Sample collecting and detecting tube

Abstract

The invention provides a sample collecting and detecting tube. The sample collecting and detecting tube comprises a tube body, a tube cover and a partitioning assembly, the tube body is provided with an opening and is used for accommodating the sampling swab, and the tube cover is combined with the tube body to seal the opening. The pipe body comprises a first limiting structure, a second limiting structure and two clamping pieces, the first limiting structure is arranged on the outer circumferential face of the pipe body so as to limit the pipe body to rotate in the circumferential direction of the long axis direction, the second limiting structure is arranged on the outer circumferential face of the pipe body so as to limit the pipe body to move in the long axis direction, and the two clamping pieces are arranged on the inner circumferential face of the pipe body. The partition assembly is clamped between the two clamping pieces so as to shield at least one part of the opening and define an inlet for the sampling swab to pass through, and the partition assembly divides the interior of the tube body into a first space corresponding to the inlet and used for containing the sampling swab and a second space for an external transfer pipette to enter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case is about a sample collection and testing tube, especially a sample collection and testing tube suitable for automated equipment. Background Art

[0002] For the detection of many diseases (such as respiratory, reproductive tract, urinary tract and other related diseases), sampling swabs (such as flocked swabs or cotton swabs) are mostly used for sampling. After sampling, the sampling swab is placed into the sample collection and testing tube, so that the swab head stained with the sample is immersed in the sample preservation solution in the collection and testing tube, and the sampling swab is broken into a length that can be accommodated in the tube after being put into the sample collection and testing tube. After covering the tube cap, the sampling is completed. After the first-line collection is completed, the sample collection and testing tube is transported to the back-end inspection room for testing. For example, a pipette (such as a micropipette) is used to aspirate the solution containing the sample in the sample collection and testing tube, and then nucleic acid amplification and analysis are carried out.

[0003] In recent years, the demand for the detection of respiratory infectious diseases has increased significantly, and the demand for using automated equipment for sample detection and processing has also increased accordingly. Among them, the automatic lid opening and closing procedure of the collection and testing tube is an important procedure in the operation process of automated equipment, which can help greatly reduce the labor operation cost. In addition, since the sampling swab is randomly placed in the sample collection and testing tube at an arbitrary angle, when the pipette of the automated equipment enters the collection and testing tube, it is easily blocked by the sampling swab, resulting in the interruption of the automated process when encountering the sampling swab. As a result, steps need to be added to manually adjust or remove the sampling swab before automated operation. In addition to further increasing the labor cost, it also increases the risk of sample contamination and personnel infection.

[0004] Therefore, it is really necessary to develop a sample collection and testing tube suitable for automated equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this case is to provide a sample collection and testing tube, which ensures the smooth progress of the automatic lid opening and closing procedure by setting multiple limiting structures outside the tube body.

[0006] Another purpose of this case is to provide a sample collection and testing tube, which can position the sampling swab placed therein, thereby avoiding obstruction when the pipette of the automated equipment enters the sample.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present case provides a sample collection and testing tube, which includes a tube body, a tube cap, and a partitioning component. The tube body has an opening and is used to accommodate a sampling swab. The tube cap is combined with the tube body to seal the opening. The tube body includes a first limiting structure, a second limiting structure, and two engaging components. The first limiting structure is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body to limit the circumferential rotation of the tube body along the long axis direction. The second limiting structure is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body to limit the movement of the tube body along the long axis direction. And the two engaging components are disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube body. The partitioning component is disposed between the two engaging components to block at least a part of the opening, and defines an entrance for the sampling swab to pass through, and divides the inside of the tube body into a first space corresponding to the entrance and for accommodating the sampling swab and a second space for an external pipette to enter.

[0008] In one embodiment, the tube body is placed in a slot of a collection and testing tube rack, and the slot includes a first clamping structure corresponding to limiting the first limiting structure and a second clamping structure corresponding to limiting the second limiting structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first limiting structure is implemented as a protruding structure extending along the long axis direction, and the first clamping structure is implemented as a concave structure corresponding to the protruding structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second limiting structure is implemented as a protruding portion, and the second clamping structure is implemented as an elastic member corresponding to the protruding portion, and the elastic member applies a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction to the protruding portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tube body is placed in a slot of a collection and testing tube rack, and the tube body includes a third limiting structure to make the cross-section of the tube body in a direction perpendicular to the long axis form an asymmetric shape, and the slot includes a third clamping structure corresponding to limiting the third limiting structure to limit the circumferential rotation of the tube body along the long axis direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tube cap includes a first end, a second end, and a partition. The first end is used to be combined with the tube body, the second end is used to be combined with an automatic switch cover module, and the partition is disposed between the first end and the second end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the tube cap further includes an annular wall disposed on the surface of the partition facing the first end, extending towards the first end direction, and forming an annular space for the tube body to enter with the inner peripheral surface of the first end. And an annular flange is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall, extending towards the inner peripheral surface of the first end to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the tube body when the tube body enters the annular space.

[0014] In one embodiment, the partitioning component includes a blocking portion disposed adjacent to the opening for blocking at least a part of the opening to define an inlet; a limiting portion connected to the blocking portion and extending into the tube body to divide the tube body into a first space and a second space, and to limit a sampling swab entering the tube body through the inlet within the first space; and a bending mechanism disposed between the blocking portion and the limiting portion to cause the blocking portion to bend toward the limiting portion when an external pipette enters the tube body, and to expose the second space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bending mechanism includes a bending section for guiding the blocking portion to bend toward the limiting portion, and a bending gap for providing a deformation space required when the blocking portion bends.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bending section includes a plurality of bending lines to provide a bending allowable range.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bending section is disposed on both sides of the bending gap, and the bending allowable range is generally in a rectangular shape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the limiting portion further includes a notch for receiving a part of the blocking portion when the blocking portion bends.

[0019] In one embodiment, the limiting portion is engaged with the relative inner sides of two engaging members of the tube body, and the two engaging members provide a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction to the limiting portion to restrict the movement of the partitioning component along the long axis direction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the blocking portion is generally suspended at the opening through the limiting portion, and only the outer peripheral edge of the blocking portion contacts the inner peripheral surface of the tube body at the connection with the limiting portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the blocking portion is a flat plate-like structure with a shape similar to a rounded rectangle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a sample collection and testing tube and a collection and testing tube rack according to an embodiment of the present case;

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a sample collection and testing tube and another collection and testing tube rack according to an embodiment of the present case;

[0024] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing a sample collection and testing tube according to an embodiment of the present case;

[0025] Figure 4 Partial sectional view showing the combination of the tube body and the tube cap of a sample collection and testing tube according to an embodiment of the present case;

[0026] Figure 5 Perspective view showing a sampling swab disposed inside a sample collection and testing tube according to an embodiment of the present case;

[0027] Figure 6A Schematic diagram showing the partition component of the embodiment of this case;

[0028] Figure 6B Top view of the partition component of the embodiment of this case when disposed in the tube body from the opening direction;

[0029] Figure 6C Bottom view of the partition component of the embodiment of this case from the bottom edge direction;

[0030] Figure 7A Cross-sectional view of the tube body of the embodiment of this case in the long axis direction;

[0031] Figure 7B Top view of the tube body of the embodiment of this case from the opening direction;

[0032] Figure 7C Perspective view of the partition component of the embodiment of this case when disposed in the tube body from the bottom of the tube body.

[0033]

Symbol Explanation

[0034] 1: Sample collection and inspection tube 11: Tube body

[0035] 111: First limiting structure 112: Second limiting structure

[0036] 113: Third limiting structure 114: Opening

[0037] 1141: Entrance 115: First space

[0038] 116: Second space 117: Engaging member

[0039] 1171: First engaging portion 1172: Second engaging portion

[0040] 12: Tube cap 121: First end

[0041] 1211: First side wall 122: Second end

[0042] 1221: Second side wall 123: Partition

[0043] 124: Annular wall 1241: Annular flange

[0044] 13: Partition component 131: Blocking portion

[0045] 1311: First side 1312: Second side

[0046] 1313: Third side 1314: Fourth side

[0047] 132: Limiting portion 1321: Notch

[0048] 1322: Bottom edge 133: Bending mechanism

[0049] 1331: Bending section 1331a, 1331b: Bend lines

[0050] 1332: Bending gap 1333: First edge

[0051] 1334: Second edge 1335: Third edge

[0052] 1336: Fourth edge 2: Specimen collection tube holder

[0053] 21: Slot 211: First clamping structure

[0054] 212: Second clamping structure 213: Third clamping structure

[0055] 3: Sampling swab 31: Sampling head

[0056] 4: Liquid D: Distance

[0057] W: Width Detailed implementation manners

[0058] Some typical embodiments demonstrating the features and advantages of this case will be described in detail in the subsequent description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different aspects, but all of them do not depart from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are essentially for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 Schematic diagrams showing the specimen collection tube and the specimen collection tube holder of the embodiments of this case. Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing the specimen collection tube of the embodiments of this case and another specimen collection tube holder. Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the specimen collection tube of the embodiments of this case. The specimen collection tube 1 is placed in the slot 21 of the specimen collection tube holder 2 in a substantially upright manner for an automated device to execute an operation process; and in response to automated operation, the specimen collection tube 1 of this case is designed with a structure that helps to execute an automated lid-opening / closing program. The specimen collection tube 1 includes a tube body 11 and a tube cap 12, wherein the tube body 11 has an opening 114, and the tube cap 12 is screwed onto the tube body 11 to seal the opening 114 and separate the space inside the tube body 11 from the outside. Additionally, the tube body 11 is a cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical tube body, or other columnar tube bodies, but not limited thereto.

[0060] On the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 11, there are a first limiting structure 111 and a second limiting structure 112, which are roughly located near the tube cap 12. At the top of each slot 21 of the sampling tube rack 2, there is a first clamping structure 211 and a second clamping structure 212, corresponding to the first limiting structure 111 and the second limiting structure 112 respectively. Therefore, when the sample sampling tube 1 is placed into the slot 21, on the one hand, the first limiting structure 111 and the first clamping structure 211 can limit each other to restrict the circumferential rotation of the tube body 11 placed in the slot 21 along the long axis direction. On the other hand, the second limiting structure 112 and the second clamping structure 212 can also limit each other, thereby restricting the movement of the tube body 11 along the long axis direction.

[0061] For example, in one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the first limiting structure 111 can be implemented as two protruding structures located near the tube cap 12 and parallel to the long axis direction of the sample sampling tube 1, such as two convex ribs. And the first clamping structure 211 can be implemented as two concave structures located at the top of the slot 21 and parallel to the long axis direction of the sample sampling tube 1, such as two grooves. Therefore, when the sample sampling tube 1 is vertically placed into the slot 21, the two convex ribs can be respectively clamped into the two grooves from top to bottom, thus restricting the circumferential rotation of the tube body 11 along the long axis direction. In other embodiments, the first limiting structure 111 and the first clamping structure 211 can adopt other clamping forms, and the setting positions and quantities can also be changed according to actual needs, but not limited thereto.

[0062] For example, in one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the second limiting structure 112 can be implemented as a protruding portion located near the tube cap 12, and the second clamping structure 212 can be implemented as an elastic member located at the top of the slot 21, such as formed by selecting the material of the slot 21 and opening two slits at the top of the slot 21. Therefore, when the sample sampling tube 1 is vertically placed into the slot 21, the elastic member can expand outward due to its own elasticity to accommodate and abut against the protruding portion, so as to apply a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction of the sample sampling tube 1 to the protruding portion, thereby restricting the movement of the tube body 11 along the long axis direction, that is, the movement in the vertical direction. In another embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the second clamping structure 212 achieves the effect of elastic abutment by additionally arranging an elastic element on the sampling tube rack 2. For example, a spring piece is arranged by locking to elastically abut against the second limiting structure 112 corresponding to each slot 21. In other embodiments, the second limiting structure 112 and the second clamping structure 212 can adopt other abutment forms, and the setting positions, quantities, materials, etc. can also be changed according to actual needs, but not limited thereto.

[0063] More specifically, the first limiting structure 111 and the first clamping structure 211 are engaged with and / or restricted by each other in the long axis direction, so that when the automatic switch cover module (not shown) is combined with the tube cover 12 and executes the switch cover program, the tube body 11 can be blocked from rotating circumferentially along the long axis direction and remain stationary. As a result, the automatic switch cover module only drives the tube cover 12 to rotate, and screws on or unscrews the tube cover 12 on the tube body 11. On the other hand, the second limiting structure 112 and the second clamping structure 212 generate a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction of the tube body 11 through mutual abutment and / or restriction. When the tube cover 12 is gradually separated from the tube body 11 driven by the automatic switch cover module, the tube body 11 can be fixed by the force and will not be lifted upward accordingly, effectively reducing the vertical movement of the tube body 11 in the slot 21.

[0064] Since the tube cover 12 and the tube body 11 are combined in a spiral manner, maintaining the stability of the tube body 11, not rotating and / or moving up and down with the switch cover program is an important key to the success of the automatic switch cover program. Through the above two limiting mechanisms, the success rate of opening and closing the cover of the sample collection tube 1 in this case during the automatic switch cover program can be effectively improved.

[0065] Here, preferably, the first limiting structure 111 and the second limiting structure 112 are arranged at a position close to the tube cover 12, that is, a position close to the top of the tube body 11, so as to ensure that there is enough space for attaching labels on the tube body 11.

[0066] In an embodiment, a third limiting structure 113 can be further provided on the tube body 11 to form an asymmetric part on the tube body 11, and a third clamping structure 213 can be correspondingly provided at the bottom of the slot 21 of the sample collection tube rack 2, and the rotation of the tube body 11 with the tube cover 12 during the automatic switch cover program can be further ensured through the mutual abutment between the two. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the third limiting structure 113 is implemented as an inward contraction of the tube wall on the tube body 11 in the shape of a cylinder or a quasi-cylinder, resulting in an asymmetric shape of the cross-section of the tube body 11 perpendicular to the long axis direction, and the third clamping structure 213 is implemented as a corresponding shape to achieve the effect of restricting the rotation of the sample collection tube 1. In other embodiments, the third limiting structure 113 can be implemented as different asymmetric shapes according to actual needs, but not limited thereto. In addition, the asymmetric part formed by the third limiting structure 113 on the tube body 11 is also suitable for attaching a label for recording information of the samples in each sample collection tube. For example, the asymmetric part can be formed as an inwardly contracted plane on the quasi-cylindrical tube body 11, further serving as the position for attaching a barcode label on the tube body 11, so that the automated equipment can scan the code while inserting the sample collection tube, quickly input and identify the corresponding information of the samples in each sample collection tube, and the overall automated operation process is smoother.

[0067] Figure 4 Shown is a partial sectional view of the combination of the tube body and the tube cap of the sample collection and inspection tube of the present embodiment. The tube cap 12 includes a first end 121, a second end 122, and a partition 123. The first end 121 is used to combine with the tube body 11, the second end 122 is used to combine with an automatic switch cover module (not shown), and the partition 123 is disposed between the first end 121 and the second end 122. That is, the first end 121 and the second end 122 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the partition 123. The first end 121 is surrounded by a first side wall 1211, and the second end 122 is surrounded by a second side wall 1221. Therefore, the first side wall 1211 and the second side wall are substantially perpendicular to the partition 123. In addition, the tube cap 12 further includes an annular wall 124, which is disposed on the surface of the partition 123 facing the first end 121 and extends toward the first end 121. For example, it extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first side wall 1211; and an annular flange 1241 is further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall 124, extending toward the inner peripheral surface of the first side wall 1211 of the first end 121. For example, it extends in a direction substantially parallel to the partition 123. That is, the annular flange 1241 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall 124.

[0068] In this structure, an annular space is formed between the annular wall 124 and the first side wall 1211, and the annular flange 1241 is located in the annular space. When the tube cap 12 is combined with the tube body 11, the tube body 11 can just be received in the annular space, and the annular flange 1241 can further abut against the inner peripheral surface of the tube body 11 to add a sealing structure in addition to the screw connection between the tube body 11 and the tube cap 12. In this way, there is no need to additionally provide a sealing component between the tube body 11 and the tube cap 12 of the sample collection and inspection tube 1 of the present case, and the effect of sealing without liquid leakage can be achieved. In addition, the extension length of the annular wall 124 toward the first end 121 can be further lengthened, so that the overlapping length of the tube body 11 and the annular wall 124 is lengthened, which helps to increase the sealing effect.

[0069] Next, please refer to Figure 5 and Figures 6A - 6C . Figure 5 Shown is a perspective view of the sampling swab disposed in the sample collection and inspection tube of the present embodiment. Figure 6A Shown is a schematic diagram of the partition component of the present embodiment. Figure 6B Shown is a top view of the partition component of the present embodiment disposed in the tube body from the opening direction. Figure 6C Shown is a bottom view of the partition component of the present embodiment from the bottom edge direction. The sample collection and inspection tube 1 further includes a partition component 13, which is disposed in the tube body 11. Through the partition component 13, when the sampling swab 3 enters the tube body 11 through the opening 114, it can be received in the tube body 11 in a manner substantially perpendicular to and close to the inner peripheral surface of the tube body 11, and can contact the liquid 4 (such as sample preservation liquid) disposed in the tube body 11.

[0070] The partition component 13 includes a blocking portion 131, a limiting portion 132, and a bending mechanism 133. The blocking portion 131 is disposed inside the tube body 11 adjacent to the opening 114, and its function is to block at least a part of the opening 114, thereby defining an entrance 1141 for the sampling swab 3 to pass through. In other words, when the tube cap 12 is removed, due to the arrangement of the partition component 13, it can be seen that the opening 114 is restricted, and the entrance 1141 is exposed for the sampling swab 3 to pass through and be inserted into the tube body 11.

[0071] The limiting portion 132 is connected to the blocking portion 131. For example, it intersects the blocking portion 131 in a substantially perpendicular direction and extends from the blocking portion 131 into the tube body 11. By providing the limiting portion 132, the position of the sampling swab 3 passing through the entrance 1141 and entering the interior of the tube body 11 can be restricted. More specifically, the limiting portion 132 divides the interior of the tube body 11 into a first space 115 corresponding to the entrance 1141 and a second space 116 corresponding to the blocking portion 131. Therefore, when the sampling swab 3 enters the tube body 11, due to the arrangement of the limiting portion 132, it will not stay in the tube body 11 at an arbitrary angle as described in the prior art, but is restricted to the first space 115 separated between the limiting portion 132 and the tube body 11.

[0072] The bending mechanism 133 is disposed between the blocking portion 131 and the limiting portion 132 to enable an external pipette (such as a pipette of an automated device) to smoothly enter the tube body 11 and obtain the liquid 4 containing the sampling sample. The external pipette enters the tube body 11 by contacting the blocking portion 131 and pressing down the blocking portion 131. The function of the bending mechanism 133 is to cause the blocking portion 131 to bend towards the interior of the tube body 11 due to the force exerted by the external pipette when the external pipette enters the tube body 11. That is, as Figure 6A shown by the arrow in the figure, it bends towards the limiting portion 132 to expose the originally blocked part of the opening 114, thereby enabling the external pipette to smoothly enter the tube body 11 and obtain the liquid 4 containing the sampling sample.

[0073] The blocking portion 131 is substantially parallel to the cross-section of the opening 114, that is, substantially perpendicular to the long axis direction of the tube body 11, so as to effectively achieve the blocking effect. For example, it can be implemented as a planar plate-like structure substantially parallel to the opening 114, such as a blocking piece or a baffle. In one embodiment, as Figure 6BAs shown, the blocking portion 131 is implemented to include a first side 1311 and a second side 1312 that are parallel to each other, a third side 1313 perpendicular to the first side 1311 and the second side 1312, and a fourth side 1314 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the limiting portion 132. A fillet is formed at the junction of the first side 1311 and the third side 1313, and a fillet is also formed at the junction of the second side 1312 and the third side 1313. That is, the flat plate-like structure is formed into a shape similar to a rounded rectangle. Therefore, except for the position where the blocking portion 131 is connected to the limiting portion 132, its outer peripheral edge does not contact the inner peripheral surface of the pipe body 11. That is, the blocking portion 131 is suspended at the opening 114 through the limiting portion 132. Accordingly, when the blocking portion 131 is bent due to the entry of an external pipette, there will be no friction with the pipe body 11, and the frictional force between the blocking portion 131 and the external pipette entering the pipe body is also reduced, which can prevent the movement of the external pipette from driving the partition assembly 13; in addition, compared with a shape approximately equivalent to a circle of the inner peripheral surface of the opening 114, the blocking portion 131 that is retracted into a shape similar to a rounded rectangle has a smaller width W at the bent portion (as Figure 6C shown), and is a rectangle with a substantially symmetric shape, which not only makes the bending easier but also reduces the resilience, and this can also reduce the frictional force between the external pipette and the blocking portion 131, further preventing the partition assembly 13 from being taken away from the pipe body 11 due to excessive frictional force when the external pipette leaves the pipe body 11.

[0074] On the other hand, the frictional force between the external pipette and the blocking portion 131 may also cause the pipe body 11 to be lifted upward when the external pipette is removed. At this time, the restriction on the movement of the pipe body 11 in the long axis direction generated by the mutual abutment between the aforementioned second limiting structure 112 and the second clamping structure 212 will further prevent the pipe body 11 from being driven upward by the external pipette, ensuring that the pipe body 11 remains stable and does not move. Therefore, through the dual assurance mechanism, the operation of the external pipette entering and leaving the pipe body 11 for sampling can be more smooth and not stuck.

[0075] In one embodiment, the limiting portion 132 is a sheet-like structure, and its length direction is generally parallel to the long axis direction of the tube body 11, so as to keep the sampling swab 3 upright in the tube body 11 as much as possible and reduce the area occupied by the sampling swab 3 in the cross-section perpendicular to the long axis direction of the tube body 11. In other words, it maximizes the area occupied by the blocking portion 131 in the cross-section and the space that the external pipette can pass through. Additionally, the cross-sectional shape of the sheet-like structure of the limiting portion 132 can be different according to requirements. Since the range of the inlet 1141 is jointly defined by the limiting portion 132 and the tube body 11, that is, formed by the intersection of the sheet-like structure in the width direction and the tube body 11. Therefore, in the case where the tube body 11 is a cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical tube body, at least a part of the boundary of the inlet 1141 is a part of the tube body 11. For example, it is arc-shaped or quasi-arc-shaped. On this premise, as long as the space jointly defined by the limiting portion 132 and the tube body 11 is sufficient to accommodate the sampling swab 3, the cross-sectional shape of the sheet-like structure is not restricted. In a preferred embodiment, based on the fact that the sampling head 31 of the sampling swab 3 (such as a flocked swab or a cotton swab) is often spherical or quasi-spherical, the cross-sectional shape of the sheet-like structure can be implemented as arc-shaped to form a quasi-circular inlet 1141 together with a part of the tube body 11 that is arc-shaped or quasi-arc-shaped, but it is not limited thereto.

[0076] As can be seen from the above, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting portion 132 may change according to different requirements, so the boundary line between the blocking portion 131 and the limiting portion 132 may correspondingly be of different shapes. For example, it is an arc-shaped boundary line due to the limiting portion 132 being an arc-shaped sheet-like structure. In this case, it may not be easy to implement the bending of the blocking portion 131 towards the limiting portion 132, and the setting of the bending mechanism 133 is to achieve the bending of the blocking portion 131.

[0077] The bending mechanism 133 includes a bending section 1331 and a bending gap 1332. The bending section 1331 is used to guide the bending position of the blocking portion 131. That is, the bending section 1331 is a pre-bending section adjacent to the limiting portion 132 on the blocking portion 131, for the blocking portion 131 to follow when bending, and includes a plurality of bending lines 1331a, 1331b. Additionally, the bending gap 1332 is a hollow portion between the blocking portion 131 and the limiting portion 132, and includes a first edge 1333 adjacent to the limiting portion 132, a second edge 1334 opposite to the first edge, and a third edge 1335 and a fourth edge 1336 respectively connecting the first edge 1333 and the second edge 1334.

[0078] To maximize the space through which the external pipette can pass, the bending section 1331 is preferably as close as possible to the limiting part 132, that is, close to the arc intersection line. However, since the arc-shaped sheet structure of the limiting part 132 may increase the difficulty of bending, a bending gap 1332 is designed in this case to provide a deformation space for easy bending. In one embodiment, the bending gap 1332 is adjacent to the arc intersection line, and the first edge 1333 is generally in an arc corresponding to the arc intersection line. The bending section 1331 extends from the third edge 1335 and the fourth edge 1336 of the bending gap 1332 in opposite directions to the edge of the blocking part 131. In other words, the position of the bending section 1331 is on both sides of the bending gap 1332, which is also the actual bending position of the blocking part 131, and the two side bending sections 1331 each have a width W. More specifically, the bending gap 1332 provides the deformation space required for the blocking part 131 to bend towards the limiting part 132. Regardless of the shape of the intersection line between the blocking part 131 and the limiting part 132 and regardless of the position where the bending section 1331 is set, the bending can be carried out smoothly without causing deformation of the limiting part 132 and / or the blocking part 131. In addition, a plurality of bending lines 1331a, 1331b provided in the bending section 1331 help to expand the bending allowable range. By setting a plurality of bending lines 1331a, 1331b, the bending allowable range of the bending section 1331 is expanded to be roughly in a rectangular shape. Therefore, within this range, it is the area where bending can occur, thereby allowing the positions of both sides of the bending gap 1332 to be slightly asymmetric during actual bending, further avoiding the possible jamming situation when the external pipette enters.

[0079] In one embodiment, to further prevent the bent blocking part 131 from hindering the liquid suction operation of the external pipette, a notch 1321 is provided at a position adjacent to the top edge of the limiting part 132 to receive at least a part of the blocking part 131 during bending, so that the blocking part 131 does not protrude from the position of the arc-shaped surface of the limiting part 132 after bending. The distance between the top edge of the notch 1321 and the top edge of the limiting part 132 is less than the minimum height of the bending gap 1332 (that is, the minimum distance between the first edge 1333 and the second edge 1334). In other words, when the blocking part 131 bends along the bending section 1331, the bending gap 1332 allows the part between the top edge of the notch 1321 and the top edge of the limiting part 132 to pass through. In addition, the distance between the bottom edge and the top edge of the notch 1321 is greater than the straight-line distance between the second edge 1334 of the bending gap 1332 and the edge of the blocking part 131, so that the downward-bent blocking part 131 can enter and be received in the notch 1321. In this way, the blocking part 131 can reach a position where it does not protrude from the arc-shaped surface of the limiting part 132 during bending, and the external pipette can also smoothly enter the tube body 11 and suck the liquid 4.

[0080] Therefore, through the design of the bending mechanism 133 cooperating with the notch 1321, it is possible to achieve the goal of bending the blocking portion 131 downward and providing the maximum passing space for the pipette while maintaining the limiting portion 132 as an arc-shaped sheet structure and the blocking portion 131 as a flat plate structure.

[0081] After the external pipette leaves the tube body 11, the blocking portion 131 that is bent due to the force will return to its original position due to the disappearance of the applied force, that is, return to the position of blocking at least a part of the opening 114. Therefore, the partition assembly 13 is preferably made of an elastic material, such as but not limited to plastic, to ensure that the blocking portion 131 can be bent and rebound in response to the entry and exit of the pipette. As mentioned above, the width W of the bending sections 1331 on both sides of the bending gap 1332 further affects whether the blocking portion 131 is prone to bending. On the premise of the same material, the larger the width W, the greater the resilience force, and the more difficult it is for the external pipette to move within the tube body 11 due to the blocking of the resilient blocking portion 131. On the contrary, the smaller the width W, the smaller the resilience force, and the less hindrance to the movement of the external pipette. Therefore, the width W can also be changed according to the selected material to achieve the effects of covering the opening 114, being easily bent, and having a moderate resilience force, making the entry and exit of the external pipette smoother.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 7A - 7C 。 Figure 7A Showing a sectional view of the tube body of the embodiment of the present case in the long axis direction. Figure 7B Showing a top view of the tube body of the embodiment of the present case from the opening direction. Figure 7C Showing a perspective view from the bottom of the tube body when the partition assembly of the embodiment of the present case is disposed in the tube body. The partition assembly 13 is positioned within the tube body 11 by the limiting portion 132 abutting against two engaging members 117 located on the inner peripheral surface of the tube body 11. The two engaging members 117 are disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube body 11 at a distance apart and parallel to the long axis direction of the tube body 11. Each engaging member 117 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the tube body 11 towards the inside of the tube body 11 to form a first engaging portion 1171. For example, it is a strip-shaped protrusion extending downward along the long axis direction from a position adjacent to the opening 114 to the bottom of the tube body 11. The two ends in the width direction of the limiting portion 132 respectively abut against the space between each first engaging portion 1171 and the tube body 11, and thus the partition assembly 13 is positioned within the tube body 11. In other words, through the mutual abutment and positioning between the first engaging portion 1171, the tube body 11 and the limiting portion 132, the partition assembly 13 is fixed, and the portion blocked by the blocking portion 131 and the inlet 1141 defined by the limiting portion 132 and the tube body 11 for passing the sampling swab 3 are also fixed.

[0083] The set distance between the two snap-fit components 117 is determined by the limiting portion 132. Since the function of the two snap-fit components 117 is to position and separate the component 13 by abutting against the limiting portion 132, therefore, corresponding to the different shapes of the limiting portion 132, the positions of the two snap-fit components 117 and the protruding directions of the two first snap-fit portions 1171 will also be different. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the positions and protruding directions of the two first snap-fit portions 1171 are exactly such that they can exert pressure on both ends of the arc-shaped limiting portion 132 and cause the arc-shaped limiting portion 132 to generate a resilient abutting force to achieve a fixing effect; and according to the different required fixing forces, the included angle between the protruding directions of the two first snap-fit portions 1171 can be further changed. For example, when the included angle is larger, it means that the protruding directions of the two first snap-fit portions 1171 are more towards each other, which will make the fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction exerted by the two first snap-fit portions 1171 on the limiting portion 132 larger. Accordingly, the separating component 13 will be less likely to move due to the frictional force with the external pipette, for example, being carried away when the external pipette is removed from the tube body 11. To achieve this abutment, the limiting portion 132 is preferably made of an elastic material, such as but not limited to plastic, to increase the effect of abutting and fixing.

[0084] Furthermore, a second snap-fit portion 1172 is further formed at the lower end of each first snap-fit portion 1171. Each second snap-fit portion 1172 extends and protrudes from each first snap-fit portion 1171 and is substantially perpendicular to the first snap-fit portion 1171, and the top edge of the second snap-fit portion 1172 contacts the bottom edge of the limiting portion 132. More specifically, the second snap-fit portion 1172 supports the limiting portion 132 below, and thereby the position of the bottom edge of the limiting portion 132 is higher than the bottom of the tube body 11. Therefore, the bottom edge of the limiting portion 132 and the bottom of the tube body 11 are separated by the height of the second snap-fit portion 1172, that is, the distance D between the bottom edge 1322 of the limiting portion 132 and the bottom of the tube body 11.

[0085] In other words, the limiting portion 132 does not extend to the bottom of the tube body 11, and the tube body 11 is not separated into two spaces by the limiting portion 132 near the bottom. Accordingly, as Figure 5 shown, the sampling head 31 mainly attached with the sampling sample on the sampling swab 3 can be fully mixed with the liquid 4 in the sample collection tube 1 without being blocked by the limiting portion 132; on the other hand, when the external pipette enters the tube body 11, it can also obtain the liquid 4 containing the sampling sample at the non-separated part at the bottom, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the detection result. In an embodiment, the length of the limiting portion 132 is generally greater than half of the tube length of the tube body 11, for example, between 1 / 2 and 2 / 3, but not limited thereto.

[0086] The purpose of the second engaging portion 1172 is to support the limiting portion 132 from below. Therefore, as long as the extending and protruding direction of the second engaging portion 1172 from the first engaging portion 1171 can achieve the supporting effect, the protruding directions of the two do not have to be vertically intersecting. They can also be parallel to each other, intersect at other angles, or even be independent components that do not intersect. In addition, according to different actual manufacturing processes, the partitioning component 13 and the tube body 11 can be two independent components or a single integrally formed component, without limitation.

[0087] In summary, this case provides a sample collection and inspection tube. By arranging multiple limiting structures on the outer part of the tube body and cooperating with the corresponding clamping structures on the collection and inspection tube rack, it achieves the effect of fixing the tube body during automatic opening and closing of the lid and preventing the tube body from rotating and / or moving up and down as the tube lid is unscrewed and / or screwed tight. In addition, an annular wall and an annular flange are provided inside the tube lid, which can achieve the sealing effect between the tube lid and the tube body without the need for an additional seal. Furthermore, a partitioning component is also provided inside the sample collection and inspection tube of this case, which divides the internal space of the tube into a part for receiving the sampling swab and a part for the external pipette to enter. The limiting portion of the partitioning component limits the sampling swab to a position that is generally perpendicular to and close to the tube wall of the tube body, so as to solve the problem that the pipette of the automated equipment in the prior art is likely to pause due to the sampling swab placed at any angle. In addition, a bending mechanism is provided between the limiting portion and the blocking portion of the partitioning component, so that the space for the pipette to pass through is only exposed when the pipette enters and the blocking portion bends, which can prevent the misplacement of the sampling swab. Moreover, the structural design of the partitioning component also ensures that it does not move as the external pipette moves inside the tube body. Accordingly, the sample collection and inspection tube of this case is a design with advantages for both operators and automated equipment operations.

[0088] It should be noted that the above are only the preferred embodiments proposed for explaining this case. This case is not limited to the described embodiments, and the scope of this case is determined by the appended claims. And this case can be variously modified by those skilled in this technology, but all modifications do not exceed the scope intended to be protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sample collection and inspection tube, characterized in that, Comprising: A tube body having an opening for accommodating a sampling swab, comprising: A first limiting structure disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body to limit circumferential rotation of the tube body along a long axis direction; A second limiting structure disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body to limit movement of the tube body along the long axis direction; And Two engaging members disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the tube body; A tube cap coupled to the tube body to seal the opening; And A partitioning assembly disposed between the two engaging members to block at least a portion of the opening, and define an entrance for the sampling swab to pass through, and divide the interior of the tube body into a first space corresponding to the entrance for accommodating the sampling swab and a second space for an external pipette to enter.

2. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body is placed in a slot of a sampling test tube rack, and the slot comprises: A first clamping structure corresponding to limit the first limiting structure; and A second clamping structure corresponding to limit the second limiting structure.

3. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting structure is implemented as a protruding structure extending along the long axis direction, and the first clamping structure is implemented as a concave structure corresponding to the protruding structure.

4. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 2, wherein, The second limiting structure is implemented as a protruding portion, and the second clamping structure is implemented as an elastic member corresponding to the protruding portion, and the elastic member applies a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction to the protruding portion.

5. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube body is placed in a slot of a sampling test tube rack, and the tube body comprises a third limiting structure to form an asymmetrical shape of the tube body in a cross-section perpendicular to the long axis direction, and the slot comprises a third clamping structure corresponding to limit the third limiting structure to limit circumferential rotation of the tube body along the long axis direction.

6. The sampling and inspection tube according to claim 1, wherein, The tube cap comprises a first end, a second end, and a partition, wherein the first end is used to be combined with the tube body, the second end is used to be combined with an automatic switch cover module, and the partition is disposed between the first end and the second end.

7. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tube cap further comprises an annular wall disposed on the surface of the partition facing the first end, extending towards the first end direction, and forming an annular space for the tube body to enter with the inner peripheral surface of the first end, and an annular flange is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall, extending towards the inner peripheral surface of the first end, to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the tube body when the tube body enters the annular space.

8. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 1, wherein, The partitioning assembly comprises: A blocking portion disposed adjacent to the opening to block at least a portion of the opening to define the entrance; A limiting portion connected to the blocking portion and extending into the tube body to divide the tube body into the first space and the second space, and limit the sampling swab entering the tube body through the entrance in the first space; and A bending mechanism disposed between the blocking portion and the limiting portion to cause the blocking portion to bend towards the limiting portion when the external pipette enters the tube body, and expose the second space.

9. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 8, wherein, The bending mechanism comprises a bending section to guide the blocking portion to bend towards the limiting portion, and a bending gap to provide a deformation space required for the blocking portion to bend.

10. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 9, wherein The bending section comprises a plurality of bending lines to provide a bending allowable range.

11. The sampling and testing tube according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bent section is disposed on both sides of the bent gap, and the allowable range of bending is generally rectangular in shape.

12. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 8, wherein, The limiting portion further includes a notch for receiving a part of the blocking portion when the blocking portion is bent.

13. The sample collection and inspection tube according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting portion is engaged with the relative inner sides of the two engaging members of the pipe body, and the two engaging members provide a fixing force perpendicular to the long axis direction to the limiting portion to restrict the movement of the partitioning assembly along the long axis direction.

14. The sample collection and testing tube according to claim 8, characterized in that, The blocking portion is generally suspended at the opening through the limiting portion, and only the outer peripheral edge of the blocking portion in contact with the limiting portion contacts the inner peripheral surface of the pipe body.

15. The sample collection and testing tube according to claim 14, characterized in that, The blocking portion is a flat plate-like structure with a shape similar to a rounded rectangle.

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