting portion 62.

[0097] Next, please... Figures 9-10 See further reading Figures 11-12 First, such as Figures 9-10 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the bracket 30' of the vertical transmission device 1' just contacting the positioning assembly 60' along the moving path MP. As shown in the figure, since the abutting slope 641 of the abutting member 64 is normally located on the track 20' driven by the elastic member 66, when the roller 40 moves along the moving path MP, the roller 40 can contact and push against the abutting slope 641 of the abutting member 64, so as to generate a force on the abutting member 64 to move outward from the track 20'.

[0098] During the process of the roller 40 pushing the abutting member 64 out of the hole 21 of the track 20', the abutting member 64 can cause the positioning structure 61' to move in the same direction via the guide rod 65 and the C-shaped connecting part 62. As a result, Figures 11-12The pivot portion 312' of the connecting structure 31' of the bracket 30' and the positioning structure 61' move simultaneously to a position where they can engage with each other. Therefore, the bracket 30' can be precisely maintained in the predetermined position and state by the positioning assembly 60'. At the same time, the abutting member 64 can trigger the first sensor S1, so the transmission member 50' can temporarily stop moving the bracket 30'. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first sensor S1 corresponds to the abutting member 64. Therefore, the protruding structure 512 of the outer plate member 51' of the transmission member 50' can be omitted from the aforementioned embodiment.

[0099] Next, the transmission member 50 can start operating again after a preset time, thereby continuing to move the bracket 30' and the roller member 40 along the active path MP. Understandably, when the roller member 40 starts to move along the active path MP, the roller member 40 can then move to the release ramp 642 of the abutment member 64. During this process, the abutment member 64 can be driven by the elastic member 66 to gradually enter the track 20' through the hole 21. The abutment member 64 can simultaneously move the positioning structure 61' in the same direction via the guide rod 65 and the C-shaped connecting part 62, thereby causing the positioning structure 61' to release the connecting structure 31' of the bracket 30', so that the bracket 30' and the roller member 40 can continue to move along the active path MP under the drive of the transmission member 50'.

[0100] For example, please see Figures 13-15 Another embodiment of the present invention proposes a vertical transmission device 1", the main difference from the aforementioned embodiment being the positioning assembly 60". Specifically, the positioning assembly 60 may include a first positioning structure 61a, a second positioning structure 61b, a first driving gear 671, a first driven gear 672, a second driving gear 673, and a second driven gear 674, wherein the first driving gear 671, the first driven gear 672, the second driving gear 673, and the second driven gear 674 may be, but are not limited to, any suitable helical gear.

[0101] Furthermore, the first driving gear 671 can be connected to the power source 88, so that it can be movably mounted on the base 10 via the power source 88. Specifically, the power source 88 can cause the first driving gear 671 to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis AX. The first driven gear 672 meshes with the first driving gear 671. The first positioning structure 61a is fixed to the first driven gear 672 and is connected to the first driving gear 671 via the first driven gear 672.

[0102] On the other hand, the second driving gear 673 can be connected to the power source 88, so that it is rotatably mounted on the base 10 via the power source 88. Specifically, the second driving gear 673 can be connected to the power source 88 in a coaxial manner with the first driving gear 671. Therefore, the power source 88 can also cause the second driving gear 673 to rotate about a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis AX. As shown in the figure, the first driving gear 671 and the second driving gear 673 can have opposite helical directions. In this embodiment, the first driving gear 671 and the second driving gear 673 can be two independent gears, but the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, in other embodiments, the first driving gear 671 and the second driving gear 673 can also be an integrally formed structure. The second driven gear 674 meshes with the second driving gear 673, and the second positioning structure 61b is fixed to the second driven gear 674 and is connected to the second driving gear 673 via the second driven gear 674.

[0103] In this configuration, when the power source 88 drives the first drive gear 671 and the second drive gear 673 to rotate, the first drive gear 671 and the second drive gear 673 can respectively cause the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b to rotate in opposite directions via the first driven gear 672 and the second driven gear 674.

[0104] For example, such as Figure 15 When the first sensor S1 detects the protruding structure 512 on the outer panel 51, it indicates that the bracket 30 has reached the predetermined position. At this time, the power source 88 can drive the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b to rotate in opposite directions (as shown by the arrows) via the first driving gear 671 and the first driven gear 672, and the second driving gear 673 and the second driven gear 674, so that the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b abut against or stop on the opposite sides of the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30. At this time, the positioning assembly 60” holds the portion of the bracket 30 that is relatively far from the pivot axis AX with the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b. Therefore, the bracket 30 can be accurately maintained in the predetermined position and state.

[0105] Conversely, when the bracket 30 needs to continue moving along the active path MP, the power source 88 can rotate the first drive gear 671 and the second drive gear 673 in the opposite direction, thereby driving the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b away from the bracket 30 via the second drive gear 673 and the second driven gear 674, respectively. When the second sensor S2 senses one of the positioning structures (e.g., the first positioning structure 61a), it can be ensured that the first positioning structure 61a and the second positioning structure 61b have been reliably disengaged from the moving path of the bracket 30. Then, the transmission member 50 can drive the bracket 30 and the roller member 40 to move along the active path MP again.

[0106] Additionally, it should be noted that in some other embodiments of the vertical transmission device, the positioning assembly may omit the aforementioned second positioning structure 61b, second driving gear 673, and second driven gear 674, and instead stop on one side of the connecting structure 31 of the bracket 30 by means of the first driving gear 671 and the first driven gear 672 driving the first positioning structure 61a.

[0107] 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 does not overlap with the track in the normal direction of the bearing surface of the bracket, or in other words, the bearing surface of the bracket and an imaginary plane containing its movement path are perpendicular to each other, the bearing surface of the bracket can move perpendicularly to the base or track. With this configuration, the bracket can move vertically when positioned on the base, 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.

[0108] 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 having a mounting surface; A track is provided on this mounting surface; as well as A bracket is movably disposed on the track, wherein the bracket includes a bearing surface for bearing a tray, and the bracket has a positioning hole; The bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base; It also includes a positioning assembly disposed on the base, the positioning assembly including a positioning structure; It also includes a first sensor and a transmission member. The first sensor is disposed on the base, and the transmission member is movably disposed on the base. The transmission member includes a plate portion and a protruding structure protruding from the plate portion. When the first sensor senses the protruding structure, the positioning structure is inserted into the positioning hole to position the bracket. It also includes a second sensor disposed on the base, the second sensor being configured to determine whether the positioning structure has moved out of the positioning hole by sensing the positioning structure.

2. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a roller component movably disposed on the track, the bracket comprising a connecting structure and a supporting structure, the connecting structure pivotally connected to the roller component and connected to the supporting structure, the bearing surface being located on the supporting structure.

3. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 2, wherein, The bracket's connection structure has the positioning hole.

4. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 3, wherein, The plate is partially pivotally connected between the roller and the connecting structure of the bracket.

5. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 2, wherein, The positioning assembly also includes a receiving member, a C-shaped connecting part, a fixing part, a guide rod, and an elastic member. The fixing part is disposed on the mounting surface of the base, and the guide rod passes through the fixing part. The receiving member and the C-shaped connecting part are respectively connected to opposite ends of the guide rod. The track includes a hole, and the receiving member is movably located in the hole of the track and partially located in the track. The elastic member is sleeved on the guide rod and clamped between the receiving member and the fixing part. The positioning structure is connected to the C-shaped connecting part. The roller selectively pushes the receiving member out of the hole to engage the positioning structure with the connecting structure of the bracket, thereby positioning the bracket.

6. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 5, wherein, The first sensor is located on the side of the fixing part of the positioning assembly facing the abutting member, and the abutting member is pushed by the roller member to trigger the first sensor.

7. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 5, wherein, The abutting member includes an abutting ramp and a releasing ramp, the releasing ramp and the abutting ramp being opposite each other, the releasing ramp and the abutting ramp being selectively located within the track to selectively abut the roller member.

8. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 1, wherein, The positioning assembly includes a first driving gear, a first driven gear, and a first positioning structure. The first driving gear is rotatably disposed on the base. The first positioning structure is driven by the first driving gear via the first driven gear. The first positioning structure selectively blocks one side of the bracket by being driven by the first driving gear to position the bracket.

9. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 8, wherein, The positioning assembly includes a second driving gear, a second driven gear, and a second positioning structure. The second positioning structure is driven by the second driving gear via the second driven gear. The second positioning structure is selectively driven by the second driving gear to selectively stop the other side of the bracket, so as to clamp the bracket together with the first positioning structure and position the bracket.

10. A vertical transmission device, comprising: A base; A track is installed on this base; as well as A bracket is movably mounted on the track, wherein the bracket has a bearing surface for bearing a tray, and the bracket has a positioning hole; Wherein, in a normal direction of the bearing surface, the bearing surface of the bracket does not overlap with the track; It also includes a positioning assembly disposed on the base, the positioning assembly including a positioning structure; It also includes a first sensor and a transmission member. The first sensor is disposed on the base, and the transmission member is movably disposed on the base. The transmission member includes a plate portion and a protruding structure protruding from the plate portion. When the first sensor senses the protruding structure, the positioning structure is inserted into the positioning hole to position the bracket. It also includes a second sensor disposed on the base, the second sensor being configured to determine whether the positioning structure has moved out of the positioning hole by sensing the positioning structure.

11. The vertical transmission device of claim 10, further comprising a roller member movably disposed on the track, the bracket comprising a connecting structure and a supporting structure, the connecting structure being pivotally connected to the roller member and connected to the supporting structure, the bearing surface being located on the supporting structure.

12. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 11, wherein, The bracket's connection structure has the positioning hole.

13. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 12, wherein, The plate is partially pivotally connected between the roller and the connecting structure of the bracket.

14. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 11, wherein, The positioning assembly also includes a receiving member, a C-shaped connecting part, a fixing part, a guide rod, and an elastic member. The fixing part is disposed on a mounting surface of the base, and the guide rod passes through the fixing part. The receiving member and the C-shaped connecting part are respectively connected to opposite ends of the guide rod. The track includes a hole, and the receiving member is movably located in the hole of the track and partially located in the track. The elastic member is sleeved on the guide rod and clamped between the receiving member and the fixing part. The positioning structure is connected to the C-shaped connecting part. The roller selectively pushes the receiving member out of the hole to engage the positioning structure with the connecting structure of the bracket, thereby positioning the bracket.

15. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 14, wherein, The first sensor is located on the side of the fixing part of the positioning assembly facing the abutting member, and the abutting member is pushed by the roller member to trigger the first sensor.

16. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 10, wherein, The positioning assembly includes a first driving gear, a first driven gear, and a first positioning structure. The first driving gear is rotatably disposed on the base. The first positioning structure is driven by the first driving gear via the first driven gear. The first positioning structure selectively blocks one side of the bracket by being driven by the first driving gear to position the bracket.

17. A vertical transmission device, comprising: A base; as well as A bracket includes a bearing surface and is movably disposed on the base along a movable path, wherein the bearing surface of the bracket is perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the movable path; the bracket has a positioning hole; It also includes a positioning assembly disposed on the base, the positioning assembly including a positioning structure; It also includes a first sensor and a transmission member. The first sensor is disposed on the base, and the transmission member is movably disposed on the base. The transmission member includes a plate portion and a protruding structure protruding from the plate portion. When the first sensor senses the protruding structure, the positioning structure is inserted into the positioning hole to position the bracket. It also includes a second sensor disposed on the base, the second sensor being configured to determine whether the positioning structure has moved out of the positioning hole by sensing the positioning structure.

18. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The bracket's connection structure has this positioning hole.

19. The vertical transmission device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a track and a roller, the track being disposed on the base and including a perforation, the roller being movably disposed on the track, the positioning assembly further comprising a receiving member, a C-shaped connecting portion, a fixing portion, a guide rod and an elastic member, the fixing portion being disposed on a mounting surface of the base, the guide rod passing through the fixing portion, the receiving member and the C-shaped connecting portion being respectively connected to opposite ends of the guide rod, the receiving member being movably located in the perforation of the track and partially located in the track, the elastic member being sleeved on the guide rod and clamped between the receiving member and the fixing portion, the positioning structure being connected to the C-shaped connecting portion, the roller selectively pushing the receiving member out of the perforation to engage the connecting structure of the bracket, thereby positioning the bracket.

20. The vertical transmission device as described in claim 17, wherein, The positioning assembly includes a first driving gear, a first driven gear, and a first positioning structure. The first driving gear is rotatably disposed on the base. The first positioning structure is driven by the first driving gear via the first driven gear. The first positioning structure selectively blocks one side of the bracket by being driven by the first driving gear to position the bracket.

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