Opening device

Abstract

This application relates to a cap-opening device. It includes: a frame; a tube clamping mechanism, disposed on the frame and used to clamp the tube body of a sample tube; a lifting mechanism, including a lifting member and a lifting drive assembly, the lifting member being slidably disposed on the frame, the lifting drive assembly being used to drive the lifting member to slide; and a loosening mechanism, disposed on the lifting member, the loosening mechanism being used to loosen the cap of the sample tube from the tube body; wherein, during the process of loosening the cap, the loosening mechanism pushes the lifting member to slide relative to the lifting drive assembly away from the tube clamping mechanism; when the cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly can drive the lifting member to slide relative to the frame away from the tube clamping mechanism. This improves the compatibility and versatility of the cap-opening device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a lid-opening device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of sample analysis, samples are typically placed in sample tubes. During testing, the sample tubes undergo several steps, including centrifugation, opening, collection, testing, capping, preservation, and sterilization. A capping device is used to open the sample tube, that is, to unload the cap from the tube body. Generally, the device first fixes the tube body, then rotates the cap relative to the tube body to loosen it, thereby detaching the threaded connection between the cap and the tube body. Then, the cap rises relative to the tube body to completely detach, ultimately opening the sample tube. However, traditional capping devices may fail to open some sample tube models, affecting their compatibility with different sample tube types. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One technical problem addressed by this application is how to improve the compatibility of the lid-opening device.

[0004] A lid-opening device, comprising:

[0005] frame;

[0006] A tube clamping mechanism, mounted on the frame and used to clamp the tube body of the sample tube;

[0007] A lifting mechanism includes a lifting component and a lifting drive assembly. The lifting component is slidably mounted on the frame, and the lifting drive assembly drives the lifting component to slide.

[0008] A loosening mechanism is provided on the lifting component, and the loosening mechanism is used to loosen the tube cap of the sample tube from the tube body;

[0009] During the process of loosening the pipe cap, the loosening mechanism pushes the lifting component to slide away from the pipe clamping mechanism relative to the lifting drive assembly; when the pipe cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly can drive the lifting component to slide away from the pipe clamping mechanism relative to the frame.

[0010] In one embodiment, during the process of loosening the pipe cap, the lifting member and the lifting drive assembly have a gradually increasing movement space along the sliding direction of the lifting member; when the pipe cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly and the lifting member abut against each other along the sliding direction of the lifting member to push the lifting member to slide.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lifting drive assembly includes a lifting driver, a lead screw, and a screw component. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the frame, the lifting driver drives the lead screw to rotate, the screw component is threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the screw component is slidably connected to the lifting component and pushes the lifting component away from the clamping mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism further includes a floating component, which is fixedly connected to the lifting component, and the spiral component is slidably sleeved on the floating component.

[0013] In one embodiment, the floating component includes a floating rod and a limiting head. The floating rod protrudes from the limiting head, and the cross-section of the limiting head is larger than the cross-section of the floating rod. The spiral component has a sliding hole. The floating rod is fixedly connected to the lifting plate and slides in cooperation with the sliding hole. The limiting head is located outside the sliding hole and can abut against the spiral component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the floating rod includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion connected to each other, the threaded portion being threadedly connected to the lifting member, and the smooth portion being slidably engaged with the sliding hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the spiral member includes a sleeve portion and an abutment portion. The sleeve portion protrudes from the abutment portion and is slidably inserted into the lifting member. The abutment portion is located on the side of the lifting member closer to the clamping mechanism and is slidably connected to the floating member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the spiral member includes a sleeve portion and an abutment portion. The sleeve portion protrudes from the abutment portion and is slidably inserted into the lifting member. The abutment portion is located on the side of the lifting member closer to the clamping mechanism and is slidably connected to the floating member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the tube clamping drive assembly includes a tube clamping driver and a tube clamping conveyor belt, the tube clamping driver driving the tube clamping conveyor belt to move, and two clamping members being fixedly connected to the tight side and the loose side of the tube clamping conveyor belt, respectively.

[0018] In one embodiment, a cap-dropping mechanism is also included, comprising a cap-dropping tube and a cap-dropping drive assembly, the cap-dropping tube being slidable relative to the frame, and the cap-dropping drive assembly driving the cap-dropping tube to slide so that the cap-dropping tube receives a cap from the loosening mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the capping tube has a middle cavity and two end cavities. The middle cavity is connected between the two end cavities. The centerline of the middle cavity is set at an angle to the lifting direction of the lifting member. The centerline of the end cavities extends along the lifting direction of the lifting member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the frame includes a base, a middle seat, a top seat, and a guide rod. Along the movement direction of the lifting member, the middle seat is spaced between the top seat and the base, the lifting member is spaced between the middle seat and the top seat, the guide rod slides through the lifting member and its two ends are respectively connected to the middle seat and the top seat, and the clamping mechanism is disposed on the base.

[0021] One technical advantage of one embodiment of this application is that during the loosening process of the tube cap, the loosening mechanism pushes the lifting component to slide away from the tube clamping mechanism relative to the lifting drive assembly. This avoids interference between the lifting drive assembly and the movement rhythm of the loosening mechanism and the lifting component, allowing the movement rhythm of the loosening mechanism and the lifting component to automatically match the loosening speed of tube caps with different thread pitches. This ensures that the loosening mechanism can effectively loosen tube caps with different thread pitches, thereby improving the compatibility and versatility of the capping device for opening sample tubes with different thread pitches. After the tube cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly drives the lifting component to slide away from the tube clamping mechanism relative to the frame, so that the tube cap is completely detached from the tube body, ultimately achieving smooth opening of the sample tube. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a lid-opening device provided in one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the opening device from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the opening device shown.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the tube clamping mechanism in the opening device shown.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial three-dimensional structure of the opening device after removing the clamping mechanism and the cap dropping mechanism.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The opening device shown is in Figure 5 A partial 3D structural diagram after removing some parts from the original structure.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The opening device shown is in Figure 6 A partial 3D structural diagram after removing some parts from the original structure.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A three-dimensional sectional view of the structure.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the lid-opening device shown.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the lid-dropping mechanism in the lid-opening mechanism.

[0033] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The diagram shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the cap-dropping tube in the cap-dropping mechanism.

[0034] Reference numerals: Opening device 10, frame 100, base 110, middle seat 120, top seat 130, guide rod 140, tube clamping mechanism 200, tube clamping drive assembly 210, tube clamping driver 211, tube clamping conveyor belt 212, clamping component 220, lifting mechanism 300, lifting component 310, lifting drive assembly 320, lifting driver 321, lead screw 322, screw component 323, sleeve part 3231, abutment part 3232, sliding hole 3233, moving space 3234, floating component 330, floating rod 331, threaded part 3311, smooth part 3312, limiting head 332, loosening mechanism 400. Thrust assembly 500, thrust driver 510, thrust component 520, thrust shaft 521, fixing component 522, clearance groove 5221, rotating wheel 523, adapter 524, linear bearing 530, rotating assembly 600, rotating driver 610, rotating drive motor 611, rotating conveyor belt 612, rotating component 620, rotating bearing 630, clamping assembly 700, connecting component 710, connecting plate 711, connecting column 712, movable groove 7121, clamping component 720, rotating block 721, first rotating part 7211, second rotating part 7212, slot 7213, clamping block 722, cap dropping mechanism 800, cap dropping tube 810, intermediate tube cavity 811, end tube cavity 812, cap dropping drive assembly 820, cap dropping driver 821, cap dropping conveyor belt 822. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0037] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0041] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a capping device 10 for opening sample tubes in one embodiment. The sample tube includes a tube body and a cap. The tube body contains a liquid sample, and the cap is fixed to the tube body via a threaded connection, thus sealing the inner cavity of the tube body. When it is necessary to open the cap to draw the sample from the tube, the capping device 10 can unload the cap from the tube body, ultimately opening the sample tube. The capping device 10 includes a frame 100, a tube clamping mechanism 200, a lifting mechanism 300, and a loosening mechanism 400. Both the clamping mechanism 200 and the lifting mechanism 300 are mounted on the frame 100, and the loosening mechanism 400 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 300. The clamping mechanism 200 is used to clamp the body of the sample tube, and the loosening mechanism 400 is used to clamp the cap of the sample tube to loosen the cap from the body. The lifting mechanism 300 can drive the loosening mechanism 400 away from the clamping mechanism 200 so that the cap is completely detached from the body. Of course, before loosening the cap, the lifting mechanism 300 can also drive the loosening mechanism 400 closer to the clamping mechanism 200 so that the loosening mechanism 400 contacts the cap so that the loosening mechanism 400 can then perform the cap loosening operation.

[0042] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the frame 100 includes a base 110, a middle seat 120, a top seat 130, and guide rods 140. The base 110, middle seat 120, and top seat 130 can be spaced apart vertically, with the middle seat 120 located between the base 110 and the top seat 130. Guide rods 140 extend vertically, and there can be multiple guide rods 140. One end of each guide rod 140 is fixedly connected to the top seat 130, and the other end is fixedly connected to the middle seat 120, thus connecting the top seat 130 and the middle seat 120. Both the tube clamping mechanism 200 and the cap dropping mechanism 800 can be mounted on the base 110.

[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, during the loosening of the pipe cap, the lifting member 310 slides relative to the lifting drive assembly 320, creating a gradually increasing movement space 3234 between the lifting member 310 and the lifting drive assembly 320 along the sliding direction of the lifting member 310. This eliminates the interference of the lifting drive assembly 320 on the movement of the lifting member 310, i.e., it eliminates the influence of the lifting drive assembly 320 on the movement rhythm of the lifting member 310. When the pipe cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly 320 and the lifting member 310 abut against each other along the sliding direction of the lifting member 310 to push the lifting member 310 to slide, so that the pipe cap is completely detached from the pipe body. Obviously, when the lifting drive assembly 320 abuts against the lifting member 310, the size of the movement space 3234 is zero, which can be understood as the disappearance of the movement space 3234.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 300 includes a lifting member 310 and a lifting drive assembly 320. The lifting member 310 may be generally plate-shaped and may be located between the middle seat 120 and the top seat 130. A guide rod 140 is slidably inserted through the lifting member 310, allowing the lifting member 310 to slide relative to the guide rod 140 in the vertical direction. That is, the lifting member 310 may perform reciprocating linear motion relative to the guide rod 140 in the vertical direction, and the lifting member 310 may move upward a sufficient distance relative to the guide rod 140. The lifting drive assembly 320 includes a lifting driver 321, a lead screw 322, and a screw 323. The lead screw 322 is rotatably inserted through the base 110, the middle seat 120, the top seat 130, and the lifting member 310. The auger 323 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 322, and the auger 323 is slidably connected to the lifting member 310 in the vertical direction, preventing the auger 323 from rotating relative to the lifting member 310 and the entire frame 100 around a vertically extending shaft. The lifting driver 321 can be a stepper motor, which is connected to one end of the lead screw 322 and drives the lead screw 322 to rotate. When the lead screw 322 rotates, it drives the auger 323 to reciprocate linearly in the vertical direction. That is, the lifting driver 321 converts the rotational motion of the lead screw 322 into the linear motion of the auger 323. When the auger 323 comes into contact with the lifting member 310 in the vertical direction, the auger 323 pushes the lifting member 310 upward synchronously.

[0045] In some embodiments, the spiral member 323 includes a sleeve portion 3231 and an abutment portion 3232. The sleeve portion 3231 protrudes from the abutment portion 3232 and is slidably inserted into the lifting member 310. The abutment portion 3232 is located below the lifting member 310, such that the abutment portion 3232 is located on the side of the lifting member 310 closer to the clamping mechanism 200 and the base 110. The sleeve portion 3231 can abut against the lifting member 310 in the vertical direction to push the lifting member 310 to move upward synchronously or downward synchronously with the lifting member 310. In other embodiments, the spiral member 323 may only include the abutment portion 3232, and the sleeve portion 3231 may be omitted.

[0046] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 300 further includes a floating member 320, which may be generally rod-shaped. The floating member 320 is fixedly connected to the lifting member 310 and can pass through the abutment portion 3232 of the screw member 323, allowing the abutment portion 3232 to slide on the floating member 320. By providing the floating member 320, a sliding connection between the screw member 323 and the lifting member 310 can be achieved, thereby preventing the screw member 323 from rotating relative to the lifting member 310 and the frame 100. Multiple floating members 320 can be provided, arranged around the lead screw. In other embodiments, for example, a groove can be formed on the sleeve portion 3231, and a slide rail can be provided on the lifting member 310. The groove and the slide rail cooperate to achieve a sliding connection between the screw member 323 and the lifting member 310. For example, if a slide groove is provided on the frame 100, the auger 323 can slide and engage with the slide groove through the intermediate connector, and the auger 323 can also slide and connect with the lifting component 310.

[0047] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the floating member 330 includes a floating rod 331 and a limiting head 332, which can be coaxially arranged. The floating rod 331 has a columnar structure, and the limiting head 332 can have a block-shaped structure. The cross-sectional dimension of the limiting head 332 is larger than that of the floating rod 331. The floating rod 331 is fixedly connected to the lifting member 310. A sliding hole 3233 is provided on the abutment portion 3232. The floating rod 331 passes through the sliding hole 3233, so that the floating rod 331 slides in the sliding hole 3233, thereby allowing the floating rod 331 to slide back and forth in the vertical direction relative to the spiral member 323. The limiting head 332 is located outside the sliding hole 3233. The limiting head 332 will abut against the abutting part 3232 of the screw 323, so that the limiting head 332 cannot enter the sliding hole 3233. Therefore, through the limiting effect of the limiting head 332, the screw 323 can not be separated from the floating rod 331.

[0048] In some embodiments, the floating rod 331 may include a threaded portion 3311 and a smooth portion 3312. The smooth portion 3312 is connected between the threaded portion 3311 and the limiting head 332. The threaded portion 3311 is fixedly connected to the lifting member 310 by a threaded connection. The smooth portion 3312 is slidably engaged with the sliding hole 3233, allowing the floating rod 331 to reciprocate vertically relative to the helical member 323. In other embodiments, the upper end of the floating rod 331 may be fixedly connected to the lifting member 310 by welding, gluing, or snap-fitting.

[0049] For example, during the clockwise rotation of the lead screw 322 driven by the lifting actuator 321, the lead screw 322 can drive the auger 323 to move upwards towards the lifting member 310. When the abutting part 3232 of the auger 323 abuts against the lifting member 310, the continuing upward movement of the abutting part 3232 will drive the lifting member 310 to move upwards synchronously. During the counterclockwise rotation of the lead screw 322 driven by the lifting actuator 321, when the lifting member 310 abuts against the abutting part 3232 of the auger 323, the lifting member 310 and the auger 323 can move downwards synchronously. It can be understood that when the opening device 10 is in an idle state, under the action of gravity, the lifting member 310 will slide downwards and abut against the abutting part 3232. At this time, when the auger 323 moves up and down, the lifting member 310 will follow the auger 323 to move up and down synchronously.

[0050] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the tube clamping mechanism 200 may be mounted on the base 110. The tube clamping mechanism 200 includes a tube clamping drive assembly 210 and two clamping members 220. Both clamping members 220 can slide relative to the frame 100 along the same straight line. When the tube clamping drive assembly 210 moves, the two clamping members 220 can move towards or away from each other along the same straight line. When the two clamping members 220 move towards each other, they can clamp and fix the tube body of the sample tube, preventing the tube body from sliding or rotating relative to the clamping members 220. When the two clamping members 220 move away from each other, they can release the clamping effect on the tube body, allowing the tube body to be unloaded from the tube clamping mechanism 200.

[0051] The tube clamping drive assembly 210 may include a tube clamping driver 211 and a tube clamping conveyor belt 212. The tube clamping driver 211 may include a tube clamping motor, a driving wheel, and a driven wheel. The driving wheel is mounted on the tube clamping motor, which drives the driving wheel to rotate. The tube clamping conveyor belt 212 is fitted onto the driving wheel and the driven wheel. When the tube clamping motor drives the driving wheel to rotate, it causes the tube clamping conveyor belt 212 to move. Obviously, the tight side and the slack side of the tube clamping conveyor belt 212 will move in a straight line, and their directions of movement are opposite. One clamping member 220 can be fixed to the tight side of the tube clamping conveyor belt 212, and the other clamping member 220 can be fixed to the slack side of the tube clamping conveyor belt 212. For example, when the pipe clamping motor drives the drive wheel to rotate clockwise, the pipe clamping conveyor belt 212 can cause the two clamping members 220 to move towards each other to clamp the pipe body; when the pipe clamping motor drives the drive wheel to rotate counterclockwise, the pipe clamping conveyor belt 212 can cause the two clamping members 220 to move away from each other to clamp the pipe body. In other embodiments, two separate drivers can be used to drive the two clamping members 220 to move towards or away from each other respectively.

[0052] See Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the loosening mechanism 400 is disposed on the lifting member 310, so that the loosening mechanism 400 can move linearly in the vertical direction synchronously with the lifting member 310. The loosening mechanism 400 includes a thrust assembly 500, a rotation assembly 600, and a clamping assembly 700.

[0053] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the thrust assembly 500 includes a thrust driver 510, a thrust member 520, and a linear bearing 530. The thrust driver 510 can be a linear motor and is fixed to the lifting member 310. The thrust member 520 may include a thrust shaft 521, a fixing member 522, and a rotating wheel 523. The thrust shaft 521 passes through the lifting member 310, with its upper end corresponding to the thrust driver 510. The fixing member 522 can be fixedly disposed at the lower end of the thrust shaft 521. When the thrust driver 510 is working, it can drive the thrust shaft 521 and the fixing member 522 to perform reciprocating linear motion in the vertical direction. The fixing member 522 has a clearance groove 5221, which extends horizontally for a certain length. Multiple clearance grooves 5221 can be provided, spaced circumferentially along the fixing member 522. The rotating wheel 523 can be a deep groove ball bearing. The rotating wheel 523 can be mounted on the fixing member 522 via a mounting shaft. For example, the middle of the mounting shaft passes through the clearance groove 5221, and both ends of the mounting shaft are connected to the fixing member 522. The rotating wheel 523 is positioned at the location of the mounting shaft within the clearance groove 5221, ensuring that the rotating wheel 523 is at least partially contained within the clearance groove 5221, allowing it to rotate relative to the fixing member 522 around the horizontally extending shaft. A linear bearing 530 can be fitted onto the thrust shaft 521, allowing the thrust shaft 521 to move linearly in the vertical direction relative to the linear bearing 530. By using the linear bearing 530, the motion sensitivity and accuracy of the thrust shaft 521 can be improved. Of course, the thrust shaft 521 cannot rotate relative to the linear bearing 530.

[0054] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the thrust assembly 500 may further include an adapter 524, which is rotatably sleeved on the thrust shaft 521, allowing the thrust shaft 521 to rotate relative to the adapter 524 about its central axis. However, the thrust shaft 521 cannot slide vertically relative to the adapter 524. The thrust actuator 510 may be directly connected to the adapter 524, thus avoiding a direct connection between the thrust actuator 510 and the thrust shaft 521. When the thrust actuator 510 pushes the adapter 524 up and down, the thrust shaft 521 can follow the adapter 524 in its up and down movement. However, since the thrust actuator 510 is not directly connected to the thrust shaft 521, interference from the thrust actuator 510 can be eliminated when the thrust shaft 521 rotates relative to the adapter 524, thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the thrust shaft 521 relative to the adapter 524.

[0055] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 600 includes a rotating driver 610, a rotating member 620, and a rotating bearing 630. The rotating bearing 630 can be an angular contact ball bearing. The rotating bearing 630 is fixedly connected to the lifting member 310, and the rotating member 620 is rotatably sleeved within the rotating bearing 630, allowing the rotating member 620 to rotate relative to the lifting member 310. By providing the rotating bearing 630, the rotational sensitivity and accuracy of the rotating member 620 relative to the lifting member 310 can be improved. A linear bearing 530 can be sleeved within the rotating member 620, making the linear bearing 530 fixedly connected to the rotating member 620. When the rotating component 620 rotates, it can drive the linear bearing 530 to rotate synchronously around the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. Consequently, the linear bearing 530 and the thrust shaft 521 can rotate synchronously around the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. Therefore, the rotating component 620, the linear bearing 530, and the thrust shaft 521 can rotate synchronously around the central axis of the thrust shaft 521.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rotary driver 610 includes a rotary drive motor 611, a rotary transmission belt 612, a driving wheel, and a driven wheel. The rotary drive motor 611 can be a stepper motor, which is mounted on the lifting member 310. The driving wheel is connected to the rotary drive motor 611, and the driven wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating member 620. The rotary transmission belt 612 is sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven wheel. When the rotary drive motor 611 drives the driving wheel to move, the rotating member 620 will rotate relative to the lifting member 310 through the action of the rotary transmission belt 612 and the driven wheel, thereby causing the rotating member 620 to drive the thrust shaft 521 to rotate.

[0057] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the clamping assembly 700 includes a connector 710 and a clamping member 720. The clamping member 720 is rotatably connected to the connector 710, and the connector 710 is fixedly connected to the rotating member 620. The connector 710 includes a connecting plate 711 and connecting posts 712. Multiple connecting posts 712 can be present. The connecting plate 711 and the rotating member 620 can be fixedly connected by bolts. The connecting posts 712 can protrude along the thickness direction of the connecting plate 711, such that the connecting posts 712 are located on the same side of the connecting plate 711, i.e., on the lower side of the connecting plate 711. The number of connecting posts 712 can be equal to the number of clamping members 720, forming a one-to-one correspondence. Multiple connecting posts 712 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting plate 711. The connecting posts 712 are provided with movable slots 7121, which are used to accommodate clamping parts 720. The movable slots 7121 extend a certain length in the vertical direction.

[0058] See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the clamping member 720 includes a rotating block 721 and a clamping block 722. The middle part of the rotating block 721 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 710, and one end of the rotating block 721 is movably connected to the fixing member 522. The clamping block 722 is rotatably disposed at the end of the rotating block 721 away from the fixing member 522, and the clamping block 722 is used to directly clamp the pipe cap. The rotating block 721 includes a first rotating part 7211 and a second rotating part 7212, which are arranged at an angle. For example, the first rotating part 7211 and the second rotating part 7212 can be perpendicular to each other. A slot 7213 can be provided on the first rotating part 7211. During installation, a part of the first rotating part 7211 can extend into the recess 5221 of the fixing member 522, and the rotating wheel 523 is located in the slot 7213 of the first rotating part 7211. When the thrust shaft 521 drives the fixing member 522 to move up and down, the first rotating part 7211 will simultaneously rotate and slide relative to the fixing member 522 within the relief groove 5221. The relief groove 5221 plays a good guiding role in the movement of the first rotating part 7211. By setting the rotating wheel 523, the sliding friction of the first rotating part 7211 during the movement can be converted into rolling friction, thereby reducing the movement resistance of the first rotating part 7211 and improving the movement sensitivity and accuracy of the first rotating part 7211 and the entire clamping member 720 relative to the fixing member 522.

[0059] The opening of the included angle formed by the first rotating part 7211 and the second rotating part 7212 can be set towards the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. The connection between the first rotating part 7211 and the second rotating part 7212 can be accommodated in the movable groove 7121 of the connecting column 712, so that the connection between the first rotating part 7211 and the second rotating part 7212 is rotatably connected to the connecting column 712. Therefore, by setting the movable groove 7121, a clearance space can be provided for the movement of the rotating block 721 relative to the connecting column 712. At the same time, the movable groove 7121 forms a limiting effect on the rotation of the rotating block 721, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the movement of the rotating block 721.

[0060] The clamping block 722 is rotatably connected to the end of the second rotating part 7212 away from the first rotating part 7211. The clamping block 722 is used to directly clamp the pipe cap. There can be three clamping members 720, so that the three clamping members 720 apply clamping force to the pipe cap at the same time. Based on the basic principle that three points determine a plane, the stability and reliability of the clamping of the pipe cap by the three clamping members 720 can be improved by clamping the pipe cap at three positions.

[0061] When the clamping mechanism is working, the clamping blocks 722 can be aligned with the cap of the sample tube, with the three clamping blocks 722 arranged around the cap. Then, the thrust driver 510 drives the thrust shaft 521 upward through the adapter 524, thereby causing the fixing member 522 to move upward along with the thrust shaft 521. Since the middle part of the rotating block 721 is rotatably connected to the connecting column 712, the rotating block 721 can be made to resemble a lever structure. The first rotating part 7211 is similar to the effort arm of the lever, the second rotating part 7212 is similar to the resistance arm of the lever, and the connection between the rotating block 721 and the connecting column 712 is similar to the fulcrum of the lever. As the fixing member 522 moves upward following the thrust shaft 521, the fixing member 522 will drive the first rotating part 7211, which acts as the power arm, to rotate away from the central axis of the thrust shaft 521 via the rotating wheel 523. This, in turn, causes the first rotating part 7211 to drive the second rotating part 7212, which acts as the resistance arm, to move closer to the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. Therefore, the second rotating part 7212 will move closer to the pipe cap. When the second rotating part 7212 drives the clamping block 722 to contact the pipe cap, the thrust shaft 521 can drive the fixing member 522 to rise a short distance and then stop moving, allowing the clamping block 722 to apply sufficient clamping force to the pipe cap. Since the clamping block 722 is rotatably connected to the second rotating part 7212, the clamping block 722 can rotate relative to the second rotating part 7212 to adjust its clamping position on the pipe cap, thereby allowing the clamping block 722 to apply clamping force to the pipe cap in the optimal position, improving the stability and reliability of the clamping action.

[0062] After the clamping block 722 clamps the pipe cap, the rotary drive motor 611 drives the rotating component 620 to rotate relative to the lifting component 310 via the rotary transmission belt 612. This, in turn, causes the rotating component 620 to drive the thrust shaft 521 and the fixing component 522 to rotate relative to the adapter 524 via the linear bearing 530. The rotating component 620 also drives the clamping component 720 to rotate via the connecting component 710. Therefore, the rotating component 620, thrust shaft 521, fixing component 522, connecting component 710, and clamping component 720 will rotate synchronously. When the clamping component 720 rotates, the clamping block 722 drives the pipe cap to rotate relative to the pipe body, thereby loosening the pipe cap relative to the pipe body until the threaded connection between the pipe cap and the pipe body is completely released, ultimately achieving complete loosening of the pipe cap relative to the pipe body.

[0063] When it is necessary to release the clamping action of the clamp 722 on the pipe cap, the thrust driver 510 can push the thrust shaft 521 downward through the adapter 524, thereby causing the fixing member 522 to move downward with the thrust shaft 521. During the downward movement of the fixing member 522 following the thrust shaft 521, the fixing member 522 will drive the first rotating part 7211, which acts as the power arm, to rotate close to the central axis of the thrust shaft 521 via the rotating wheel 523. This will cause the first rotating part 7211 to drive the second rotating part 7212, which acts as the resistance arm, to rotate away from the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. Therefore, the second rotating part 7212 will move away from the pipe cap. When the second rotating part 7212 drives the clamp 722 to completely disengage from the pipe cap, the clamping action of the clamp 722 on the pipe cap will be completely released.

[0064] Therefore, by using a lever-like principle, the clamping member 720 is driven by the linear motion of the thrust member 520 to clamp or loosen the pipe cap. This makes the entire loosening mechanism 400 structurally simpler and ensures the stability and reliability of the clamping member 720 clamping the pipe cap.

[0065] See Figure 1 , Figure 11 and Figure 12In some embodiments, the lid opening device 10 may further include a lid dropping mechanism 800. The lid dropping mechanism 800 includes a lid dropping tube 810 and a lid dropping drive assembly 820. The lid dropping drive assembly 820 includes a lid dropping driver 821, a lid dropping conveyor belt 822, a drive wheel, and a driven wheel. The lid dropping driver 821 may be a stepper motor, etc. The drive wheel is connected to the lid dropping driver 821, and the driven wheel can rotate relative to the base 110. The lid dropping conveyor belt 822 is sleeved on the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The lid dropping tube 810 can slide horizontally relative to the base 110, and the lid dropping tube 810 can be fixedly connected to the tight side or the loose side of the lid dropping conveyor belt 822. When the lid dropping driver 821 drives the lid dropping conveyor belt 822 to move, the lid dropping conveyor belt 822 will drive the lid dropping tube 810 to move linearly in the horizontal direction, thereby causing the lid dropping tube 810 to move closer to or away from the central axis of the thrust shaft 521.

[0066] See Figure 1 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The capping tube 810 has a middle cavity 811 and end cavities 812. The length of the middle cavity 811 can be much greater than the length of the end cavities 812. There can be two end cavities 812, with the middle cavity 811 connecting the two end cavities 812. The centerline of the middle cavity 811 is set at an angle to the lifting direction of the lifting member 310, that is, the centerline of the middle cavity 811 is inclined at an angle to the vertical direction. The centerline of the end cavity 812 extends along the lifting direction of the lifting member 310, that is, the centerline of the end cavity 812 extends along the vertical direction. This allows the two end cavities 812 to be spaced a certain distance apart in the horizontal direction. Obviously, one end cavity 812 is closer to the clamping mechanism in the vertical direction than the other end cavity 812, that is, one end cavity 812 is located above the other end cavity 812.

[0067] When the cap-dropping mechanism 800 is operating, the cap-dropping drive assembly 820 can drive the cap-dropping tube 810 to move closer to the central axis of the thrust shaft 521. For example, when the end cavity 812 relatively close to the loosening mechanism 300 is located at the central axis of the thrust shaft 521, the movement of the cap-dropping tube 810 stops. At this time, the loosening mechanism 300 can loosen the cap, and the cap will fall into the upper end cavity 812, and then be output from the lower end cavity 812 through the middle cavity, thereby conveying the cap to the designated recycling container. Obviously, given the horizontal distance between the two end cavities 812, the inclined middle cavity 811 connects the two end cavities 812, thus enabling the cap to be conveyed a certain distance in the horizontal direction.

[0068] If the cap-dropping mechanism 800 is not used, and instead the loosening mechanism 400 clamps the cap and moves it horizontally a certain distance to the recycling position above the recycling container, then the loosening mechanism 400 releases the cap to allow it to fall into the recycling container, and then returns from the recycling position to the clamping position to clamp and loosen the next cap, the loosening mechanism 400, due to its large size and weight, will move slowly horizontally. This means that the loosening mechanism 400 will spend too much time between the recycling and clamping positions, thus affecting the overall efficiency of the loosening mechanism 400.

[0069] Regarding the cap opening device 10 in the above embodiments, since the cap dropping mechanism 800 is provided, the loosening mechanism 400 can always clamp and loosen the cap in a specific clamping position in the horizontal direction, and then release the cap in the clamping position. The cap will be transported to the recycling container through the cap dropping pipe 810. That is, in the process of cap recycling, the horizontal movement of the cap dropping pipe 810 replaces the horizontal movement of the loosening mechanism 400, avoiding the loosening mechanism 400 from consuming too much time in the horizontal movement process, thereby improving the working efficiency of the loosening mechanism 400.

[0070] When the entire lid-opening device 10 is working, the following main working steps can be formed;

[0071] In the first step, the tube clamping mechanism 200 operates, and the tube clamping driver 211 drives the tube clamping conveyor belt 212 to move, thereby causing the two clamping members 220 to move towards each other so that the two clamping members 220 can clamp and fix the tube body of the sample tube, preventing the tube body from rotating or sliding relative to the clamping members 220.

[0072] In the second step, the lifting driver 321 drives the lead screw 322 to rotate, so that the lifting member 310 moves down towards the clamping mechanism 200 in sync with the abutment part 3232 of the screw member 323. The loosening mechanism 400 also moves down towards the clamping mechanism 200 in sync with the lifting member 310, and then moves the loosening mechanism 400 to the position corresponding to the pipe cap to clamp the pipe cap.

[0073] In the third step, the loosening mechanism 400 operates, and the thrust driver 510 drives the thrust member 520 to move upward a certain distance, so that the clamping member 720 clamps the pipe cap. Then, the rotation drive motor 611 drives the rotating conveyor belt 612 to move, so that the rotating conveyor belt 612 drives the rotating member 620 to rotate. This causes the rotating member 620, the thrust shaft 521, the fixing member 522, the connecting member 710 and the clamping member 720 to rotate synchronously. The rotation of the clamping member 720 will cause the pipe cap to rotate relative to the pipe body, thereby loosening the pipe cap relative to the pipe body. During the loosening of the pipe cap, due to the upward pushing force of the threaded engagement between the pipe cap and the pipe body, the upward thrust generated by the threaded engagement force will be transmitted sequentially through the clamping member 720, the connecting member 710, and the rotating member 620 to the lifting member 310. This causes the lifting member 310 and the loosening mechanism 400 to overcome their own weight and move upward along the guide rod 140. The floating member 330 slides upward relative to the screw member 323, and the lifting member 310 will gradually move upward away from the abutment portion 3232 of the screw member 323. This results in a gradually increasing vertical movement space 3234 between the lifting member 310 and the abutment portion 3232 of the screw member 323. When the pipe cap and the pipe body are completely disconnected from the threaded connection, the lifting member 310 will temporarily lose the power to continue sliding upward. If the cap has completely detached from the tube body after the threaded connection is completely released, the clamping member 720 of the loosening mechanism 400 can release the cap, thereby enabling the capping device 10 to open the sample tubes. The cap detached from the loosening mechanism 400 can fall into the cap discarding pipe 810 for transport to the recycling container. If the cap has not completely detached from the tube body after the threaded connection is completely released, the lifting mechanism 300 starts working, and the operation of the lifting mechanism 300 forms the following third step.

[0074] In the fourth step, the lifting driver 321 drives the lead screw 322 to rotate, causing the abutment portion 3232 of the screw 323 to move upward relative to the floating member 330 and closer to the lifting member 310. When the abutment portion 3232 of the screw 323 abuts against the lifting member 310, the movement space 3234 between the abutment portion 3232 of the screw 323 and the lifting member 310 disappears, which can be understood as the size of the movement space 3234 being zero. The continuing to rise screw 323 will exert an upward pushing force on the lifting member 310, that is, the lifting member 310 regains the upward sliding power, causing the screw 323 to push the lifting member 310 to rise synchronously, thereby causing the loosening mechanism 400 to drive the tube cap to rise until it is completely separated from the tube body, thus realizing the opening of the sample tube by the opening device 10. After the tube cap is completely separated from the tube body, the clamping member 720 of the loosening mechanism 400 can release the tube cap so that the tube cap falls into the cap dropping tube 810 for delivery to the recycling container.

[0075] During the loosening of the pipe cap, the thread engagement force between the pipe cap and the pipe body continuously generates an upward thrust, enabling the loosening mechanism 400 to overcome its own weight and move upward relative to the frame 100. If the lifting component 310 is fixedly connected to the lifting driver 321, no relative movement occurs between the lifting component 310 and the lifting driver 321 along the sliding direction of the lifting component 310 during the loosening process of the loosening mechanism 400 loosening the pipe cap. Furthermore, the rotational operation of the loosening mechanism 400 loosening the pipe cap and the lifting driver 321 driving the lifting component 310 upward to loosen the cap are used to rotate the pipe cap. When the lifting operation of mechanism 400 is performed simultaneously, given the difference in thread pitch between the caps and bodies of each sample tube, if the speed at which the lifting drive 321 drives the lifting component 310 to rise and thus raise the loosening mechanism 400 cannot match the speed at which the loosening mechanism 400 rises vertically with each rotation, on the one hand, the capping device 10 will be easily damaged, and on the other hand, the capping device 10 may fail to open because it cannot successfully loosen the caps of sample tubes with different thread pitches. Therefore, the capping device 10 has the defect of poor compatibility and versatility.

[0076] Regarding the cap-opening device 10 in the above embodiment, the lifting member 310 is movably connected to the lifting drive assembly 320. During the process of loosening the cap, the driving force for the upward movement of the loosening mechanism 400 and the lifting member 310 comes entirely from the thread engagement force between the cap and the pipe body. The lifting drive assembly 320 does not work, that is, the lifting drive assembly 320 does not provide an upward driving force for the loosening mechanism 400 and the lifting member 310. Therefore, only under the driving action of the thread engagement force, the lifting member 310 slides relative to the lifting drive assembly 320, that is, the lifting member 310 slides upward relative to the screw member 323. There will be a gradually increasing movement space 3234 between the abutment portion 3232 of the lifting member 310 and the screw member 323, that is, the lifting member 310 and the lifting drive assembly 320 are allowed to have a movement space 3234 along the sliding direction of the lifting member 310. This effectively eliminates the interference of the lifting drive assembly 320 on the lifting component 310, that is, it eliminates the problem that the speed at which the lifting drive assembly 320 drives the lifting component 310 to rise, thereby driving the loosening mechanism 400 to rise, cannot match the speed at which the loosening mechanism 400 rises vertically with each rotation. This ensures that the lifting component 310 and the loosening mechanism 400 can move upward relative to the frame 100 and the lifting drive assembly 320 according to the rhythm of the thread loosening until the tube cap is completely loosened. Of course, the size of the moving space 3234 needs to be greater than or equal to the effective length of the sample tube's thread so that the lifting component 310 can continuously slide upward relative to the screw component 323 during the process of loosening the tube cap.

[0077] Therefore, during the opening process, the loosening mechanism 400 first performs a rotation operation to loosen the tube cover, and then the lifting driver 321 drives the lifting component 310 to move upward to drive the loosening mechanism 400 to move upward. This solves the problem that the speed at which the lifting driver 321 drives the lifting component 310 to rise and drive the loosening mechanism 400 to rise cannot match the speed at which the loosening mechanism 400 rises vertically for each rotation.

[0078] The specific process is as follows: During the loosening process of the pipe cap, the thread engagement force between the pipe cap and the pipe body will continuously generate an upward thrust, causing the lifting component 310 and the loosening mechanism 400 to overcome their own weight and continue to move upward relative to the frame 100. Furthermore, the lifting component 310 and the lifting drive assembly 320 move relative to each other. When the pipe cap is completely loosened, the threads on the pipe cap and the pipe body are completely disconnected, the thread engagement force no longer exists, and the lifting component 310 and the loosening mechanism 400 stop moving upward. At this point, the pipe cap has been completely loosened.

[0079] Therefore, regardless of whether there is a difference in the pitch and effective length of the threads on the cap and body of the sample tube, as long as the relative movement space 3234 between the lifting member 310 and the lifting drive assembly 320 is greater than or equal to the effective length of the thread of the sample tube, the lifting member 310 and the loosening mechanism 400 can continue to move upward under the thrust generated by the thread meshing force until the cap is completely loosened.

[0080] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0081] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An uncapping device, characterized in that, include: frame; A tube clamping mechanism, mounted on the frame and used to clamp the tube body of the sample tube; A lifting mechanism includes a lifting component and a lifting drive assembly. The lifting component is slidably mounted on the frame, and the lifting drive assembly is used to drive the lifting component to slide. and A loosening mechanism is provided on the lifting component, and the loosening mechanism is used to loosen the tube cap of the sample tube from the tube body; During the process of loosening the pipe cap, the loosening mechanism pushes the lifting component to slide away from the pipe clamping mechanism relative to the lifting drive assembly. The driving force for the upward movement of the loosening mechanism and the lifting component comes entirely from the thread engagement force between the pipe cap and the pipe body, and the lifting drive assembly stops working. When the pipe cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly can drive the lifting component to slide away from the pipe clamping mechanism relative to the frame. During the process of loosening the pipe cap, the lifting component and the lifting drive assembly have a gradually increasing movement space along the sliding direction of the lifting component; when the pipe cap is completely loosened, the lifting drive assembly and the lifting component abut against each other along the sliding direction of the lifting component to push the lifting component to slide. The allowable movement space between the lifting component and the lifting drive assembly is greater than or equal to the effective length of the sample tube thread.

2. The lid-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting drive assembly includes a lifting driver, a lead screw, and a screw component. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the frame, and the lifting driver drives the lead screw to rotate. The screw component is threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the screw component can slide with the lifting component and push the lifting component away from the clamping mechanism.

3. The lid-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism also includes a floating component, which is fixedly connected to the lifting component, and the spiral component is slidably sleeved on the floating component.

4. The lid-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The floating component includes a floating rod and a limiting head. The floating rod protrudes from the limiting head, and the cross-section of the limiting head is larger than the cross-section of the floating rod. The spiral component has a sliding hole. The floating rod is fixedly connected to the lifting component and slides in cooperation with the sliding hole. The limiting head is located outside the sliding hole and can abut against the spiral component.

5. The lid-opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The floating rod includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion that are connected to each other. The threaded portion is threadedly connected to the lifting component, and the smooth portion is slidably engaged with the sliding hole.

6. The lid-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spiral component includes a sleeve portion and an abutment portion. The sleeve portion protrudes from the abutment portion and is slidably inserted into the lifting component. The abutment portion is located on the side of the lifting component near the clamping mechanism and is slidably connected to the floating component.

7. The lid-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube clamping mechanism includes a tube clamping drive assembly and two clamping members. The two clamping members are slidable relative to the frame. The tube clamping drive assembly drives the two clamping members to move toward or away from each other.

8. The lid-opening device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tube clamping drive assembly includes a tube clamping driver and a tube clamping conveyor belt. The tube clamping driver drives the tube clamping conveyor belt to move, and the two clamping members are respectively fixedly connected to the tight side and the loose side of the tube clamping conveyor belt.

9. The lid-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cap dropping mechanism, which includes a cap dropping tube and a cap dropping drive assembly. The cap dropping tube is slidable relative to the frame, and the cap dropping drive assembly drives the cap dropping tube to slide so that the cap dropping tube receives the cap from the loosening mechanism.

10. The lid-opening device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The capping pipe has a middle cavity and two end cavities. The middle cavity is connected between the two end cavities. The center line of the middle cavity is set at an angle to the lifting direction of the lifting component. The center line of the end cavities extends along the lifting direction of the lifting component.

11. The lid-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a base, a middle seat, a top seat, and a guide rod. Along the movement direction of the lifting component, the middle seat is spaced between the top seat and the base, the lifting component is spaced between the middle seat and the top seat, the guide rod slides through the lifting component and its two ends are respectively connected to the middle seat and the top seat, and the clamping mechanism is disposed on the base.

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