Blood collection tube transport device

Abstract

The blood collection tube conveying device according to the present application includes a blood collection tube conveying section that conveys a blood collection tube using air pressure, an elevator that moves the blood collection tube in a vertical direction, and a blood collection tube supply section that supplies the blood collection tube moved by the elevator to the blood collection tube conveying section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a blood collection tube delivery device, and more specifically, to a blood collection tube delivery device that utilizes air pressure to deliver blood collection tubes. Background Technology

[0002] To preserve various samples such as blood, animal and plant specimens, and chemicals, long, thin tubes with one closed end are used. These tubes are used with labels that indicate the contents of the sample, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0003] In particular, in hospitals and other medical institutions, various types of test tubes are used for collecting blood, depending on the volume of blood collected and the nature of the blood sample. The test tubes are marked with barcodes or other information indicating the date and time of blood collection, as well as the name, gender, and age of the person whose blood was collected. These barcodes are printed as barcode labels and affixed to the outer surface of the test tubes.

[0004] For such a large number and variety of test tubes, the operator needs to fill in a considerable amount of information, and due to this repetitive work, the relevant information is frequently filled in incorrectly.

[0005] Therefore, an automated test tube labeling device has recently been used, which selects the required test tubes from a pile of test tubes before filling them with the corresponding samples such as blood, and affixes labels with textual information or electronic information such as barcodes about the patient or test subject to the surface of the selected test tubes.

[0006] Test tubes labeled using this labeling device are then transported using a test tube delivery device after blood samples are collected from patients for examination.

[0007] However, existing test tube conveying devices primarily use a structure where multiple test tubes are housed in a rectangular cartridge before being conveyed. Because these devices require multiple test tubes to be stored in a cartridge before conveying, they cannot immediately convey the labeled test tubes in an in-line manner after labeling, resulting in long conveying times.

[0008] In addition, the large size of the cartridge that holds multiple test tubes creates numerous spatial constraints due to surrounding obstacles during the installation of the test tube delivery device.

[0009] To address this problem, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1948735, entitled "Conveyor Belt Unit and Test Tube Transport Device Using the Same", discloses a conveyor belt unit that moves test tubes in both vertical and horizontal directions.

[0010] However, existing test tube transfer devices, which are implemented using conveyor belt units, have the problem of being unable to transfer test tubes quickly.

[0011] In addition, due to the use of complex conveyor belt units, there is a problem of high installation costs. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical problems to be solved The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a blood collection tube delivery device that can deliver blood collection tubes using a first air pressure and a second air pressure.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a blood collection tube delivery device that prevents the blood collection tubes discharged through the blood collection tube supply section from shaking, thereby supplying the blood collection tubes vertically toward the blood collection tube delivery section.

[0014] Technical solution To achieve the above objectives, a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a blood collection tube delivery unit for delivering blood collection tubes using air pressure; a lift for moving the blood collection tubes vertically; and a blood collection tube supply unit for supplying the blood collection tubes moved by the lift to the blood collection tube delivery unit. The blood collection tube delivery unit includes: a direction adjustment unit for rotating the blood collection tubes supplied from the blood collection tube supply unit to align them in a certain direction; a blood collection tube launching unit for launching the blood collection tubes supplied from the direction adjustment unit to a blood collection tube delivery pipe connected to the blood collection tube delivery unit using air pressure; and a blood collection tube position adjustment unit for vertically lifting the blood collection tubes aligned in a certain direction at the direction adjustment unit, moving them to a first position within the blood collection tube launching unit. The ejector includes: a main body comprising a cylindrical portion coaxial with the blood collection tube delivery tube, a support member for holding the blood collection tube in a first position, a first air pressure supply hole formed on the lower end side, and a second air pressure supply hole formed on the upper end side; a first air pressure supply portion connected to the first air pressure supply hole, providing a first air pressure into the main body, thereby moving the blood collection tube located in the first position to a second position within the main body; and a second air pressure supply portion connected to the second air pressure supply hole, providing a second air pressure greater than the first air pressure into the main body, thereby firing the blood collection tube moved to the second position toward the blood collection tube delivery tube, wherein the first air pressure is set to a level capable of transmitting the blood collection tube from the first position to the second position.

[0015] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a blood collection tube conveying device includes: a blood collection tube conveying section for conveying blood collection tubes; an elevator for moving the blood collection tubes in a vertical direction; and a blood collection tube feeding section for supplying the blood collection tubes moving via the elevator to the blood collection tube conveying section, wherein the blood collection tube feeding section includes: a support frame coupled to one side of the elevator; a support roller located on the support frame and rotatably supporting the blood collection tubes; a support roller driving section for providing a driving force for rotating the support roller; a pair of first detection sensors respectively provided on both sides of the support frame and detecting the state of the blood collection tubes located on the support rollers; an opening and closing member provided on one side of the support roller in the length direction, moving in a direction toward and away from the support rollers to form a discharge space for discharging the blood collection tubes; and an opening and closing member driving section for driving the opening and closing member. The driving force for movement; and a processor, controlling the operation of the opening and closing member drive unit to move the opening and closing member, wherein the process of discharging the blood collection tube by the operation of the processor is performed by the following process: a first process, when the presence of the blood collection tube is detected by a pair of first detection sensors, moving the opening and closing member to a first position where the first interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member has a value greater than the tube width of the blood collection tube and less than the head width of the blood collection tube; a second process, after a predetermined first time, moving the opening and closing member to a second position where the second interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member has a value equal to the tube width of the blood collection tube; and a third process, after a predetermined second time, moving the opening and closing member to a third position where the third interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member has a value greater than the head width of the blood collection tube.

[0016] Beneficial effects The blood collection tube delivery device according to the present invention uses a first air pressure to move the blood collection tube from a first position to a second position within the main body, and then uses a second air pressure to launch the blood collection tube that has moved to the second position to the blood collection tube delivery tube, thereby providing the effect of rapidly moving the blood collection tube to the desired position.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the blood collection tubes discharged through the blood collection tube supply section from shaking, thereby ensuring that they are supplied vertically toward the blood collection tube delivery section.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the structure of the blood collection tube delivery device is compactly manufactured, it is possible to provide the effect of installation in various structures without being constrained by the surrounding environment in various installation spaces. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood collection tube delivery device according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing one side structure of a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the other side of the blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the direction adjustment unit and the blood collection tube position adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the blood collection tube transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figures 6 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing one side structure of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the other side of the blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the blood collection tube feeding section and the blood collection tube delivery section of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of an opening / closing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 16 to 17 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the drawings, the same constituent elements are indicated by the same reference numerals wherever possible. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the essence of the invention will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the blood collection tube delivery device according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing one side structure of a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the other side of the blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] and, Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the direction adjustment unit and the blood collection tube position adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the blood collection tube transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 5 The following describes in detail the configuration of a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a blood collection tube delivery device may include an elevator 100, a blood collection tube feeding unit 200, and a blood collection tube delivery unit.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The elevator 100 can be equipped with multiple labeled blood collection tubes C arranged horizontally inside, and the multiple blood collection tubes C can be moved vertically and supplied to the blood collection tube supply unit 200.

[0036] The blood collection tube supply unit 200 can supply the blood collection tube C, which moves vertically via the elevator 100, to the blood collection tube delivery unit.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a blood collection tube delivery unit can utilize air pressure to deliver blood collection tubes. This blood collection tube delivery unit may include a direction adjustment unit 400, a blood collection tube launching unit 600, and a position adjustment unit 500. Will Figure 4 and Figure 2 and Figure 3 Also referring to this, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the direction adjustment unit 400 can rotate the blood collection tube C supplied from the blood collection tube supply unit 200 to align it in a certain direction. Such direction adjustment unit 400 may include an adjustment unit body 410, a rotating member 420, a rotating member drive unit 430, and a contact sensor 440.

[0038] The main body 410 of the adjustment section may be provided with a first connecting hole 411 that connects to the outlet 312 of the main body 310 of the transmission section and a second connecting hole 412 that connects to the inlet hole 614 of the main body 610. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the main body 410 of the adjustment section is formed in a circular shape, but it is not limited thereto.

[0039] The rotating member 420 is formed in the same circular shape as the adjustment body 410 and can be provided in the adjustment body 410 in a rotatable manner.

[0040] The rotating member 420 may be provided with a turning flow path 421 for the blood collection tube C discharged through the outlet 312 to enter and turn. The turning flow path 421 may be formed in a shape that extends from one edge of the rotating member 420 toward the other edge in the diagonal direction.

[0041] The rotating member drive unit 430 can transmit the driving force that causes the rotating member 420 to rotate. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rotating member drive unit 430 is implemented as a belt drive unit and a drive motor in the same way as the support roller drive unit 230, but it is not limited thereto.

[0042] On the other hand, a contact sensor 440 may be provided on one side of the diversion flow path 421. This contact sensor 440 detects the state of the blood collection tube C entering the diversion flow path 421.

[0043] Therefore, in the direction adjustment unit 400, when the blood collection tube C discharged to the outlet 312 of the blood collection tube transfer unit 300 passes through the first connecting hole 411 formed in the adjustment unit body 410 and enters the turning flow path 421, the contact sensor 440 detects the blood collection tube C entering the turning flow path 421. When the contact sensor 440 detects that the blood collection tube C has entered the turning flow path 421, the rotating member drive unit 430 operates to rotate the rotating member 420, thereby moving the direction of the turning flow path 421 from the first connecting hole 411 side to the second connecting hole 412 side. In this case, the blood collection tube C, whose direction has been changed in the turning flow path 421, is positioned with its head facing downwards, and the tube body of the blood collection tube C can be positioned facing the second connecting hole 412.

[0044] Again Figure 4 and Figure 2 and Figure 3 Referring also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the blood collection tube position adjustment unit 500 can push up the blood collection tube C located in the direction adjustment unit 400, moving it to a first position P1 within the blood collection tube launching unit 600. This blood collection tube position adjustment unit 500 may include a position adjustment member 510 and a position adjustment member driving unit 520.

[0045] The position adjustment component 510 can push the blood collection tube C located in the diversion flow path 421, moving it to the first position P1.

[0046] More specifically, the position adjustment member 510 is positioned to be exposed on the outer side of the direction adjustment section 400. When the direction of the blood collection tube C is adjusted by the direction adjustment section 400, it enters the turning flow path 421, pushes the blood collection tube C to the first position P1, and then resets it to the original position.

[0047] The position adjustment member drive unit 520 can provide a driving force for moving the position adjustment member 510. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the position adjustment member drive unit 520 is proposed to be implemented as a belt drive unit and a drive motor, but it is not limited thereto.

[0048] On the other hand, the position adjustment member drive unit 520 can be combined with the mounting plate 530 provided on one side of the direction adjustment unit 400.

[0049] Will Figure 5 and Figures 2 to 4 Referring also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a blood collection tube transmitter 600 can receive a blood collection tube C from a direction adjustment unit 400 and fire it toward a blood collection tube delivery tube 700 by means of air pressure. This blood collection tube transmitter 600 may include a main body 610, a first air pressure supply unit 620, and a second air pressure supply unit 630.

[0050] The main body 610 may include a cylindrical portion 618 coaxial with the blood collection tube delivery tube 700 and a support member 660 for holding the blood collection tube C in a first position P1. The main body 610 can be coupled to the upper side of the direction adjustment portion 400 in a vertically upright state.

[0051] The main body 610 can be formed by combining the first cover 611 and the second cover 612.

[0052] An emission space 613 can be formed inside the cylindrical part 618.

[0053] The lower end of the cylindrical part 618 may be provided with an inlet hole 614 that is connected to the second connection hole 412 of the adjustment part body 410, and the upper end of it may be provided with an emission hole 615 that is connected to the blood collection tube delivery tube 700.

[0054] In addition, a first air pressure supply hole 616 may be formed on the lower end side of the main body 610, and a second air pressure supply hole 617 may be formed on the upper end side of the main body 610.

[0055] The first air pressure supply unit 620 can be connected to the first air pressure supply port 616 and can supply first air pressure into the main body 610, thereby moving the blood collection tube C located at the first position P1 to the second position P2 within the main body 610. This first air pressure supply unit 620 may include a first air pressure generator 621, a first air pressure transmission pipe 622, and a first air pressure port 623.

[0056] The first air pressure generator 621 can provide first air pressure toward the first air pressure supply hole 616. At this time, a first air pressure port 623 can be connected to the first air pressure supply hole 616, and the first air pressure can be supplied to the main body 610 through the first air pressure port 623 after being transmitted to the first air pressure transmission pipe 622 connecting the first air pressure generator 621 and the first air pressure port 623.

[0057] At this time, the first air pressure can be set to a level that allows the blood collection tube C to be transferred from the first position P1 to the second position P2. More specifically, it is set such that when the blood collection tube C is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by the first air pressure, the operation of the first air pressure generator 621 is stopped, so that the first air pressure is not provided through the first air pressure supply port 616, thereby making the blood collection tube C, which has moved to the second position P2, unaffected by the first air pressure.

[0058] The second pressure supply unit 630 can be connected to the second pressure supply port 617 and can supply a second pressure greater than the first pressure into the main body 610, thereby causing the blood collection tube C, which has moved to the second position P2, to be launched toward the blood collection tube delivery tube 700. This second pressure supply unit 630 may include a second pressure generator 631, a second pressure delivery tube 632, and a second pressure port 633.

[0059] The second air pressure generator 631 can provide second air pressure toward the second air pressure supply hole 617. At this time, a second air pressure port 633 can be connected to the second air pressure supply hole 617, and the second air pressure can be supplied to the main body 610 through the second air pressure port 633 after being transmitted to the second air pressure transmission pipe 632 connecting the second air pressure generator 631 and the second air pressure port 633.

[0060] At this point, the second pressure can be set to a pressure that enables the blood collection tube C to be transported from the second position P2 to the final destination. More specifically, the second pressure provided by the second pressure generator 631 is set to be greater than the first pressure, thereby enabling the blood collection tube C to be transported to the final destination by means of the second pressure.

[0061] That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the blood collection tube delivery device can use the first air pressure provided by the first air pressure providing unit 620 to move the blood collection tube C from the first position P1 in the main body 610 to the second position P2, and use the second air pressure provided by the second air pressure providing unit 630, which is greater than the first air pressure, to launch the blood collection tube C, which has moved to the second position P2, toward the blood collection tube delivery tube 700, thereby moving it to the final destination.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blood collection tube transmitter 600 may further include a first lever portion 640 for opening and closing a first air pressure supply port 616 and a second lever portion 650 for opening and closing a second air pressure supply port 617.

[0063] The first lever portion 640 may include a first lever 641 and a first rotation limiting member 642.

[0064] In the first lever 641, the first hinge protrusion 641a, which protrudes from both ends on one side, can be rotatably attached to the inner wall of the main body 610. At this time, the first lever 641 can rotate around the first hinge protrusion 641a to selectively open and close the first air pressure supply hole 616.

[0065] The first rotation limiting member 642 is coupled to the first slit hole S1 formed on the inner wall of the main body 610, thereby limiting the rotation range of the first lever 641. At this time, a first through hole 642a for the blood collection tube C to pass through can be provided in the central part of the first rotation limiting member 642.

[0066] On the other hand, the first lever 641 can be rotated by means of the first air pressure provided by the first air pressure providing hole 616, thereby closing the first through hole 642a.

[0067] More specifically, during the process of moving the blood collection tube C to the first position P1 within the main body 610 via the position adjustment member 510, the blood collection tube C moves to the first position P1 through the first through hole 642a. When the blood collection tube C moves to the first position P1, the first lever 641 rotates with the aid of the first air pressure. The rotation of the first lever 641 is restricted by the first rotation limiting member 642, which simultaneously closes the first through hole 642a. This prevents the supply of the first air pressure towards the first through hole 642a.

[0068] The second lever portion 650 may include a second lever 651 and a second rotation limiting member 652.

[0069] In the second lever 651, the second hinge protrusion 651a, which protrudes from both ends on one side, can be rotatably attached to the inner wall of the main body 610. At this time, the second lever 651 can rotate around the second hinge protrusion 651a to selectively open and close the second air pressure supply hole 617.

[0070] The second rotation limiting member 652 is coupled to the second slit hole S2 formed on the inner wall of the main body 610, thereby limiting the rotation range of the second lever 651. At this time, a second through hole 652a for the blood collection tube C to pass through can be provided in the central part of the second rotation limiting member 652.

[0071] On the other hand, the second lever 651 can be rotated by means of the second air pressure provided by the second air pressure providing hole 617, thereby closing the second through hole 652a.

[0072] More specifically, during the process of moving the blood collection tube C to the second position P2 within the main body 610 via the first air pressure supply unit 620, the blood collection tube C moves to the second position P2 through the second through hole 652a. When the blood collection tube C moves to the second position P2, the second lever 651 rotates with the aid of the second air pressure. The rotation of the second lever 651 is restricted by the second rotation limiting member 652, which simultaneously closes the second through hole 652a. This prevents the supply of second air pressure through the second through hole 652a.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support member 660 disposed on the main body 610 can support a blood collection tube C that is moved to a first position P1 by a position adjustment member 510. Such a support member 660 may include a first elastic frame 661, a second elastic frame 662, a first elastic frame fixing protrusion 663, a second elastic frame fixing protrusion 664, a first elastic support protrusion 665, and a second elastic support protrusion 666.

[0074] The first elastic frame 661 and the second elastic frame 662 can be provided on both sides of the inner wall of the main body 610, respectively.

[0075] The first elastic frame fixing protrusion 663 can be formed at the lower end of the first elastic frame 661 and fixed to the inner wall of the main body 610, and the second elastic frame fixing protrusion 664 can be formed at the lower end of the second elastic frame 662 and fixed to the inner side of the main body 610.

[0076] The first elastic support protrusion 665 and the second elastic support protrusion 666 can be extended to narrow the width between the upper end of the first elastic frame 661 and the upper end of the second elastic frame 662, and then extended to widen the width, thereby forming an elastic through hole 667 for the blood collection tube C to pass through. At this time, the first elastic support protrusion 665 and the second elastic support protrusion 666 can support the blood collection tube C passing through the elastic through hole 667 at the first position P1.

[0077] That is, the blood collection tube C, which is moved to the first position P1 of the main body 610 by the position adjustment component 510, can pass through the elastic through hole 667 and be supported by the first elastic support protrusion 665 and the second elastic support protrusion 666.

[0078] On the other hand, the blood collection tube delivery tube 700 can be connected to the emission port 615 of the main body 610, and the blood collection tube C emitted from the blood collection tube emission unit 600 can be moved to the blood collection tube receiving device (not shown) through the blood collection tube delivery tube 700. At this time, the blood collection tube delivery tube 700 can be made of plastic tube. Thus, the blood collection tube delivery device can be installed in various structures without being restricted by the installation space.

[0079] The following is for reference Figures 6 to 10The operation process of a blood collection tube delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a blood collection tube entering a diversion flow path according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates the state in which the rotating member according to an embodiment of the present invention rotates to change the direction of the blood collection tube in the diversion flow path. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a blood collection tube is moved to a first position by a position adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] and, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the rising moving member is reset to its original position according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This diagram schematically illustrates the state in which a blood collection tube is moved from a first position toward a second position using a first air pressure supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] First, the blood collection tube C, which moves vertically via the elevator 100, is supplied to the blood collection tube supply unit 200.

[0083] Next, the blood collection tube C supplied to the blood collection tube supply unit 200 is supplied to the direction adjustment unit 400.

[0084] Next, refer to Figure 6 The blood collection tube C supplied to the direction adjustment unit 400 through the blood collection tube supply unit 200 passes through the first connection hole 411 of the adjustment unit body 410 and enters the turning flow path 421 of the rotating member 420. The blood collection tube C entering the turning flow path 421 comes into contact with the contact sensor 440.

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 7 When the contact sensor 440 confirms whether the blood collection tube C has entered the diversion flow path 421, the rotating member drive unit 430 rotates the rotating member 420, thereby rotating the diversion flow path 421. At this time, in the diversion flow path 421, the head of the blood collection tube C faces downward, and the tube body of the blood collection tube C is positioned facing the blood collection tube emitter 600.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 8Through the operation of the position adjustment component drive unit 520, the position adjustment component 510 enters the turning flow path 421, causing the blood collection tube C to move to the first position P1 of the main body 610. At this time, after passing through the second connecting hole 412 of the adjustment unit main body 410, the blood collection tube C enters the entry hole 614 of the main body 610. As the blood collection tube C enters the entry hole 614, it causes the first lever 641 to rotate toward the first air pressure supply hole 616 while passing through the first through hole 642a. Then, it passes through the elastic through hole 667 of the support component 660 and is supported at the first position P1 by the first elastic support protrusion 665 and the second elastic support protrusion 666.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 9 When the blood collection tube C is supported by the support member 660 at the first position P1, the position adjustment member 510 is reset to its original position.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 10 The first air pressure is supplied to the main body 610 by the first air pressure supply unit 620, thereby causing the blood collection tube C, supported by the support member 660, to move toward the second position P2. At this time, the first air pressure is set to a level that enables the blood collection tube C to be transferred from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0089] Here, when the first air pressure is supplied to the first air pressure supply port 616, the first lever 641 moves toward the first through hole 642a by means of the first air pressure, thereby closing the first through hole 642a. This prevents the supply of the first air pressure toward the first through hole 642a.

[0090] In addition, the blood collection tube C moves toward the second position P2 while passing through the second through hole 652a, and while passing through the second through hole 652a, the second lever 651 rotates toward the second air pressure supply hole 617, thereby closing the second air pressure supply hole 652a.

[0091] Next, although not shown in the diagram, a second air pressure is supplied to the main body 610 via the second air pressure supply unit 630, causing the blood collection tube C, which has moved to the second position P2, to be launched toward the blood collection tube delivery tube 700. At this time, while the second air pressure is supplied to the second air pressure supply hole 617, the second lever 651 moves toward the second through hole 652a, thereby closing the second through hole 652a. This prevents the supply of second air pressure toward the second through hole 652a. On the other hand, the second air pressure is set to a level that allows the blood collection tube C to be delivered from the second position P2 to its final destination.

[0092] The blood collection tube C, launched toward the blood collection tube delivery tube 700, is delivered to its final destination through the blood collection tube delivery tube 700.

[0093] The following is for reference Figures 11 to 14The following describes in detail the structure and operation of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing one side structure of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of another side of the blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the blood collection tube feeding section and the blood collection tube delivery section of a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of an opening / closing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Will Figure 11 and Figure 12 and Figure 1 Also referred to is a blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which may include an elevator 100, a blood collection tube feeding unit 200, and a blood collection tube delivery unit.

[0096] Will Figure 13 and Figure 11 and Figure 12 Referring also, the blood collection tube supply unit 200 can supply blood collection tubes C, which move vertically via the elevator 100, to the blood collection tube conveying unit. This blood collection tube supply unit 200 may include a support frame 210, a support roller 220, a support roller drive unit 230, an opening and closing member 240, an opening and closing member drive unit 250, and a processor (not shown).

[0097] The support frame 210 can be attached to one side of the elevator 100, and the support roller 220 and the opening and closing member 240 can be located inside the support frame 210.

[0098] The support roller 220 can be rotatably located at the lower inner end of the support frame 210 and can support the labeled blood collection tube C. In this case, the support roller 220 can be made wholly or partially of an elastic member.

[0099] The support roller drive unit 230 is connected to the support roller 220 and transmits the driving force for rotating the support roller 220. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the support roller drive unit 230 is proposed to be implemented as a belt drive unit and a drive motor, but it is not limited to this.

[0100] When the support roller 220 is rotated by the support roller drive unit 230, the blood collection tube C supported by the support roller 220 can rotate. At this time, the label scanner 260, which is located on the upper side of the support frame 210, scans the label information attached to the blood collection tube C.

[0101] The label scanner 260 scans the patient's information affixed to the blood collection tube C to determine whether the blood collection tube C contains accurate patient information. If the patient's information scanned by the label scanner 260 is normal, the blood collection tube C is discharged towards the blood collection tube delivery section 300.

[0102] On the other hand, a pair of first detection sensors 270 can be provided on each of the two sides of the support frame 210 to detect the state of the blood collection tube C located on the support roller 220. In this embodiment, the pair of first detection sensors 270 can be implemented as image sensors, light sensors, laser sensors, etc. As long as they are implemented to detect the state of the blood collection tube C located on the support roller 220, they can be arbitrarily changed and applied.

[0103] The opening / closing member 240 is provided inside the support frame 210 and can be provided on one side of the support roller 220 along its length direction, moving in the direction toward and away from the support roller 220, thereby forming a discharge space 241 for discharging the blood collection tube C. In this case, the opening / closing member 240 can be made wholly or partially of an elastic member.

[0104] More specifically, the blood collection tube C supported by the support roller 220 can be discharged toward the blood collection tube delivery section 300, which will be described later, through the discharge space 241 formed between the support roller 220 and the opening and closing member 240 due to the movement of the opening and closing member 240.

[0105] The opening / closing member drive unit 250 is connected to the opening / closing member 240 and transmits the driving force for moving the opening / closing member 240. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the opening / closing member drive unit 250 is implemented with the same belt drive unit and drive motor as the support roller drive unit 230, but it is not limited thereto.

[0106] The processor can control the operation of the opening / closing member drive unit 250 that moves the opening / closing member 240. For example, the processor controls the operation of the opening / closing member drive unit 250 so that the opening / closing member 240, described later, can be moved to a first position, a second position, and a third position.

[0107] On the other hand, the blood collection tube C needs to be supplied in a specific direction to the blood collection tube delivery unit, which is the next stage. For example, if the blood collection tube C is supplied to the blood collection tube delivery unit in various directions, the posture of the blood collection tube C may need to be adjusted each time in the blood collection tube delivery unit. Furthermore, if the blood collection tube C is supplied in a posture that does not conform to the shape of the portion of the blood collection tube C that is housed in the configuration of the blood collection tube delivery unit, deviations may occur in the supply of the blood collection tube C.

[0108] In this embodiment, to prevent this problem, the blood collection tube C is drained through a three-stage process.

[0109] The process of discharging blood collection tube C through processor operation is as follows: First, when a pair of first detection sensors 270 detect the presence of blood collection tube C, as... Figure 14 As shown in (a), a first process is performed to move the opening / closing member 240 to a first position G1. In the first position G1, the first gap W1 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 has a value greater than the tube width H2 of the blood collection tube C and less than the head width H1 of the blood collection tube C. In this case, with the head of the blood collection tube C stuck between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240, the tube body of the blood collection tube C is discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0110] Next, as Figure 14 As shown in (b), after a predetermined first time, a second process is performed to move the opening / closing member 240 to the second position G2, where the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 has the same value as the width of the blood collection tube C. During this process, the opening / closing member 240 moves to a position where the interval between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 is substantially the same as the width (outer diameter) of the blood collection tube C. In this state (i.e., the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 is the same as the outer diameter of the blood collection tube C), it can stop or move further in the direction of narrowing interval, thereby moving to a position where pressure is applied to the body of the blood collection tube C.

[0111] On the other hand, since both the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 are made of elastic members, even if they move in the direction where the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 narrows, the shape of the elastic member portion of the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 can be deformed, thereby applying pressure to the tube body of the blood collection tube C. This prevents the tube body of the blood collection tube C from swaying in the discharge space 241.

[0112] Finally, as Figure 14 As shown in (c), after a predetermined second time, the process of moving the opening and closing member 240 to the third position G3 is performed, in which the third interval W3 between the support roller 220 and the opening and closing member 240 becomes greater than the head width of the blood collection tube C.

[0113] In this case, the third interval W3 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 can be formed to be greater than the head width H1 of the blood collection tube C, so that the blood collection tube C can be discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0114] Here, the head width of blood collection tube C can refer to the outer diameter of the head of blood collection tube C, and the tube body width of blood collection tube C can refer to the outer diameter of the tube body of blood collection tube C.

[0115] Through the above-described blood collection tube discharge process, the tube body of blood collection tube C can be prevented from shaking while being discharged into the discharge space 241, thereby allowing the tube body of blood collection tube C to move vertically toward the discharge outlet 312, thus preventing the aforementioned problems.

[0116] Reference Figures 11 to 13 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the blood collection tube supply unit 200 may further include a blood collection tube delivery unit 300, which delivers the blood collection tube C supplied to the blood collection tube supply unit 200 toward the direction adjustment unit 400.

[0117] This blood collection tube delivery unit 300 may include a delivery unit body 310 and a pair of second detection sensors 320.

[0118] The main body 310 of the transfer section can be formed such that its width gradually narrows from top to bottom. The wider upper side can be connected to the blood collection tube supply section 200, and the narrower lower side can be connected to the direction adjustment section 400. For example, it should be noted that the main body 310 of the transfer section can be formed into a roughly inverted trapezoidal shape, but is not limited to this.

[0119] Inside the main body 310 of the transfer section, there may be a moving space 311 for the blood collection tube C to move, and at the lower end of the moving space 311, there may be a discharge port 312 for discharging the blood collection tube C.

[0120] At this time, the main body 310 of the transfer unit can be provided at an angle from the blood collection tube supply unit 200 toward the direction adjustment unit 400, so that the blood collection tube C slides toward the discharge port 312 within the movement space 311. That is, with the main body 310 of the transfer unit being provided at an angle, a separate component for moving the blood collection tube C is no longer needed within the blood collection tube transfer unit 300.

[0121] A pair of second detection sensors 320 can be provided on both sides of the transfer unit body 310 to detect whether the blood collection tube C is in the direction of the discharge port 312 within the transfer unit body 310.

[0122] More specifically, a pair of second detection sensors 320 detect whether the lower end of the blood collection tube C is facing the discharge port 312 within the main body 310 of the transfer section. When the pair of second detection sensors 320 detect the blood collection tube C, the blood collection tube C is discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0123] The pair of second detection sensors 320 can be implemented as image sensors, light sensors, laser sensors, etc. As long as they are implemented to detect the direction of the blood collection tube C within the main body 310 of the delivery unit, they can be arbitrarily changed and applied.

[0124] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a blood collection tube delivery unit can deliver blood collection tubes toward a blood collection tube delivery pipe (not shown). This blood collection tube delivery unit may include a blood collection tube transmitter (not shown). Although not illustrated, the blood collection tube transmitter can launch the blood collection tube C to the blood collection tube delivery tube via a blood collection tube launching unit located within the blood collection tube transmitter. For example, it should be noted that the blood collection tube launching unit can be implemented using a launching device that utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, but is not limited to this.

[0125] The following is for reference Figures 15 to 17 The operation process of the blood collection tube delivery device according to another embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0126] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of supplying blood collection tubes from an elevator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which a blood collection tube is supplied to a blood collection tube feeding section according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of transporting a blood collection tube to a blood collection tube delivery unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The blood collection tube C, which moves vertically via the elevator 100, is supplied to the support roller 220 of the blood collection tube supply unit 200. At this time, when a pair of first detection sensors 270 detect that the blood collection tube C is positioned on the support roller, the blood collection tube C located on the support roller 220 rotates due to the operation of the support roller drive unit 230. For the rotating blood collection tube C, the label scanner 260 scans the patient information labeled on the blood collection tube C to determine whether it is a blood collection tube C with accurate patient information.

[0128] Next, Figure 17 and Figure 14 Similarly, normally labeled blood collection tube C is discharged through the discharge space 241 formed by the movement of the opening and closing component 240.

[0129] At this time, the process of discharging blood collection tube C is as follows: First, when a pair of first detection sensors 270 detect blood collection tube C, as... Figure 14 As shown in (a), a first process is performed to move the opening / closing member 240 to a first position G1. In the first position G1, the first gap W1 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 has a value greater than the tube width H2 of the blood collection tube C and less than the head width H1 of the blood collection tube C. In this case, with the head of the blood collection tube C stuck between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240, the tube body of the blood collection tube C is discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0130] Next, as Figure 14 As shown in (b), after a predetermined first time, a second process is performed to move the opening / closing member 240 to the second position G2, where the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 has the same value as the width of the blood collection tube C. During this process, the opening / closing member 240 moves to a position where the interval between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 is substantially the same as the width (outer diameter) of the blood collection tube C. In this state (i.e., the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 is the same as the outer diameter of the blood collection tube C), it can stop or move further in the direction of narrowing interval, thereby moving to a position where pressure is applied to the body of the blood collection tube C.

[0131] On the other hand, since both the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 are made of elastic members, even if they move in the direction where the second interval W2 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 narrows, the shape of the elastic member portion of the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 can be deformed, thereby applying pressure to the tube body of the blood collection tube C. This prevents the tube body of the blood collection tube C from swaying in the discharge space 241.

[0132] Finally, as Figure 14 As shown in (c), after a predetermined second time interval, the process of moving the opening / closing member 240 to the third position G3 is executed. In the third position G3, the third interval W3 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 becomes greater than the head width of the blood collection tube C. In this case, the third interval W3 between the support roller 220 and the opening / closing member 240 can be formed to be greater than the head width H1 of the blood collection tube C, thereby allowing the blood collection tube C to be discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0133] On the other hand, when a pair of second detection sensors 320 detect that the lower end of the blood collection tube C is in a state facing the outlet 312 within the main body 310 of the transfer section, the blood collection tube C is discharged through the discharge space 241.

[0134] Next, the blood collection tube C discharged into the discharge space 241 of the blood collection tube supply section 200 is transferred to the blood collection tube conveying section through the blood collection tube transfer section 300. At this time, the blood collection tube C slides within the main body 310 of the transfer section and is discharged from the lower end of the tube body of the blood collection tube C through the discharge port 312.

[0135] Next, although not shown in the figure, the blood collection tube C discharged to the outlet 312 moves to the blood collection tube transmitting section, which is a blood collection tube delivery section, and is transmitted to the blood collection tube delivery tube through the blood collection tube transmitting unit (not shown) in the blood collection tube transmitting section.

[0136] The blood collection tube C, launched towards the blood collection tube delivery tube, is transported to its final destination through the blood collection tube delivery tube.

[0137] As described above, the blood collection tube delivery device according to the present invention uses a first air pressure to move the blood collection tube from a first position to a second position within the main body, and then uses a second air pressure to launch the blood collection tube that has moved to the second position to the blood collection tube delivery tube, thereby enabling the blood collection tube to be moved quickly to the desired position.

[0138] In addition, it can prevent the blood collection tubes discharged through the blood collection tube supply section from shaking, thereby ensuring that they are supplied vertically towards the blood collection tube delivery section.

[0139] Furthermore, because the blood collection tube delivery device is manufactured in a compact manner, it can be installed in various structures in various installation spaces without being constrained by the surrounding environment.

[0140] Industrial availability Since various modifications can be made to the configurations and methods described and illustrated in this specification without departing from the scope of the invention, all matters included in the above detailed description or shown in the drawings are exemplary and not intended to limit the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, but should be determined only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A blood collection tube delivery device, comprising: The blood collection tube delivery unit uses air pressure to deliver the blood collection tubes. The elevator moves the blood collection tube vertically. as well as The blood collection tube supply unit supplies the blood collection tubes, which move via the elevator, to the blood collection tube delivery unit. The blood collection tube delivery unit includes: The direction adjustment unit rotates the blood collection tube supplied from the blood collection tube supply unit to align it in a certain direction; A blood collection tube ejector, using air pressure, ejects the blood collection tube supplied by the direction adjustment unit to a blood collection tube delivery tube connected to the blood collection tube delivery unit; and The blood collection tube position adjustment unit pushes the blood collection tube, which is aligned in a certain direction at the direction adjustment unit, vertically upwards, so that it moves to a first position within the blood collection tube transmitter unit. The blood collection tube transmitter includes: The main body includes a cylindrical part coaxial with the blood collection tube delivery tube, a support member for holding the blood collection tube in the first position, a first air pressure supply hole formed on the lower end side, and a second air pressure supply hole formed on the upper end side. A first air pressure supply unit, connected to a first air pressure supply port, provides a first air pressure into the main body, thereby moving the blood collection tube located at the first position to a second position within the main body; and The second air pressure supply unit, connected to the second air pressure supply port, provides a second air pressure greater than the first air pressure into the main body, thereby causing the blood collection tube, which has moved to the second position, to be launched toward the blood collection tube delivery tube. The first air pressure is set to a level that enables the blood collection tube to be transported from the first position to the second position.

2. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 1, wherein, The second air pressure is set to a level that enables the blood collection tube to be transported from the second location to its final destination.

3. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 1, wherein, The direction adjustment unit includes: The main body of the adjustment unit is provided with a first connection hole connected to the blood collection tube feeding unit and a second connection hole connected to the blood collection tube transmitting unit; A rotating component is provided in the main body of the adjustment section in a rotatable manner, and is provided with a turning flow path, which allows the blood collection tube supplied through the blood collection tube supply section to enter for turning. A rotating component drive unit provides a driving force for rotating the rotating component; and The contact sensor detects the state of the blood collection tube entering the diversion flow path.

4. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 3, wherein, When the contact sensor detects the blood collection tube, the rotating member rotates so that the head of the blood collection tube entering the turning flow path faces downward and the tube body faces the blood collection tube transmitter.

5. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 3, wherein, The blood collection tube position adjustment unit includes: A position adjustment component enters the diversion flow path to push up the blood collection tube located in the diversion flow path and move the blood collection tube to the first position; and The position adjustment member drive provides a driving force for moving the position adjustment member.

6. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 1, wherein, The supporting component includes: The first elastic frame and the second elastic frame are respectively provided on both sides of the inner wall of the main body; A first elastic frame fixing protrusion and a second elastic frame fixing protrusion are respectively formed at the lower ends of the first elastic frame and the second elastic frame, and are fixed to the inner wall surface of the main body; and The first elastic support protrusion and the second elastic support protrusion extend to narrow the width between the upper end of the first elastic frame and the upper end of the second elastic frame, and then extend to widen the width, thereby forming an elastic through hole for the blood collection tube to pass through, and supporting the blood collection tube passing through the elastic through hole in the first position.

7. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 1, wherein, The blood collection tube transmitter also includes: The first lever section opens and closes the first air pressure supply port; and The second lever section opens and closes the second air pressure supply port.

8. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 7, wherein, The first lever part includes: A first lever, providing an orifice for selectively opening and closing the first air pressure, and first hinge protrusions forming at both ends on one side, rotatably engaging with the inner wall of the body; and A first rotation limiting member, coupled with a first slit formed on the inner wall of the main body, limits the rotation range of the first lever, and has a first through hole in the central portion for the blood collection tube to pass through. The first lever rotates by means of the first air pressure supplied through the first air pressure supply hole, thereby closing the first through hole.

9. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 8, wherein, The second lever section includes: A second lever, providing an orifice for selectively opening and closing the second air pressure, and second hinge protrusions forming at both ends on one side, rotatably engaging with the inner wall of the body; and The second rotation limiting member, coupled with a second slit hole formed on the inner wall of the main body, limits the rotation range of the second lever, and has a second through hole in the central portion for the blood collection tube to pass through. The second lever rotates by means of the second air pressure supplied through the second air pressure supply hole, thereby closing the second through hole.

10. A blood collection tube delivery device, comprising: Blood collection tube delivery unit, used to deliver blood collection tubes; The elevator moves the blood collection tube vertically. as well as The blood collection tube supply unit supplies the blood collection tubes, which move via the elevator, to the blood collection tube delivery unit. The blood collection tube supply unit includes: A support frame is attached to one side of the elevator; A support roller, located in the support frame, rotatably supports the blood collection tube; The support roller drive unit provides a driving force for rotating the support roller; A pair of first detection sensors are respectively provided on both sides of the support frame and detect the state of the blood collection tube located on the support roller; An opening and closing member is provided on one side of the support roller in the longitudinal direction and moves in a direction toward the support roller and away from the support roller, thereby forming a discharge space for discharging the blood collection tube; An opening / closing member drive unit provides a driving force for moving the opening / closing member; and The processor controls the operation of the opening / closing member drive unit to move the opening / closing member. The processor controls the operation of the opening and closing member drive unit such that when the pair of first detection sensors detect the presence of the blood collection tube, the opening and closing member moves to a first position where the first interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member is greater than the width of the blood collection tube body and less than the width of the blood collection tube head. After a preset first time, the opening and closing member moves to a second position where the second interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member is the same as the width of the blood collection tube body. After a preset second time, the opening and closing member moves to a third position where the third interval between the support roller and the opening and closing member becomes greater than the width of the blood collection tube head, thereby discharging the blood collection tube through the discharge space.

11. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 10, wherein, When the opening and closing member moves to the second position, the opening and closing member moves toward the support roller side, thereby applying pressure to the tube body of the blood collection tube.

12. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 10, wherein, The blood collection tube feeding unit also includes a label scanner, which is located on the upper part of the support frame and scans the label information affixed to the blood collection tube, which is supported and rotated by the support roller.

13. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 10, wherein, The blood collection tube supply unit also includes a blood collection tube transfer unit, which transfers the blood collection tubes discharged into the discharge space to the blood collection tube delivery unit. The blood collection tube delivery unit includes: The main body of the transfer section is formed such that its width gradually narrows from top to bottom, and it has an internal moving space for the blood collection tube to move, and an outlet for discharging the blood collection tube is provided at the lower end of the moving space; and A pair of second detection sensors are provided on both sides of the main body of the transfer unit to detect whether the blood collection tube is in the direction of the discharge port within the main body of the transfer unit.

14. The blood collection tube delivery device according to claim 13, wherein, The main body of the transmission unit, The blood collection tube is supplied at an angle from the blood collection tube supply section toward the blood collection tube delivery section, so that the blood collection tube slides within the delivery section body toward the discharge port.

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