A sample tube sealing plug

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sample tube sealing technology, and discloses a sample tube sealing plug, comprising: a main structure for being gripped by a gripping mechanism, having two ends along the axial direction of the main structure; and two sealing structures, respectively disposed at the two ends along the axial direction of the main structure, the two sealing structures being symmetrically arranged relative to the middle cross section of the main structure, and either sealing structure being able to be inserted into the sample tube. This utility model provides a sample tube sealing plug where both sealing structures are symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the main structure, thus allowing the sample tube to be inserted into and sealed at both ends of the plug. During automatic screening by the screening mechanism, only the plug needs to be adjusted to be collinear with the axial direction of the sample tube, without considering the orientation of the plug ends, i.e., without distinguishing the directionality of the plug cap, thus eliminating the need for multiple position adjustments of the plug, resulting in better identification. This benefits the design simplicity of the gripping mechanism, reduces equipment complexity, and also improves testing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample tube sealing technology, specifically to a tube plug for sealing sample tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, hospital testing and analysis processes involve sealing sample tubes with plugs in multiple situations. For example, after sampling or transferring samples to the analytical instrument for testing, plugs are typically used to seal the sample tubes for better sample preservation. With the development of automated equipment, the process of sealing sample tubes with plugs is gradually transitioning to being performed automatically by the screening mechanism; that is, the gripping mechanism automatically grabs the plug and inserts it into the sample tube for sealing.

[0003] Current screening mechanisms require adjusting the plug to be collinear with the sample tube's axis during operation. Furthermore, the plug's inner end must be close to the sample tube, while its exposed end must be far from the sample tube to automatically insert the plug. Therefore, after the plug is grasped, the grasping mechanism needs to perform multiple position adjustments until the plug is in a specific posture. This not only necessitates complex drive components to perform these multiple position adjustments, but also wastes time and reduces testing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a tube plug for sealing a sample tube, so as to solve the problem that the current gripping mechanism needs to make multiple position adjustments until the tube plug is in a specific posture after being gripped before it can be automatically inserted into the sample tube, which leads to the complexity of the gripping mechanism and driving components and the low testing efficiency.

[0005] This utility model provides a plug for sealing sample tubes, used to seal sample tubes, the plug comprising:

[0006] The main structure, used for being gripped by the gripping mechanism, has two ends along the axial direction of the main structure;

[0007] Two sealing structures are respectively disposed at the two ends along the axial direction of the main structure. The two sealing structures are symmetrically arranged with respect to the middle cross section of the main structure, and either sealing structure can be inserted into the sample tube.

[0008] Beneficial Effects: This utility model provides a sample tube sealing plug. The main structure of the plug has a sealing structure at each end, and both sealing structures are symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the main structure. This allows the sample tube to be inserted and sealed at both ends of the plug. During automatic screening, the screening mechanism only needs to adjust the plug to be collinear with the axial direction of the sample tube, without considering the orientation of the plug ends. This ensures that at least one sealing structure is close to the sample tube, allowing for the next insertion operation. With this design, the gripping mechanism does not need to distinguish the directionality of the plug cap, thus eliminating the need for multiple adjustments to the plug's position, resulting in better recognition. This simplifies the design of the gripping mechanism, reduces equipment complexity, and improves testing efficiency.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the sealing structure is integrally formed on the end of the main structure.

[0010] Beneficial effects: The sealing structure is integrally molded at the end of the main structure, allowing the plug to be demolded as a whole, which facilitates manufacturing and molding.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the outer wall of the main structure is provided with a rough surface.

[0012] Beneficial effect: The outer wall of the main structure is roughened to facilitate the gripping of tube plugs during automatic screening.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the sealing structure is configured as a deformable structure; or, both the main structure and the sealing structure are configured as deformable structures.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The sealing structure is designed to be deformable to facilitate fitting with the sample tube and ensure the seal of the plug when inserted into the sample tube.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the sealing structure includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the main structure, with the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion spaced apart.

[0016] Beneficial effects: By setting a first sealing part and a second sealing part in the sealing structure, a double-layer seal is achieved, that is, one of the first sealing part and the second sealing part provides auxiliary compensation seal for the other, ensuring sealing performance.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the outer wall of the first sealing portion is provided with a first vent groove; and / or, the outer wall of the second sealing portion is provided with a second vent groove.

[0018] Beneficial effect: When the plug is inserted into the sample tube for sealing, the air pressure inside and outside the sample tube can be balanced by setting vent grooves in the first sealing part and the second sealing part, so as to ensure that the sealing structure is smoothly inserted into the sample tube.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, when the first sealing part is provided with a first vent groove and / or the second sealing part is provided with a second vent groove, at least one of the first vent groove and the second vent groove is provided with a plurality of them, and the first vent groove and the second vent groove are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction of the main structure.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The first and second exhaust channels are staggered along the axial direction of the main structure to enhance the effect of balancing air pressure and improve the sealing effect.

[0021] In one alternative embodiment, the first sealing portion is disposed on the side of the second sealing portion away from the main structure, and the outer diameter of the first sealing portion gradually decreases along the direction away from the second sealing portion.

[0022] Beneficial effect: The outer diameter of the first sealing part gradually decreases in the direction away from the second sealing part so that the first sealing part can be smoothly inserted into the sample tube.

[0023] In one alternative embodiment, the first sealing portion is configured as a conical or frustum-shaped structure, and the taper angle of the first sealing portion is in the range of 70°-80°.

[0024] Beneficial effects: The first sealing part is constructed as a conical or frustum-shaped structure to facilitate its smooth insertion into the sample tube, while also ensuring an interference fit with the cylindrical inner wall of the sample tube to guarantee sealing performance.

[0025] In one alternative embodiment, the second sealing portion is configured as a circular plate-like structure.

[0026] Beneficial effect: The second sealing part is constructed as a circular plate structure to facilitate an interference fit with the cylindrical inner wall of the sample tube, ensuring sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sample tube sealing plug provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the structure of a sample tube sealing plug provided by this utility model.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Main structure; 101. End; 102. Rough surface;

[0032] 2. Sealing structure; 201. First sealing part; 2011. First vent groove; 202. Second sealing part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, 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.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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.

[0036] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0037] The following is combined Figure 1 , Figure 2 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a plug for sealing sample tubes is provided, used to seal sample tubes, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the plug sealing the sample tube includes: a main structure 1 and two sealing structures 2.

[0039] The main structure 1 is used to be gripped by the gripping mechanism, and has two ends 101 along the axial direction of the main structure 1; two sealing structures 2 are respectively provided at the two ends 101 along the axial direction of the main structure 1. The two sealing structures 2 are symmetrically arranged relative to the middle cross section of the main structure 1, and either sealing structure 2 can be inserted into the sample tube.

[0040] In the above embodiment, a sealing structure 2 is provided at each end of the main structure 1 of the tube plug, and both sealing structures 2 are symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the main structure 1. This allows the sample tube to be inserted and sealed at both ends of the tube plug through the sealing structure 2. During automatic screening, the screening mechanism only needs to adjust the tube plug to be collinear with the axial direction of the sample tube, without considering the orientation of the two ends of the tube plug, to ensure that at least one sealing structure 2 is in a position close to the sample tube, thus enabling the next insertion operation. With this configuration, the gripping mechanism does not need to distinguish the directionality of the plug cap, thus eliminating the need for multiple position adjustments to the tube plug, resulting in better recognition. This contributes to the simplicity of the gripping mechanism design, reduces equipment complexity, and also improves testing efficiency.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, during automatic screening, the main structure 1 is gripped by the grasping mechanism. The grasping mechanism adjusts the posture of the main structure 1, thereby aligning the plug with the axial direction of the sample tube, allowing the plug to be directly inserted into the sample tube. Two sealing structures 2 are respectively located at the two ends 101 along the axial direction of the main structure 1, ensuring that the two sealing structures 2 are symmetrically arranged relative to the middle cross-section of the main structure 1. This ensures that the two parts of the plug with sealing structures 2 are completely symmetrical, eliminating the need for the grasping mechanism to distinguish the directionality of the plug cap, resulting in better identification. The so-called middle cross-section refers to the symmetrical plane on both sides of the main structure 1 where the sealing structures 2 are located.

[0042] Furthermore, the sealing structure 2 is designed to conform to the inner wall of the sample tube; the sealing structure 2 can be made of materials such as plastic or rubber.

[0043] Furthermore, this embodiment does not restrict the orientation of the plug inserted into the sample tube. In one implementation, the sample tube is tilted with its opening angled upwards. In this case, the plug needs to be adjusted to be collinear with the axial direction of the sample tube, meaning the main structure 1 of the plug is angled downwards, so that at least one sealing structure 2 is in an angled downwards orientation. In another implementation, the sample tube is vertical with its opening facing upwards. In this case, the plug needs to be adjusted to be collinear with the axial direction of the sample tube, meaning the main structure 1 of the plug is vertically downwards, so that at least one sealing structure 2 is in a vertically downwards orientation.

[0044] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the arrangement of the sealing structure 2 on the plug. In one embodiment, both the main structure 1 and the sealing structure 2 are single structural components, and the sealing structure 2 is installed on the end 101 of the main structure 1 through a connector; in another embodiment, the sealing structure 2 is integrally formed on the end 101 of the main structure 1.

[0045] In some embodiments, as a preferred implementation, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sealing structure 2 is integrally formed at the end 101 of the main structure 1.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the sealing structure 2 is integrally formed on the end 101 of the main structure 1, so that the tube plug can be demolded as a whole, which is convenient for manufacturing.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, at least one sealing structure 2 is integrally formed on the end 101 of the main structure 1.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the main structure 1 is provided with a rough surface 102.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the outer wall of the main structure 1 is provided with a rough surface 102 to facilitate the gripping of the tube plug during automatic screening.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the main structure 1 is a cylindrical structure, and the outer wall of the main structure 1 is provided with multiple ribs. The multiple ribs are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the main structure 1, thereby forming a rough surface 102.

[0051] Furthermore, the main structure 1 can also be designed as a cuboid structure, a polygonal prism structure, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sealing structure 2 is a deformable structure; or, both the main structure 1 and the sealing structure 2 are deformable structures.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the sealing structure 2 is designed to be deformable to facilitate its fit with the sample tube and ensure the sealing of the plug inside the sample tube.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the sealing structure 2 is designed as a deformable structure to facilitate an interference fit with the inner wall of the sample tube. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the sealing structure 2 is designed to be 1.2 to 1.3 times the inner diameter of the sample tube to ensure the sealing performance of the plug when inserted into the sample tube; at the same time, the roughness of the outer surface of the sealing structure 2 should be controlled to ensure that the sealing structure 2 can be smoothly inserted into the sample tube while ensuring its fit with the inner wall of the sample tube.

[0055] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sealing structure 2 is a deformable structure made of a highly elastic material such as rubber or polyurethane. In this embodiment, the sealing structure 2 is a deformable structure made of rubber.

[0056] Furthermore, both the main structure 1 and the sealing structure 2 are designed as single structural components. When the sealing structure 2 is installed on the end 101 of the main structure 1 through a connector, the sealing structure 2 can be designed as a deformable structure. When the sealing structure 2 is integrally formed on the end 101 of the main structure 1, both the main structure 1 and the sealing structure 2 are designed as deformable structures, which facilitates integral demolding.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sealing structure 2 includes a first sealing part 201 and a second sealing part 202 arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the main structure 1, with the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202 spaced apart.

[0058] In the above embodiment, a first sealing part 201 and a second sealing part 202 are provided in the sealing structure 2 to achieve double sealing, that is, one of the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202 provides auxiliary compensation sealing for the other to ensure sealing performance.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202, the one closer to the main structure 1, provides auxiliary compensation sealing for the other, which is farther away from the main structure 1, thereby ensuring sealing performance.

[0060] Furthermore, the sealing structures 2 at both ends of the main structure 1 are provided with a first sealing part 201 and a second sealing part 202. The first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202 are made of the same material or different materials.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outer wall of the first sealing part 201 is provided with a first exhaust groove 2011; and / or, the outer wall of the second sealing part 202 is provided with a second exhaust groove.

[0062] In the above embodiment, when the plug is inserted into the sample tube for sealing, the air pressure inside and outside the sample tube can be balanced by providing venting grooves in the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202, so as to ensure that the sealing structure 2 is smoothly inserted into the sample tube.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the second vent groove is not shown. The upper edges of the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202 are provided with notches to form the first vent groove 2011 and the second vent groove, respectively. Since the first sealing part 201 and the second sealing part 202 are designed as deformable structures, as the plug is inserted into the sample tube, the vent grooves, while balancing the air pressure, also gradually reduce in size until they disappear completely with compression. Therefore, even with the notches forming vent grooves, the sealing performance of the plug on the sample tube is not affected.

[0064] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first sealing part 201 is provided with one or more first exhaust grooves 2011; the outer wall of the second sealing part 202 is provided with one or more second exhaust grooves.

[0065] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of the exhaust groove. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the first sealing part 201 is provided with a first exhaust groove 2011, or the outer wall of the second sealing part 202 is provided with a second exhaust groove; in another embodiment, the outer wall of the first sealing part 201 is provided with a first exhaust groove 2011, and the outer wall of the second sealing part 202 is provided with a second exhaust groove. This embodiment adopts the second arrangement.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the first sealing part 201 is provided with a first exhaust groove 2011 and / or the second sealing part 202 is provided with a second exhaust groove, at least one of the first exhaust groove 2011 and the second exhaust groove is provided with a plurality of them, and the first exhaust groove 2011 and the second exhaust groove are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction of the main structure 1.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the first exhaust groove 2011 and the second exhaust groove are staggered along the axial direction of the main structure 1 to enhance the effect of balancing air pressure and improve the sealing effect.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, there are multiple first exhaust grooves 2011 and second exhaust grooves, and the first exhaust grooves 2011 and second exhaust grooves are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction of the main structure 1, and their positions do not overlap.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing part 201 is located on the side of the second sealing part 202 away from the main structure 1, and the outer diameter of the first sealing part 201 gradually decreases in the direction away from the second sealing part 202.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the first sealing part 201 gradually decreases in the direction away from the second sealing part 202 so that the first sealing part 201 can be smoothly inserted into the sample tube.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the second sealing part 202, which is closer to the main structure 1 than the first sealing part 201, provides auxiliary compensation sealing for the first sealing part 201, thereby ensuring sealing performance.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first sealing part 201 is constructed as a conical structure or a frustum structure, and the taper angle of the first sealing part 201 is in the range of 70°-80°.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the first sealing part 201 is constructed as a conical structure or a frustum-shaped structure so that the first sealing part 201 can be smoothly inserted into the sample tube, and at the same time, it can be easily interference-fitted with the cylindrical inner wall of the sample tube to ensure sealing performance.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the taper angle is the degree of inclination of the generatrix on the outer wall relative to the axis. In this embodiment, the first sealing part 201 is constructed as a conical structure, and the taper angle of the first sealing part 201 is preferably 75°.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the second sealing part 202 is constructed as a circular plate structure.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the second sealing part 202 is constructed as a circular plate structure to facilitate interference fit with the cylindrical inner wall of the sample tube, thereby ensuring sealing performance.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the outer diameter of the second sealing part 202 is designed to be 1.2 to 1.3 times the inner diameter of the sample tube to ensure the sealing performance of the plug when inserted into the sample tube. At the same time, the roughness of the outer surface of the second sealing part 202 should be controlled to ensure that the sealing structure 2 can be smoothly inserted into the sample tube while ensuring its fit with the inner wall of the sample tube.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.

Claims

1. A tube stopper for sealing a sample tube, for sealing a sample tube, characterized by, The plug sealing the sample tube includes: The main structure (1) is used to be gripped by the gripping mechanism, and has two ends (101) along the axial direction of the main structure (1); Two sealing structures (2) are respectively provided at the two ends (101) along the axial direction of the main structure (1). The two sealing structures (2) are symmetrically arranged relative to the middle cross section of the main structure (1). Either sealing structure (2) can be inserted into the sample tube.

2. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 1, wherein, The sealing structure (2) is integrally formed on the end (101) of the main structure (1).

3. The sample tube-sealed tube stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the main structure (1) is provided with a rough surface (102).

4. The sample tube-sealed tube stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The sealing structure (2) is configured as a deformable structure; or, both the main structure (1) and the sealing structure (2) are configured as deformable structures.

5. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 4, wherein, The sealing structure (2) includes a first sealing part (201) and a second sealing part (202) arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the main structure (1), with the first sealing part (201) and the second sealing part (202) spaced apart.

6. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 5, wherein, The outer wall of the first sealing part (201) is provided with a first vent groove (2011); and / or, the outer wall of the second sealing part (202) is provided with a second vent groove.

7. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 6, wherein, When the first sealing part (201) is provided with a first exhaust groove (2011) and / or the second sealing part (202) is provided with a second exhaust groove, at least one of the first exhaust groove (2011) and the second exhaust groove is provided with a plurality of them, and the first exhaust groove (2011) and the second exhaust groove are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction of the main structure (1).

8. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of any one of claims 5-7, wherein, The first sealing part (201) is located on the side of the second sealing part (202) away from the main structure (1), and the outer diameter of the first sealing part (201) gradually decreases in the direction away from the second sealing part (202).

9. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 8, wherein, The first sealing part (201) is configured as a conical structure or a frustum structure, and the taper angle of the first sealing part (201) is in the range of 70°-80°.

10. The sample tube sealed tube stopper of claim 8, wherein, The second sealing part (202) is constructed as a circular plate structure.

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