Clamping device and uncovering equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of biomedical treatment, and discloses a clamping device and uncovering equipment. The clamping device is used for fixing a container main body when a container is uncovered, the clamping device comprises a mounting seat, a clamping assembly and an elastic assembly, and the clamping assembly is used for clamping and fixing the container main body; the elastic assembly is connected with the mounting base and the clamping assembly in the preset direction, and the elastic assembly can drive the clamping assembly to move in the preset direction in the uncovering process so that a container body in the container can be separated from a cover body. In the cover opening process, along with rotation of the cover body relative to the container body, the container body can adaptively float in the preset direction under the action of the elastic assembly, so that relative movement of the cover body and the container body along with rotation of the cover body in the preset direction is achieved, the cover body can be separated from the container body, the structure is simple, the cost is low, and the occupied space is small; and various types of containers are compatible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical technology, and in particular to a clamping device and a lid-opening device. Background Technology

[0002] In biological experiments, cryovials and other containers are commonly used to store samples. For automated operations such as pipetting and library construction, these cryovials need to be opened. Traditional opening methods rely on manual operation, which is not only costly and inefficient but also prone to human error leading to sample spillage or contamination. In recent years, automated capping devices have appeared on the market. These devices clamp and secure the cryovial body and cap separately before opening, and then use a rotating component to rotate the cap to complete the opening action. Simultaneously, to ensure smooth separation of the cap and body, a lifting mechanism is used to adjust the height of the cap or body. Although this structure achieves automated capping, it contains many mechanical parts, resulting in higher costs and a larger footprint. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a clamping device and a lid opening device with a simpler structure, lower cost, and smaller space occupation.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A clamping device for securing the container body when the container is opened, the clamping device comprising:

[0006] Mounting base;

[0007] A clamping assembly for clamping and fixing the container body;

[0008] An elastic component connects the mounting base and the clamping component in a preset direction. The elastic component can drive the clamping component to move in the preset direction during the opening process, so as to separate the container body from the lid in the container.

[0009] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the elastic component includes:

[0010] An elastic element connects the clamping assembly and the mounting base, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the clamping assembly in a preset direction;

[0011] A guide structure connects the mounting base and the clamping assembly, the guide structure being able to guide the clamping assembly to slide relative to the mounting base along the preset direction.

[0012] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the guide structure includes a first guide member and a second guide member that are slidably connected, the first guide member being connected to the mounting base and the second guide member being connected to the clamping assembly.

[0013] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the mounting base is provided with a guide groove extending along the preset direction, and the elastic element is disposed in the guide groove.

[0014] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the clamping assembly includes:

[0015] The clamping structure includes two clamping members arranged opposite to each other, with a clamping space formed between the two clamping members;

[0016] A clamping drive is provided, the output end of which is connected to the clamping structure, for driving the two clamping members to move toward or away from each other.

[0017] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the clamping assembly further includes a limiting member, which is connected to the main body of the clamping drive member and is located on one side of the clamping space.

[0018] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the limiting member includes a vertical plate, an upper horizontal plate, and a lower horizontal plate. The vertical plate is connected to the main body, the upper horizontal plate is connected to one end of the vertical plate, the upper horizontal plate is provided with a limiting hole, the lower horizontal plate is connected to the middle of the vertical plate, and the container body can extend into the limiting hole and abut against the lower horizontal plate.

[0019] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned clamping device, the limiting member and the main body of the clamping drive member can be detachably connected;

[0020] The relative positions of the limiting member and the main body of the clamping drive member along a preset direction are adjustable.

[0021] As an alternative to the above-mentioned clamping device, the lower horizontal plate and the vertical plate are detachably connected, and the position of the lower horizontal plate on the vertical plate along the preset direction is adjustable.

[0022] A lid-opening device includes a lid-opening mechanism and the aforementioned clamping device, wherein the lid-opening mechanism is used to clamp and drive the lid to rotate.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] The clamping device provided by this utility model incorporates an elastic component, allowing the clamping component and the mounting base to have elastic degrees of freedom of movement along a preset direction. During the opening process, as the lid rotates relative to the container body, the container body can adaptively float along the preset direction under the action of the elastic component. This enables the lid and container body to move relative to each other along the preset direction as the lid rotates, allowing the lid to detach from the container body. This method eliminates the need for an additional power source to drive the movement of the lid or container body, resulting in a simple structure, low cost, and small footprint. Furthermore, the movement of the container body along the preset direction is adaptive, following the rotation of the lid, making the opening device compatible with containers of different thread types and applicable to a wider range of scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the clamping device provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the clamping device provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the clamping device provided by this utility model when fixing the container body;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a second structural diagram of the clamping device provided by this utility model when fixing the container body.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 10. Mounting base; 11. First plate; 12. Second plate; 121. Guide groove; 13. Third plate; 14. Limiting part; 20. Clamping assembly; 21. Sliding seat; 211. Seat body; 212. Connector; 22. Clamping drive; 23. Clamping structure; 231. Clamping member; 232. Limiting member; 2321. Vertical plate; 2322. Upper horizontal plate; 2323. Lower horizontal plate; 30. Elastic component; 31. Elastic member; 32. Guide structure; 321. Second guide member; 322. First guide member; 100. Container. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] This embodiment provides a lid-opening device that can be used to automatically open a lidded container 100. The container 100 includes a container body and a lid that is threadedly engaged with the container body. The container 100 can be a cryopreservation tube or other lidded structure.

[0036] Specifically, the lid-opening device includes a lid-opening mechanism and a clamping device. The lid-opening mechanism includes a fixing component and a rotating component. The fixing component is used to fix the lid, and the output end of the rotating component is connected to the fixing component to drive the fixing component to rotate, thereby driving the lid to rotate. The clamping device is located below the fixing component and is used to fix the container body. When a lid-opening operation is required, the lid is fixed by the fixing component, the container body is fixed by the clamping device, and then the rotating component is activated, driving the lid to rotate and realizing the lid-opening action.

[0037] Understandably, opening a lid requires not only relative rotation between the lid and the container body, but also opposite movement to separate them. Current technology typically uses a lifting assembly driven by a motor or other power mechanism to move the lid or container body linearly, separating them. This structure increases cost and size, requiring more space. Furthermore, the linear movement between the lid and container body needs to coordinate with the lid's rotation, necessitating a linkage between the rotating and lifting assemblies. This limits the types of threads compatible with the opening device, resulting in poor compatibility and a limited range of applicable scenarios.

[0038] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1 As shown, the clamping device includes a mounting base 10, a clamping assembly 20, and an elastic assembly 30. The clamping assembly 20 is used to clamp and fix the container body. This clamping method allows for the fixation of the container body and can accommodate different models of containers 100, improving device compatibility. The elastic assembly 30 connects the mounting base 10 and the clamping assembly 20 along a preset direction. During the opening process, the elastic assembly 30 can drive the clamping assembly 20 to move along the preset direction, causing the container body in the container 100 to detach from the lid. The preset direction refers to the arrangement direction of the lid and the container body. For example, the preset direction is... Figure 1 In the Z-direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, by setting the elastic component 30, the clamping component 20 and the mounting base 10 have a degree of freedom of movement along a preset direction. During the opening process, as the lid rotates relative to the container body, the container body can adaptively float along the preset direction under the action of the elastic component 30, thereby realizing that the lid and the container body move relative to each other along the preset direction as the lid rotates, allowing the lid to detach from the container body. This method does not require an additional power source to drive the lid or container body to move, has a simple structure, low cost, and small space occupation; moreover, the movement of the container body along the preset direction is adaptive to the rotation of the lid, making the lid opening device compatible with containers 100 with different types of threads, and applicable to more scenarios.

[0040] In some embodiments, the elastic component 30 includes an elastic element 31, which connects the mounting base 10 and the clamping component 20. The elastic force applied by the elastic element 31 to the clamping component 20 extends along a preset direction. Optionally, the elastic force can be directed towards the cover or away from the cover, as long as it enables the clamping component 20 to adaptively float along the preset direction.

[0041] Optionally, the elastic element 31 can be a spring or a gas spring.

[0042] To improve the coordination accuracy between the clamping assembly 20 and the opening mechanism during the floating process, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the elastic component 30 further includes a guide structure 32, which connects the mounting base 10 and the clamping component 20. The guide structure 32 can guide the clamping component 20 to slide relative to the mounting base 10 in a preset direction. By providing the guide structure 32, the mounting base 10 and the clamping component 20 slide and engage in a preset direction, which can provide guidance for the floating direction of the clamping component 20, ensuring that the floating direction of the clamping component 20 will not deviate, thereby ensuring the engagement accuracy of the clamping component 20 and the opening mechanism.

[0043] Specifically, the guide structure 32 includes a first guide member 322 and a second guide member 321 that are slidably connected. The first guide member 322 is connected to the mounting base 10, and the second guide member 321 is connected to the clamping assembly 20. Through the sliding cooperation of the first guide member 322 and the second guide member 321, the clamping assembly 20 is guided to move in a preset direction, so as to ensure the stability and positional accuracy of the movement of the clamping assembly 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first guide member 322 is provided with a sliding groove, and the second guide member 321 is a slide rail, which slides in conjunction with the sliding groove.

[0045] To prevent the slide rail and slide groove from disengaging, protrusions are provided on the opposite side walls of the slide groove. Correspondingly, the slide rail is provided with recesses that mate with the protrusions. Through the engagement of the protrusions and recesses, the slide rail and slide groove can be limited along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the preset direction are perpendicular to each other. For example, the first direction is... Figure 3 The middle X direction, the second direction is Figure 3 Center Y direction.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the first guide 322 can be a slide rail, and correspondingly, the second guide 321 can be a slide groove.

[0047] In some other embodiments, one of the first guide member 322 and the second guide member 321 may be a guide rod, and the other may be a guide sleeve that is slidably sleeved outside the guide rod.

[0048] Optionally, the number of elastic element 31 and guide structure 32 can be set to one or at least two.

[0049] To ensure the accuracy of the direction of the elastic force, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the mounting base 10 is provided with a guide groove 121 extending in a preset direction. The elastic element 31 is disposed in the guide groove 121. The guide groove 121 limits and guides the elastic element 31 to prevent the elastic element 31 from bending or twisting when deformed, thereby preventing the direction of the elastic force from deviating.

[0050] Specifically, the guide groove 121 has a first opening at one end facing the clamping assembly 20. The first opening facilitates the connection between the elastic element 31 and the clamping assembly 20, and can provide clearance for the movement of the clamping assembly 20 in a preset direction, thus avoiding structural interference.

[0051] In some embodiments, a second opening is provided at one end of the guide groove 121 along a preset direction, and the second opening facilitates the installation of the elastic member 31 into the guide groove 121.

[0052] In some embodiments, in order to limit the maximum moving distance between the clamping component 20 and the mounting base 10, a limiting part 14 is provided on the mounting base 10. The limiting part 14 can abut against the clamping component 20 or the second guide member 321 to limit the clamping component 20 from continuing to move relative to the mounting base 10 in a preset direction.

[0053] In some embodiments, the limiting part 14 is made of an elastic material, or the outer wall of the limiting part 14 is covered with an elastic layer to achieve a buffering purpose and prevent the clamping assembly 20 or the second guide 321 from colliding and being damaged by the limiting part 14.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 connected together. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 extend along a predetermined direction, and the second plate 12 is perpendicularly connected to the first plate 11. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are approximately L-shaped. That is, the surface of the first plate 11 is parallel to the YZ plane, and the surface of the second plate 12 is parallel to the XZ plane. A first guide member 322 is connected to the first plate 11. The first guide member 322 is installed in the space enclosed by the first plate 11 and the second plate 12, resulting in a more compact structure and reducing the space occupied by the clamping device. A guide groove 121 is provided on the second plate 12, and the second plate 12 has a certain dimension along the X direction so that the guide groove 121 has a certain depth, thereby better accommodating the elastic member 31.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket further includes a third plate 13, which is vertically connected and used to fix the mounting bracket at a designated location. Optionally, the surface of the third plate is parallel to the XY plane.

[0056] To achieve the clamping function of the container body, in some embodiments, the clamping assembly 20 includes a clamping structure 23 and a clamping drive 22. The clamping structure 23 includes two clamping members 231 arranged opposite to each other, forming a clamping space between the two clamping members 231. The output end of the clamping drive 22 is connected to the clamping structure 23 and is used to drive the two clamping members 231 to move towards or away from each other to clamp the container body.

[0057] In some embodiments, the clamping drive 22 may be connected to one of the two clamps 231 to drive it to move closer to or away from the other clamp 231. The clamping drive 22 may also have two output terminals, each of which is connected to a clamp 231 to drive the two clamps 231 to move closer to or away from each other.

[0058] In some embodiments, the clamping drive 22 can be an electric gripper or a pneumatic gripper, or it can be a linear drive structure, such as a motor screw and nut transmission structure, a linear motor, or a motor gear and rack transmission structure.

[0059] In some embodiments, to facilitate the cooperation between the clamping assembly 20 and the mounting bracket and the elastic assembly 30, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the clamping assembly 20 also includes a sliding base 21, and the second guide 321 and the clamping drive 22 are both disposed on the sliding base 21 to improve the modularity of the clamping assembly 20.

[0060] Optionally, the sliding seat 21 includes a seat body 211 and a connector 212, which connects the seat body 211 and the elastic member 31 to achieve a floating arrangement of the clamping assembly 20. The second guide member 321 and the clamping drive member 22 are both disposed on the seat body 211.

[0061] To improve the stability of the container 100, in some embodiments, the clamping assembly 20 further includes a limiting member 232, which is connected to the main body of the clamping drive member 22 and is located on one side of the clamping space. By setting the limiting member 232, the container body can be limited from one side of the clamping space, which facilitates the cooperation and fixation of the container body with the clamping member 231 and improves the stability of clamping the container body.

[0062] In some embodiments, the limiting member 232 includes a vertical plate 2321, an upper horizontal plate 2322, and a lower horizontal plate 2323. The vertical plate 2321 is connected to the main body, the upper horizontal plate 2322 is connected to one end of the vertical plate 2321, and a limiting hole is provided on the upper horizontal plate 2322. The lower horizontal plate 2323 is connected to the middle of the vertical plate 2321, allowing the container body to extend into the limiting hole and abut against the lower horizontal plate 2323. During the opening operation, the container body passes through the limiting hole, which positions the container body and prevents it from shifting position, ensuring smooth cooperation with the clamping member 231. The bottom end of the container body abuts against the lower horizontal plate 2323, which supports the container body and prevents it from falling off directly in the event that the clamping structure 23 releases the container body or the clamping fails, thus ensuring the safety of the container body.

[0063] In some other implementations, the limiting member 232 may consist of only the vertical plate 2321 and the upper horizontal plate 2322, or only the vertical plate 2321 and the lower horizontal plate 2323.

[0064] To accommodate different models of containers 100, in some embodiments, the lower horizontal plate 2323 and the vertical plate 2321 are detachably connected, and the position of the lower horizontal plate 2323 on the vertical plate 2321 along a preset direction is adjustable to adjust the distance between the lower horizontal plate 2323 and the upper horizontal plate 2322 along the preset direction, thereby adapting to containers 100 of different heights.

[0065] Optionally, the lower horizontal plate 2323 and the vertical plate 2321 are connected by a first fastener. The lower horizontal plate 2323 is provided with a first mounting hole, and the vertical plate 2321 is provided with a second mounting hole. At least two of the first and second mounting holes are provided and are arranged at intervals along a preset direction. The first fastener can cooperate with the first and second mounting holes respectively to fix the lower horizontal plate 2323 and the vertical plate 2321.

[0066] Optionally, the first fastener can be a screw.

[0067] In some other embodiments, at least two first mounting holes or at least two second mounting holes can be replaced by an elongated hole that extends in a preset direction, which can also achieve position adjustment.

[0068] In some embodiments, the vertical plate 2321 is detachably connected to the main body of the clamping drive 22 to facilitate the disassembly and replacement of the limiting member 232.

[0069] In some embodiments, the relative position of the vertical plate 2321 and the main body of the clamping drive member 22 along a preset direction is adjustable to adjust the position of the limiting member 232, so as to better suit containers 100 of different sizes.

[0070] Optionally, the vertical plate 2321 is connected to the main body of the clamping drive member 22 by a second fixing member. The vertical plate 2321 is provided with a third mounting hole, and the main body of the clamping drive member 22 is provided with a fourth mounting hole. At least two of the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole are provided and are arranged at intervals along a preset direction. The second fixing member can cooperate with the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole respectively to fix the main body of the clamping drive member 22 and the vertical plate 2321.

[0071] Alternatively, the second fastener can be a screw.

[0072] In some other embodiments, at least two third mounting holes or at least two fourth mounting holes can be replaced by an elongated hole that extends in a preset direction, which can also achieve position adjustment.

[0073] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A clamping device for fixing the container body when the container (100) is opened, characterized in that, The clamping device includes: Mounting base (10); A clamping assembly (20) is used to clamp and fix the container body; An elastic component (30) connects the mounting base (10) and the clamping component (20) in a preset direction. The elastic component (30) can drive the clamping component (20) to move in a preset direction during the opening process, so that the container body in the container (100) is separated from the lid.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic component (30) includes: An elastic element (31) connects the clamping assembly (20) and the mounting base (10), and the elastic element (31) applies an elastic force to the clamping assembly (20) in a preset direction; A guide structure (32) connects the mounting base (10) and the clamping assembly (20), and the guide structure (32) can guide the clamping assembly (20) to slide relative to the mounting base (10) in the preset direction.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide structure (32) includes a first guide (322) and a second guide (321) that are slidably connected. The first guide (322) is connected to the mounting base (10), and the second guide (321) is connected to the clamping assembly (20).

4. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (10) is provided with a guide groove (121) extending along the preset direction, and the elastic element (31) is disposed in the guide groove (121).

5. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The clamping assembly (20) includes: The clamping structure (23) includes two clamping members (231) arranged opposite to each other, and a clamping space is formed between the two clamping members (231); A clamping drive (22) is provided, the output end of which is connected to the clamping structure (23) for driving the two clamping members (231) to move towards or away from each other.

6. The clamping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping assembly (20) further includes a limiting member (232), which is connected to the main body of the clamping drive member (22) and is located on one side of the clamping space.

7. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting member (232) includes a vertical plate (2321), an upper horizontal plate (2322), and a lower horizontal plate (2323). The vertical plate (2321) is connected to the main body. The upper horizontal plate (2322) is connected to one end of the vertical plate (2321). A limiting hole is provided on the upper horizontal plate (2322). The lower horizontal plate (2323) is connected to the middle part of the vertical plate (2321). The container body can extend into the limiting hole and abut against the lower horizontal plate (2323).

8. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting member (232) is detachably connected to the main body of the clamping drive member (22); The relative positions of the limiting member (232) and the main body of the clamping drive member (22) along a preset direction are adjustable.

9. The clamping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower horizontal plate (2323) and the vertical plate (2321) are detachably connected, and the position of the lower horizontal plate (2323) on the vertical plate (2321) along the preset direction is adjustable.

10. A lid-opening device, characterized in that, It includes a lid opening mechanism and a clamping device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the lid opening mechanism is used to clamp and drive the lid to rotate.

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