A test tube cap removal and recycling device and method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and discloses a test tube cap removing and recycling device and method. The test tube cap removing and recycling device comprises a test tube fixing assembly, a test tube cap removing assembly, a test tube cap recycling assembly, a mounting rack and a first driving element. The test tube fixing assembly comprises a test tube clamping jaw assembly, the test tube cap recycling assembly comprises a material receiving element, and the first driving element is used for driving the test tube cap removing assembly to ascend and descend. At least one of the test tube fixing assembly and the test tube cap recycling assembly is connected with the test tube cap removing assembly through a transmission assembly to be linked with the test tube cap removing assembly. The test tube fixing assembly and the transmission assembly are arranged on the mounting rack. The test tube cap removing and recycling device can automatically remove and recycle the test tube cap by using fewer driving assemblies. The device has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost and low failure risk rate, and only needs a small space for assembly and installation, so that the device volume is reduced and the space utilization is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a test tube cap removal and recycling device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Test tubes are usually sealed with test tube caps. When it is necessary to take a sample from the test tube, the test tube cap needs to be removed from the test tube and the removed test tube cap should be collected.

[0003] A test tube cap removal and retrieval device generally includes a test tube fixing component, a test tube cap removal component, and a test tube cap retrieval component. The process of removing and retrieving the test tube cap typically involves: first, using the test tube fixing component to secure the test tube; then, using the test tube cap removal component to clamp and pull out the test tube cap; and finally, using the test tube cap retrieval component to retrieve the pulled-out test tube cap. Specifically, first, the test tube fixing component, driven by a first drive component, rotates the test tube clamping jaws closer to the test tube to clamp and fix it; then, the test tube cap removal component, driven by a second drive component, rotates the test tube cap clamping jaws closer to the test tube cap to clamp and fix it; next, the test tube cap removal component, driven by a third drive component, raises the test tube cap clamping jaws to pull out the test tube cap; finally, the test tube cap retrieval component, driven by a fourth drive component, moves to a position below the test tube cap clamping jaws to retrieve the test tube cap. It is evident that while existing test tube cap removal and recycling devices can automatically remove and recycle test tube caps, they use too many drive components, resulting in complex structures, higher costs, and a relatively high failure rate. Furthermore, they require a large amount of space for assembly and installation, leading to a large device size and low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a test tube cap removal and recycling device that can automatically remove and recycle test tube caps using fewer drive components. This not only simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers the failure rate, but also requires only a small space for assembly and installation, reducing the device's size and improving space utilization. Another purpose of this application is to provide a test tube cap removal and recycling method.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a test tube cap removal and recycling device, comprising a test tube fixing component, a test tube cap removal component, a test tube cap recycling component, a mounting frame, and a first driving component; the test tube fixing component includes a test tube clamping component, and the test tube cap recycling component includes a receiving component;

[0006] The first driving component is used to drive the test tube cap removal assembly to move up and down; at least one of the test tube fixing assembly and the test tube cap recycling assembly is connected to the test tube cap removal assembly through a transmission assembly so as to cooperate and link with the test tube cap removal assembly.

[0007] Both the test tube fixing assembly and the transmission assembly are mounted on the mounting frame.

[0008] Optionally, the test tube cap recovery assembly and the test tube cap removal assembly are connected via the transmission assembly, which is defined as a first transmission assembly;

[0009] The first transmission component includes a timing belt and a timing pulley; the timing belt is connected to the test tube cap removal component and the receiving component to drive the test tube cap removal component and the receiving component to work together.

[0010] Optionally, there are at least three synchronous pulleys, including a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, and a third synchronous pulley arranged in a triangle. The first synchronous pulley is located directly above the second synchronous pulley. The test tube cap removal assembly is fixed on the synchronous belt between the first synchronous pulley and the second synchronous pulley. The receiving component is fixed on the synchronous belt between the second synchronous pulley and the third synchronous pulley.

[0011] Optionally, the angle between the center line connecting the first synchronous pulley and the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley and the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley and the third synchronous pulley is an obtuse angle.

[0012] Optionally, the first drive unit is connected to one of the timing pulleys to drive the test tube cap removal assembly to move up and down.

[0013] Optional features also include: a first guide rail and a second guide rail;

[0014] The first guide rail and the second guide rail are both fixed on the mounting frame. The test tube cap removal assembly and the receiving component are respectively fixedly connected to the first moving frame and the second moving frame. The first moving frame and the second moving frame are respectively slidably arranged on the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The first moving frame and the second moving frame are both fixedly connected to the timing belt.

[0015] Optionally, the test tube fixing assembly and the test tube cap removal assembly are connected via the transmission assembly, which is defined as a second transmission assembly;

[0016] The test tube fixing assembly also includes a rack, a driving gear, a first driven gear, and a second driven gear;

[0017] The second transmission assembly can drive the rack to slide, the driving gear meshes with the rack, the driving gear and the second driven gear both mesh with the first driven gear, and the test tube clamp assembly includes two clamping arms, which are respectively fixed to the first driven gear and the second driven gear;

[0018] During the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly, the second transmission assembly drives the rack to slide along a first direction, thereby causing the two clamping arms to move closer together to clamp the test tube; during the ascent of the test tube cap removal assembly, the second transmission assembly drives the rack to slide along a second direction, thereby causing the two clamping arms to move further apart to release the test tube; the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0019] Optionally, a mounting base may also be included;

[0020] The test tube fixing assembly also includes a third guide rail and a fixing base;

[0021] The mounting base is fixed on the mounting frame, the third guide rail is fixed on the mounting base, the rack is disposed on the fixed base, and the fixed base is slidably connected to the third guide rail.

[0022] Optionally, the second transmission assembly includes a guide plate and a follower.

[0023] The guide plate is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly. The side wall of the guide plate is provided with a motion groove, which includes an inclined groove section. One end of the follower is fixedly connected to the rack, and the other end of the follower is slidably arranged in the motion groove.

[0024] When the test tube cap removal assembly is raised and lowered, it drives the guide plate to rise and fall. The follower slides relative to the inclined groove section, thereby driving the rack to slide.

[0025] Optionally, the motion groove further includes a first vertical groove section and a second vertical groove section, wherein the first vertical groove section, the inclined groove section, and the second vertical groove section are connected sequentially from bottom to top.

[0026] Optionally, the guide plate includes a first guide plate segment and a second guide plate segment extending downward from the rear of the first guide plate segment. The test tube fixing assembly and the test tube cap removal assembly are both disposed in front of the mounting frame. The mounting frame has a sliding hole that runs through the front and rear. The front part of the first guide plate segment is fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly, and the second guide plate segment passes through the sliding hole to the rear.

[0027] Optionally, the follower is a cam bearing follower, the shaft of the follower is fixedly connected to the rack, the roller of the follower is slidably disposed in the motion groove, and the axis of the follower is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the rack.

[0028] Optionally, the second transmission assembly further includes a push rod;

[0029] One end of the push rod has at least one oblong hole, the length direction of which is parallel to the sliding direction of the rack. The push rod is fixedly connected to the rack through the oblong hole by a bolt, and the other end of the push rod is fixedly connected to the follower.

[0030] Optionally, a controller may also be included;

[0031] The mounting bracket is equipped with an upper limit sensor and a lower limit sensor; the upper limit sensor, the lower limit sensor, and the first driving component are all electrically connected to the controller;

[0032] When the test tube cap removal assembly descends to the lower limit position, the lower limit sensor sends a lower limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive to close; when the test tube cap removal assembly rises to the upper limit position, the upper limit sensor sends an upper limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive to close.

[0033] This application also provides a method for removing and recycling test tube caps, applied to the aforementioned test tube cap removal and recycling device, comprising the following steps:

[0034] The first driving component is activated, which drives the test tube cap removal assembly to descend, the receiving component moves away from the test tube cap removal assembly, and the test tube clamping assembly clamps the test tube.

[0035] When the test tube cap removal assembly descends to the lower limit, the first drive unit is turned off to stop the test tube cap removal assembly from descending, the receiving part stops moving, and the test tube cap removal assembly locks the test tube cap.

[0036] The first driving component is activated, which drives the test tube cap removal component to rise and pull out the test tube cap, and the receiving component moves toward the test tube cap removal component;

[0037] When the test tube cap removal assembly rises to its upper limit, the receiving component moves below the test tube cap removal assembly, and the first drive component is turned off to stop the test tube cap removal assembly from rising. The receiving component stops moving, the test tube cap removal assembly releases the test tube cap, and the test tube cap falls into the receiving component.

[0038] The test tube cap removal and recycling device provided in this application is equipped with a first driving component for driving the test tube cap removal component to rise and fall, and at least one of the test tube fixing component and the test tube cap recycling component is connected to the test tube cap removal component through a transmission component so as to cooperate and link with the test tube cap removal component. It can achieve automatic removal and recycling of test tube caps with fewer driving components. It not only has a simple structure, reduces manufacturing costs and reduces the failure risk rate, but also requires only a small space for assembly and installation, reducing the size of the device and improving space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap removal and recovery device provided in this application when it is not in operation;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test tube cap removal and recovery device in the embodiment provided in this application when the cap is removed;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The left view;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap removal and recovery device according to an embodiment of this application, viewed from another perspective when the cap is removed.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test tube cap removal and recycling device provided in this application when recycling test tube caps;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide plate installed on the test tube cap removal assembly in the test tube cap removal and recovery device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the test tube fixing component and the second transmission component in the test tube cap removal and recycling device provided in this application.

[0046] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0047] 1-Test tube fixing assembly, 11-Test tube clamping claw assembly, 111-Clamping arm, 112-Clamping block, 1121-Clamping groove, 12-Third guide rail, 13-Fixing seat, 131-Mounting groove, 14-Rack, 141-Threaded hole, 15-Driving gear, 16-First driven gear, 17-Second driven gear, 18-Rotating shaft;

[0048] 2-Test tube cap removal assembly, 21-Second drive component, 22-Test tube cap locking component, 23-First moving frame;

[0049] 3-Test tube cap recycling assembly, 31-Receiving component, 311-Receiving section, 3111-Receiving port, 312-Feeding section, 313-Discharging section, 32-Second moving frame, 33-Recycling box, 331-Recycling port, 34-Base;

[0050] 41-Mounting bracket, 411-Sliding hole, 42-Mounting base;

[0051] 5-First driving component;

[0052] 61 - Test tube; 62 - Test tube cap;

[0053] 71-First transmission assembly; 711-Synchronous belt; 712-First synchronous pulley; 713-Second synchronous pulley; 714-Third synchronous pulley; 715-Fourth synchronous pulley; 716-First tension pulley; 717-Second tension pulley; 72-Second transmission assembly; 721-Guide plate; 7211-First guide plate segment; 7212-Second guide plate segment; 722-Follower component; 723-Motion groove; 7231-First vertical groove segment; 7232-Inclined groove segment; 7233-Second vertical groove segment; 724-Push rod; 7241-Oval hole;

[0054] 81 - Upper limit sensor, 82 - Lower limit sensor;

[0055] 91 - First guide rail, 92 - Second guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0057] It should be noted that in this application, "front" refers to the side of the mounting bracket 41 where the test tube fixing component 1 is located, and "rear" refers to the opposite direction to "front". The two sides corresponding to the front and rear directions are the left and right directions. Please refer to the following for details. Figures 1 to 7 The direction indicated by the middle arrow.

[0058] The terms "first" and "second" used in this application are merely for the convenience of describing two or more structures or components that are identical or similar in structure and / or function, and do not imply any special limitation on their order and / or importance.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Existing test tube cap removal and recovery devices use a separate drive component to fix the test tube and perform the clamping, pulling out, and recovery operations of the test tube cap. This results in too many drive components, which not only leads to a complex structure, higher manufacturing costs, and a higher risk of failure, but also requires a large space for assembly and installation, resulting in a large device size and low space utilization.

[0061] Therefore, this application provides a test tube cap removal and recycling device that can achieve the clamping of test tubes and the clamping, pulling out, and recycling of test tube caps with fewer driving components or even one driving component.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap removal and recovery device provided in this application when it is not in operation. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap removal and recovery device according to an embodiment of this application during cap removal. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Left view, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test tube cap removal and recovery device according to an embodiment of this application, viewed from another perspective during cap removal. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test tube cap removal and recycling device provided in this application when recycling test tube caps.

[0063] In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap removal and recovery device includes a test tube fixing component 1, a test tube cap removal component 2, a test tube cap recovery component 3, a mounting frame 41, and a first driving component 5. The test tube fixing component 1 includes a test tube gripper assembly 11, and the test tube cap recovery component 3 includes a receiving component 31. The first driving component 5 is used to drive the test tube cap removal component 2 to move up and down; at least one of the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap recovery component 3 is connected to the test tube cap removal component 2 through a transmission component to cooperate and link with the test tube cap removal component 2. The test tube fixing component 1 and the transmission component are both disposed on the mounting frame 41, with the test tube fixing component 1 located below the test tube cap removal component 2, and the test tube cap removal component 2 used to lock and release the test tube caps 62.

[0064] Understandably, the linkage between the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap removal component 2 can be such that, during the descent of the test tube cap removal component 2, the test tube clamping component 11 clamps the test tube 61, and during the ascent of the test tube cap removal component 2, the test tube clamping component 11 releases the test tube 61; the linkage between the test tube cap recovery component 3 and the test tube cap removal component 2 can be such that, during the descent of the test tube cap removal component 2, the receiving component 31 moves away from the test tube cap removal component 2, and during the ascent of the test tube cap removal component 2, the receiving component 31 moves towards the test tube cap removal component 2.

[0065] With this configuration, the first driving component 5 can drive the test tube cap removal component 2 to rise and fall, and the transmission component can be used to realize the linkage between the rising and falling of the test tube cap removal component 2 and the movement of the receiving component 31. And / or, the transmission component can be used to realize the linkage between the rising and falling of the test tube cap removal component 2 and the opening and closing of the test tube clamp component 11. Thus, the automatic removal and recycling of the test tube cap 62 can be achieved with fewer driving components. This not only simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers the failure risk rate, but also requires only a small space for assembly and installation, reducing the size of the device and improving space utilization.

[0066] In actual setup, at least one of the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap recovery component 3 is connected to the test tube cap removal component 2 via a transmission component. Alternatively, the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap removal component 2 can be connected via a transmission component, with the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap removal component 2 working in tandem, and the test tube cap recovery component 3 being driven by an additional drive component. Or, the test tube cap recovery component 3 and the test tube cap removal component 2 can be connected via a transmission component, with the test tube cap recovery component 3 and the test tube cap removal component 2 working in tandem, and the test tube fixing component 1 being driven by an additional drive component. Alternatively, both the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap recovery component 3 can be connected to the test tube cap removal component 2 via a transmission component, and both can work in tandem with the test tube cap removal component 2. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0067] The structure of the transmission component in this application is not limited, as long as it can achieve the coordinated linkage between the test tube fixing component 1, the test tube cap recycling component 3 and the test tube cap removal component 2.

[0068] As an optional solution, in the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap recovery assembly 3 and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 are connected by a transmission assembly, which is defined as a first transmission assembly 71; the first transmission assembly 71 includes a synchronous belt 711 and a synchronous pulley; the synchronous belt 711 is connected to both the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31, so as to drive the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31 to work together.

[0069] The number and relative positions of the synchronous pulleys are set according to requirements, and this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, there are at least three synchronous pulleys, including a first synchronous pulley 712, a second synchronous pulley 713, and a third synchronous pulley 714 arranged in a triangular pattern. The first synchronous pulley 712 is positioned directly above the second synchronous pulley 713. The test tube cap removal assembly 2 is fixed to the synchronous belt 711 between the first synchronous pulley 712 and the second synchronous pulley 713, and the receiving component 31 is fixed to the synchronous belt 711 between the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714. It is understood that during the movement of the synchronous belt 711, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is always between the first synchronous pulley 712 and the second synchronous pulley 713, and the receiving component 31 is always between the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714.

[0070] The first synchronous pulley 712, the second synchronous pulley 713, and the third synchronous pulley 714 are arranged in a triangle. The first synchronous pulley 712 is located directly above the second synchronous pulley 713, so that the test tube cap removal assembly 2 set between the two can rise and fall with the movement of the synchronous belt 711. The specific orientation of the third synchronous pulley 714 relative to the second synchronous pulley 713 is not limited. It can be directly to the right, above the right, below the right, or the corresponding position on the left, so that the receiving part 31 set between the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714 can move away from or towards the test tube cap removal assembly 2.

[0071] In the embodiments provided in this application, the first transmission assembly 71 is disposed on the right side of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the test tube fixing assembly 1 is located below the test tube cap removal assembly 2, and the third synchronous pulley 714 is located to the right and below the second synchronous pulley 713. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 2 That is, the angle between the center line connecting the first synchronous pulley 712 and the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714 is an obtuse angle. With this setting, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving part 31 can cooperate more stably.

[0072] The lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is driven by the first driving component 5. In specific settings, the connection structure between the first driving component 5 and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is not limited.

[0073] As an optional solution, the first driving component 5 can be used to directly drive the lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. For example, the first driving component 5 can be a cylinder, with the piston rod of the cylinder fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly 2. The lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is achieved by the extension and retraction of the piston rod. Alternatively, the first driving component 5 can be a drive motor, connected to the test tube cap removal assembly 2 via a lead screw and nut pair. The drive motor drives the lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. With this configuration, the first driving component 5 drives the lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, which in turn drives the synchronous belt 711 to move, thereby driving the receiving component 31 to move.

[0074] As an alternative, the first drive component 5 can be used to directly drive the first transmission component 71. The first drive component 5 is connected to one of the synchronous pulleys to drive the synchronous belt 711 to move, thereby driving the test tube cap removal component 2 and the receiving component 31 to work together.

[0075] When the first driving component 5 directly drives the first transmission assembly 71, only three synchronous pulleys need to be provided. The first driving component 5 is connected to any one of the first synchronous pulley 712, the second synchronous pulley 713, and the third synchronous pulley 714. This configuration is simple in structure and easy to install. The synchronous pulleys can also be... Figure 1 , Figure 2The diagram shows four synchronous belt pulleys: a first synchronous belt pulley 712, a second synchronous belt pulley 713, a third synchronous belt pulley 714, and a fourth synchronous belt pulley 715. Two tensioning pulleys are also provided: a first tensioning pulley 716 and a second tensioning pulley 717. The fourth synchronous belt pulley 715 is positioned between the first synchronous belt pulley 712 and the third synchronous belt pulley 714. The first tensioning pulley 716 is positioned between the first synchronous belt pulley 712 and the fourth synchronous belt pulley 715, closer to the second synchronous belt pulley 713. The second tensioning pulley 717 is positioned between the third synchronous belt pulley 714 and the fourth synchronous belt pulley 715, closer to the second synchronous belt pulley 713. On one side, the synchronous belt 711 is sequentially connected to the first synchronous pulley 712, the second synchronous pulley 713, the third synchronous pulley 714, and the fourth synchronous pulley 715. The first tensioning pulley 716 and the second tensioning pulley 717 are located on the outer side of the synchronous belt 711. Each synchronous pulley and tensioning pulley is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 41. The first drive component 5 is mounted on the mounting frame 41 and is connected to the fourth synchronous pulley 715. The fourth synchronous pulley 715 is the driving pulley, and the other synchronous pulleys are driven pulleys. The first tensioning pulley 716 and the second tensioning pulley 717 are both idler pulleys, which can assist in tensioning the synchronous belt 711. With this configuration, the synchronous belt 711 is tensioned, which can more stably support the operation of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31. In actual setup, the structure of the first driving component 5 is not limited. For example, it can be a rotary cylinder or a drive motor, as long as it can drive the drive wheel to rotate. In the embodiment provided in this application, the first driving component 5 is a drive motor. Under the drive of the drive motor, the test tube cap removal component 2 and the receiving component 31 can move synchronously.

[0076] Understandably, when the test tube cap recovery assembly 3 and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 are connected by a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly is not limited to a synchronous belt transmission assembly; it can also be other structures. For example, the transmission assembly may include a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 41, and the first rack and the second rack are slidably mounted on the mounting frame 41. The first rack extends vertically, and the second rack extends horizontally or obliquely relative to the first rack. The first gear and the second gear mesh with the third gear, and the first gear and the second gear mesh with the first rack and the second rack, respectively. The test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31 are respectively connected to the first rack and the second rack. The first driving component 5 is connected to the third gear, and the first driving component 5 drives the third gear to drive the first gear and the second gear to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the first rack and the second rack to slide synchronously, so that the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31 move synchronously.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap removal and recycling device further includes: a first guide rail 91 and a second guide rail 92; both the first guide rail 91 and the second guide rail 92 are fixed on the mounting frame 41, and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31 are respectively fixedly connected to the first movable frame 23 and the second movable frame 32, respectively. The first movable frame 23 and the second movable frame 32 are slidably disposed on the first guide rail 91 and the second guide rail 92, respectively, and both the first movable frame 23 and the second movable frame 32 are fixedly connected to the synchronous belt 711. It can be understood that the first guide rail 91 and the second guide rail 92 can be linear guide rails, both of which are provided with sliders (not shown in the figure), and the first movable frame 23 and the second movable frame 32 are respectively connected and fixed to the corresponding sliders; the sliding direction of the first movable frame 23 and the second movable frame 32 on the corresponding guide rails can be parallel to the center line connecting the first synchronous belt pulley 712 and the second synchronous belt pulley 713, and the center line connecting the second synchronous belt pulley 713 and the third synchronous belt pulley 714, respectively. The design of the first guide rail 91 and the second guide rail 92 facilitates the positioning and guidance of the test tube cap removal component 2 and the receiving component 31, prevents deviation, and improves the stability of the movement.

[0078] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide plate installed on the test tube cap removal assembly in the test tube cap removal and recovery device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the test tube fixing component and the second transmission component in the test tube cap removal and recycling device provided in this application.

[0079] The test tube fixing component 1 of this application is used to clamp and fix the test tube 61, facilitating the clamping and removal of the test tube cap 62 by the test tube cap removal component 2. The test tube fixing component 1 includes a test tube gripper assembly 11, which clamps and releases the test tube 61 by closing and opening the test tube gripper assembly 11. This application does not limit the specific structure of the test tube fixing component 1.

[0080] In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube fixing assembly 1 and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 are also connected by a transmission assembly, which is defined here as the second transmission assembly 72. The test tube fixing assembly 1 also includes a rack 14, a driving gear 15, a first driven gear 16, and a second driven gear 17. The second transmission assembly 72 can drive the rack 14 to slide. The driving gear 15 meshes with the rack 14. The driving gear 15 and the second driven gear 17 both mesh with the first driven gear 16. The test tube clamp assembly 11 includes two clamping arms 111, which are respectively fixed to the first driven gear 16 and the second driven gear 17. During the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the second transmission assembly 72 drives the rack 14 to slide along the first direction, so as to drive the two clamping arms 111 to move closer to each other to clamp the test tube 61; during the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the second transmission assembly 72 drives the rack 14 to slide along the second direction, so as to drive the two clamping arms 111 to move further apart to release the test tube 61; the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0081] In the test tube fixing assembly 1, the rack 14 is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket 41, and the specific structure connecting the rack 14 and the mounting bracket 41 is not limited. As an optional solution, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 7 In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap removal and recycling device further includes a mounting base 42, and the test tube fixing assembly 1 further includes a third guide rail 12 and a fixing base 13; the mounting base 42 is fixed on the mounting frame 41, the third guide rail 12 is fixed on the mounting base 42, the rack 14 is disposed on the fixing base 13, and the fixing base 13 is slidably connected to the third guide rail 12.

[0082] In specific settings, the sliding groove of the third guide rail 12 can be set to face upwards, and the fixing seat 13 can be fixed to the top of the slider that fits the third guide rail 12. The fixing seat 13 drives the rack 14 to slide above the third guide rail 12. Alternatively, it can be configured as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the groove of the third guide rail 12 is set to face left, and the fixing seat 13 is fixed to the left side of the slider that fits the third guide rail 12. In this way, the fixing seat 13 slides on the left side of the third guide rail 12, saving vertical space and making the structure more compact. Alternatively, the rack 14 can be directly fixed to the top of the fixing seat 13, or... Figure 7 As shown, a mounting groove 131 is provided on the top of the mounting base 13, and the rack 14 is inserted into the mounting groove 131, making the connection more secure. At the same time, a threaded hole 141 can be provided on the rack 14, and the rack 14 can be connected to the mounting base 13 by bolts, which facilitates disassembly.

[0083] In the test tube fixing assembly 1, the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, and the second driven gear 17 are rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 41. Specifically, the arrangement can be as follows: Figure 7As shown, three rotating shafts 18 are rotatably mounted on the mounting base 42. The driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, and the second driven gear 17 are respectively fixedly mounted on the three rotating shafts 18. The two clamping arms 111 are respectively fixed on the rotating shafts 18 connected to the first driven gear 16 and the second driven gear 17.

[0084] Understandably, the teeth of the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, the second driven gear 17, and the rack 14 in the test tube fixing assembly 1 can be set on the horizontal plane or on the vertical plane, that is, they can mesh on the horizontal plane or on the vertical plane.

[0085] In the embodiments provided in this application, please refer to Figure 7 The teeth of the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, the second driven gear 17, and the rack 14 are all set on the horizontal plane and mesh with each other on the horizontal plane. The two clamping arms 111 are set horizontally and move closer and further away through rotational movement on the horizontal plane.

[0086] In another embodiment provided in this application, the teeth of the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, the second driven gear 17, and the rack 14 are all arranged on a vertical plane. The mounting base 42 is L-shaped and includes a horizontal part and a vertical part. The rack 14 is slidably arranged on the top of the horizontal part of the mounting base 42. The three rotating shafts 18 are all horizontally arranged and rotatably arranged on one side of the vertical part of the mounting base 42 and located above the horizontal part. The two clamping arms 111 are horizontally arranged, with one end fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 18, and the other end moving closer and further away by rotating on the vertical plane.

[0087] The test tube fixing assembly 1 of this application will be described in detail below, taking the example that the teeth of the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, the second driven gear 17, and the rack 14 are all set on the horizontal plane.

[0088] The sliding direction of the rack 14 in the test tube fixing assembly 1 and the specific positions of the driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, and the second driven gear 17 are arranged according to the positions of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the test tube cap recycling assembly 3. As long as the above meshing relationship is satisfied and the two clamping arms 111 can clamp / release the test tube 61 as the first driven gear 16 and the second driven gear 17 rotate, the movement of the rack 14 and the two clamping arms 111 does not interfere with other components. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0089] For example, please refer to Figure 1 The test tube cap removal assembly 2 is located on the left side of the first transmission assembly 71, and the receiving part 31 is located on the lower right side of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 7The rack 14 slides in the front-back direction, and the teeth of the rack 14 are arranged in a direction parallel to the sliding direction. The driving gear 15, the first driven gear 16, and the second driven gear 17 are arranged in a right-angled triangle. The driving gear 15 is located to the left of the rack 14, the first driven gear 16 is located to the left of the driving gear 15, and the second driven gear 17 is located in front of the first driven gear 16. During the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the second transmission assembly 72 drives the rack 14 to slide forward, the rack 14 drives the drive gear 15 to rotate clockwise, the drive gear 15 drives the first driven gear 16 to rotate counterclockwise, and the first driven gear 16 drives the second driven gear 17 to rotate clockwise, thereby causing the two clamping arms 111 to move closer together and clamp the test tube 61; during the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the second transmission assembly 72 drives the rack 14 to slide backward, the rack 14 drives the drive gear 15 to rotate counterclockwise, the drive gear 15 drives the first driven gear 16 to rotate clockwise, and the first driven gear 16 drives the second driven gear 17 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby causing the two clamping arms 111 to move away from each other and release the test tube 61. With this configuration, the rack 14 can make full use of the space in the front and back directions by sliding back and forth. In addition, the two clamping arms 111 rotate on the horizontal plane on the left side of the rack 14, which will not interfere with the movement of the test tube cap recycling assembly 3. This is beneficial to the layout of other components, making the structure of the test tube cap removal and recycling device of this application more compact, saving the space required for assembly, reducing the overall volume of the device, and further improving the space utilization rate.

[0090] In the test tube fixing assembly 1, one end of the clamping arm 111 is fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 18, and the other end is used to clamp the test tube 61. Its structural form is not limited. For an example, please refer to... Figure 7 One end of the clamping arm 111 has a mounting hole, through which the clamping arm 111 is sleeved onto the corresponding rotating shaft 18. The other ends of the two clamping arms 111 extend out of the mounting base 42, and a clamping block 112 is provided on the opposite side of the part extending out of the mounting base 42. In actual use, the two clamping blocks 112 are used to clamp the test tube 61. The opposite side of the two clamping blocks 112 can be provided with a concave clamping groove 1121, in which the test tube 61 can be clamped within the space of the two clamping grooves 1121, making the clamping process more stable. The groove wall of the clamping groove 1121 can also be set as an arc shape, so that the outer wall of the test tube 61 will not be damaged when clamping the test tube 61. The clamping blocks 112 can be connected to the clamping arms 111 by bolts for easy replacement.

[0091] The second transmission component 72 is used to convert the lifting motion of the test tube cap removal component 2 into the linear motion of the rack 14, and its structural form is not limited.

[0092] As an optional solution, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7The second transmission component 72 includes a guide plate 721 and a follower 722. The guide plate 721 is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal component 2. The side wall of the guide plate 721 is provided with a motion groove 723, which includes an inclined groove section 7232. One end of the follower 722 is fixedly connected to the rack 14, and the other end of the follower 722 is slidably arranged in the motion groove 723. When the test tube cap removal component 2 is raised and lowered, it drives the guide plate 721 to rise and fall, and the follower 722 slides relative to the inclined groove section 7232 to drive the rack 14 to slide.

[0093] In actual installation, the guide plate 721 can be positioned in any direction, including in front of, behind, to the left of, and to the right of the mounting base 42. The specific position of the guide plate 721 and the tilting direction of the inclined groove section 7232 are determined according to the layout of the components in the test tube fixing assembly 1 and the positions of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the test tube cap recycling assembly 3. Please refer to the embodiments provided in this application. Figure 3 , Figure 6 The guide plate 721 is located behind the mounting base 42 and parallel to the sliding direction of the rack 14. The motion groove 723 is a horizontal through groove in the left and right direction, and the inclined groove section 7232 is inclined to the forward side.

[0094] The inclined groove section 7232 enables the follower 722 to slide the rack 14, allowing the two clamping arms 111 to gradually move closer or further apart, thus gradually clamping or releasing the test tube 61. In use, the follower 722 can be initially positioned at the lower part of the inclined groove section 7232. When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends, it causes the guide plate 721 to descend as well. The inclined groove section 7232 applies a forward thrust to the follower 722, causing it to slide upwards and forwards relative to the guide plate 721 along the inclined groove section 7232. This pushes the rack 14 forwards, causing the two clamping arms 111 to gradually move closer together, gradually clamping the test tube 61 with increasing clamping force. After the test tube cap removal assembly 2 locks the test tube cap 62, it controls the test tube cap removal assembly 2 to rise, causing the guide plate 721 to move upward. The inclined groove section 7232 applies a backward thrust to the follower 722, causing the follower 722 to slide downward and backward relative to the guide plate 721 along the inclined groove section 7232, thereby pushing the rack 14 to slide backward, causing the two clamping arms 111 to gradually move away. The clamping degree of the two clamping arms 111 on the test tube 61 gradually decreases, but before the test tube cap removal assembly 2 starts to rise and pulls out the test tube cap 62, the two clamping arms 111 always maintain a clamping state on the test tube 61. After the test tube cap removal assembly 2 pulls out the test tube cap 62, the clamping degree of the two clamping arms 111 on the test tube 61 gradually decreases until the test tube 61 is released. As can be seen, the guide plate 721 provides guidance for the movement of the rack 14, and its cooperation with the follower 722 cleverly realizes the conversion of the lifting and lowering movement of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 into the opening and closing movement of the two clamping arms 111. It should be noted that the movement of the follower 722 in the movement groove 723 described above is relative to the guide plate 721. In fact, the follower 722 only moves in the horizontal direction and remains stationary in the vertical direction. The above description is only for the convenience of describing the relative positional relationship between the follower 722 and the guide plate 721 during the movement process, and does not mean that the follower 722 moves in the vertical direction.

[0095] In addition, it is understood that the second driven gear 17 can also be set behind the first driven gear 16. In this case, the inclined groove section 7232 of the motion groove 723 on the guide plate 721 is inclined to the rear. The specific working principle is similar to the principle of the inclined groove section 7232 being inclined to the front, and will not be described in detail here.

[0096] In the embodiments provided in this application, the motion groove 723 further includes a first vertical groove segment 7231 and a second vertical groove segment 7233, which are sequentially connected from bottom to top. This arrangement increases the vertical travel of the test tube cap removal assembly 2.

[0097] Specifically, in the initial state of use, the follower 722 can be set in the first vertical groove section 7231. When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends, it causes the guide plate 721 to descend, and the follower 722 moves upward relative to the guide plate 721: First, the follower 722 moves upward along the first vertical groove section 7231 into the inclined groove section 7232; then, as the inclined groove section 7232 descends, the rack 14 slides forward, causing the two clamping arms 111 to gradually clamp the test tube 61. When the follower 722 moves to the top of the inclined groove section 7232, the clamping degree of the two clamping arms 111 on the test tube 61 is the highest; finally, the follower 722 enters the second vertical groove section 7233 from the inclined groove section 7232 and rises along the second vertical groove section 7233. The rack 14 stops sliding, and the clamping degree of the two clamping arms 111 on the test tube 61 remains unchanged until the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the lower limit and locks the test tube cap 62. When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 rises, it drives the guide plate 721 to rise, and the follower 722 moves downward relative to the guide plate 721. First, the follower 722 moves downward along the second vertical groove section 7233. During this process, the clamping force of the two clamping arms 111 on the test tube 61 remains unchanged, which is conducive to the test tube cap removal assembly 2 pulling the test tube cap 62 upward. Then, the follower 722 moves from the second vertical groove section 7233 into the inclined groove section 7232 and continues to move. The rack 14 slides backward, driving the two clamping arms 111 to gradually release the test tube 61. Finally, the follower 722 moves from the inclined groove section 7232 into the first vertical groove section 7231 and descends along the first vertical groove section 7231, and the rack 14 stops sliding. It can be seen that at this time, the guide plate 721 not only provides guidance for the movement of the rack 14, but also provides a limit for the rack 14, and makes the vertical stroke design of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 more flexible.

[0098] The shape of the guide plate 721 is not limited. Please refer to the embodiments provided in this application. Figures 1 to 6 The guide plate 721 is configured as an inverted L-shape, comprising a first guide plate segment 7211 and a second guide plate segment 7212 extending downward from the rear of the first guide plate segment 7211. The test tube fixing assembly 1 and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 are both located in front of the mounting frame 41. The mounting frame 41 has a through sliding hole 411. The front part of the first guide plate segment 7211 is fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly 2, and one side of the front part of the first guide plate segment 7211 can be fixedly connected to the first movable frame 23. The second guide plate segment 7212 passes rearward through the sliding hole 411 and is located at the rear of the mounting frame 41. With this configuration, the guide plate 721 moves up and down along the sliding hole 411 without interfering with other components, fully utilizing the space in the front-rear direction of the mounting frame 41, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0099] The test tube fixing assembly 1 transmits the movement of the test tube cap removal assembly 2 to the rack 14 via the follower 722. The structure of the follower 722 is not limited. For example, the follower 722 can be a cam bearing follower, with its shaft fixedly connected to the rack 14. The roller of the follower 722 is slidably disposed within the motion groove 723, and the axis of the follower 722 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the rack 14. With this configuration, the follower 722, under the action of the guide plate 721, slides relative to the rack 14 within the motion groove 723 while also rolling, enabling it to withstand greater forces without easily deforming, while simultaneously achieving stable power transmission, allowing the rack 14 to slide smoothly. It is understood that the follower 722 can also be a slider, which has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0100] In actual settings, it can also be like this: Figure 3 As shown, the corners between adjacent groove segments of the motion groove 723 are rounded to make the movement of the cam bearing follower between adjacent groove segments smoother and extend the service life of the cam bearing follower.

[0101] In the embodiments provided in this application, the second transmission assembly 72 further includes a push rod 724; one end of the push rod 724 is provided with at least one waist-shaped hole 7241, the length direction of the waist-shaped hole 7241 is parallel to the sliding direction of the rack 14, the push rod 724 is fixedly connected to the rack 14 through the waist-shaped hole 7241 by a bolt (not shown in the figure), and the other end of the push rod 724 is fixedly connected to the follower 722. With this configuration, on the one hand, during the lifting and lowering process of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, the power is transmitted to the cam bearing follower via the guide plate 721. The cam bearing follower uses the push rod 724 to push the rack 14 to move, which improves the stability of power transmission. On the other hand, during the assembly process, there may be gaps between the teeth of the drive gear 15 and the rack 14. The setting of the waist-shaped hole 7241 allows the rack 14 to move along the length direction of the waist-shaped hole 7241 after the bolt is loosened, until the teeth of the drive gear 15 and the rack 14 are engaged. This can prevent the test tube 61 and the test tube clamp assembly 11 from sliding relative to each other in the axial direction, so that the test tube clamp assembly 11 does not wobble after clamping the test tube 61.

[0102] When push rod 724 is not provided, the rotating shaft of follower 722 can be directly connected to fixed base 13; when push rod 724 is provided, it can be connected as follows: Figure 7 As shown, one end of the push rod 724 with the oblong hole 7241 is connected to the fixed seat 13 by bolts. The fixed seat 13 enables the power transmitted from the cam bearing follower to be more stably converted into the sliding of the rack 14. At the same time, it also enables the rack 14 to not wobble during the sliding process, making the movement more stable.

[0103] During the assembly process of the test tube fixing assembly 1 and the second transmission assembly 72, the guide plate 721 and follower 722, push rod 724, third guide rail 12 and fixed seat 13, each rotating shaft 18, each gear, and each clamping arm 111 can be assembled first. Before the rack 14 is assembled, the test tube 61 is placed between the two clamping arms 111 and the test tube 61 is manually held. Then the push rod 724 is pre-tightened on the fixed seat 13, and then the rack 14 is assembled on the fixed seat 13. In this way, the test tube fixing assembly 1 can be compatible with test tubes 61 of different diameters.

[0104] The test tube cap removal assembly 2 of this application is used to lock, pull out, and release the test tube cap 62. Without loss of generality, it includes a test tube cap locking member 22 for locking / releasing the test tube cap 62. Whether a driving member is needed to drive the locking / releasing action depends on the structure of the test tube cap locking member 22, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0105] As an optional solution, the test tube cap locking component 22 can be a cap puller. A connecting plate can be fixedly connected to the first transmission component 71, and the cap puller can be installed below the connecting plate. When the first moving frame 23 is set, the connecting plate can be fixedly connected to one side of the first moving frame 23. At the same time, a cap puller seat is set on the front side of the mounting frame 41 and below the cap puller. A cap puller hole is opened on the cap puller seat. The inner diameter of the cap puller hole is larger than the outer diameter of the cap puller and smaller than the outer diameter of the test tube cap 62. The cap puller is set directly opposite the cap puller hole. The cap puller can be set as a cylindrical structure with knurled or other structures on the surface to increase surface friction. In use, the first transmission component 71 drives the cap remover to descend, and the cap remover passes downward through the cap removal hole until it is inserted into the test tube cap 62. Then, the cap remover rises under the drive of the first transmission component 71. The friction between the cap remover and the test tube cap 62 is greater than the friction between the test tube cap 62 and the test tube 61, so the test tube cap 62 is pulled out. When the cap remover moves to the point where the test tube cap 62 is close to the bottom surface of the cap removal seat, the cap remover continues to rise and passes through the cap removal hole. The cap removal hole blocks the upward movement of the test tube cap 62, thereby allowing the cap remover to be pulled out of the test tube cap 62, thus releasing the test tube cap 62.

[0106] As an alternative, the test tube cap locking component 22 can be a test tube cap gripper assembly. The test tube cap gripper assembly can be configured to automatically lock / release the test tube cap 62 without the need for a driving component. For example, the test tube cap gripper assembly can be equipped with a snap-fit ​​component for automatically locking / releasing the test tube cap 62. Specifically, a sleeve and a test tube cap gripper can be provided, the sleeve can be connected to the first transmission component 71, the snap-fit ​​component can be placed inside the sleeve, and the test tube cap gripper can be connected to the snap-fit ​​component. A sliding groove can be provided on the test tube cap gripper, and a rotating shaft that cooperates with the sliding groove can be provided on the sleeve. By setting the shape of the sliding groove, when the snap-fit ​​component moves inside the sleeve, the movement of the rotating shaft within the sliding groove can control the opening and closing of the test tube cap gripper. In use, the first transmission component 71 drives the test tube cap gripper assembly to descend. When the test tube cap 62 presses against the latching assembly, the latching assembly moves upward relative to the sleeve. Due to the shape of the groove in the test tube cap gripper, the rotating shaft moves downward relative to the groove, causing the test tube cap gripper to tighten inward and finally clamp the test tube cap 62. Subsequently, the first transmission component 71 drives the test tube cap gripper assembly to rise. The structure of the latching assembly causes the latching assembly to move downward relative to the sleeve. Due to the shape of the groove in the test tube cap gripper, the rotating shaft moves upward relative to the groove, causing the test tube cap gripper to open outward and finally completely release the test tube cap 62.

[0107] In both of the above-mentioned optional solutions, the locking / releasing of the test tube cap 62 by the test tube cap locking component 22 is achieved by the power transmitted from the first driving component 5 by the first transmission component 71. This allows the automatic removal and recycling of the test tube cap 62 to be achieved with only one driving component. The structure is simple, reduces manufacturing costs, lowers the failure risk rate, and requires only a small space for assembly and installation, reducing the size of the device and improving space utilization.

[0108] Understandably, both types of test tube cap locking components 22 described above can be equipped with driving components to drive rotation. For example, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 can also include a second driving component 21, which can be a drive motor. The second driving component 21 is connected to the first transmission assembly 71, and the cap puller / test tube cap gripper assembly is connected to the second driving component 21. With this configuration, when the first driving component 5 drives the first transmission assembly 71 to move, causing the test tube cap removal assembly 2 to descend to the position of the test tube cap 62 and lock the test tube cap 62, the second driving component 21 drives the cap puller / test tube cap gripper assembly to rotate. Then, the first driving component 5 drives the first transmission assembly 71 to move, causing the test tube cap removal assembly 2 to rise, so as to smoothly pull out the test tube cap 62. Subsequently, the second driving component 21 controls the cap puller / test tube cap gripper assembly to stop rotating. Although this setup requires an additional drive unit, the total number of drive units is still less than that required by existing technologies to complete the automatic removal and retrieval of the test tube cap 62. While ensuring that the overall structure of the device is simple and the size is small, it also makes it easier to pull out the test tube cap 62.

[0109] In addition, the test tube cap locking component 22 can also be configured as a test tube cap gripper assembly that requires the second driving component 21 to open or close or open and rotate. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap locking member 22 is a test tube cap gripper assembly structure that requires the second driving member 21 to drive its opening and closing. When the first transmission component 71 drives the test tube cap removal component 2 to descend to the clamping position of the test tube cap 62, the second driving member 21 controls the test tube cap locking member 22 to close and clamp the test tube cap 62. Then, the first transmission component 71 drives the test tube cap removal component 2 to rise to pull out the test tube cap 62. Subsequently, the second driving member 21 controls the test tube cap locking member 22 to open and release the test tube cap 62. With this configuration, although the opening and closing of the test tube cap gripper assembly requires the driving member, it can have a simple structure, and the opening and closing control can be achieved using a simple transmission component, making the configuration more flexible.

[0110] As can be seen from the above, this application does not limit the specific structure of the test tube cap removal component 2, and can realize the automatic removal and recycling of the test tube cap 62 with a simple structure containing fewer driving components, which is highly flexible.

[0111] In addition to the problem of excessive drive components leading to structural complexity, existing test tube cap removal and recovery devices also suffer from incompatibility with test tubes of different specifications. The test tube cap removal and recovery device provided in this application solves these problems. Specifically, it can accommodate test tubes 61 of different diameters by controlling the opening and closing degree of the test tube clamping component 11 within the test tube fixing component 1, or by replacing the clamping blocks 112 of different sizes; it can also accommodate test tubes 61 of different heights by controlling the stopping position of the test tube cap removal component 2 after its descent via the first transmission component 71; and it can accommodate test tube caps 62 of different outer diameters by setting the inner diameter of the cap-removing hole in the test tube cap removal component 2 when it is a cap remover, or by controlling the opening and closing degree of the test tube cap clamping component 22 when it is a test tube cap clamping component.

[0112] In the embodiments provided in this application, the test tube cap removal and recovery device further includes a controller; please refer to Figure 3 The mounting bracket 41 is equipped with an upper limit sensor 81 and a lower limit sensor 82; the upper limit sensor 81, the lower limit sensor 82, and the first drive component 5 are all electrically connected to the controller; when the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the lower limit position, the lower limit sensor 82 sends a lower limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive component 5 to close; when the test tube cap removal assembly 2 rises to the upper limit position, the upper limit sensor 81 sends an upper limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive component 5 to close.

[0113] It is understood that the upper limit sensor 81 and the lower limit sensor 82 can be mechanical limit sensors or photoelectric sensors, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, both the upper limit sensor 81 and the lower limit sensor 82 are photoelectric sensors, and they are arranged sequentially from top to bottom on the moving trajectory of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the lower limit position, it blocks the lower limit sensor 82, and the lower limit sensor 82 sends a corresponding signal to the controller; when the test tube cap removal assembly 2 rises to the upper limit position, it blocks the upper limit sensor 81, and the upper limit sensor 81 sends a corresponding signal to the controller.

[0114] The controller and the upper limit sensor 81 and lower limit sensor 82 are configured so that when the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is raised or lowered to the lower limit / upper limit, the corresponding sensor sends a corresponding signal to the controller. The controller controls the first drive component 5 to open / close according to the corresponding signal, thereby controlling the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the receiving component 31 to stop moving. With the cooperation of the second transmission component 72, the test tube fixing assembly 1, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 and the test tube cap recycling assembly 3 are linked to automatically remove and recycle the test tube cap 62.

[0115] In actual setup, several lower limit sensors 82 can be installed. One sensor can be detachably mounted on the mounting bracket 41, with its height determined by the height of the test tube 61 to be operated. This method is simple. Alternatively, two or more lower limit sensors 82 can be installed sequentially from top to bottom, with their specific heights determined by the height of the test tube 61 to be operated. When a test tube 61 at a certain height needs to be operated, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the position of the lower limit sensor 82 corresponding to that test tube 61. The lower limit sensor 82 then sends a signal to the controller. Upon receiving the signal from the lower limit sensor 82, the controller sends a stop signal to the first drive unit 5, controlling the first drive unit 5 to stop operating and thus stopping the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. This configuration allows the test tube cap removal and recovery device of this application to be applicable to test tubes 61 of different heights.

[0116] The test tube cap recovery assembly 3 of this application is used to recover the test tube caps 62 pulled out by the test tube cap removal assembly 2. The test tube cap recovery assembly 3 includes a receiving component 31, which is connected to a first transmission assembly 71 and moves under the drive of the first transmission assembly 71 to receive the test tube caps 62 released by the test tube cap removal assembly 2.

[0117] In specific configurations, the structure of the receiving component 31 is not limited, as long as it can receive the test tube cap 62. As an optional design, the receiving component 31 can be a cylindrical shape with both the top and bottom open. The test tube cap recovery assembly 3 may also include a recovery box 33. The recovery box 33 is located below the receiving component 31, with its top open to form a recovery port 331. The bottom end of the receiving component 31 is located above or extends into the recovery box 33 through the recovery port 331. With this configuration, after the test tube cap 62 released by the test tube cap removal assembly 2 falls into the receiving component 31, the receiving component 31 sends the test tube cap 62 through the recovery port 331 into the recovery box 33, achieving stable recovery of the test tube cap 62 and preventing it from falling into other components.

[0118] Understandably, the receiving component 31, serving as a receiving and buffering medium for the recycled test tube cap 62, can be either straight or curved. For an example, please refer to... Figures 1 to 5 The receiving component 31 comprises, from top to bottom, a vertical receiving section 311, an inclined feeding section 312, and a vertical unloading section 313 connected in sequence. The bottom end of the unloading section 313 extends into the recycling box 33 through the recycling port 331. The inclined direction of the feeding section 312 is parallel to the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714. The side wall of the feeding section 312 is connected to the second moving frame 32. With this configuration, the receiving component 31 forms a slide for the test tube cap 62 to pass smoothly, allowing the test tube cap 62 to fall smoothly into the recycling box 33. Furthermore, when the test tube fixing assembly 1, the test tube cap removal assembly 2, and the first transmission assembly 71 are in accordance with… Figure 1 When arranged as shown, the feeding section 312, parallel to the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley 713 and the third synchronous pulley 714, ensures that the test tube fixing component 1 remains below the receiving component 31 as the receiving component 31 moves synchronously to the upper left or lower right corner during the lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal assembly 2. This prevents the receiving component 31 from colliding with the test tube fixing component 1, resulting in a more compact structure and saving assembly and installation space. Simultaneously, during the movement of the receiving component 31, the feeding section 313 always moves within the recovery port 331, always aligning with it, ensuring smooth recovery of the test tube cap 62. Furthermore, the segments of the receiving component 31 can be rounded to allow the test tube cap 62 to pass smoothly through each segment, facilitating smoother recovery and preventing damage to the outer wall of the test tube cap 62.

[0119] In the embodiments provided in this application, please refer to Figure 1 The recycling bin 33 also extends outward from its top edge to form a base 34, which houses the mounting bracket 41 as a vertical plate and fixes it to the top of the base 34. The base 34 supports the mounting bracket 41 and the components mounted on it, making the structure more compact. It should be noted that, for ease of demonstration of the relative positional relationship between the receiving component 31 and the recycling bin 33 during movement, Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5The recycling bin 33 is not shown in the images; only the base 34 is shown.

[0120] This application also provides a method for removing and recovering test tube caps, applied to the test tube cap removal and recovery device of this application, comprising the following steps:

[0121] The first driving component 5 is activated, which drives the test tube cap removal component 2 to descend. The receiving component 31 moves away from the test tube cap removal component 2, and the test tube clamping component 11 clamps the test tube 61.

[0122] When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the lower limit, the first drive component 5 is closed to stop the test tube cap removal assembly 2 from descending, the receiving component 31 stops moving, and the test tube cap removal assembly 2 locks the test tube cap 62.

[0123] The first drive unit 5 is activated, which drives the test tube cap removal component 2 to rise and pull out the test tube cap 62. The receiving component 31 moves toward the test tube cap removal component 2.

[0124] When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 rises to the upper limit, the receiving part 31 moves below the test tube cap removal assembly 2, closes the first drive part 5 to stop the test tube cap removal assembly 2 from rising, the receiving part 31 stops moving, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 releases the test tube cap 62, and the test tube cap 62 falls into the receiving part 31.

[0125] The working process of the test tube cap removal and recovery device in the embodiments provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0126] First, such as Figure 1 As shown, the test tube 61 with the test tube cap 62 to be removed is placed between the two clamping arms 111 of the test tube fixing assembly 1. In the initial state, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 is located between the upper limit and the lower limit, the receiving part 31 is located on the right side of the test tube cap removal assembly 2, and the follower 722 is located in the first vertical groove section 7231 of the motion groove 723 in the guide plate 721.

[0127] Then, the first drive unit 5 is controlled to rotate forward, causing the synchronous belt 711 to rotate counterclockwise, which drives the first moving frame 23 to slide downward along the first guide rail 91, thereby causing the test tube cap removal assembly 2 to descend. At the same time, the second moving frame 32 is driven to slide along the second guide rail 92 to the lower right corner, thereby causing the receiving part 31 to move away from the test tube cap removal assembly 2. During this period, the guide plate 721 descends, and the follower 722 moves relative to the first vertical groove section 7231 of the moving groove 723 to the inclined groove section 7232. Then, the inclined groove section 7232 pushes the rack 14 forward via the push rod 724, causing the two clamping arms 111 to move closer to each other to clamp the test tube 61. After the follower 722 moves relative to the inclined groove section 7232 to the second vertical groove section 7233, the rack 14 stops sliding, and the two clamping arms 111 keep clamping the test tube 61.

[0128] Next, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 When the test tube cap removal assembly 2 descends to the lower limit position, it triggers the lower limit sensor 82. The lower limit sensor 82 sends a lower limit signal to the controller. After receiving the lower limit signal, the controller controls the first drive component 5 to stop rotating, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 stops descending, and the receiving component 31 stops moving. At the same time, the controller also controls the second drive component 21 to rotate forward so as to control the test tube cap locking component 22 to close, thereby clamping the test tube cap 62.

[0129] Then, the controller controls the first drive component 5 to reverse, causing the synchronous belt 711 to rotate clockwise, driving the first moving frame 23 to slide upward along the first guide rail 91, thereby raising the test tube cap removal component 2. At the same time, it drives the second moving frame 32 to slide along the second guide rail 92 to the upper left corner, thereby causing the receiving component 31 to synchronously approach the test tube cap removal component 2. During this period, as the test tube cap locking component 22 drives the guide plate 721 to rise, the follower component 722 first moves downward relative to the second vertical groove section 7233, keeping the two clamping arms 111 clamping the test tube 61. The test tube cap locking component 22 gradually pulls the test tube cap 62 away from the test tube 61, completing the removal operation of the test tube cap 62. Then, the follower component 722 moves relative to the inclined groove section 7232. Subsequently, the inclined groove section 7232 is pulled backward by the push rod 724 to slide the rack 14, causing the two clamping arms 111 to move away from each other to release the test tube 61.

[0130] Finally, when the test tube cap removal assembly 2 rises to the upper limit position, it triggers the upper limit sensor 81. The upper limit sensor 81 sends an upper limit signal to the controller. Upon receiving the upper limit signal, the controller stops the first drive component 5, the test tube cap removal assembly 2 stops rising, and the receiving component 31 stops moving. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 The receiving section 311 of the receiving component 31 moves to the bottom of the test tube cap locking component 22. The receiving port 3111 at the top of the receiving section 311 is directly opposite the test tube cap locking component 22. At this time, the controller also controls the second driving component 21 to reverse so as to control the test tube cap locking component 22 to open, thereby releasing the test tube cap 62. The released test tube cap 62 falls into the receiving section 311 of the receiving component 31 through the receiving port 3111, and then falls into the recycling box 33 below through the feeding section 312 and the unloading section 313, completing the recycling operation of the test tube cap 62.

[0131] In summary, the embodiments provided in this application, by setting the first transmission component 71 to be connected to the receiving part 31 of the test tube cap removal component 2 and the test tube cap recycling component 3, and simultaneously setting the second transmission component 72 to be connected to the test tube fixing component 1 and the test tube cap removal component 2, and setting the first driving component 5 to be connected to the first transmission component 71, can realize the linkage between the lifting and lowering of the test tube cap removal component 2 and the movement of the receiving part 31 using the first transmission component 71. On this basis, the second transmission component 72 is used to convert the lifting and lowering motion of the test tube cap removal component 2 into the opening and closing motion of the test tube gripper component 11. Thus, the automatic removal and recycling of the test tube cap 62 can be achieved using fewer or even one driving component. This not only simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers the failure risk rate, but also requires only a small space for assembly and installation, reducing the size of the device and improving space utilization.

[0132] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the apparatus and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A test tube cap removal and recycling device characterized by, It includes a test tube fixing component (1), a test tube cap removal component (2), a test tube cap recycling component (3), a mounting bracket (41), and a first driving component (5); the test tube fixing component (1) includes a test tube clamping component (11), and the test tube cap recycling component (3) includes a receiving component (31); The first driving component (5) is used to drive the test tube cap removal component (2) to rise and fall; at least one of the test tube fixing component (1) and the test tube cap recycling component (3) is connected to the test tube cap removal component (2) through a transmission component so as to cooperate and link with the test tube cap removal component (2); The test tube fixing assembly (1) and the transmission assembly are both mounted on the mounting frame (41). The test tube cap recovery assembly (3) and the test tube cap removal assembly (2) are connected by the transmission assembly, which is defined as the first transmission assembly (71). The first transmission assembly (71) includes a timing belt (711) and a timing pulley; the timing belt (711) is connected to the test tube cap removal assembly (2) and the receiving component (31) to drive the test tube cap removal assembly (2) and the receiving component (31) to work together. There are at least three synchronous pulleys, including a first synchronous pulley (712), a second synchronous pulley (713), and a third synchronous pulley (714) arranged in a triangle. The first synchronous pulley (712) is located directly above the second synchronous pulley (713). The test tube cap removal assembly (2) is fixed on the synchronous belt (711) between the first synchronous pulley (712) and the second synchronous pulley (713). The receiving component (31) is fixed on the synchronous belt (711) between the second synchronous pulley (713) and the third synchronous pulley (714). The angle between the center line connecting the first synchronous pulley (712) and the center line connecting the second synchronous pulley (713) and the third synchronous pulley (714) is an obtuse angle. The test tube fixing assembly (1) and the test tube cap removal assembly (2) are connected by the transmission assembly, which is defined as the second transmission assembly (72). The test tube fixing assembly (1) also includes a rack (14), a driving gear (15), a first driven gear (16), and a second driven gear (17). The second transmission assembly (72) can drive the rack (14) to slide. The driving gear (15) meshes with the rack (14). The driving gear (15) and the second driven gear (17) both mesh with the first driven gear (16). The test tube clamp assembly (11) includes two clamping arms (111), which are respectively fixed to the first driven gear (16) and the second driven gear (17). During the descent of the test tube cap removal assembly (2), the second transmission assembly (72) drives the rack (14) to slide along a first direction, thereby causing the two clamping arms (111) to move closer together to clamp the test tube (61); during the ascent of the test tube cap removal assembly (2), the second transmission assembly (72) drives the rack (14) to slide along a second direction, thereby causing the two clamping arms (111) to move further apart to release the test tube (61); the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

2. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 1, characterized by The first drive unit (5) is connected to one of the synchronous pulleys to drive the tube cap removal assembly (2) to rise and fall.

3. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 1, characterized by Also includes: First guide rail (91), second guide rail (92); The first guide rail (91) and the second guide rail (92) are both fixed on the mounting bracket (41). The test tube cap removal assembly (2) and the receiving component (31) are respectively fixedly connected to the first moving frame (23) and the second moving frame (32). The first moving frame (23) and the second moving frame (32) are respectively slidably arranged on the first guide rail (91) and the second guide rail (92). The first moving frame (23) and the second moving frame (32) are both fixedly connected to the synchronous belt (711).

4. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that It also includes a mounting base (42); The test tube fixing assembly (1) also includes a third guide rail (12) and a fixing seat (13); The mounting base (42) is fixed on the mounting frame (41), the third guide rail (12) is fixed on the mounting base (42), the rack (14) is disposed on the fixed base (13), and the fixed base (13) is slidably connected to the third guide rail (12).

5. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second transmission assembly (72) includes a guide plate (721) and a follower (722); The guide plate (721) is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly (2). The side wall of the guide plate (721) is provided with a motion groove (723). The motion groove (723) includes an inclined groove section (7232). One end of the follower (722) is fixedly connected to the rack (14), and the other end of the follower (722) is slidably arranged in the motion groove (723). When the test tube cap removal assembly (2) is raised or lowered, it drives the guide plate (721) to rise or fall. The follower (722) slides relative to the inclined groove section (7232) to drive the rack (14) to slide.

6. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 5, characterized by The motion groove (723) also includes a first vertical groove section (7231) and a second vertical groove section (7233), which are connected sequentially from bottom to top.

7. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 5, characterized by The guide plate (721) includes a first guide plate segment (7211) and a second guide plate segment (7212) formed by extending downward from the rear of the first guide plate segment (7211). The test tube fixing assembly (1) and the test tube cap removal assembly (2) are both located in front of the mounting frame (41). The mounting frame (41) has a sliding hole (411) that runs through the front and back. The front of the first guide plate segment (7211) is fixedly connected to the test tube cap removal assembly (2), and the second guide plate segment (7212) passes through the sliding hole (411) to the rear.

8. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 5, characterized by The follower (722) is a cam bearing follower. The shaft of the follower (722) is fixedly connected to the rack (14). The roller of the follower (722) is slidably disposed in the motion groove (723). The axis of the follower (722) is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the rack (14).

9. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to claim 5, characterized by, The second transmission assembly (72) also includes a push rod (724); At least one waist-shaped hole (7241) is provided at one end of the push rod (724). The length direction of the waist-shaped hole (7241) is parallel to the sliding direction of the rack (14). The push rod (724) is fixedly connected to the rack (14) through the waist-shaped hole (7241) by bolts. The other end of the push rod (724) is fixedly connected to the follower (722).

10. The test tube cap removal and recycling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes the controller; The mounting bracket (41) is equipped with an upper limit sensor (81) and a lower limit sensor (82); the upper limit sensor (81), the lower limit sensor (82), and the first drive unit (5) are all electrically connected to the controller; When the test tube cap removal assembly (2) descends to the lower limit position, the lower limit sensor (82) sends a lower limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive unit (5) to close; when the test tube cap removal assembly (2) rises to the upper limit position, the upper limit sensor (81) sends an upper limit signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first drive unit (5) to close.

11. A test tube cap removal and recycling method characterized by, The test tube cap removal and recovery device applied to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprises the following steps: The first driving component (5) is activated, driving the test tube cap removal component (2) to descend, the receiving component (31) moves away from the test tube cap removal component (2), and the test tube clamping component (11) clamps the test tube (61). When the test tube cap removal assembly (2) descends to the lower limit, the first drive member (5) is turned off to stop the test tube cap removal assembly (2) from descending, the receiving member (31) stops moving, and the test tube cap removal assembly (2) locks the test tube cap (62). The first drive unit (5) is activated, driving the test tube cap removal assembly (2) to rise and pull out the test tube cap (62), and the receiving part (31) moves toward the test tube cap removal assembly (2); When the test tube cap removal assembly (2) rises to the upper limit, the receiving part (31) moves below the test tube cap removal assembly (2), and the first drive part (5) is turned off to stop the test tube cap removal assembly (2) from rising. The receiving part (31) stops moving, and the test tube cap removal assembly (2) releases the test tube cap (62), which falls into the receiving part (31).

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