Cup feeding structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a cup feeding structure which comprises a machine frame. The stock bin is arranged on the rack and is used for storing the reaction cup; the turnover assembly is installed on the rack and located on one side of the stock bin, the turnover assembly comprises a turnover bin, and a gap exists between the turnover bin and the stock bin; the first conveying assembly is obliquely mounted at the discharge port of the stock bin, and the first conveying assembly is provided with a plurality of conveying plates used for carrying the reaction cups; the lifting assembly comprises a lifting plate which is located at the gap and can ascend and descend; when a reaction cup popped out of the turnover bin is clamped by the top of the lifting plate and a conveying plate of the first conveying assembly, the conveying plate can apply downward acting force to the lifting plate through the reaction cup, so that the height of the lifting plate is reduced, and the reaction cup is not clamped any more and falls back to the turnover bin or falls into the gap. On the premise that the number of the reaction cups falling into the gap is reduced, the situation that the first conveying assembly is clamped by the reaction cups is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a cup inlet structure. Background Technology

[0002] Coagulation analyzers, as a routine medical testing device, are used to evaluate antithrombotic drugs, detect the anticoagulation and fibrinolytic systems, and evaluate the levels of various coagulation factors and their inhibitors.

[0003] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cup-feeding structure in the prior art; Figure 1B for Figure 1A A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; as shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the cup feeding structure in a coagulation analyzer typically includes a hopper 200, a transfer assembly 300, a slide assembly 700, and a first conveying assembly 400. The reaction cup poured into the hopper 200 is conveyed by the first conveying assembly 400 to its highest point, and then falls into the transfer hopper 301 of the transfer assembly 300.

[0004] According to the design, a gap 900 is unavoidable between the hopper 200 and the turnover hopper 301 of the turnover component 300. Sometimes, reaction cups falling due to gravity will pop out of the turnover hopper 301, and some of these reaction cups will fall into the gap 900. To reduce the number of reaction cups entering the gap 900, most designers add a fixing baffle 302 at this location to prevent reaction cups from entering the gap 900. However, this causes the following problems:

[0005] When the reaction cup is bounced to the top of the fixed baffle 302, if the conveyor plate 401 of the first conveying assembly 400 happens to be rotated to that position, the reaction cup is likely to be clamped between the fixed baffle 302 and the conveyor plate 401 and stuck in that position (i.e., the reaction cup is stuck). This would interfere with the rotation of the conveyor plate 401, thus affecting the normal operation of the first conveying assembly 400 and causing the cup to jam. Manual intervention is required when the cup is jammed, which reduces the operating efficiency of the cup feeding structure.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background section of this utility model is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cup-feeding structure that reduces the number of reaction cups falling into the gap, avoids the reaction cups getting stuck, and thus prevents the reaction cups from jamming the first conveying component. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and improves the operating efficiency of the cup-feeding structure.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a cup feeding structure, comprising: a frame installed inside a coagulation analyzer; a hopper installed on the frame and used to store reaction cups; a turnover assembly installed on the frame and located on one side of the hopper, the turnover assembly including a turnover compartment with a gap between the turnover compartment and the hopper; a first conveying assembly inclinedly installed at the outlet of the hopper, the first conveying assembly having multiple conveying plates for carrying reaction cups to convey the reaction cups in the hopper to the turnover assembly; and a lifting assembly disposed on the turnover assembly and including a lifting plate located at the gap; wherein, when a reaction cup ejected from the turnover compartment is clamped by the top of the lifting plate and the conveying plates of the first conveying assembly, the conveying plate can apply a downward force to the lifting plate through the reaction cup, causing the height of the lifting plate to decrease, thereby causing the reaction cup to fall back into the turnover compartment or into the gap.

[0009] Preferably, the lifting assembly further includes: a base having a receiving cavity and mounted on the turnover assembly; and an elastic member disposed within the receiving cavity, one end of the elastic member being connected to the bottom of the base and the other end of the elastic member being connected to the lifting plate, the elastic member being in a compressed state; wherein a portion of the lifting plate extends upward from the base and is located at the gap.

[0010] Preferably, the top of the base has a first opening that connects to the receiving cavity, the width of the first opening is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity, and the bottom of the lifting plate has an extension such that the thickness of the bottom of the lifting plate is smaller than the width of the first opening, so that the lifting plate will not detach from the receiving cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the hopper is provided with a bottom plate and four side walls, the four side walls and the bottom plate forming a receiving space to receive reaction cups; the four side walls include a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall connected end to end in sequence; wherein, the first side wall is inclined and is provided with the discharge port, and the first conveying component is provided at the discharge port of the first side wall so as to convey the reaction cups in the hopper to the turnover component.

[0012] Preferably, the cup feeding structure further includes a second conveying component, the bottom plate of the hopper is provided with a second opening, the second conveying component is installed at the second opening of the bottom plate of the hopper, and the second conveying component is used to convey the reaction cup located in the hopper to the lower end of the first conveying component, so as to facilitate the first conveying component to convey.

[0013] Preferably, the hopper is equipped with a tilting mechanism, which includes: a support plate fixed to the third side wall; and a baffle obliquely mounted on the support plate, the upper edge of the baffle contacting the third side wall, and the lower edge of the baffle located above the second conveying assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the included angle between the baffle and the third sidewall is in the range of 10° to 15°.

[0015] Preferably, the angle between the baffle and the vertical plane is in the range of 30° to 35°.

[0016] Preferably, the width of the baffle projected onto the horizontal plane is smaller than the outer diameter of the reaction cup body.

[0017] Preferably, the first conveying component is connected to the second conveying component via a transmission belt to achieve synchronous rotation of the first and second conveying components.

[0018] The cup feeding structure of this utility model utilizes a lifting plate that can be raised and lowered, which reduces the number of reaction cups falling into the gap and prevents the reaction cups from getting stuck. This avoids the situation where the reaction cups get stuck on the first conveying component, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving the operating efficiency of the cup feeding structure.

[0019] The method and apparatus of this invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or will be set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings and subsequent embodiments incorporated herein, which together serve to explain the particular principles of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cup-feeding structure in the prior art;

[0021] Figure 1B for Figure 1A A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cup-feeding structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cup-feeding structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0025] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the silo structure;

[0026] Figure 5BThis is a structural diagram of the silo from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 6A This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting assembly;

[0028] Figure 6B This is an exploded 3D view of the lifting assembly;

[0029] Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of the base structure;

[0030] Figure 6D This is a cross-sectional view of a lifting assembly;

[0031] Figure 6E This is another cross-sectional view of the lifting assembly;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the first transmission component and the second transmission component;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 100. Rack;

[0036] 200. Hopper; 201. Discharge port; 202. Bottom plate; 203. First side wall; 204. Second side wall; 205. Third side wall; 206. Fourth side wall; 207. Second opening; 208. Tilting mechanism; 209. Support plate; 210. Baffle;

[0037] 300. Turnover components; 301. Turnover warehouse; 302. Fixed baffle;

[0038] 400. First conveying assembly; 401. Conveyor plate; 402. Drive component; 403. Conveyor belt; 490. Drive belt;

[0039] 500, Lifting assembly; 501, Lifting plate; 502, Base; 503, Elastic component; 504, Base; 505, Cover plate; 506, First opening; 507, Extension; 508, Connecting column; 510, Receiving cavity;

[0040] 600. Second transmission component;

[0041] 700. Slide assembly;

[0042] 900, gap.

[0043] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present simplified representations of various features to illustrate the basic principles of this invention. The specific design features disclosed in this invention (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific application and environment in which they will be used.

[0044] Throughout these figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to various embodiments, examples of which are presented in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit of the present invention and the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0046] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "on top of" another component, the component may be in contact with the other component, or the component may be spaced apart from the other component, or there may be an intermediate component between the component and the other component.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cup-feeding structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cup-feeding structure of this utility model; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the silo structure; Figure 5B This is a structural diagram of the silo from another perspective;

[0048] Figure 6A This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting assembly; Figure 6B This is an exploded 3D view of the lifting assembly; Figure 6C This is a schematic diagram of the base structure; Figure 6D This is a cross-sectional view of a lifting assembly; Figure 6E This is another cross-sectional view of the lifting assembly; Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the first transmission component and the second transmission component; Figure 8 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0049] The following is combined with Figures 2 to 8 The cup-feeding structure according to the embodiment of this utility model will be described.

[0050] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cup feeding structure of this utility model embodiment includes: a frame 100, a hopper 200, a turnover component 300, a first conveying component 400, and a lifting component 500.

[0051] The rack 100 is installed inside the coagulation analyzer.

[0052] The hopper 200 is mounted on the frame 100 and is used to store reaction cups.

[0053] The turnover component 300 is mounted on the frame 100 and located on one side of the hopper 200. The turnover component 300 includes a turnover bin 301, and there is a gap 900 between the turnover bin 301 and the hopper 200.

[0054] The first conveying assembly 400 is installed at an angle at the discharge port 201 of the hopper 200. The first conveying assembly 400 has a plurality of conveying plates 401 for carrying reaction cups to convey the reaction cups in the hopper 200 to the turnover assembly 300.

[0055] The lifting assembly 500 is disposed on the turnover assembly 300 and includes a lifting plate 501 located at the gap 900 that can be lifted.

[0056] Specifically, when the reaction cup ejected from the turnover bin 301 is clamped by the top of the lifting plate 501 and the conveyor plate 401 of the first conveying assembly 400, the conveyor plate 401 can exert a downward force on the lifting plate 501 through the reaction cup, causing the height of the lifting plate 501 to decrease. This allows the reaction cup to fall back into the turnover bin 301 or into the gap 900, thus preventing it from getting stuck.

[0057] The cup-feeding structure of this utility model utilizes a lifting plate 501 that can be raised and lowered. This reduces the number of reaction cups falling into the gap 900 and prevents the reaction cups from getting stuck. This avoids the reaction cups getting stuck in the first conveying component 400, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving the operating efficiency of the cup-feeding structure.

[0058] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the hopper 200 is provided with a bottom plate 202 and four side walls. The four side walls and the bottom plate 202 form a receiving space to accommodate the reaction cup.

[0059] The four side walls include a first side wall 203, a second side wall 204, a third side wall 205, and a fourth side wall 206 that are connected end to end in sequence.

[0060] The first sidewall 203 is inclined and has a discharge port 201. The first conveying component 400 is located at the discharge port 201 of the first sidewall 203 so as to convey the reaction cup in the hopper 200 to the turnover component 300.

[0061] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first conveying assembly 400 includes a driving component 402 and a conveyor belt 403 with multiple conveyor plates 401. The driving component 402 is used to drive the conveyor belt 403 to rotate so as to convey the reaction cup to the turnover assembly 300.

[0062] The conveyor belt 403 is inclined. The conveyor plate 401 of the conveyor belt 403 facing the third side wall 205 moves upward and gradually moves away from the third side wall 205 during the upward movement. The conveyor plate 401 of the conveyor belt 403 facing away from the third side wall 205 moves downward and gradually moves closer to the third side wall 205 during the downward movement.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 During the process of each lifting plate 501 moving down from the top of the conveyor belt 403 to the bottom of the conveyor belt 403, it first gradually approaches the turnover bin 301 of the turnover component 300, and then gradually moves away from the turnover bin 301 of the turnover component 300.

[0064] The drive component 402 can be a motor. The type of drive component 402 is not limited to this. It can be any form in the prior art, as long as it can achieve the above functions.

[0065] Furthermore, the distance between two adjacent conveyor plates 401 is greater than the diameter of the outer edge of the reaction cup's rim, but less than twice the diameter of the outer edge of the reaction cup's rim, to ensure that only one reaction cup is carried between two adjacent conveyor plates 401.

[0066] For example, the distance between two adjacent conveyor plates 401 is greater than the diameter of the outer edge of the mouth of the reaction cup, but less than 1.5 times the diameter of the outer edge of the mouth of the reaction cup.

[0067] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figures 6A to 6E As shown, the lifting assembly 500 further includes: a base 502 and an elastic member 503.

[0068] The base 502 has a receiving cavity 510 and is mounted on the turnover assembly 300.

[0069] The elastic member 503 is disposed within the receiving cavity 510 and is in a compressed state. One end of the elastic member 503 is connected to the bottom of the base 502, and the other end of the elastic member 503 is connected to the lifting plate 501. Under the action of the gravity of the lifting plate 501, the elastic member 503 is in a compressed state and provides elastic support force to the lifting plate 501.

[0070] A portion of the lifting plate 501 extends upward from the base 502 and is located at the gap 900.

[0071] The reaction cups ejected towards the gap 900 are divided into three parts. The first part consists of reaction cups that eject at a lower height and cannot pass over the lifting plate 501. These reaction cups are blocked by the lifting plate 501 and fall directly back into the transfer bin 301 for continued use. The second part consists of reaction cups that eject at a higher height and pass directly over the lifting plate 501. These reaction cups fall directly into the gap 900. The third part consists of reaction cups that eject exactly to the top of the lifting plate 501.

[0072] For the third reaction cup, when the reaction cup is ejected to the top of the lifting plate 501, if the conveyor plate 401 of the first conveying assembly 400 has just rotated to that position, at this time, the conveyor plate 401 is closest to the turnover bin 301. The downward-moving conveyor plate 401 will exert a downward force on the reaction cup, and in turn exert a force on the lifting plate 501, causing the lifting plate 501 to move downward while overcoming the elastic support force of the elastic member 503. During the downward movement of the lifting plate 501, the elastic member 503 is further compressed. At the same time, the conveyor plate 401 continues to move downward and away from the turnover bin 301. Once the conveyor plate 401 is away from the turnover bin 301, the reaction cup that was originally clamped by the lifting plate 501 and the conveyor plate 401 will no longer be clamped, and thus fall back into the turnover bin 301 or fall into the gap 900.

[0073] The reaction cup that fell back into the transfer compartment 301 can be used again.

[0074] A collection box can be placed below the gap 900. The reaction cups that fall into the gap 900 (including all of the second part of the reaction cups and part of the third part of the reaction cups) are collected by the collection box below the gap 900 and recycled periodically.

[0075] After the reaction cup falls back into the transfer chamber 301 or into the gap 900, the elastic support force of the elastic component 503 causes the lifting plate 501 to move upward back to its initial position.

[0076] This prevents the cups from getting stuck and reduces the number of reaction cups that fall into the 900mm gap.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic member 503 may be a spring. The type of elastic member 503 is not limited to this, and it may be any form in the prior art, as long as it can achieve the above-mentioned function.

[0078] like Figure 6B and Figure 6D As shown, the base 502 includes a base 504 and a cover plate 505, which together form a receiving cavity 510.

[0079] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 6D As shown, the top of the base 502 has a first opening 506, which connects to the receiving cavity 510. The width of the first opening 506 is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity 510. The bottom of the lifting plate 501 has an extension 507, which makes the thickness of the bottom of the lifting plate 501 smaller than the width of the first opening 506, so that the lifting plate 501 will not detach from the receiving cavity 510.

[0080] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 6B , Figure 6D and Figure 6E As shown, the bottom of the lifting plate 501 has a downwardly extending connecting post 508 to connect to the top of the elastic member 503.

[0081] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, the cup-feeding structure of this utility model embodiment further includes a second conveying component 600, such as... Figure 5B As shown, the bottom plate 202 of the silo 200 is provided with a second opening 207. The second conveying component 600 is installed at the second opening 207 of the bottom plate 202 of the silo 200. The second conveying component 600 is used to convey the reaction cup located in the silo 200 to the lower end of the first conveying component 400, so as to facilitate the first conveying component 400 to carry out the conveying.

[0082] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first transmission component 400 is connected to the second transmission component 600 via a transmission belt 490 to achieve synchronous rotation of the first transmission component 400 and the second transmission component 600.

[0083] The drive component 402 drives the conveyor belt 403 to rotate, which in turn drives the second conveyor assembly 600 to rotate via the transmission belt 490.

[0084] like Figure 1A As shown, there is an angle between the bottom plate 202 and the third side wall 205 of the prior art hopper 200, and the reaction cup is prone to buildup at this angle.

[0085] To solve this problem, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, a tilting mechanism 208 is installed inside the hopper 200. The tilting mechanism 208 includes a support plate 209 and a baffle 210.

[0086] The support plate 209 is fixed to the third side wall 205.

[0087] The baffle 210 is mounted obliquely on the support plate 209. The upper edge of the baffle 210 contacts the third side wall 205, and the lower edge of the baffle 210 is located above the second conveying assembly 600 but does not contact the second conveying assembly 600 to prevent affecting the operation of the second conveying assembly 600.

[0088] The baffle 210 prevents the reaction cup from falling into the angle between the base plate 202 and the third side wall 205, and the baffle 210 is tilted so that the reaction cup falling on the baffle 210 can slide down the baffle 210 onto the second conveying assembly 600.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the included angle between the baffle 210 and the third sidewall 205 ranges from 10° to 15°.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between the baffle 210 and the vertical plane ranges from 30° to 35°.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the projection of the baffle 210 onto the horizontal plane is smaller than the outer diameter of the reaction cup body, in order to further prevent the reaction cup from accumulating at the angle between the base plate 202 and the third sidewall 205.

[0092] For ease of interpretation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” “below,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “back,” “behind,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “inward,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “inner,” “external,” “forward,” and “backward” are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0093] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many changes and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to implement and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as their different alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cup-feeding structure, characterized in that, include: The rack, which is installed inside the coagulation analyzer; A hopper, which is mounted on the frame, is used to store reaction cups; A turnover assembly is mounted on the frame and located on one side of the hopper, the turnover assembly including a turnover bin and a gap between the turnover bin and the hopper; A first conveying assembly is installed at an angle at the outlet of the hopper. The first conveying assembly has multiple conveying plates for carrying reaction cups to convey the reaction cups in the hopper to a turnover assembly. as well as A lifting assembly, which is disposed on the turnover assembly and includes a lifting plate that can be raised and lowered located at the gap; When the reaction cup ejected from the turnover bin is clamped by the top of the lifting plate and the conveyor plate of the first conveying assembly, the conveyor plate can exert a downward force on the lifting plate through the reaction cup, so that the height of the lifting plate decreases, thereby causing the reaction cup to fall back into the turnover bin or into the gap.

2. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly further includes: A base having a receiving cavity and mounted on the turnover assembly; and An elastic member is disposed within the receiving cavity, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the base, and the other end of which is connected to the lifting plate. The elastic member is in a compressed state. A portion of the lifting plate extends upward from the base and is located at the gap.

3. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base has a first opening at the top, which connects to the receiving cavity. The width of the first opening is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity. The bottom of the lifting plate has an extension, such that the thickness of the bottom of the lifting plate is smaller than the width of the first opening, so that the lifting plate will not detach from the receiving cavity.

4. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper is provided with a bottom plate and four side walls. The four side walls and the bottom plate form a receiving space to accommodate the reaction cup. The four side walls consist of a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall that are connected end to end in sequence; The first sidewall is inclined and has a discharge port. The first conveying component is located at the discharge port of the first sidewall to convey the reaction cup in the hopper to the turnover component.

5. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a second conveying component, wherein the bottom plate of the silo is provided with a second opening, and the second conveying component is installed at the second opening of the bottom plate of the silo. The second conveying component is used to convey the reaction cup located in the silo to the lower end of the first conveying component, so as to facilitate the first conveying component to convey.

6. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hopper is equipped with a tilting mechanism, which includes: Support plate, which is fixed to the third sidewall; and A baffle is mounted obliquely on the support plate, the upper edge of the baffle contacting the third sidewall, and the lower edge of the baffle being located above the second conveying assembly.

7. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle between the baffle and the third sidewall is in the range of 10° to 15°.

8. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle between the baffle and the vertical plane is in the range of 30° to 35°.

9. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The width of the baffle's projection on the horizontal plane is smaller than the outer diameter of the reaction cup's body.

10. The cup-feeding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first conveying component is connected to the second conveying component via a transmission belt to achieve synchronous rotation of the first and second conveying components.

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