Sample tube cap screwing machine
By introducing a vibration device into the capping machine, and using a push-pull electromagnet to drive the vibrating plate to apply vibration force to the capping component, the problem of the difficulty in separating the tube cap from the capping component is solved, and the effective separation of the tube cap is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, there is a problem that the cap is difficult to separate from the cap-screwing component after it has been tightened.
A vibration device is used, in which a push-pull electromagnet drives a vibrating plate to apply vibration force to the capping component, thereby separating the cap from the capping component.
It achieves effective separation of the pipe cap and the screw cap component, solving the problem of difficulty in separation after tightening.
Smart Images
Figure CN224001024U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of opening or closing container technology, and in particular to sample tube capping machines. Background Technology
[0002] Sample tubes are containers used to store samples and are widely used in fields such as biomedicine and chemical analysis. Typically, a sample tube consists of a body and a cap. The cap fits onto the body, sealing the opening at the top. In some cases, the cap and body are connected by threads, allowing the cap to be installed or removed by screwing it on.
[0003] Existing technologies already include devices capable of automatically capping tubes. For example, CN117246964A discloses a whole-plate sample tube capping device, CN215516585U discloses a dual-station test tube batch capping machine, and CN222374351U discloses a fully automatic cryopreservation tube capping machine. These capping devices basically use a motor to drive the gear 2314 to rotate, thereby rotating the capping component and achieving the removal or installation of the tube cap.
[0004] However, during the tightening process, the mutual compression between the capping component and the cap causes the cap to be temporarily fixed to the capping component. After tightening the cap, the cap may not be able to separate from the capping component. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sample tube capping machine that can separate the tube cap from the capping component by vibration, thereby solving the technical problem that the tube cap cannot be separated from the capping component after it has been tightened.
[0006] The sample tube capping machine disclosed herein includes:
[0007] A capping device includes a capping mechanism, a first motor and a capping component, the capping component being connected to the first motor and rotatable under the drive of the first motor, the capping component being arranged longitudinally and the lower end of the capping component being used to insert into a groove located on the top surface of the cap.
[0008] A vibration device includes a push-pull electromagnet and a vibrating plate, the vibrating plate being connected to the push-pull electromagnet and sleeved on the outside of the cap-tightening component, the push-pull electromagnet being configured to drive the vibrating plate to move up and down so that the vibrating plate applies a vibrational force to the cap-tightening component.
[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this disclosure include:
[0010] After the capping component tightens the cap to the tube body, the push-pull electromagnet can drive the vibrating plate sleeved on the outside of the capping component to vibrate up and down, thereby applying a vibration force to the capping component so that the cap can be separated from the capping component. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sample tube capping machine provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
[0012] Figure 2 An exploded view of the sample tube capping machine provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cap-screwing mechanism and the lifting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown.
[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the screw-on mechanism and the vibration mechanism provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is shown.
[0015] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first motor, gear transmission assembly, and screw cap component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
[0016] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a gear transmission assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
[0017] Figure 7 An exploded view of the screw cap component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
[0018] Figure label:
[0019] 10. Base;
[0020] 20. Cap tightening device; 21. Mounting bracket; 211. First side plate; 212. Second side plate; 213. Third side plate; 22. Cap tightening mechanism; 221. First motor; 222. Cap tightening component; 2221. First connecting rod; 2222. Limiting rod; 2223. Cap tightening sleeve; 2224. Elastic component; 2225. Cap tightening part; 223. Gear transmission assembly; 2231. Power input gear; 2232. First intermediate gear; 2233. Second intermediate gear; 2234. Power output gear; 224. First mounting plate; 225. Second mounting plate; 23. Lifting mechanism; 231. Drive assembly; 2311. Second motor; 2312. First rack; 2313. Second rack; 2314. Drive gear; 232. Slide rail assembly;
[0021] 30. Sample tube moving device; 31. Movable platform; 311. Material placement area; 32. Screw mechanism; 321. Screw motor; 322. Screw;
[0022] 40. Vibration device; 41. Push-pull electromagnet; 42. Vibrating plate; 43. Second connecting rod; 44. Linear bearing;
[0023] 50. Sample tube; 51. Tube body; 52. Tube cap; 521. Groove;
[0024] 60. Sample tube holder. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of this disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this disclosure and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, and not all of them.
[0026] This disclosure defines certain directional terms. Unless otherwise stated, the directional terms used, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are used for ease of understanding and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0027] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0028] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.
[0029] This disclosure relates to a sample tube capping machine, which can be used to unscrew the cap 52 of a sample tube 50 from the tube body 51, or to tighten the cap 52 of a sample tube 50 to the tube body 51.
[0030] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the cap 52 and the body 51 are connected by threads. Therefore, the cap 52 can be screwed onto or detached from the body 51 by twisting.
[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 521 is provided on the top surface of the tube cap 52, and the screw cap component 222 described later can be inserted into the groove 521 to apply a rotational force to the tube cap 52.
[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sample tube capping machine provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An exploded view of the sample tube capping machine provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sample tube capping machine includes a base 10 and a sample tube moving device 30 and a capping device 20 disposed on the base 10. The sample tube 50 can be placed on the sample tube moving device 30 and moved to the underside of the capping device 20 by the movement of the sample tube moving device 30, so that the capping device 20 can screw the cap 52 on the tube.
[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the sample tube moving device 30 includes a movable platform 31 and a lead screw mechanism 32. The movable platform 31 is movably mounted on the base 10, and the lead screw mechanism 32 is mounted on the base 10 and connected to the movable platform 31. The lead screw mechanism 32 can drive the movable platform 31 to translate on the base 10, particularly in the horizontal plane. The movable platform 31 is provided with a material placement area 311, in which sample tubes 50 can be placed, and in particular, sample tube supports 60 can be placed. The sample tube supports 60 are generally rectangular and can hold multiple sample tubes 50. The specifications of the sample tube supports 60 can be 6×8.
[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the height of the capping device 20 is higher than the height of the movable platform 31. The area below the capping device 20 can be defined as the capping station. The screw mechanism 32 can move the material placement area 311 of the movable platform 31 to the capping station so that the capping device 20 can screw the cap 52.
[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the lead screw mechanism 32 includes a lead screw motor 321 and a lead screw 322. The lead screw motor 321 and the lead screw 322 can be connected by belt drive. The lead screw nut (not shown) of the lead screw 322 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the movable platform 31, so that when the lead screw motor 321 drives the lead screw 322 to rotate, the lead screw nut drives the movable platform 31 to translate on the base 10.
[0036] Specifically, with the aid of the screw mechanism 32, the material placement area 311 on the movable platform 31 can move back and forth between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position. When the material placement area 311 is in the first horizontal position, the material placement area 311 is misaligned with the capping device 20, for example... Figure 2 As shown, at this time, the sample tube holder 60 and / or sample tube 50 can be placed in the material placement area 311, or the sample tube holder 60 and / or sample tube 50 can be removed from the material placement area 311; when the material placement area 311 is in the second horizontal position, the material placement area 311 is aligned with the capping device 20, that is, the material placement area 311 is in the capping position, at which time the capping device 20 can screw the tube cap 52.
[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cap-screwing device 20 includes a mounting bracket 21 fixedly connected to the base 10. As an example, the mounting bracket 21 includes a first side plate 211, a second side plate 212, and a third side plate 213, with the first side plate 211 and the third side plate 213 disposed opposite to each other, and the second side plate 212 connected between the first side plate 211 and the second side plate 212. Figure 2 As shown, the third side plate 213 has been hidden, and it can be clearly observed that the capping device 20 also includes a capping mechanism 22 and a lifting mechanism 23. The capping mechanism 22 is connected to the first side plate 211 and to the third side plate 213 through the lifting mechanism 23. Thus, with the help of the lifting mechanism 23, the capping mechanism 22 can move up and down so that when the sample tube support 60 moves to the capping station, the capping mechanism 22 can screw the tube cap 52.
[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the lifting mechanism 23 includes a drive assembly 231 and a slide rail assembly 232. The drive assembly 231 includes a second motor 2311 and a first rack 2312. The second motor 2311 is fixedly mounted on the second side plate 212. The first rack 2312 is longitudinally mounted on the cap screwing mechanism 22. A drive gear 2314 is mounted on the motor shaft of the second motor 2311. The drive gear 2314 meshes with the first rack 2312, so that when the motor shaft of the second motor 2311 rotates, the first rack 2312 can move up and down, thereby driving the cap screwing mechanism 22 to move up and down.
[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that the drive assembly 231 may also include a second rack 2313. The second rack 2313 and the first rack 2312 can be disposed on different sides of the capping mechanism 22. For example, the first rack 2312 can be disposed on the first side of the capping mechanism 22, and the second rack 2313 can be disposed on the second side of the capping mechanism 22. The first side and the second side can be adjacent to each other. Thus, the installation direction of the capping mechanism 22 can be adjusted. When the first rack 2312 meshes with the drive gear 2314, the capping mechanism 22 has a first installation direction. In the first installation direction, the capping mechanism 22 can cap the sample tube holder 60 disposed along the X direction in the length direction. When the second rack 2313 meshes with the drive gear 2314, the capping mechanism 22 has a second installation direction. In the second installation direction, the capping mechanism 22 can cap the sample tube holder 60 disposed along the Y direction in the length direction. The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other.
[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cap-screwing mechanism 22 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the capping mechanism 22 includes a first motor 221 and a capping component 222. The capping component 222 is connected to the first motor 221 and is rotatable under the drive of the first motor 221. The capping component 222 is arranged longitudinally, and its lower end is used to insert into the groove 521 located on the top surface of the tube cap 52. Thus, when the sample tube 50 is located in the capping station, the lifting mechanism 23 can drive the capping component 222 to move downward so that the lower end of the capping component 222 is inserted into the groove 521 on the top surface of the tube cap 52. Then, the first motor 221 drives the capping component 222 to rotate, thereby realizing the screwing of the tube cap 52.
[0041] For example, the cap-tightening mechanism 22 further includes a gear transmission assembly 223, through which the first motor 221 and the cap-tightening component 222 can be connected, thereby transmitting the power of the first motor 221 to the cap-tightening component 222. Specifically, the power input end of the gear transmission assembly 223 is connected to the first motor 221, and the power output end of the gear transmission assembly 223 is connected to the cap-tightening component 222.
[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first motor 221, a gear transmission assembly 223, and a screw cap component 222 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5As shown, the gear transmission assembly 223 includes a power input gear 2231, a first intermediate gear 2232, a second intermediate gear 2233, and a power output gear 2234. The power input gear 2231 is connected to the motor shaft of the first motor 221. The first intermediate gear 2232 meshes with the power input gear 2231. The second intermediate gear 2233 is coaxially fixed with the first intermediate gear 2232. The power output gear 2234 is connected to the capping component 222 and meshes with the second intermediate gear 2233.
[0043] Therefore, when the motor shaft of the first motor 221 drives the power input gear 2231 to rotate, the power input gear 2231 drives the first intermediate gear 2232 to rotate, and then the first intermediate gear 2232 and the second intermediate gear 2233 rotate synchronously. The second intermediate gear 2233 drives the power output gear 2234 to rotate, and the power output gear 2234 drives the screw cap component 222 to rotate.
[0044] It should be noted that the number of the first intermediate gear 2232, the second intermediate gear 2233, and the power output gear 2234 can be one or more. Generally, multiple (e.g., four) first intermediate gears 2232 can mesh on one power input gear 2231, and the number of first intermediate gears 2232 and the number of second intermediate gears 2233 can be the same. Multiple (e.g., four) power output gears 2234 can mesh on one second intermediate gear 2233.
[0045] For example, the gear transmission assembly 223 can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown.
[0046] Figure 7 An exploded view of the screw cap component 222 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the cap-tightening component 222 includes a first connecting rod 2221, a limiting rod 2222, a cap-tightening sleeve 2223, and an elastic component 2224. The first connecting rod 2221 is connected to the first motor 221. Specifically, the upper end of the first connecting rod 2221 is provided with the aforementioned power output gear 2234, thereby connecting the first connecting rod 2221 and the first motor 221 through a gear transmission assembly 223. Thus, the first motor 221 can drive the first connecting rod 2221 to rotate. The upper end of the cap-tightening sleeve 2223 has an opening, into which the lower end of the first connecting rod 2221 is inserted. The lower end of the cap-tightening sleeve 2223 has a cap-tightening portion 2225 that is adapted to the groove 521 (see [reference]). Figure 7The capping sleeve 2223 has a longitudinally extending limiting groove on its side wall. The limiting rod 2222 is connected to the first connecting rod 2221 and is located in the limiting groove. The limiting rod 2222 can move up and down in the limiting groove. The elastic member 2224 is disposed in the inner cavity of the capping sleeve 2223. The upper end of the elastic member 2224 abuts against the limiting rod 2222, and the lower end of the elastic member 2224 abuts against the bottom wall of the inner cavity.
[0047] Therefore, when the capping component 222 is inserted downward into the groove 521 on the top surface of the tube cap 52, the capping part 2225 first contacts the tube cap 52, and then the first connecting rod 2221 continues to move downward, causing the limiting rod 2222 to move downward in the limiting groove, and causing the elastic component 2224 to be compressed, thereby playing a buffering role.
[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the cap screwing mechanism 22 also includes a first mounting plate 224 and a second mounting plate 225. The first motor 221 is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the first mounting plate 224, and the second mounting plate 225 is located below the first mounting plate 224 and fixedly mounted relative to the first mounting plate 224. The cap screwing component 222 is rotatably mounted on the second mounting plate 225.
[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the sample tube capping machine also includes a vibration device 40, which is used to apply vibration to the capping component 222, thereby facilitating the separation of the tube cap 52 from the capping component 222. The vibration device 40 includes a push-pull electromagnet 41 and a vibration plate 42. The push-pull electromagnet 41 is disposed on the first mounting plate 224. The vibration plate 42 is located below the second mounting plate 225, connected to the push-pull electromagnet 41 and sleeved on the outside of the capping component 222. The push-pull electromagnet 41 is configured to drive the vibration plate 42 to move up and down so that the vibration plate 42 applies a vibrational force to the capping component 222.
[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the vibrating plate 42 is provided with multiple through holes, and the cap screwing component 222 can be inserted into the through holes. The diameter of the through holes is slightly larger than the diameter of the cap screwing sleeve 2223. For example, the diameter of the through holes is 1.05 times the diameter of the cap screwing sleeve 2223. In addition, the diameter of the through holes is smaller than the diameter of the cap screwing part 2225. Therefore, when the push-pull electromagnet 41 drives the vibrating plate 42 to move up and down, the vibrating plate 42 and the cap screwing part 2225 can collide, thereby shaking the cap connected to the cap screwing part 2225 off.
[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the vibration device 40 also includes a second connecting rod 43, which is connected between the push-pull electromagnet 41 and the vibration plate 42, and passes through the second mounting plate 225.
[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the sample tube capping machine also includes a linear bearing 44, which is mounted on the second mounting plate 225 and the second connecting rod 43 passes through the linear bearing 44.
[0053] The foregoing description of embodiments of this disclosure, through which those skilled in the art are able to implement or use this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelty disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A cap screwing machine for sample tubes, characterized in that The application relates to a cap screwing device (20) comprising a cap screwing mechanism (22), wherein the cap screwing mechanism (22) comprises a first motor (221) and a cap screwing component (222) connected to the first motor (221) and rotatable under the drive of the first motor (221), the cap screwing component (222) is longitudinally arranged, and the lower end of the cap screwing component (222) is used for inserting into a groove (521) arranged on the top surface of a pipe cap (52); and a vibration device (40) comprising a push-pull electromagnet (41) and a vibration plate (42), wherein the vibration plate (42) is connected to the push-pull electromagnet (41) and sleeved outside the cap screwing component (222), and the push-pull electromagnet (41) is configured to drive the vibration plate (42) to move up and down so that the vibration plate (42) applies a vibration force to the cap screwing component (222). The cap screwing mechanism (22) further comprises a gear transmission assembly (223), wherein the power input end of the gear transmission assembly (223) is connected to the first motor (221), and the power output end of the gear transmission assembly (223) is connected to the cap screwing component (222). The gear transmission assembly (223) comprises a power input gear (2231) connected to the motor shaft of the first motor (221), a first intermediate gear (2232) meshing with the power input gear (2231), a second intermediate gear (2233) coaxially and fixedly arranged with the first intermediate gear (2232), and a power output gear (2234) connected to the cap screwing component (222) and meshing with the second intermediate gear (2233).
2. The sample tube capper of claim 1, wherein, The cap screwing component (222) comprises a first connecting rod (2221) connected to the first motor (221), a cap screwing sleeve (2223) provided with an opening at the upper end, wherein the lower end of the first connecting rod (2221) is inserted into the opening, the lower end of the cap screwing sleeve (2223) is provided with a cap screwing part matched with the groove (521), and a longitudinal extending limiting groove is formed in the side wall of the cap screwing sleeve (2223), a limiting rod (2222) connected to the first connecting rod (2221) and movably arranged in the limiting groove, and an elastic component (2224) arranged in the inner cavity of the cap screwing sleeve (2223), wherein the upper end of the elastic component (2224) abuts against the limiting rod (2222), and the lower end of the elastic component (2224) abuts against the bottom wall of the inner cavity. The cap screwing mechanism (22) further comprises a first mounting plate (224), wherein the first motor (221) and the push-pull electromagnet (41) are arranged on the first mounting plate (224).
3. The sample tube capper of claim 2, wherein, 4. The sample tube capper of claim 1, wherein, 5. The sample tube capping machine of claim 1, wherein, A second mounting plate (225) is arranged below the first mounting plate (224), the second mounting plate (225) is fixedly arranged relative to the first mounting plate (224), the cap screwing component (222) is rotatably arranged on the second mounting plate (225), and the vibration plate (42) is arranged below the second mounting plate (225).
6. The sample tube capper of claim 5, wherein, The vibration device (40) further comprises: A second connecting rod (43) is connected between the push-pull electromagnet (41) and the vibration plate (42), and the second connecting rod (43) penetrates through the second mounting plate (225).
7. The sample tube capper of claim 6, wherein, The sample tube cap screwing machine further comprises: A linear bearing (44) is arranged on the second mounting plate (225), and the second connecting rod (43) penetrates through the linear bearing (44).
8. The sample tube capper of claim 1, wherein, The cap screwing device (20) further comprises: A mounting rack (21), and the cap screwing mechanism (22) is arranged on the mounting rack (21) in a liftable manner; A lifting mechanism (23) is arranged on the mounting rack (21) and is used for driving the cap screwing mechanism (22) to move up and down, the lifting mechanism (23) comprises a driving assembly (231) and a sliding rail assembly (232), the driving assembly (231) comprises a first rack (2312) and a second motor (2311), the first rack (2312) is arranged on a first side of the cap screwing mechanism (22) in a longitudinal manner, a driving gear (2314) is arranged on a motor shaft of the second motor (2311), the driving gear (2314) is engaged with the first rack (2312), and the sliding rail assembly (232) is connected between the cap screwing mechanism (22) and the mounting rack (21).
9. The sample tube capper of claim 8, wherein, The driving assembly (231) further comprises: A second rack (2313) is arranged on a second side of the cap screwing mechanism (22) in a longitudinal manner, the second side is adjacent to the first side, When the cap screwing mechanism (22) is in the first installation direction, the second motor (2311) is connected with the first rack (2312), and when the cap screwing mechanism (22) is in the second installation direction, the second motor (2311) is connected with the second rack (2313).
10. The sample tube capping machine of claim 1, wherein, The sample tube cap screwing machine further comprises: A sample tube moving device (30) comprising a movable platform (31) and a screw rod mechanism (32), the height of the movable platform (31) is lower than the height of the cap screwing component (222), the screw rod mechanism (32) is used for driving the movable platform (31) to move between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position, When the movable platform (31) is located at the first horizontal position, a material placing area (311) of the movable platform (31) is staggered with the cap screwing component (222), When the movable platform (31) is located at the second horizontal position, a material placing area (311) of the movable platform (31) is aligned with the capping component (222).