Cover opening equipment for test tube cover and method for opening test tube cover by utilizing cover opening equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a cap opening device for a test tube cap, comprising: a drive head comprising at least two drive head elements, at least one of which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the drive head element comprising a first section and a second section located on opposite sides of the axis of rotation; the elastic element is arranged to act on the second section so as to provide tensile force for the driving head element; the switching element can move between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the second section is subjected to the tensioning force of the elastic element so that the first section can form a first driving head size, and in the second position, the switching element can act on the elastic element so that the tensioning force borne by the second section can be changed so that the second section can form a second driving head size; as a result, the first section forms a second drive head size by rotation of the drive head element. Therefore, the flexibility of operations such as uncovering can be improved, the experiment efficiency is remarkably improved, and the cost is reduced. In addition, the invention relates to a method for opening test tube caps by means of the cap opening device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to sample detection in the field of biomedicine, and in particular to operating tools and methods for laboratory sample containers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a cover opening device for test tube covers. The present invention also relates to a method for using the cover opening device to drive the test tube cover, such as driving the test tube cover to rotate and then open the test tube cover. Background Art

[0002] In many fields such as biology, medicine, chemistry, and life sciences, after sample collection is completed, the samples in the test tubes need to be tested and analyzed by detection and analysis equipment. For this reason, the samples need to be uncapped before entering the detection and analysis instrument. Sometimes, due to the high difficulty of sampling or the high cost of the samples themselves, the samples need to be divided into multiple portions and stored in cryogenic tubes for subsequent research. Before using the cryogenic tube, it is also necessary to remove and open the test tube cap, then put the sample into the cryogenic tube, and then install the test tube cap.

[0003] At present, there are two ways to open the lid: manual opening and automatic opening by machine. On the one hand, the manual opening method is inefficient, and the operator can only operate a single test tube cap at a time. On the other hand, the operator manually tightens and loosens the test tube cap for a long time, which may affect the flexibility of the fingers or cause damage to the fingers. In addition, there is a potential hazard of contamination of the sample in the test tube. The automatic opening method of the machine can significantly reduce the labor intensity of opening / closing the lid, improve work efficiency, and has the characteristics of being pollution-free. In particular, due to the high frequency of opening or recapping of cryopreserved tubes, various opening devices have been widely used in laboratories to manage compound libraries and biological sample libraries to save experimental or storage time.

[0004] However, most of the current decapping equipment still needs to decap test tubes one by one, and the degree of automation and efficiency are not high. In addition, most of the current decapping equipment can only decap test tubes with test tube caps of the same diameter, but cannot decap test tubes with test tube caps of different diameters. If the latter is to be decapped or recapped, it is usually necessary to replace the drive head of the decapping equipment or other components that directly act on the test tube cap. This replacement also requires a lot of experimental time and cost.

[0005] For this purpose, the prior art has further developed a capping device that can be adapted to a variety of different test tube caps. For example, patent document US20070095024A1 discloses a capping system in which the relative position of the gripper arms is changed by one or more rotating cams, which causes the gripper arms on one or two plates of each group to move relative to the gripper arms of the other plate of the group, thereby changing the width of the combination and / or the relative angle of the gripper arms to manipulate the cap that fits the end of each vial. However, the structure of these capping devices is often very complex, the transmission chain is long, and therefore the cost is high, and the operation is difficult to control.

[0006] Therefore, there is always a demand in the art for a cover opening device with a simple and reliable structure, a lower overall cost, and more convenient automatic control. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a cover-opening device for test tube covers, which may include: a drive head, which can be used to engage with the test tube cover to drive it, the drive head can include at least two drive head elements, at least one of the drive head elements can rotate around a rotation axis, the drive head element can include a first section close to the test tube cover and a second section away from the test tube cover when the drive head engages with the test tube cover, and the first section and the second section can be located on opposite sides of the rotation axis; an elastic element, which can be configured to act on the second section to provide a tensioning force to the drive head element; a switching element, which can be configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the second section can be acted upon by the tensioning force of the elastic element so that the first section forms a first drive head size, and in the second position, the switching element can act on the elastic element to change the tensioning force applied to the second section, thereby through the rotation of the drive head element, the first section can form a second drive head size different from the first drive head size.

[0008] With the help of the above-mentioned cover opening device, the drive, especially the rotation drive, of the test tube covers with different sizes can be realized with a very simple structure, thereby improving the flexibility of operations such as cover opening, and significantly improving the experimental efficiency, saving working time and reducing costs. The adaptation to the test tube covers of different sizes can be completed by the switching element of the cover opening device. The interaction between the switching element and the elastic element can make the drive head element open to different degrees, so as to effectively engage with the test tube covers of different sizes. Here, there is no need to replace different drive heads when facing test tube covers of different sizes.

[0009] Advantageously, the first section is engageable with the test tube cap from the interior thereof.

[0010] When the switching element moves to different positions, the corresponding first sections of each drive head element can be at different distances from each other, that is, open to different degrees. Such a first section can be conveniently engaged with the inside of the test tube cover to drive it. Compared with external engagement, the engagement of the drive head element with the test tube cover from the inside can make the angle required for the first section to be opened smaller, which is more conducive to setting the elastic element and designing the size of the first section and the second section of the drive head element, thereby improving the compactness of the entire tool device. In addition, in this case, the corresponding test tube cover can be internally grooved, which is conducive to reducing the overall material weight of the test tube cover.

[0011] Preferably, when the switching element moves between the first position and the second position, the tension force applied to the second section can be continuously changed, whereby the first section can form a plurality of drive head sizes of different sizes, thereby allowing engagement with test tube caps of different sizes to drive them.

[0012] By making the tension force continuously variable when the switching element moves between different positions, the degree to which the first section can be opened can also be infinitely varied, thereby being adaptable to more (theoretically continuously varying) test tube covers, with considerable flexibility.

[0013] In particular, the switching element is designed such that its movement between the first position and the second position can be a translational movement in a direction towards or away from the cuvette cover.

[0014] By means of translational motion, the switching element can achieve a change in the opening degree of the first section in a simple manner. In particular, compared with a conventional complex transmission chain (for example, a case involving rotation or requiring cooperation between multiple parts), this structure is more efficient and cost-effective, and has higher reliability.

[0015] Advantageously, the elastic element can be connected between at least two drive head elements at the second section to provide an outward tensioning force thereto, and the switching element can be arranged around the drive head element from the outside, wherein, as the switching element moves toward the elastic element, the switching element can act on the second section from the outside against the tensioning force of the elastic element so that the second section rotates inwardly and the first section rotates outwardly to increase the size of the drive head.

[0016] By setting the elastic element inside the drive head element and arranging the switching element outside the drive head element, the elastic element and the switching element can be set with a simple structure, and the movement range of the switching element is also wider (compared to the case of the reverse setting).

[0017] In particular, the switching element can be designed as a switching plate, which can include at least one through-opening through which the drive head extends, the switching plate being designed to be movable in translation along the drive head element.

[0018] The switching element in the form of a switching plate has a very simple structure, and a through opening can be easily formed thereon, so that the drive head can be conveniently inserted therein to achieve the switching function. The switching plate is also easy to repair and replace, and the cost is low.

[0019] For example, the switching plate may include multiple through openings to accommodate multiple different drive heads, thereby allowing multiple test tube caps to be engaged simultaneously.

[0020] By providing a plurality of through openings, different drive heads can be used to engage different test tube caps at the same time. In particular, since there is only one switching plate, it is very convenient to drive a plurality of test tube caps by moving the same switching plate up and down, without providing a different control device for each test tube cap (even if they are of the same size) to drive the respective switching elements.

[0021] Preferably, a bearing may be provided in the through-opening portion so that the switching plate is engaged with the drive head element via the bearing.

[0022] By providing the bearing, wear caused by movement between the shift element and the drive head, in particular the drive head element, can be reduced to a minimum.

[0023] Particularly preferably, at least two drive head elements can be configured to be hinged at the same rotation axis and can rotate around the rotation axis when the tensioning force applied to them changes.

[0024] By making the drive head element rotate only about one and the same axis of rotation, a particularly compact overall design can be achieved.

[0025] For example, the drive head element can be constructed as two clamping arms. When the switching element is located near the rotation axis, the first sections of the two clamping arms can contact and close each other under the tension of the elastic element to form the smallest drive head size.

[0026] By designing the elastic coefficient of the elastic element, a zero spacing between the clamping arms can be obtained, thereby minimizing the size of the drive head. At this time, the drive head can be in a released state, i.e., not engaged with the test tube cover.

[0027] In addition, the cover opening device may further include a driving device for driving the aforementioned driving head to rotate, and the driving head may further include a mounting component for receiving and supporting the driving head element and the rotating shaft, and the mounting component can be operably connected to the driving device.

[0028] By accommodating the drive head element and the rotating shaft using a mounting component connected to the drive device, the drive head element can be reduced in wear and the support of each component can be facilitated.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method for opening a test tube cap using a cap opening device, wherein the cap opening device may include a drive head, the drive head may include at least two drive head elements, the drive head element may include a first section close to the test tube cap and a second section away from the test tube cap when the drive head approaches the test tube cap, the first section and the second section are located on opposite sides of a rotating axis, wherein the method may include: moving a switching element from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the second section may be subjected to the tensioning force of an elastic element so that the first section forms a first drive head size, and the first section having the first drive head size does not engage with the test tube cap, and in the second position, the switching element may act on the elastic element to change the tensioning force applied to the second section, and at least one of the drive head elements may rotate around the rotating axis, thereby the first section may form a second drive head size different from the first drive head size, and the first section having the second drive head size may engage with the test tube cap to drive it to rotate and open the cap.

[0030] By means of the above method, the test tube caps can be joined with very simple and flexible operations, thereby allowing the caps to be opened with high efficiency.

[0031] The present invention also provides a cap opening device for a test tube cap, which may include: a driving head, the driving head may include a main body, the main body may include a plurality of different sections along its longitudinal direction, the sections may include a first section close to the test tube cap when the driving head approaches the test tube cap and a second section away from the test tube cap, the outer dimension of the first section may be smaller than the outer dimension of the second section, so that the sections can engage with test tube caps of different sizes to drive them from the inside of the test tube cap.

[0032] With the help of the above-mentioned capping device, the driving, especially the rotation driving, of the test tube caps with different sizes can be realized with a very simple structure, thereby improving the flexibility of the operations such as capping, and significantly improving the experimental efficiency, saving working time and reducing costs. In addition, there is no need to set moving parts, and the flexible adaptation of the test tube caps with different sizes can be realized by only using different sections of the main body of the driving head.

[0033] Advantageously, the first section may be arranged adjacent to the second section, and the second section may be provided with a plurality of protrusions protruding outward on its outer circumference.

[0034] By arranging them in close proximity, a compact structure of the main body can be achieved, and the protrusion can facilitate effective engagement with the test tube cover. The protrusion can preferably produce a certain degree of deformation under compression.

[0035] Preferably, the aforementioned section may further include a third section, which may be arranged adjacent to the second section and may be further away from the test tube cover than the second section when the driving head approaches the test tube cover, and the third section may include a plurality of frustum sections, which may be gradually reduced in a direction away from the second section. Thus, the frustum sections may be used to adapt to test tube covers of more sizes, thereby improving the flexibility of driving the test tube cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view schematically shows a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switching element is in its first position;

[0037] Figure 2 Schematically showing the Figure 1 A perspective view of a cover opening device of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switching element is in its first position;

[0038] Figure 3 Schematically showing a side cross-sectional view of a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switching element is in its second position;

[0039] Figure 4 Schematically showing the Figure 3 A perspective view of a cover opening device of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the switching element is in its second position;

[0040] Figure 5 A perspective view schematically shows a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the drive head is not inserted into the switching element;

[0041] Figure 6 Schematically showing the Figure 5 A side view of the cover opening device of an embodiment, wherein the drive head is not inserted into the switching element;

[0042] Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a decapping device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the decapping device is engaged with a test tube cap;

[0043] Figure 8 Schematically showing Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a test tube cap engaged with a capping device;

[0044] Fig. 9 A perspective view schematically shows a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of drive heads are inserted into corresponding through openings of a switching element;

[0045] Fig.10 A perspective view schematically showing a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.11Schematically showing the Fig.10 A side view of a cover opening device of an embodiment;

[0047] Fig.12 A perspective view schematically showing a cover opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover opening device is engaged with a test tube cover;

[0048] Fig.13 Schematically showing the Fig.10 A side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a decapping device, wherein the decapping device is engaged with a test tube cap;

[0049] Fig.14 Schematically showing Fig.12 A top view of a test tube cap engaged with the decapping device. Fig.15 Schematically showing Fig.12 Another top view of the test tube cap engaged with the decapping device, wherein the third section of the body is engaged with the test tube cap.

[0050] List of reference numerals:

[0051] 100 Uncapping equipment;

[0052] 110 drive head;

[0053] 111 Subject;

[0054] 112 drive head element;

[0055] 112a first section;

[0056] 112b second section;

[0057] 112c Section III;

[0058] 114 axis of rotation;

[0059] 116 Installing parts;

[0060] 116a Perforation;

[0061] 116b receiving opening;

[0062] 117 convex part;

[0063] 118 cone;

[0064] 120 elastic element;

[0065] 130 switching element;

[0066] 132 through opening;

[0067] 134 bearings;

[0068] 200 Test tube caps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings, but the protection scope of the present invention shall not be limited thereto.

[0070] The present invention relates to a cover opening device for test tube covers. First, the test tube covers described in the present invention can cover various types of test tube covers for closing or sealing test tubes in various fields (e.g., biology, medicine, chemistry, etc.). Although the test tube covers are usually covered on the test tubes, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as any test tube cover can be rotated by the cover opening device of the present invention, whether or not it is physically located on the test tube, it is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the present invention, the shape of the test tube cover is generally not limited, and the sizes of each test tube cover can vary widely.

[0071] Secondly, although the name of the cover opening device of the present invention is "cover opening", the functions of the device of the present invention include but are not limited to completely opening the cover, partially opening the cover, partially closing the cover, completely closing the cover, translating the cover of the test tube, or any action for driving the cover of the test tube

[0072] Third, in the present invention, the expressions "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. merely indicate differences, such as different components, positions, etc. (unless otherwise specifically stated, they may be the same component or position), and do not imply differences in order of precedence or importance, priority, etc.

[0073] Fourth, in the present invention, the expression "subjected to a force" may mean at least subjected to such a force, that is, it does not exclude that it may also be subjected to other forces. The expressions "close to" and "far away from" may be relative positional relationships, such as different sections closer to and farther away from the test tube cover, but this does not mean that "far away" means a great distance away from the test tube cover, and "close to" does not exclude that the distance from the test tube cover is zero.

[0074] The decapping device 100 of the present invention may include a drive head 110. In the present invention, the term "drive head" refers to a portion of the decapping device that can engage with the test tube cap 200, but the term does not impose any restrictions on the shape of the portion of the decapping device. More specifically, the drive head 110 can be used to engage with the test tube cap 200 to drive it (e.g., drive it to rotate), thereby decapping the test tube, capping the test tube cap 200, or other desired operations.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive head 110 may include at least two drive head elements 112, preferably two, but may also be three, four or more drive head elements 112. These drive head elements 112 are usually independent and separate elements from each other before being assembled into the drive head 110.

[0076] The drive head 110 may also include one or more rotational shafts 114. The rotational shaft 114 preferably provides a rotational axis oriented substantially parallel to the test tube cap 200. Here, "parallel to the test tube cap" mainly refers to a direction parallel to the top surface of the cap or a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the test tube cap 200.

[0077] In the drive head 110, at least one of the plurality of drive head elements 112 can rotate around the rotation axis 114. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of drive head elements 112 can rotate around their respective rotation axes 114. In a more preferred embodiment, the plurality of drive head elements 112 can rotate around the same rotation axis 114, for example, they are respectively connected to the rotation axis 114 so as to be able to rotate around it, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in . It can be understood that, since at least one can rotate around the rotation axis 114, there can be relative movement between the plurality of drive head elements 112. For example, at least one drive head element 112 rotating around the rotation axis 114 can produce relative movement relative to other non-rotating drive head elements 112. For another example, relative movement can also be produced between the plurality of drive head elements 112 rotating around the rotation axis.

[0078] Each of the multiple drive head elements 112 has a length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 114. Preferably, the length dimension of the drive head element 112 is greater than the dimensions in other directions (for example, its radial dimension). According to the present invention, the drive head element 112 can be divided into a plurality of sections along its length. More specifically, in the process of the drive head 110 approaching the test tube cover 200 (movement) or in the case where the drive head 110 is engaged with the test tube cover 200, the drive head element 112 may include a first section 112a close to the test tube cover 200 and a second section 112b away from the test tube cover 200. Figure 8, an exemplary cross-sectional shape of the first section 112a is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any shape suitable for engaging with the test tube cover 200 may be used. For example, if the drive head 110 gradually approaches the test tube cover 200 from the top downward, the first section 112a is located below the second section 112b. It can be understood that if the first section 112a of the drive head element 112 has been inserted into the test tube cover 200 to a certain depth to engage with the test tube cover 200, no matter how close the second section 112b is to the test tube cover 200, it is considered to be farther away from the test tube cover 200 than the first section 112a.

[0079] It is important that the first section 112a and the second section 112b of the drive head element 112 are located on opposite sides of the rotation axis 114, rather than on the same side thereof, because in this way, when each second section 112b moves toward each other, the corresponding first section 112a can achieve reverse movement, that is, move away from each other. Here, moving toward or away from each other does not mean that each of the plurality of drive head elements 112 must move, but refers to the result of relative movement or relative displacement between them. It can be understood that the expression "located on opposite sides of the rotation axis 114" does not mean that each drive head element 112 having the first section 112a and the second section 112b must be able to rotate around the rotation axis 114, although this is a preferred solution. For example, if the drive head element 112 does not rotate around the rotation axis 114, its first section 112a and the second section 112b can also be located on both sides of the rotation axis 114, such as on the upper and lower sides. If a plurality of drive head elements 112 rotate around respective rotation axes 114, the rotation axes 114 referred to herein are the corresponding rotation axes 114 around which the respective drive head elements 112 rotate. In a preferred embodiment, one or more drive head elements 112 may be in the form of a clamping arm, and the first section 112a and the second section 112b may correspond to two opposite sections of the clamping arm located on both sides of the rotation axis 114 (e.g., from Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lower section and the upper section of the drive head element 112 are shown in the figure, which are similar to the two ends of a scissors structure or a clamp structure. It can also be understood that the drive head element 112 can also include other sections besides the first section 112a and the second section 112b along its length.

[0080] Despite Figure 1-4The number of drive head elements shown in the figure is two, but it can be understood that the drive head of the present invention can include more than two drive head elements. When there are more than two drive head elements, the individual drive head elements can be (preferably evenly) distributed circumferentially (similar to claw type). Advantageously, the mounting component of the present invention (described in detail below) can be configured to include structural features that match more than two drive head elements, such as a receiving opening that can accommodate multiple drive head elements.

[0081] The cover opening device 100 of the present invention may further include an elastic element 120, in particular a spring, such as a coil spring. The elastic element 120 may be configured to act on the second section 112b of the drive head element 112, i.e., the section relatively further away from the test tube cover 200, to provide tension to the drive head element 112.

[0082] In the present invention, the term "tensioning force" includes the elastic force applied by the elastic element 120 to the drive head element 112 (mainly via its second section 112b), but the term itself does not limit the direction of the elastic force applied unless the direction (such as inward or outward) is clearly defined before the term. For example, this tensioning force can cause the second sections 112b of each drive head element 112 to move away from each other (i.e., separate from each other) or toward each other (i.e., move closer to each other or even contact each other). However, as mentioned above, this does not require that the second sections 112b of each drive head element 112 move, as long as there is relative movement between them. For example, one of the multiple drive head elements 112 can be fixed.

[0083] In some embodiments, the tensioning force applied by the elastic element 120 to the second segment 112b of the drive head element 112 is a force that causes the second segment 112b to move outward (ie, away from each other) or keeps the second segment 112b from moving inward. Figure 1-4 In the preferred embodiment shown in , the elastic element 120 can be connected between at least two drive head elements 112 at the second section 112b to provide an outward tensioning force thereto. Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown in , the elastic element 120 is directly arranged between the corresponding second sections 112b of the two drive head elements 112. Preferably, grooves open to each other can be provided in the second sections 112b of the drive head element 112, and the elastic element 120 can be at least partially arranged in these grooves or connected to the inside of these grooves. More preferably, the elastic element 120 can be arranged at or near the free end of the second section 112b away from the test tube cover 200 or away from the first section 112a to generate a larger torque. Advantageously, the size of the above-mentioned tensioning force (for example, at least determined by the elastic coefficient of the elastic element 120) can be designed to keep a certain larger spacing between the second sections 112b of the drive head elements 112, so that the first sections 112a of the drive head elements 112 have a smaller spacing or even contact each other. As previously described, since the first segment 112a and the second segment 112b are located on opposite sides of the rotation axis 114, movement of the second segments 112b away from each other may result in movement of the first segments 112a toward each other.

[0084] In other embodiments, the tensioning force applied by the elastic element 120 to the second section 112b of the drive head element 112 is a force that causes the second section 112b to move inward (i.e., toward each other) or keeps the second section 112b from moving outward. For example, the elastic element 120 can be arranged to be connected to the outside of the second section 112b of the drive head element 112 (e.g., around the outer periphery formed by the second section 112b of the drive head element 112) to apply elastic force to it from the outside. Preferably, grooves can be arranged on the side facing away from each other in the second section 112b of the drive head element 112, and the elastic element 120 can be at least partially arranged in these grooves or connected to the inside of these grooves. Advantageously, the magnitude of the above-mentioned tensioning force can be designed to keep a small spacing between the second sections 112b of the drive head element 112, so that the first section 112a of the drive head element 112 has a correspondingly larger spacing. As previously described, because the first segment 112a and the second segment 112b are located on opposite sides of the rotation axis 114, movement of the second segments 112b toward each other may result in movement of the first segments 112a away from each other.

[0085] In the present invention, it is worth noting that if the drive head element 112 is also subjected to other forces in addition to the force applied by the elastic element 120, even if the force applied by the elastic element 120 itself may remain unchanged, but the combined force (including the elastic force) applied to the drive head element 112 changes, for the sake of simplicity, it is defined here as a change in the "tensioning force" applied to the drive head element 112.

[0086] The cap opening device 100 of the present invention may further include a switching element 130 for actuating the drive head 110 to produce different drive head sizes. To this end, the switching element 130 may move between a first position and a second position. Here, moving between two positions means that the switching element 130 may reach the first position and the second position, but does not require that the switching element 130 continuously moves between the first position and the second position. In addition, it is also understood that the switching element 130 may also move to other positions except the first position and the second position or a position between the two.

[0087] When the switching element 130 is in the first position, the second section 112b of the driving head element 112 is acted upon by the tension provided by the elastic element 120, so that the first section 112a forms the first driving head size. As described above, this does not mean that the second section 112b must only be acted upon by the elastic element 120 at this time, but preferably is mainly acted upon by the elastic element 120. In addition, the first section 112a is the section of the driving head element 112 that engages with the test tube cover 200, and thus the first driving head size is substantially constituted by the first section 112a. Preferably, the outer (peripheral) size of the corresponding ends of the plurality of first sections 112a that directly face the test tube cover 200 during the process of the driving head 110 approaching the test tube cover 200 can constitute the (first or second to be described below) driving head size.

[0088] When the switching element 130 is in the second position, the switching element 130 can act on the elastic element 120 or the second section 112b to change the tensioning force on the second section 112b. The switching element 130 can act on the second section 112b to change the elongation of the elastic element 120, such as a spring, and thus change the tensioning force. Since the tensioning force on the second section 112b has changed, a relative movement is generated between the corresponding second sections 112b of the plurality of drive head elements 112. Due to the existence of the rotation axis 114, the relative movement between the second sections 112b, such as the movement toward each other, causes the drive head element 112 to rotate around the rotation axis 114. As mentioned above, it is not required that each drive head element 112 rotates, but only at least one drive head element 112 rotates. This rotation of the drive head element 112 also produces a relative movement between the first sections 112 a of the drive head element 112 , thereby forming a second drive head size that is different from the aforementioned first drive head size.

[0089] Here, the size of the second drive head may be larger than the size of the first drive head. For example, when the tensioning force applied by the elastic element 120 to the second segments 112b is an outward force that moves the second segments 112b away from each other, when the switching element 130 moves from the first position to the second position, the switching element 130 acts on the second segment 112b in the opposite direction to the elastic element 120, that is, from the outside to the inside, so that the tensioning force on the second segment 112b becomes smaller than when the switching element 130 is in the first position, and then the second segments 112b move toward each other (that is, rotate inward), while the first segments 112a move away from each other.

[0090] However, in other embodiments, the size of the second drive head may be smaller than the size of the first drive head. For example, when the tension applied by the elastic element 120 to the second segments 112b is an inward force that causes the second segments 112b to move toward each other, when the switching element 130 moves from the first position to the second position, the switching element 130 acts on the second segments 112b in the opposite direction to the elastic element 120, that is, from the inside to the outside, so that the tension applied to the second segments 112b becomes larger (that is, rotates outward) compared to when the switching element 130 is in the first position, and then the second segments 112b move away from each other, while the first segments 112a move toward each other.

[0091] Since different drive head sizes can be generated by the movement of the switching element 130, the capping device 100 of the present invention can achieve the engagement of test tube caps 200 of different sizes with a very simple structure and operation method, without the need to equip different drive heads 110 for different test tube cap sizes, thereby achieving (for example, experimental) significant improvement in efficiency and reduction in cost. It is worth noting that in the present invention, the term "drive head size" does not mean that a drive head of this size must drive the test tube cap, but describes a driving capability (unless otherwise specified in the description), for example, under a first drive head size, the test tube cap can be driven to rotate, but it can also be disengaged from the test tube cap to release the test tube cap.

[0092] In a more preferred embodiment, when the switching element 130 moves from the first position to the second position or vice versa, the tension force applied to the second section 112b can be continuously changed. Thus, the first section 112a can form a plurality of drive head sizes that are different from each other, thereby allowing the first section 112a to engage with more test tube caps 200 of different sizes to drive them. In particular, these plurality of different drive head sizes can be continuously changed.

[0093] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching element 130 may be implemented such that its movement between the first position and the second position is a translational movement in a direction toward or away from the test tube cover 200 (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 3 Of course, the switching element 130 of the present invention can also generate other movements besides the translational movement, such as rotational movement or a combination of rotational movement and translational movement.

[0094] In some embodiments, the switching element 130 can perform the above-mentioned translational motion along the outside (e.g., the outer periphery) of the driving head element 112. In other embodiments, the switching element 130 can also perform the above-mentioned translational motion along the inside formed by the spacing between the driving head elements 112. However, due to the existence of the rotation axis 114, the range of the internal translational motion may be smaller than the range of the external translational motion. Preferably, the switching element 130 can only translate from the rotation axis 114 or the vicinity thereof along the second section 112b away from the test tube cover 200, or vice versa, move along the second section 112b toward the test tube cover 200 to the rotation axis 114 or the vicinity thereof.

[0095] like Figure 1-2 As shown in , when the switching element 130 is located near the rotation axis 114, the first sections 112a of the drive head element 112, for example, in the form of a clamping arm, can contact and close with each other under the tension of the elastic element 120 to form a minimum drive head size. In the present invention, the minimum drive head size can generally be used to release the engagement of the drive head 110 with the test tube cover 200, but it does not exclude that it can be used to engage with the test tube cover 200 of the minimum size.

[0096] In a particularly preferred embodiment, Figure 2 As shown in , the switching element 130 can be configured as a switching plate. Here, the term "switching plate" refers to the switching element 130 in a direction perpendicular to its translational motion (such as Figure 1-2 The size in the horizontal direction (as shown in Figure 1-2 The dimensions in the up and down directions shown in the figure are not limited to any specific shape and size.

[0097] The switching plate of the present invention may include at least one through opening 132, through which the drive head 110 may extend. Thus, the switching plate may be configured to be capable of translational movement along (the outer periphery of) the drive head element 112. Figure 1 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the switch plate moves upward along the second section 112b from the vicinity of the rotation axis 114. Advantageously, the switch plate acts on the drive head 110 (mainly the drive head element 112) via the bearing 134. The bearing 134 is preferably a rolling bearing, which can contact the outside of the drive head element 112.

[0098] like Figure 2 , 4As shown in , 5, and 9, the switching plate may include a plurality of through openings 132 to accommodate a plurality of different drive heads 110, thereby allowing a plurality of test tube covers 200 to be engaged simultaneously. In a specific example, the switching plate may include an array of openings consisting of a plurality of through openings 132 to correspond to the test tubes and the test tube covers 200 arranged in an array commonly seen in laboratories, thereby obtaining a very high efficiency of opening the cover (or driving the test tube covers 200). In particular, in this case, since the switching plate is the same piece, the required switching plate translation amount can be designed for the same batch of test tubes, so that the drive head 110 can engage or disengage with a plurality of test tube covers 200 at the same time. Of course, the present invention does not exclude the provision of different switching plates (usually smaller in size) for different test tube covers 200 to provide the flexibility of allowing different translation amounts for different test tube covers 200.

[0099] In the present invention, the drive head 110 can engage with the test tube cover 200 from the outside, but more preferably engage with the test tube cover 200 from the inside. To this end, the first section 112a of the drive head element 112 can engage with the test tube cover 200 from the inside. Here, the expression "engage from the inside of the test tube cover" means that the drive head 110, mainly the first section 112a of the drive head element 112, contacts the inner surface of the test tube cover 200 with its outer surface, that is, the test tube cover 200 has inner surfaces facing each other. It can be understood that the term "engagement" in the present invention refers to an engagement that can achieve the degree of driving the test tube cover 200 to rotate, including but not limited to a tight fit, interference fit, etc. between the drive head 110 and the test tube cover 200.

[0100] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in , the first section 112a is in a certain open position that can drive the test tube cover 200 to rotate (that is, the first sections 112a of the plurality of drive head elements 112 are not closed), and in this open position, the drive head element 112 has a corresponding drive head size (for example, it can be the aforementioned second drive head size). Figure 8 The internal structure of an exemplary test tube cover 200 engaged with the first section 112a is also shown, but the test tube cover 200 that can be used in conjunction with the decapping device 100 of the present invention is not limited thereto and can be a test tube cover 200 of any suitable shape and size.

[0101] The drive head 110 of the cap opening device 100 of the present invention can also include a drive device for driving the aforementioned drive head 110 to rotate. To this end, the drive head 110 also includes a mounting component 116, which can be operatively connected to the drive device. The mounting component 116 can also be configured to support multiple drive head elements 112. In some embodiments, the support component includes a perforation 116a, particularly a perforation 116a that extends approximately horizontally (when the drive head 110 is placed vertically). The perforation 116a can be provided for the rotation shaft 114 to pass therethrough, and the drive head element 112 can be rotatably or pivotally connected to the rotation shaft 114, thereby also supported by the support component.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the support member may be provided with receiving openings 116b (also referred to as side openings) on opposite sides thereof to accommodate two drive head elements 112 (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), but the support component of the present invention is not limited to the receiving openings 116b corresponding to the two drive head elements 112. Advantageously, the drive head element 112 can be partially arranged in the receiving opening 116b and partially arranged outside the receiving opening 116b. In particular, the second section 112b should be at least partially located outside the receiving opening 116b so that the switching element 130 can act on its exterior. In addition, the support of the drive head element 112 in the mounting component 116 should not affect its movement, for example, it should not affect the first section 112a to form various drive head sizes.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the drive head 110 has not yet been inserted into the switching element 130 in the form of a switching plate, and the mounting component 116 of the drive head 110 can be clearly seen. The mounting component 116 is roughly cylindrical, and has a structure that cooperates with the drive device on the top (no further description is given here), and two openings are provided on the side to accommodate the corresponding drive head elements 112. The rotating shaft 114 is horizontally arranged in the through hole 116a of the mounting component 116 to connect with the drive head element 112, so that the two drive head elements 112 can rotate around the rotating shaft 114. In this embodiment, the second section 112b (for example, it can be in the form of a claw or a clamp) is basically located outside the mounting component 116, so as to facilitate engagement with the test tube cover 200. In this Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows that only one through opening 132 is provided with a bearing 134 , but it should be understood that bearings 134 , especially rolling bearings, that are in direct contact with the drive head 110 may be provided in any plurality of through openings 132 .

[0104] Below, refer to Figure 1-4An exemplary method for opening a test tube cover 200 using a cover opening device 100 according to the present invention is described. In the method, the cover opening device 100 used includes a drive head 110, an elastic element 120, and a switching element 130. Specifically, the drive head 110 includes at least two drive head elements 112, which include a first section 112a close to the test tube cover 200 when the drive head 110 approaches the test tube cover 200 or when the drive head engages with the test tube cover 200, and a second section 112b away from the test tube cover 200, wherein the first section 112a and the second section 112b are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 114.

[0105] When the switching element 130 is in the first position, the second section 112b is acted upon by the tensioning force of the elastic element 120, so that the first section 112a located on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 114 can form a first driving head size, and the first section 112a having the first driving head size may not engage with the test tube cover 200. At this time, the corresponding first sections 112a of each driving head element 112 may contact each other, but may also be spaced apart from each other by a small distance. Since the driving head is not engaged with the test tube cover 200, the driving head cannot drive the test tube cover 200 to rotate in the first position of the switching element 130, and thus it may also be said to be in a released state.

[0106] In order to open the cover, the method of the present invention includes moving the switching element 130 from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the switching element 130 can act on the elastic element 120 or the second segment 112b to change the tension force on the second segment 112b. As mentioned above, this does not mean that the switching element 130 does not act on the elastic element 120 or the second segment 112b when the switching element 130 is in the first position (of course, it may not produce a non-negligible effect), but the tension force on the second segment 112b changes when the switching element 130 is in the second position. For example, when the switching element 130 is in the first position, the switching element 130 can apply an inward force (i.e., make the second segments 112b move toward each other) to the second segment 112b from the outside, and then the switching element 130 translates upward (for example, moves toward the free end of the second segment 112b), thereby reducing the elongation of the elastic element 120, thereby making the second segments 112b move further toward each other.

[0107] Due to the change in the position of the switching element 130, the second sections 112b produce relative movement, and at least one of the drive head elements 112 can rotate around the rotation axis 114. Therefore, the first section 112a forms a second drive head size different from the aforementioned first drive head size, and the first section 112a with the second drive head size can engage with the test tube cover 200 to drive it to rotate and open the cover. Here, the second drive head size is larger than the first drive head size, that is, the drive head 110 is in an engaged state.

[0108] Furthermore, the drive head 110, the elastic element 120, the switching element 130 and other components of the aforementioned preferred embodiments of the present invention can also be used in combination with the above-mentioned method of the present invention. It is worth noting that although the above-described method is a method for opening the test tube cover 200, it can also be driven in the opposite rotation direction to close the test tube cover 200. In addition, in other embodiments, the first section 112a having the size of the first drive head can also be engaged with the test tube cover 200, except that the size of the test tube cover 200 is different from the size of the test tube cover 200 engaged with the first section 112a having the size of the second drive head, for example, smaller than the latter.

[0109] In other embodiments of the present invention, the drive head 110 of the decapping device 100 does not include at least two separate drive head elements 112, but only has one integrated drive head element 112. Here, the one drive head element 112 may also be referred to as the main body 111 of the drive head 110. In these embodiments, the drive head 110 is preferably engaged with the test tube cap 200 from the inside thereof. As in the aforementioned embodiments, the decapping device 100 in these embodiments may also include a drive device for driving the drive head 110, which will not be described in detail herein. In addition, the term "engagement" should also be understood to mean that the engagement reaches a degree that can drive the test tube cap 200 to rotate, including but not limited to interference fit, tight fit, etc.

[0110] The main body 111 of the drive head 110 may include a plurality of different sections along its longitudinal or length direction. Here, the longitudinal direction generally refers to the direction of movement toward or away from the test tube cover 200 (e.g., in Figure 10-11 The longitudinal direction is generally the length direction of the main body 111 of the drive head 110, that is, the dimension in the length direction is generally greater than the radial dimension.

[0111] Among these multiple different sections, the main body 111 includes a first section 112a close to the test tube cover 200 when the driving head 110 approaches the test tube cover 200 and a second section 112b away from the test tube cover 200. The outer dimension of the first section 112a is smaller than the outer dimension of the second section 112b. Therefore, the first section 112a can be engaged with a test tube cover 200 with a smaller inner dimension, and the second section 112b can be engaged with a test tube cover 200 with a larger inner dimension. In other words, the sections of the main body 111 can be engaged with test tube covers 200 of different sizes to drive the test tube cover 200 from the inside, thereby achieving flexibility in driving the test tube cover 200. Here, it can be understood that the first section 112a and the second section 112b are not necessarily required to be sections adjacent to or abutting each other. In other words, sections of other sizes can also be arranged between the first section 112a and the second section 112b.

[0112] exist Figure 10-11 In the embodiment shown in , the first section 112a can be configured as a square cylinder, but is not limited thereto, and can be, for example, a cylinder or a cylinder with other cross-sectional shapes, or even a hollow cylinder. Advantageously, the second section 112b is arranged to be adjacent to or directly adjacent to the first section 112a. For example, the second section 112b can also be configured as a square cylinder, but is not limited thereto, and can be, for example, a cylinder or a cylinder with other cross-sectional shapes, or even a hollow cylinder. In any case, the outer dimensions of the second section 112b should be larger than the outer dimensions of the first section 112a, for example, the cross-sectional dimensions of its square cylinder are larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first section 112a.

[0113] Preferably, the second section 112b is provided with a plurality of convex portions 117 or protrusions protruding outward on its outer periphery, such as Figure 10-11 as well as Fig.13 In particular, these protrusions 117 or projections can be symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the second section 112b, for example, arranged at 180 degrees, but it is also conceivable to be arranged on each side of the second section 112b in the form of a square cylinder. More preferably, these protrusions 117 or projections can be arranged at a position adjacent to the first section 112a of the second section 112b. These protrusions 117 or projections can be engaged with the grooves in the test tube cover 200 in a form-fitting manner.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the main body 111 of the drive head 110 may further include a third section 112c. During the process of the drive head 110 approaching the test tube cover 200, the third section 112c is arranged to be further away from the test tube cover 200 than the second section 112b. Preferably, the third section 112c is arranged adjacent to the second section 112b. The third section 112c includes a plurality of protrusions, which make the outer dimensions of the third section 112c larger than the outer dimensions of the second section 112b. For example, the protrusion of the third section 112c may be a portion that protrudes outward from an integral extension of the direction column of the second section 112b in a direction away from the first section 112a. In particular, as Fig.11 and Fig.13 As shown in the figure, the protrusion of the third segment 112c is configured as a frustum portion 118, and the frustum portions 118 are respectively reduced in a direction away from the second segment 112b, that is, they shrink upward as shown in the figure. Preferably, the third segment 112c includes a corresponding frustum portion 118 arranged on each of the four sides of the square cylinder, and these frustum portions 118 can be connected to each other, but can also be independent of each other.

[0115] exist Fig.13 In one specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the main body 111 of the drive head 110 includes: a first section 112a, also known as the lower section, configured as a square cylinder or a cube, the size and shape of which are designed to engage with a test tube cap 200 having a circular inner hole; a second section 112b, also known as the middle section, configured as a larger directional cylinder or a larger cube, and combined with two symmetrical protrusions 117 or protrusions, the size and shape of which are designed to engage with a test tube cap 200 having a square inner hole; a third section 112c, also known as the upper section, includes four symmetrical frustum portions 118, which work together to engage with test tube caps 200 with circular inner holes of different sizes ( Fig.12 1 and 12. An external view of the body 111 of the drive head 110 is shown being engaged with a test tube cap 200.) Of course, it will be appreciated that such a drive head 110 may engage with a test tube cap 200 having a shape different than that described above, but will typically engage within the interior thereof.

[0116] Although the above description describes that the various sections of the column are axially symmetrical and / or rotationally symmetrical, it can be understood that the main body 111 of the drive head 110 of the present invention can contact or engage with the inner surface of the test tube cover 200 at a symmetrical or asymmetrical position. Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of diagonal portions of the second section 112 b of the main body 111 are in contact with and engaged with a pair of diagonal protrusions inside the test tube cover 200. Fig.15As shown in FIG. 1 , all four cone portions 118 of the third section 112c of the main body 111 are in contact with and engaged with the inner surface of the test tube cover 200. In addition, other parts of the third section 112c, such as the part of the direction column, may also be in contact with and engaged with the inner surface of the test tube cover 200. That is, for the present invention, the positions where the various sections of the main body 111 are engaged with the test tube cover 200 can be very flexible and diverse to meet the driving rotation requirements of test tube covers 200 of different sizes.

[0117] Although the various embodiments of the present invention are described mainly with reference to the cover opening device and the cover opening method which engage with the test tube cover from the inside in the various drawings, it should be understood that the various embodiments within the scope of the present invention can be applied to other test tube covers having similar structures and / or functions in situations where it is necessary to drive their movement.

[0118] The foregoing description has presented numerous features and advantages, including various alternative embodiments, and details of the structure and function of apparatus and methods. This disclosure is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive or limiting.

[0119] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the full scope indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressed in the appended claims, especially in terms of structure, material, element, component, shape, size and arrangement of components, including the combination of these aspects within the scope of the principles described herein. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, it is intended that they are also included herein.

Claims

1. A cover opening device for test tube covers, characterized in that: The cover opening device (100) comprises: A drive head (110), the drive head (110) being used to engage with the test tube cover (200) to drive the test tube cover, the drive head (110) comprising at least two drive head elements (112), at least one of the drive head elements (112) being capable of rotating around a rotation axis (114), the drive head element (112) comprising a first section (112a) close to the test tube cover (200) and a second section (112b) away from the test tube cover (200) when the drive head engages with the test tube cover (200), the first section (112a) and the second section (112b) being located on opposite sides of the rotation axis (114); an elastic element (120), the elastic element (120) being configured to act on the second section (112b) to provide a tensioning force to the drive head element (112); A switching element (130) is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the second segment (112b) is acted upon by the tensioning force of the elastic element (120) so that the first segment (112a) forms a first drive head size, and in the second position, the switching element (130) can act on the elastic element (120) so that the tensioning force acted upon the second segment (112b) changes, thereby, through the rotation of the drive head element (112), the first segment (112a) forms a second drive head size different from the first drive head size.

2. The cover opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first section (112a) engages with the test tube cap (200) from the interior thereof.

3. The cover opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the switching element (130) moves between the first position and the second position, the tensioning force applied to the second section (112b) changes continuously, whereby the first section (112a) can form a plurality of drive head sizes of different sizes, thereby allowing the first section (112a) to engage with test tube covers (200) of different sizes to drive them.

4. The cover opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switching element (130) is implemented such that the movement between the first position and the second position is a translational movement in a direction toward or away from the test tube cover (200).

5. The cover opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic element (120) is connected between the at least two drive head elements (112) at the second section (112b) to provide an outward tensioning force thereto, and the switching element (130) is arranged around the drive head element (112) from the outside, wherein, as the switching element (130) moves toward the elastic element (120), the switching element (130) acts on the second section (112b) from the outside to resist the tensioning force of the elastic element (120), so that the second section (112b) rotates inwardly, while the first section (112a) rotates outwardly, so as to increase the size of the drive head.

6. The cover opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The switching element (130) is configured as a switching plate, the switching plate comprising at least one through opening (132), the drive head (110) extending through the through opening (132), and the switching plate is configured to be capable of translational movement along the drive head element (112).

7. The cover opening device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The switching plate includes a plurality of through openings (132) to accommodate a plurality of different drive heads (110), thereby allowing a plurality of test tube caps (200) to be engaged simultaneously.

8. The cover opening device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A bearing (134) is disposed in the through opening (132) so that the switching plate is engaged with the drive head element (112) via the bearing (134).

9. The cover opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The at least two drive head elements (112) are configured to be hinged at the same rotation axis (114), and can rotate around the rotation axis (114) when the tension force applied to them changes.

10. The cover opening device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The drive head element (112) is configured as two clamping arms. When the switching element (130) is located near the rotation axis (114), the first sections (112a) of the two clamping arms contact and close with each other under the tensioning force of the elastic element (120) to form a minimum drive head size.

11. The cover opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The lid opening device (100) further includes a driving device for driving the driving head (110) to rotate, and the driving head (110) further includes a mounting component (116) for receiving and supporting the driving head element (112) and the rotating shaft (114), and the mounting component (116) can be operably connected to the driving device.

12. A method for opening a test tube cap using a cap opening device, characterized in that: The cap opening device (100) comprises a drive head (110), wherein the drive head (110) comprises at least two drive head elements (112), wherein the drive head element (112) comprises a first section (112a) close to the test tube cover (200) and a second section (112b) away from the test tube cover (200) when the drive head (110) is engaged with the test tube cover (200), wherein the first section (112a) and the second section (112b) are located on opposite sides of a rotation axis (114). Wherein, the method comprises: The switching element (130) is moved from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second section (112b) is acted upon by the tensioning force of the elastic element (120) so that the first section (112a) forms a first drive head size. The first section (112a) having the first drive head size does not engage with the test tube cover (200). In the second position, the switching element (130) can act on the elastic element (120) so that the tensioning force on the second section (112b) changes. At least one of the drive head elements (112) rotates around the rotation axis (114). Thus, the first section (112a) forms a second drive head size different from the first drive head size. The first section (112a) having the second drive head size engages with the test tube cover (200) to drive it to rotate and open the cover.

13. A device for opening a test tube cap, characterized in that: The cover opening device (100) comprises: A drive head (110), the drive head (110) comprising a main body (111), the main body (111) comprising a plurality of different sections along its longitudinal direction, the sections comprising a first section (112a) close to the test tube cover (200) when the drive head (110) approaches the test tube cover (200) and a second section (112b) away from the test tube cover (200), the outer dimension of the first section (112a) being smaller than the outer dimension of the second section (112b), whereby the sections can engage with test tube covers (200) of different sizes so as to drive the test tube covers (200) from the inside thereof.

14. The cover opening device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first section (112a) is arranged to be closely adjacent to the second section (112b), and the second section (112b) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (117) protruding outward on its outer periphery.

15. The cover opening device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The segments also include a third segment (112c), which is arranged adjacent to the second segment (112b) and is further away from the test tube cover (200) than the second segment (112b) when the drive head (110) approaches the test tube cover (200), and the third segment (112c) includes a plurality of frustum portions (118), and the frustum portions (118) are respectively tapered in a direction away from the second segment (112b).

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