Reaction cup feeding mechanism and automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and discloses a reaction cup feeding mechanism and an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups. It includes a hopper, a feeding pusher, and a cup-retrieval structure. The hopper is mounted on a frame and is used to store reaction cups. The hopper has an inlet and an outlet. The feeding pusher includes a first drive, a first push block, and a second push block. The first drive is mounted outside the hopper and is pulsatorically connected to the first and second push blocks. The first drive drives the first and second push blocks to reciprocate within the hopper. The first push block pushes reaction cups adjacent to the first push block towards the second push block, and the second push block pushes reaction cups adjacent to the second push block towards the outlet. The cup-retrieval structure is located at the outlet and is used to receive and transport reaction cups located at the outlet. Using this reaction cup feeding mechanism can improve the feeding speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a reaction cup feeding mechanism and an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical device field, reaction containers are widely used as containers for holding samples and reagents. For example, fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers require a large number of reaction containers during the testing process. Generally, using a tilting loading method for reaction containers can significantly improve the user experience and increase the instrument's testing efficiency. In related technologies, reaction container loading devices typically include a hopper, a cup-retrieving mechanism, a conveyor chute, and a buffer mechanism. The hopper holds a large number of reaction containers, which are then fed to the conveyor mechanism via the cup-retrieving mechanism and output to the buffer mechanism. The buffer mechanism orderly buffers the reaction containers, which are then removed by the retrieval mechanism. However, existing hoppers have slow loading speeds, severely impacting reaction container loading efficiency. Furthermore, as the analyzer's testing throughput increases, more reaction cups are required, and a larger hopper is more prone to causing reaction cups to accumulate inside, forming dead cups (stationary states), thus affecting the cup-retrieving mechanism's loading. Utility Model Content

[0003] One of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a reaction cup feeding mechanism and an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups, which can improve the feeding speed of reaction cups. Specifically, this utility model provides a better solution to the problem of reaction cups accumulating in the hopper due to its large volume, resulting in low efficiency of the cup-loading structure.

[0004] The second objective of this utility model embodiment is to provide an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups, which can realize rapid feeding, conveying and buffering.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] On the one hand, a reaction cup feeding mechanism is provided, comprising:

[0007] A hopper, mounted on the frame, is used to store reaction cups and has an inlet and an outlet.

[0008] A feeding pusher includes a first drive, a first pusher, and a second pusher. The first drive is installed outside the hopper and is connected to the first pusher and the second pusher in a transmission manner. The first drive drives the first pusher and the second pusher to reciprocate within the hopper. The first pusher is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the first pusher in the hopper toward the second pusher, and the second pusher is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the second pusher in the hopper toward the discharge port.

[0009] A scooping cup structure is located at the discharge port and is used to receive and transport the reaction cup located at the discharge port.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the bottom plate of the hopper is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole spaced apart. The first push block passes through the first clearance hole, and the second push block passes through the second clearance hole. The first driving member can drive the first push block and the second push block to reciprocate along their respective length directions. The upper surface of the first push block is a first inclined surface that slopes downward toward the second push block, and the upper surface of the second push block is a second inclined surface that slopes downward toward the discharge port.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the first inclined surface has two parallel first sides and two parallel second sides, wherein one of the first sides is adjacent to the second pusher and lower than the other first side, and one of the second sides is adjacent to the hopper wall and lower than the other second side.

[0012] The second inclined surface has two parallel third sides and two parallel fourth sides, wherein one of the third sides is adjacent to the first push block and lower than the other third side, and one of the fourth sides is adjacent to the discharge port and lower than the other fourth side;

[0013] The cup-scooping structure includes a chain and several sets of picking blocks spaced apart along the length of the chain, with the fourth side parallel to the length of the picking blocks.

[0014] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the bottom plate of the hopper is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole spaced apart. The first pusher passes through the first clearance hole, and the second pusher passes through the second clearance hole. The first driving member can drive the first pusher and the second pusher to reciprocate along their respective length directions. The upper surface of the first pusher is provided with a guide groove that slopes downward toward the second pusher. The width of the guide groove opening is greater than the diameter of the reaction cup. The upper surface of the second pusher is a second inclined surface that slopes downward toward the discharge port.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the cross-section of the guide groove is arc-shaped.

[0016] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the second inclined surface has two parallel third sides and two parallel fourth sides, wherein one of the third sides is adjacent to the first pusher and lower than the other third side, and one of the fourth sides is adjacent to the discharge port and lower than the other fourth side.

[0017] The cup-scooping structure includes a chain and several sets of picking blocks spaced apart along the length of the chain, with the fourth side parallel to the length of the picking blocks.

[0018] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the first push block and the second push block are inclined and parallel to each other, the first push block and the second push block are parallel to the chain along the length direction, the gap between the second push block and the picking block adjacent to the second push block is smaller than the diameter of the reaction cup, and the distance between the first push block and the second push block is smaller than the length of the reaction cup.

[0019] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the discharge port is located on the bottom plate and is connected to the second clearance hole.

[0020] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the feeding pusher also includes a connecting block and a transmission assembly. The connecting block is located below the bottom plate of the hopper. The bottom of the first pusher is connected to the bottom of the second pusher through the connecting block. The first drive member is fixed below the bottom plate and connected to the connecting block through the transmission assembly.

[0021] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the transmission assembly includes a first transmission plate, a second transmission plate, and a connecting shaft. The first driving component includes a first motor and a first output shaft. The first motor is drivenly connected to the first output shaft, and the first output shaft is fixedly connected to the first transmission plate. The connecting shaft is parallel to the first output shaft and connected to the first transmission plate. The second transmission plate has an elongated hole, the length direction of which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first output shaft and the moving direction of the first push block. The connecting shaft passes through the elongated hole, and the second transmission plate is fixedly connected to the connecting block.

[0022] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, it also includes a stirring plate and a second driving member. The stirring plate is installed inside the hopper, and the second driving member is installed outside the hopper and is connected to the stirring plate in a transmission manner. The rotation axis of the stirring plate is perpendicular to the bottom plate of the hopper, and the second driving member can drive the stirring plate to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0023] As a further embodiment of the reaction cup feeding mechanism, the base plate includes a first base plate and a second base plate that are inclined. The first base plate and the second base plate are connected at an angle of less than 180°. One side of the second base plate protrudes from the first base plate, making the base plate have an L-shaped structure. The stirring plate is installed on the first base plate, and the first pusher block and the second pusher block are installed on the second base plate. The discharge port is opened in the area of ​​the second base plate that protrudes from the first base plate.

[0024] On the other hand, an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups is provided, including a frame and a feeding mechanism, a conveying mechanism, and a buffer mechanism sequentially arranged on the frame along the conveying direction of the reaction cups; the feeding mechanism is the reaction cup feeding mechanism, used to store reaction cups and transport reaction cups to the conveying mechanism, the conveying mechanism is used to receive reaction cups from the feeding mechanism and transport the reaction cups to the buffer mechanism, and the discharge port of the conveying mechanism is connected to the buffer mechanism.

[0025] Beneficial effects:

[0026] This invention, by setting up a first driving component and a first and a second pushing block, allows the first driving component to push reaction cups located near the first pushing block within the hopper towards the second pushing block, while the second pushing block pushes nearby reaction cups towards the discharge port. This structural design effectively solves the problem of reaction cup accumulation in the hopper due to its large volume, resulting in low cup loading efficiency and significantly improving the feeding speed. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a side view of the feeding pusher and the scooping cup structure described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the feeding pusher and the scooping cup structure described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding pusher (excluding the transmission assembly) according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of the feeding pusher (excluding the transmission assembly) according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the structure of the automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of part A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding pusher (excluding the transmission assembly) described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a side view of the feeding pusher (excluding the transmission assembly) described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 100. Rack;

[0040] 200. Feeding mechanism; 210. Hopper; 211. Base plate; 2111. First base plate; 2112. Second base plate; 212. Side plate; 213. First sleeve; 214. Second sleeve; 220. Stirring plate; 221. Stirring plate body; 222. Protrusion; 230. Second driving component; 231. Mounting base; 232. Second motor; 233. First optocoupler; 234. Sensing unit; 240. Second optocoupler; 250. Feeding pusher; 251. First driving component; 252. 1. Push block; 2521. First inclined surface; 25211. First side; 25212. Second side; 2522. Guide groove; 253. Second push block; 2531. Second inclined surface; 25311. Third side; 25312. Fourth side; 254. Connecting block; 255. Transmission assembly; 2551. First transmission plate; 2552. Second transmission plate; 25521. Long hole; 2553. Connecting shaft; 260. Guide assembly; 270. Cup retrieval structure; 271. Chain; 272. Pick-up block;

[0041] 300. Conveying mechanism;

[0042] 400. Cache mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are merely used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a reaction cup feeding mechanism 200, including a hopper 210, a feeding pusher 250, and a cup scooping structure 270.

[0049] The hopper 210 is mounted on the frame 100 and is used to store reaction cups. The hopper 210 has an inlet and an outlet. The feeding pusher 250 includes a first drive 251, a first pusher 252 and a second pusher 253. The first drive 251 is mounted outside the hopper 210 and is connected to the first pusher 252 and the second pusher 253. The first drive 251 can drive the first pusher 252 and the second pusher 253 to reciprocate within the hopper 210. The first pusher 252 is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the first pusher 252 in the hopper 210 toward the second pusher 253. The second pusher 253 is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the second pusher 253 in the hopper 210 toward the outlet. The cup scooping structure 270 is located at the outlet and is used to receive and transport the reaction cups located at the outlet.

[0050] Compared to existing designs, the feeding pusher 250 in this embodiment has two push blocks. The first push block 252 not only pushes the reaction cup towards the second push block 253, but also agitates the reaction cup in the hopper 210, increasing the frequency of movement of the reaction cup within the hopper 210 and thus moving it to the discharge port more effectively. With the assistance of the first push block 252, the second push block 253 more easily pushes reaction cups at the far end or corner of the hopper 210 to the discharge port. Furthermore, both push blocks are controlled by the first drive unit 251, achieving higher cup feeding efficiency without increasing power costs.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reaction cups adjacent to the first pusher 252 include reaction cups located around the first pusher 252 and reaction cups located above the first pusher 252, encompassing the entire area accessible by the first pusher 252. The reaction cups adjacent to the second pusher 253 include reaction cups located around the second pusher 253 and reaction cups located above the second pusher 253, encompassing the entire area accessible by the second pusher 253.

[0052] Next, taking the synchronous operation of the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 driven by the first drive member 251 as an example, the feeding push member 250 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0053] In this embodiment, the hopper 210 is provided with a bottom plate 211, and the bottom plate 211 is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole spaced apart. The first push block 252 passes through the first clearance hole, and the second push block 253 passes through the second clearance hole. The first driving member 251 can drive the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 along their respective length directions. Figure 5 The first push block 252 and the second push block 253 move back and forth in the direction indicated by the straight arrows. The upper surface of the first push block 252 is a first inclined surface 2521 that slopes downward toward the second push block 253, and the upper surface of the second push block 253 is a second inclined surface 2531 that slopes downward toward the discharge port.

[0054] When the first driving member 251 drives the first pusher block 252 to move upward along its length, the reaction cup falling above the first pusher block 252 slides to the second pusher block 253 under the guidance of the first inclined surface 2521. When the second pusher block 253 moves upward along its length, the reaction cup falling above it slides to the discharge port under the guidance of the second inclined surface 2531. By tilting the top surfaces of the two pushers and coordinating with the specific tilting direction of the two inclined surfaces, the reaction cup can slide onto the cup-collecting structure 270 faster and more accurately, achieving smooth discharge.

[0055] Optionally, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first inclined surface 2521 has two parallel first sides 25211 and two parallel second sides 25212. One first side 25211 is adjacent to the second pusher 253 and lower than the other first side 25211, and one second side 25212 is adjacent to the wall of the hopper 210 and lower than the other second side 25212. The second inclined surface 2531 has two parallel third sides 25311 and two parallel fourth sides 25312. One third side 25311 is adjacent to the first pusher 252 and lower than the other third side 25311, and one fourth side 25312 is adjacent to the discharge port and lower than the other fourth side 25312. In this embodiment, the cup-scooping structure 270 includes a chain 271 and a plurality of picking blocks 272 spaced apart along the length of the chain 271. The fourth side 25312 of the second inclined surface 2531 is parallel to the length direction of the picking block 272. When the reaction cup is pushed to the discharge port by the second push block 253, it can slide more smoothly into the picking block 272 of the cup scooping structure 270 to complete the feeding of the reaction cup.

[0056] By controlling the inclination direction of the first inclined plane 2521 and the second inclined plane 2531, the reaction cup located above the first inclined plane 2521 can quickly slide across the first inclined plane 2521 to the vicinity of the second inclined plane 2531. When the second pusher block 253 descends, the reaction cup between the first pusher block 252 and the second pusher block 253 slides onto the second inclined plane 2531. When the second pusher block 253 rises, the reaction cup above the second inclined plane 2531 quickly slides to the discharge port, further improving the loading efficiency of the reaction cup and preventing the reaction cup from accumulating at the discharge port. Since the fourth side 25312 of the second inclined plane 2531 is parallel to the length direction of the picking block 272 on the chain 271, combined with the height settings of the two third sides 25311 and the two fourth sides 25312, when the reaction cup slides down the second inclined plane 2531 to the discharge port, the probability of the reaction cup falling into the picking gap of the picking block 272 can be increased, thereby improving the loading efficiency of the reaction cup. Furthermore, since one of the third sides 25311 of the second inclined surface 2531 is lower than the other third side 25311, and one of the fourth sides 25312 is lower than the other fourth side 25312, the resulting second inclined surface 2531 can provide forces to the reaction cup in different directions. When multiple reaction cups are stacked together, they form a stable "arch-shaped" reaction cup. It is difficult to break this shape using conventional pushers. However, the second inclined surface 2531 provided in this embodiment can break the stable state of the "arch-shaped" reaction cup by exerting forces on it, thus better preventing the reaction cups from accumulating at the discharge port.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 are inclined and parallel to each other. The first push block 252 and the second push block 253 are parallel to the chain 271 in the cup scooping structure 270 along their length direction. The gap between the second push block 253 and a pickup block 272 adjacent to the second push block 253 is smaller than the diameter of the reaction cup. When the second push block 253 moves into the hopper 210, it is parallel to the chain 271. The gap between the second push block 253 and the pickup block 272 on the chain 271 is smaller than the diameter of the reaction cup, thereby preventing the cup from jamming.

[0058] The distance between the first pusher block 252 and the second pusher block 253 is less than the length of the reaction cup. By controlling the distance between the first pusher block 252 and the second pusher block 253 within this range, and in conjunction with the tilting setting of the two pushers, the reaction cup can be prevented from getting stuck between the first pusher block 252 and the second pusher block 253.

[0059] Furthermore, the discharge port is located on the bottom plate 211 and is connected to the second clearance hole. With this structural design, the reaction cup on the second inclined surface 2531 can slide directly into the discharge port from the second inclined surface 2531, further improving the feeding speed.

[0060] Furthermore, the feeding pusher 250 also includes a connecting block 254 and a transmission assembly 255. The connecting block 254 is located below the base plate 211. The bottom of the first pusher 252 is connected to the bottom of the second pusher 253 through the connecting block 254. The connecting block 254 extends to the side of the second pusher 253 that is away from the first pusher 252. The first drive member 251 is fixed below the base plate 211 and connected to the connecting block 254 through the transmission assembly 255.

[0061] It is understood that the bottom of the first push block 252 and the bottom of the second push block 253 are fixedly connected by a connecting block 254, and the first driving member 251 is connected to the connecting block 254 through a transmission assembly 255. This allows the first driving member 251 to drive the transmission assembly 255, which in turn drives the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 to move synchronously up and down. When the first driving member 251 drives the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 to their lowest position (see reference...), Figure 4 Neither the first inclined surface 2521 nor the second inclined surface 2531 protrudes from the upper surface of the base plate 211. At this point, the reaction cup can be moved directly above the first inclined surface 2521, or even above the second inclined surface 2531. When the first driving member 251 drives the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 to their highest positions (see reference...), Figure 3 The reaction cup slides along the first inclined plane 2521 toward the second pusher 253, and the reaction cup on the second inclined plane 2531 slides along the second inclined plane 2531 toward the discharge port.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the transmission assembly 255 includes a first transmission plate 2551, a second transmission plate 2552, and a connecting shaft 2553. The first driving component 251 includes a first motor and a first output shaft. The first motor is connected to the first output shaft, and the first output shaft is fixedly connected to the first transmission plate 2551. The connecting shaft 2553 is parallel to the first output shaft and connected to the first transmission plate 2551. The second transmission plate 2552 has an elongated hole 25521. The length direction of the elongated hole 25521 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first output shaft and the moving direction of the first push block 252. The connecting shaft 2553 passes through the elongated hole 25521. The second transmission plate 2552 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 254.

[0063] When the first motor drives the first output shaft to rotate the first transmission plate 2551 around the axis of the first output shaft, the connecting shaft 2553 moves within the elongated hole 25521, simultaneously driving the second transmission plate 2552 to reciprocate. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This enables the first pusher block 252 and the second pusher block 253 to reciprocate along their length.

[0064] The hopper 210 in this embodiment also includes a first sleeve 213 and a second sleeve 214 located at the bottom of the base plate 211. The first sleeve 213 is connected to the first clearance hole, and the second sleeve 214 is connected to the second clearance hole. The first push block 252 passes through the first sleeve 213, and the second push block 253 passes through the second sleeve 214. Through the limiting effect of the first sleeve 213 and the second sleeve 214, the reciprocating movement stability of the first push block 252 and the second push block 253 can be further improved.

[0065] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism 200 also includes a guide assembly 260, which includes a slide rail and a slider. The slide rail extends along the length of the first push block 252, and the slider has a groove that slides in conjunction with the slide rail. The slide rail is mounted on the outside of the cup-scooping structure 270 or on another support, and the slider is fixed to the second transmission plate 2552. The first motor drives the feeding pusher 250 to move under the guidance of the guide assembly 260, which can further improve the movement stability of the first push block 252 and the second push block 253.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first push block 252, the second push block 253 and the connecting block 254 are integrally formed structures. Of course, they can also be assembled.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the reaction cup feeding mechanism 200 of this embodiment also includes a stirring plate 220 and a second driving member 230. The stirring plate 220 is installed inside the hopper 210, and the second driving member 230 is installed outside the hopper 210 and is connected to the stirring plate 220 in a transmission manner. The rotation axis of the stirring plate 220 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 211 of the hopper 210, and the second driving member 230 can drive the stirring plate 220 to rotate around the rotation axis.

[0068] In this embodiment, the hopper 210 is used to store reaction cups. A stirring plate 220 is installed inside the hopper 210 and driven to rotate by a second driving component 230. This stirs the reaction cups stored in the hopper 210, keeping them in a mobile state and preventing them from being compressed and piled up, forming "dead cups" that cannot move to the discharge port. Further, the hopper 210 includes a bottom plate 211 and side plates 212 surrounding the bottom plate 211, such as... Figure 2 The agitator plate 220 includes an agitator plate body 221 and a plurality of protrusions 222. The protrusions 222 are located on the upper surface of the agitator plate body 221. The agitator plate body 221 is mounted on the base plate 211 and is connected to the second drive member 230 for transmission. The base plate 211 and / or the side plate 212 are provided with discharge ports.

[0069] In this embodiment, the stirring plate body 221 is mounted on the base plate 211, and a plurality of protrusions 222 are provided on the upper surface of the stirring plate body 221. During the rotation of the stirring plate 220 driven by the second driving member 230, the protrusions 222 directly or indirectly collide with the reaction cup, thereby stirring the reaction cup.

[0070] Furthermore, the stirring plate body 221 is circular, one end of the protrusion 222 extends along its length to the axis of the stirring plate body 221, and the other end of the protrusion 222 extends along its length to the edge of the stirring plate body 221, with adjacent protrusions 222 arranged at an angle.

[0071] It is understandable that the protrusion 222 extends from the edge of the circular stirring plate body 221 to its axis. During the rotation of the stirring plate 220, the protrusion 222 can stir the reaction cup above the stirring plate body 221 as much as possible, thereby improving the stirring effect of the reaction cup.

[0072] For example, the included angle between two adjacent protrusions 222 is equal, and the protrusions 222 adopt a trapezoidal structure design that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, which can improve the uniformity of stirring of the reaction cup in the hopper 210. For example, there are four protrusions 222, and the included angle between two adjacent protrusions 222 is 90°.

[0073] Of course, the protrusion 222 in this embodiment is not limited to a straight strip structure, but can also be a curved structure, which can also play a good stirring effect on the reaction cup. The specific details will not be elaborated further.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, the base plate 211 includes a first base plate 2111 and a second base plate 2112 that are inclined. The first base plate 2111 and the second base plate 2112 are connected at an angle of less than 180°. One side of the second base plate 2112 protrudes from the first base plate 2111, giving the base plate 211 an L-shaped structure. A stirring plate 220 is mounted on the first base plate 2111, and a first pusher block 252 and a second pusher block 253 are mounted on the second base plate 2112. A discharge port is provided in the area of ​​the second base plate 2112 that protrudes from the first base plate 2111. A cup-retrieving structure 270 is located at the discharge port and parallel to the feeding pusher 250 for convenient reception of the reaction cup. In this embodiment, the base plate 211 is designed as an L-shaped structure, and both the first base plate 2111 and the second base plate 2112 constituting the L-shaped structure are designed with an inclination. The cup scooping structure 270 is set at the discharge port of the second base plate 2112. Compared with the conventional conical hopper structure, it can accommodate more reaction cups while saving instrument space, making it suitable for analyzers with higher test throughput. Moreover, under the premise of the same volume, the height of the L-shaped hopper 210 in this embodiment is lower, making it easier for operators to add reaction cups. By installing the stirring plate 220 on the first base plate 2111, the reaction cups stirred by the stirring plate 220 fall onto the second base plate 2112 and are discharged to the next station through the discharge port on the second base plate 2112.

[0075] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second driving component 230 includes a mounting base 231, a second motor 232, a second output shaft, a first optocoupler 233, and a sensing unit 234. The base plate 211 has a mounting hole, and the stirring plate body 221 is located in the mounting hole. The mounting base 231 is fixed to the bottom of the base plate 211. The second motor 232 is mounted on the bottom of the mounting base 231 and is connected to the first output shaft. The first output shaft passes through the mounting base 231 and is fixedly connected to the bottom of the stirring plate body 221. The second motor 232 can drive the first output shaft to rotate the stirring plate body 221. The first optocoupler 233 is mounted on the side of the mounting base 231 facing the stirring plate body 221, and the sensing unit 234 is mounted on the side of the stirring plate body 221 facing the mounting base 231. The stirring plate body 221 can drive the sensing unit 234 to rotate to the sensing area of ​​the first optocoupler 233. In this embodiment, the stirring plate body 221 is installed in the mounting hole, and the upper surface of the stirring plate body 221 is flush with the upper surface of the base plate 211. By installing the sensing part 234 on the back of the stirring plate body 221 and installing the first optocoupler 233 on the side of the mounting base 231 for installing the second motor 232 facing the stirring plate body 221, the sensing part 234 will block the signal reception of the first optocoupler 233 once for each rotation of the stirring plate body 221. By detecting the number of times the signal reception is blocked, the number of rotations of the stirring plate body 221 during intermittent rotation can be controlled.

[0076] Furthermore, the angle between the upper surface of the first base plate 2111 and the horizontal plane is ≥10°, and the angle between the upper surface of the second base plate 2112 and the horizontal plane is ≥10°. This structural design, combined with the action of the stirring plate 220, allows the reaction cup at the distal end to slide smoothly. Furthermore, the area of ​​the first base plate 2111 is larger than the area of ​​the second base plate 2112, and the height of the side of the second base plate 2112 protruding from the first base plate 2111 is lower than the height of the lowest side of the first base plate 2111. A discharge port is provided on the lowest side of the second base plate 2112. This design allows the reaction cup to better converge at the discharge port, facilitating the second pusher block 253 to push the reaction cup for feeding.

[0077] When the reaction cups accumulate at the junction of the first base plate 2111 and the second base plate 2112, the stirring action of the stirring plate 220 can cause the reaction cups to move toward the discharge port opened at the lowest point, namely the lowest side of the second base plate 2112.

[0078] The term "the second base plate 2112 protruding from one side of the first base plate 2111" refers to the adjacent side of the first base plate 2111 and the second base plate 2112 that are connected.

[0079] In this embodiment, the reaction cup feeding mechanism 200 further includes a second optocoupler 240, which is mounted on a side plate 212 corresponding to the second base plate 2112. When the second optocoupler 240 does not detect a reaction cup, it triggers the second motor 232 to drive the stirring plate 220 to work, stirring the reaction cup in the hopper 210, causing the reaction cup to move towards the discharge port under the action of the stirring plate 220.

[0080] Furthermore, the second optocoupler 240 is mounted on the side plate 212 and adjacent to the first pusher block 252 to detect whether there are reaction cups near the first pusher block 252. When there are no reaction cups near the first pusher block 252, the first pusher block 252 is in a state of emptying. To avoid the first pusher block 252 doing useless work, when the second optocoupler 240 detects that there are no reaction cups near the first pusher block 252, it triggers the second motor 232 to drive the stirring plate 220 to rotate, so that at least some of the reaction cups in the hopper 210 move to the vicinity of the first pusher block 252, thus avoiding continuous operation of the second motor 232 and reducing energy consumption.

[0081] This embodiment also provides an automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups, such as... Figure 1The system includes a frame 100 and a feeding mechanism 200, a conveying mechanism 300, and a buffer mechanism 400, which are sequentially mounted on the frame 100 along the conveying direction of the reaction cups. The feeding mechanism 200 is the reaction cup feeding mechanism 200 of any of the above embodiments, which is used to store reaction cups and transport reaction cups to the conveying mechanism 300. The conveying mechanism 300 is used to receive reaction cups from the feeding mechanism 200 and transport the reaction cups to the buffer mechanism 400. The outlet of the conveying mechanism 300 is connected to the buffer mechanism 400.

[0082] In the feeding mechanism 200, the reaction cup slides down the second inclined plane 2531 into the cup retrieval structure 270, and is then transferred from the cup retrieval structure 270 to the conveying mechanism 300. The cup retrieval structure 270 and the feeding pusher 250 share the first drive member 251.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] The reaction cup feeding mechanism 200 and the automatic continuous loading device for the reaction cup in this embodiment are basically the same as those in Embodiment 1 above, except for the structure of the first pusher block 252. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the upper surface of the first pusher 252 is provided with a guide groove 2522 that is inclined downward toward the second pusher 253, and the width of the groove opening of the guide groove 2522 is greater than the diameter of the reaction cup.

[0085] In this embodiment, a guide groove 2522 is opened on the upper surface of the first pusher 252, and the guide groove 2522 is designed to be inclined downward toward the second pusher 253. The width of the groove opening of the guide groove 2522 is greater than the diameter of the reaction cup, which can prevent the reaction cup from getting stuck in the guide groove 2522, so that the reaction cup falling in the guide groove 2522 can slide onto the second pusher 253 by its own gravity.

[0086] Furthermore, the cross-section of the guide groove 2522 is arc-shaped, that is, the inner side of the guide groove 2522 is an arc-shaped structure, which can allow the reaction cup falling into the guide groove 2522 to move to the lowest point of the guide groove 2522 under the guidance of the arc-shaped structure, further improving the smoothness of the movement of the reaction cup in the guide groove 2522.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A reaction cup feeding mechanism, characterized in that, include: A hopper, mounted on the frame, is used to store reaction cups and has an inlet and an outlet. A feeding pusher includes a first drive, a first pusher, and a second pusher. The first drive is installed outside the hopper and is connected to the first pusher and the second pusher in a transmission manner. The first drive drives the first pusher and the second pusher to reciprocate within the hopper. The first pusher is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the first pusher in the hopper toward the second pusher, and the second pusher is used to push the reaction cups adjacent to the second pusher in the hopper toward the discharge port. A scooping cup structure is located at the discharge port and is used to receive and transport the reaction cup located at the discharge port.

2. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom plate of the hopper is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole spaced apart. The first push block passes through the first clearance hole and the second push block passes through the second clearance hole. The first driving member can drive the first push block and the second push block to reciprocate along their respective length directions. The upper surface of the first push block is a first inclined surface that slopes downward toward the second push block, and the upper surface of the second push block is a second inclined surface that slopes downward toward the discharge port.

3. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first inclined surface has two parallel first sides and two parallel second sides, wherein one of the first sides is adjacent to the second push block and is lower than the other first side, and one of the second sides is adjacent to the hopper wall and is lower than the other second side; The second inclined surface has two parallel third sides and two parallel fourth sides, wherein one of the third sides is adjacent to the first push block and lower than the other third side, and one of the fourth sides is adjacent to the discharge port and lower than the other fourth side; The cup-scooping structure includes a chain and several sets of picking blocks spaced apart along the length of the chain, with the fourth side parallel to the length of the picking blocks.

4. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom plate of the hopper is provided with a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole at intervals. The first pusher passes through the first clearance hole and the second pusher passes through the second clearance hole. The first driving member can drive the first pusher and the second pusher to reciprocate along their respective length directions. The upper surface of the first pusher is provided with a guide groove that is inclined downward toward the second pusher. The width of the groove opening is greater than the diameter of the reaction cup. The upper surface of the second pusher is a second inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the discharge port.

5. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of the guide groove is arc-shaped.

6. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second inclined surface has two parallel third sides and two parallel fourth sides, wherein one of the third sides is adjacent to the first push block and lower than the other third side, and one of the fourth sides is adjacent to the discharge port and lower than the other fourth side; The cup-scooping structure includes a chain and several sets of picking blocks spaced apart along the length of the chain, with the fourth side parallel to the length of the picking blocks.

7. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 3 or 6, characterized in that, The first push block and the second push block are inclined and parallel to each other. The first push block and the second push block are parallel to the chain along the length direction. The gap between the second push block and the pickup block adjacent to the second push block is smaller than the diameter of the reaction cup. The distance between the first push block and the second push block is smaller than the length of the reaction cup.

8. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The discharge port is located on the bottom plate and is connected to the second clearance hole.

9. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding pusher also includes a connecting block and a transmission assembly. The connecting block is located below the bottom plate of the hopper. The bottom of the first pusher is connected to the bottom of the second pusher through the connecting block. The first drive unit is fixed below the bottom plate and connected to the connecting block through the transmission assembly.

10. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a first transmission plate, a second transmission plate, and a connecting shaft. The first driving component includes a first motor and a first output shaft. The first motor is connected to the first output shaft in a transmission manner. The first output shaft is fixedly connected to the first transmission plate. The connecting shaft is parallel to the first output shaft and connected to the first transmission plate. The second transmission plate has an elongated hole. The length direction of the elongated hole is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first output shaft and the moving direction of the first push block. The connecting shaft passes through the elongated hole. The second transmission plate is fixedly connected to the connecting block.

11. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a stirring plate and a second driving component. The stirring plate is installed inside the hopper, and the second driving component is installed outside the hopper and is connected to the stirring plate in a transmission manner. The rotation axis of the stirring plate is perpendicular to the bottom plate of the hopper, and the second driving component can drive the stirring plate to rotate around the rotation axis.

12. The reaction cup feeding mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The base plate includes a first base plate and a second base plate that are inclined. The first base plate and the second base plate are connected at an angle of less than 180°. One side of the second base plate protrudes from the first base plate, making the base plate have an L-shaped structure. The stirring plate is installed on the first base plate. The first push block and the second push block are installed on the second base plate. The discharge port is opened on the side of the second base plate that protrudes from the first base plate.

13. An automatic continuous loading device for reaction cups, characterized in that, The device includes a frame and a feeding mechanism, a conveying mechanism, and a buffering mechanism sequentially arranged on the frame along the conveying direction of the reaction cups; the feeding mechanism is the reaction cup feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, used to store reaction cups and transport reaction cups to the conveying mechanism, the conveying mechanism is used to receive reaction cups from the feeding mechanism and transport the reaction cups to the buffering mechanism, and the outlet of the conveying mechanism is connected to the buffering mechanism.

Images