Sample tube automatic uncapping device

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic sample tube opening device, comprising a turntable, a fastener, a guide drive mechanism, and an opening mechanism. The turntable has multiple sample holes arranged circumferentially to accommodate sample tubes, with the sample holes open on the side furthest from the turntable's axis. The fastener is located on one side of the turntable and has a positioning end. The fastener is movably mounted on the guide drive mechanism, which moves the fastener closer to the turntable, allowing the positioning end of the fastener to extend into the sample hole through the open end of the corresponding sample hole, clamping the sample tube between the positioning end and the inner wall of the sample hole. The opening mechanism has grippers that hold the cap on the sample tube and open it. This invention solves the technical problems of cumbersome, inefficient, and unsafe manual capping of large batches of sample tubes in existing technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological sample detection technology, and in particular to an automatic sample tube opening device. Background Technology

[0002] In medical testing, biological experiments, and other scenarios, sample tubes are commonly used containers to hold samples to be tested. Currently, the laboratory testing process for sample tubes typically includes the following steps: After sampling, the operator needs to manually unscrew or lift the cap of the sample tube, and then place the opened sample tubes one by one into the testing instrument for testing and analysis.

[0003] In some scenarios, when a large number of samples need to be processed, the traditional operating methods mentioned above suffer from low efficiency. Each sample tube needs to be opened and placed individually, resulting in repetitive labor intensity, which severely restricts detection efficiency, especially in high-throughput detection scenarios. Furthermore, there is a significant risk of human error. Uneven force when opening the tube manually can cause sample spillage or contamination. Direct contact with the sample tubes during manual operation may also increase the risk of operators being exposed to harmful samples. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can achieve centralized automatic opening of sample tubes and seamlessly integrate with the detection process to solve the problems of cumbersome, inefficient, and unsafe manual opening of large numbers of sample tubes in existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic sample tube opening device that enables batch centralized and automatic opening of sample tubes, replacing the traditional manual opening method, improving operational efficiency, avoiding the risk of biological contamination, and avoiding the safety risks that may exist in manual operation.

[0005] The objective of this utility model can be achieved by the following solutions:

[0006] This utility model provides an automatic sample tube opening device, the automatic sample tube opening device comprising:

[0007] A turntable, wherein a plurality of sample holes for accommodating sample tubes are provided at intervals along its circumference, and the plurality of sample holes are open on the side away from the axis of the turntable.

[0008] At least one fastener is located on one side of the turntable, and the fastener has a positioning end;

[0009] At least one guide drive mechanism, the fastener being movably disposed on the guide drive mechanism, the guide drive mechanism being able to drive the fastener to move toward the turntable, so that the positioning end of the fastener extends into the sample hole from the opening of the sample hole directly opposite it, and clamps the sample tube between the positioning end and the inner wall of the sample hole.

[0010] The cap-opening mechanism has a gripper for holding the cap on the sample tube and opening the cap.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the automatic sample tube opening device further includes a housing, the housing having a turntable chamber, the housing having a top opening communicating with the turntable chamber, the turntable being located inside the turntable chamber, and the top surface of the turntable and the plurality of sample holes being exposed to the outside of the housing through the top opening;

[0012] The side wall of the housing has at least one through-hole communicating with the turntable chamber. The fastener is located on the side of the turntable with the through-hole. The positioning end of the fastener is opposite to the through-hole. When a sample hole on the turntable is rotated to the point where its opening is opposite to the through-hole, the positioning end of the fastener passes through the through-hole and the opening of the sample hole in sequence and extends into the sample hole.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top surface of the turntable is provided with a placement groove for placing the tube cap.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning end of the fastener has a first positioning block and a second positioning block. The first positioning block and the second positioning block each have a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are obliquely opposite each other to form an angled positioning groove between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. When the positioning end clamps the sample tube, at least a portion of the sample tube is located in the positioning groove, and the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and the inner wall of the sample hole cooperate to clamp the sample tube.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the guide drive mechanism includes a guide rod extending in a horizontal direction. The guide rod is movable toward or away from the axis of the turntable. The fastener is slidably disposed on the guide rod. A spring is sleeved on the guide rod. One end of the spring is fixed or limited to the guide rod, and the other end of the spring is fixed or abuts against the fastener, so as to automatically adjust the clamping force of the positioning end on the sample tube by the deformation of the spring.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide rod has a first end in the axial direction away from the turntable and a second end in the axial direction close to the turntable;

[0017] The fastener includes a vertically arranged fastener body, a positioning end located at the top of the fastener body, a connecting end at the bottom of the fastener body, a first guide hole provided on the connecting end, the connecting end being slidably fitted onto the guide rod through the first guide hole, and a spring located between the first end of the guide rod and the connecting end.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the first end of the guide rod, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end;

[0019] Alternatively, the first end of the guide rod has a limiting member, one end of the spring abuts against the limiting member, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end;

[0020] Alternatively, the first end of the guide rod has a limiting member, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the limiting member, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide drive mechanism further includes a second motor, a slide rail, and a slider. The extension direction of the slide rail is parallel to the guide rod, the slider is slidably disposed on the slide rail, and the second end of the guide rod is connected to the slider.

[0022] The second motor is located on one side of the slide rail, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is parallel to the guide rod. The slider has a threaded hole, and the slider is screwed onto the lead screw through the threaded hole.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spring sheet is provided in the sample hole and on the side near the axis of the turntable. The spring sheet is inclined in the vertical direction. When the positioning end clamps the sample tube, the sample tube is pressed between the positioning end and the spring sheet.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side wall of the outer shell has a plurality of through-holes, and the turntable can be rotated so that the lateral openings of the plurality of sample holes are opposite to the plurality of through-holes one by one;

[0025] When there are multiple through-holes, there are also multiple fasteners and multiple guide drive mechanisms, and the multiple through-holes, multiple fasteners and multiple guide drive mechanisms correspond one-to-one.

[0026] Based on the above, the features and advantages of the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model are:

[0027] Multiple sample holes are spaced around the turntable to accommodate sample tubes. The configuration of multiple sample holes allows for the simultaneous opening of multiple sample tubes, enabling batch processing of sample tubes. This significantly reduces the workload and safety risks associated with manual opening and effectively improves the processing efficiency of batch sample tubes.

[0028] Because the sample hole is designed with an open structure on the side away from the axis of the turntable, and with the help of a movable fastener, when the sample tube is inside the sample hole, the positioning end of the fastener can pass through the open part of the sample hole and extend into the sample hole, clamping the sample tube between the positioning end and the inner wall of the sample hole, ensuring that the sample tube will not shake when the cap is opened, thus ensuring the smooth opening of the cap.

[0029] The process of opening the sample tubes can be completed automatically, completely replacing the traditional manual opening method, which is more convenient, faster, and safer. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The following figures are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the guide drive assembly in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fastener structure in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the sample tube on the turntable in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a top view of the sample tube in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model, with the fasteners not securing the sample tube.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a top view of the sample tube being fixed in place by fasteners in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the opening mechanism in the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model.

[0038] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of this utility model are:

[0039] 1. Turntable; 101. Sample hole;

[0040] 102. Placement slot; 103. Spring clip;

[0041] 2. Fasteners; 201. Fastener body;

[0042] 202. Connecting end; 2021. First guide hole;

[0043] 203. Positioning end; 2031. First positioning block;

[0044] 2032, Second positioning block; 2033, Positioning slot;

[0045] 3. Guide drive mechanism; 301. Second motor;

[0046] 302. Guide rod; 303. Spring;

[0047] 304. Limiting component; 305. Lead screw;

[0048] 306, slider; 3061, threaded hole;

[0049] 307. Slide rail; 308. Mounting plate;

[0050] 309. Guide block; 3091. Second guide hole;

[0051] 4. Outer shell; 401. Through-hole;

[0052] 5. Sample tube; 6. First motor;

[0053] 7. Opening mechanism; 701. Gripper. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. After reading this utility model, any modifications of this utility model in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art will fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0055] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this utility model provides an automatic sample tube opening device, which includes a turntable 1, at least one fastener 2, at least one guide drive mechanism 3, and an opening mechanism 7. The turntable 1 has a disc-shaped or cylindrical structure, and a plurality of sample holes 101 for accommodating sample tubes 5 are evenly and spaced along its circumference on the turntable 1. The sample holes 101 are open on the side away from the axis of the turntable 1. The fastener 2 is located on one side of the turntable 1 and has a positioning end 203. The fastener 2 is movably mounted on the guide drive mechanism 3, which can drive the fastener 2 to move towards or away from the turntable 1. When the guide drive mechanism 3 drives the fastener 2 to move towards the turntable 1, the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 can extend into the sample hole 101 from the open end of the sample hole 101 directly opposite it, and clamp the sample tube 5 located in the sample hole 101 between the positioning end 203 and the inner wall of the sample hole 101. The opening mechanism 7 has a gripper 701. After the sample tube 5 is fixed by the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 in conjunction with the inner wall of the sample hole 101, the gripper 701 can be controlled to hold the tube cap on the sample tube 5 and screw the tube cap open.

[0058] In this invention, a plurality of sample holes 101 for accommodating sample tubes 5 are spaced circumferentially on the turntable 1. This arrangement allows the turntable 1 to simultaneously accommodate multiple sample tubes 5 for opening operations, enabling batch processing of sample tubes 5. This significantly reduces the workload and safety risks associated with manual opening, effectively improving the processing efficiency of batch sample tubes. Furthermore, because the sample holes 101 are open on the side furthest from the axis of the turntable 1, and with the help of movable fasteners 2, when the sample tube 5 is inside the sample hole 101, the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 can extend through the open portion of the sample hole 101 and clamp the sample tube 5 between the positioning end 203 and the inner wall of the sample hole 101. This ensures that the sample tube 5 does not shake during the opening operation, guaranteeing smooth opening. The entire process of opening the sample tubes 5 is automated, completely replacing the traditional manual opening method, making it more convenient, faster, and safer.

[0059] It should be noted that the opening mechanism 7 used in this utility model can be an existing multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm. A gripper 701 with controllable opening and closing action is provided at the end of the robotic arm. When the sample tube 5 is in a clamped and fixed state in the sample hole 101, the robotic arm is controlled to drive the gripper 701 to move above the sample tube 5, and then the gripper 701 is controlled to clamp the tube cap and perform a twisting action, so that the tube cap can be removed from the sample tube 5, and the opening operation of the sample tube 5 is completed.

[0060] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the automatic sample tube opening device also includes a housing 4, which has a cylindrical turntable chamber inside. The housing 4 has a top opening that communicates with the turntable chamber. The turntable 1 is rotatably disposed in the turntable chamber, and the top surface of the turntable 1 and multiple sample holes 101 are exposed to the outside of the housing 4 through the top opening. This allows the sample tube 5 to be placed in the sample hole 101 through the top opening of the turntable 1, and facilitates the operation of unscrewing the cap of the sample tube 5, placing the cap, and sampling and testing the sample inside the sample tube 5 through the top opening of the turntable 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the side wall of the outer casing 4 has at least one through-hole 401 communicating with the turntable chamber. The fastener 2 is located on the side of the turntable 1 with the through-hole 401. The positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 is opposite to the through-hole 401. When a sample hole 101 on the turntable 1 rotates until its opening is opposite to the through-hole 401, the guide drive mechanism 3 drives the fastener 2 to move, so that the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 passes through the through-hole 401 and the opening of the sample hole 101 in sequence and extends into the sample hole 101, thereby achieving stable clamping of the sample tube 5 in the sample hole 101.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first motor 6 is provided at the bottom of the outer casing 4. The output shaft of the first motor 6 is vertically arranged and connected to the axis of the turntable 1. The first motor 6 can drive the turntable 1 to rotate so that the open position of the sample hole 101 on the turntable 1 can be rotated to a position directly opposite the through hole 401 of the outer casing 4, so that the fastener 2 can perform a clamping operation on the sample tube 5.

[0063] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the top surface of the turntable 1 is provided with a placement slot 102, which is used to place the unscrewed tube caps. Specifically, the number of placement slots 102 can be set to be the same as the number of sample holes 101, so that when performing batch capping operations on sample tubes 5, multiple tube caps can be placed in the corresponding placement slots 102 respectively, realizing the reception of tube caps and achieving the purpose of batch capping operations.

[0064] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 has a first positioning block 2031 and a second positioning block 2032, which are distributed horizontally. The first positioning block 2031 has a first inclined surface, and the second positioning block 2032 has a second inclined surface. The first and second inclined surfaces are obliquely opposite each other, thus forming an angled positioning groove 2033 between them. When the sample tube 5 is clamped in the sample hole 101 by the positioning end 203 and the inner wall of the sample hole 101, at least a portion of the sample tube 5 is located in the positioning groove 2033, and the first and second inclined surfaces and the inner wall of the sample hole 101 clamp the sample tube 5. The first and second inclined surfaces on the first and second positioning blocks 2031 and 2032 can increase the contact area with the sample tube 5 in the clamped state, so that the sample tube 5 can be more stably fixed in the sample hole 101 without shaking. In addition, the angled positioning groove 2033 can be adapted to sample tubes 5 of different sizes, and can ensure the stable clamping of sample tube 5 in sample hole 101 when changing sample tubes 5 of different sizes.

[0065] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the guide drive mechanism 3 includes a guide rod 302 extending in the horizontal direction. The guide rod 302 can move towards or away from the axis of the turntable 1. The fastener 2 can be slidably disposed on the guide rod 302. A spring 303 is sleeved on the guide rod 302. One end of the spring 303 is fixed or limited to the guide rod 302, and the other end of the spring 303 is fixed or abuts against the fastener 2. During the process of the guide drive mechanism 3 driving the fastener 2 to move, the clamping force of the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 on the sample tube 5 can be automatically adjusted by the deformation of the spring 303.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the guide drive mechanism 3 also includes a second motor 301, a slide rail 307, and a slider 306. The slide rail 307 is located below the guide rod 302, and the extension direction of the slide rail 307 is parallel to the guide rod 302. The slider 306 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 307. The second end of the guide rod 302 is connected to the slider 306. The second motor 301 is located on one side of the slide rail 307, and the output shaft of the second motor 301 is connected to one end of the lead screw 305. The lead screw 305 is parallel to the guide rod 302. The slider 306 has a threaded hole 3061, and the slider 306 is screwed onto the lead screw 305 through the threaded hole 3061. During operation, the second motor 301 starts and drives the lead screw 305 to rotate. The slider 306, which is screwed onto the lead screw 305, moves on the lead screw 305, thereby driving the guide rod 302 to move towards the turntable 1. At this time, one end of the spring 303, which is fixedly connected to the guide rod 302 or is limited to the guide rod 302, is pulled by the guide rod 302 to move towards the fastener 2. The spring 303 is compressed. Therefore, the other end of the spring 303, which is fixed or abuts against the fastener 2, will apply a pushing force to the fastener 2 towards the turntable 1. Under the pushing force of the spring 303, the fastener 2 will slide and move along the guide rod 302 towards the turntable 1, so that the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 can extend into the sample hole 101 and push the sample tube 5 to shift in the axial direction towards the turntable 1, until the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 cooperates with the inner wall of the sample hole 101 to stably clamp the sample tube 5 in the sample hole 101.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the guide rod 302 has a first end in the axial direction away from the turntable 1 and a second end in the axial direction close to the turntable 1; the fastener 2 includes a vertically arranged fastener body 201, a positioning end 203 located at the top of the fastener body 201, and a connecting end 202 at the bottom of the fastener body 201. A first guide hole 2021 is provided on the connecting end 202, and the connecting end 202 can be slidably sleeved on the guide rod 302 through the first guide hole 2021. The spring 303 is located between the first end of the guide rod 302 and the connecting end 202.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the spring 303 ensures that when the guide fastener 2 moves towards the turntable 1, the driving force (i.e., thrust) on the fastener 2 comes from the gentle, variable elastic force applied by the spring 303, rather than a fixed hard contact force. This not only ensures that the sample tube 5 is securely clamped within the sample hole 101 (if the force is always a fixed hard contact force, the sample tube 5 may fail to be secured after repeated use, or the hard contact force may damage the sample tube 5), but also accommodates sample tubes 5 of different sizes and types, allowing all types of sample tubes 5 to be stably clamped, thus improving compatibility. Furthermore, the force experienced by the sample tube 5 during clamping is a self-adjusting elastic force rather than a constant hard force, preventing the sample tube 5 from being crushed or broken.

[0069] In this utility model, the spring 303 can be connected in several ways. One possible connection method is that one end of the spring 303 is fixedly connected to the first end of the guide rod 302, and the other end of the spring 303 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end 202. Another possible connection method is that the first end of the guide rod 302 has a limiting member 304, which can be, but is not limited to, a limiting plate; one end of the spring 303 abuts against the limiting member 304 to prevent the spring 303 from detaching from the guide rod 302; and the other end of the spring 303 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end 202. Yet another possible connection method is that the first end of the guide rod 302 has a limiting member 304, which can be, but is not limited to, a limiting plate; one end of the spring 303 is directly fixedly connected to the limiting member 304; and the other end of the spring 303 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end 202.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a vertically arranged mounting plate 308 is connected to the second motor 301. The mounting plate 308 is fixed to the outer casing 4. The mounting plate 308 provides a mounting position for the second motor 301, so that the second motor 301 can be fixed on the outer casing 4 and ensure the stable operation of the second motor 301.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a guide block 309 is fixedly installed on the slide rail 307. The guide block 309 has a second guide hole 3091. The second guide hole 3091 is coaxially arranged with the first guide hole 2021 on the connection end 202 of the fastener 2. The guide rod 302 can slide through the second guide hole 3091. The second guide hole 3091 on the guide block 309 can guide and limit the sliding of the guide rod 302, ensuring that the guide rod 302 moves stably along the slide rail 307, which indirectly improves the stability of the fastener 2 moving along the slide rail 307.

[0072] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a spring piece 103 is located inside the sample hole 101 and near the axis of the turntable 1. The spring piece 103 is inclined vertically. When the positioning end 203 clamps the sample tube 5, the sample tube 5 is pressed between the positioning end 203 and the spring piece 103. Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the spring piece 103 gradually tilts from top to bottom towards the axis away from the turntable 1. When the sample tube 5 is placed in the sample hole 101, the spring piece 103 applies a squeezing force to the sample tube 5, making the sample tube 5 closer to the side of the sample hole 101 away from the axis of the turntable 1. As the turntable 1 rotates, when the opening of the sample hole 101 is opposite to the through hole 401 on the side wall of the outer casing 4 (i.e., rotated to the open position), the guide drive mechanism 3 drives the fastener 2 to move closer to the turntable 1. The positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 pushes the sample tube 5 in the sample hole 101, making the sample tube 5 move towards the axis of the turntable 1. At this time, the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 cooperates with the spring piece 103 to hold the sample tube 5 in place. The sample tube 5 is stably clamped within the sample hole 101. After the sample tube 5 is opened, the turntable 1 continues to rotate, and the sample tube 5 separates again from the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2. At this time, the sample tube 5 is again offset away from the axis of the turntable 1 by the action of the spring piece 103. When it reaches the sampling position (the operator can preset any position on the turntable 1 other than the opening position as the sampling position) and is sampled by a pipette or sampling tool, the sample tube 5 will be located away from the axis of the turntable 1 under the action of the spring piece 103. Therefore, the sampling operation is more convenient for the sampling tool or grasping tool, and the sampling distance is shorter because there is no need to move the sampling tool or grasping tool closer to the axis of the turntable 1. In this utility model, the setting of the spring piece 103 can not only ensure that the sample tube 5 can be stably clamped within the sample hole 101 when the cap is opened, but also facilitate the sampling tool, grasping tool, etc. to perform sampling or grasping operations of the sample tube 5.

[0073] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a plurality of sample holes 101 are provided along the circumference of the turntable 1. The position of the sample hole 101 corresponding to the fastener 2 is configured as an opening position. Of course, one or more opening positions can be set. When there are multiple opening positions, the side wall of the outer shell 4 has multiple through holes 401. The number of fasteners 2 and guide drive mechanisms 3 is also multiple. The turntable 1 can rotate until the lateral openings of the multiple sample holes 101 are opposite to the multiple through holes 401 one by one, and at this time the multiple through holes 401, multiple fasteners 2 and multiple guide drive mechanisms 3 correspond one by one. After the opening operation of multiple sample tubes 5 is completed, a sampling tool, such as a pipette, can be set at any opening position to draw the sample to be tested from the sample tube 5. Of course, a gripping tool, such as a mechanical clamp, can also be set at the opening position to grip the sample tube 5 after the opening is completed and remove it from the sample hole 101 for subsequent testing operations.

[0074] The usage process of the automatic sample tube opening device of this utility model is as follows:

[0075] When using the automatic sample tube opening device, the sample tube 5 is first placed into the sample hole 101 from top to bottom using a manual or electric clamping tool. After the sample tube 5 is placed, the first motor 6 is started to drive the turntable 1 to start rotating, so that the sample hole 101 on the turntable 1 reaches the opening position in sequence (that is, the position opposite to the through hole 401 on the outer shell 4). When the sample tube 5 reaches the open position, the second motor 301 starts working and pushes the fastener 2 towards the axis of the turntable 1 through the cooperation of the guide rod 302 and the spring 303 until the positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 passes through the through hole 401 on the outer shell 4 and the side opening of the sample hole 101 in sequence, finally squeezing the outer wall of the sample tube 5. The positioning end 203 of the fastener 2 cooperates with the inner wall of the sample hole 101 to stably clamp the sample tube 5 in the sample hole 101. At this time, the gripper 701 of the opening mechanism 7 can be controlled to hold the tube cap of the sample tube 5 and rotate the tube cap to unscrew and remove the tube cap from the sample tube 5. The removed tube cap can be placed in the placement slot 102. After the opening is completed, the sample tube 5 continues to rotate with the turntable 1 to reach the sampling position, where the sampling tool or gripping tool performs the sampling or removal operation.

[0076] The features and advantages of this automatic sample tube opening device are:

[0077] I. This automatic sample tube opening device can simultaneously accommodate multiple sample tubes 5 for opening operations, enabling batch centralized operation of sample tubes 5, greatly reducing the workload and safety risks of manual opening, and effectively improving the processing efficiency of batch sample tubes.

[0078] Second, the automatic sample tube opening device, through the cooperation of the movable fastener 2 with the inner wall of the sample hole 101, can ensure that the sample tube 5 will not shake when the opening action is performed, thus ensuring the smooth opening.

[0079] Third, in this automatic sample tube opening device, the spring 303 of the guide drive mechanism 3 cooperates with the guide rod 302 to not only ensure that the sample tube 5 is securely clamped in the sample hole 101, but also to adapt to sample tubes 5 of different sizes and types, so that all kinds of sample tubes 5 can be stably clamped, and the compatibility is stronger; in addition, the force on the sample tube 5 during the clamping process is a self-adjusting elastic force rather than a constant hard force, which can prevent the sample tube 5 from being squeezed and broken.

[0080] Fourth, in this automatic sample tube opening device, the setting of the spring piece 103 can not only ensure that the sample tube 5 can be stably clamped in the sample hole 101 when the cap is opened, but also facilitate sampling tools, grasping tools, etc. to perform sampling or grasping operations such as sample tube 5.

[0081] Fifth, this automatic sample tube opening device can automatically complete the process of opening the sample tube 5, completely replacing the traditional manual opening method, which is more convenient, faster, and safer.

[0082] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0083] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0084] The above are merely several embodiments of this utility model. Although the embodiments disclosed in this utility model are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of this utility model should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic sample tube opening device, characterized in that, The automatic sample tube opening device includes: A turntable, wherein a plurality of sample holes for accommodating sample tubes are provided at intervals along its circumference, and the plurality of sample holes are open on the side away from the axis of the turntable. At least one fastener is located on one side of the turntable, and the fastener has a positioning end; At least one guide drive mechanism, the fastener being movably disposed on the guide drive mechanism, the guide drive mechanism being able to drive the fastener to move toward the turntable, so that the positioning end of the fastener extends into the sample hole from the opening of the sample hole directly opposite it, and clamps the sample tube between the positioning end and the inner wall of the sample hole. The cap-opening mechanism has a gripper for holding the cap on the sample tube and opening the cap.

2. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic sample tube opening device also includes a housing, which has a turntable chamber inside. The housing has a top opening that communicates with the turntable chamber. The turntable is located inside the turntable chamber, and the top surface of the turntable and the multiple sample holes are exposed to the outside of the housing through the top opening. The side wall of the housing has at least one through-hole communicating with the turntable chamber. The fastener is located on the side of the turntable with the through-hole. The positioning end of the fastener is opposite to the through-hole. When a sample hole on the turntable is rotated to the point where its opening is opposite to the through-hole, the positioning end of the fastener passes through the through-hole and the opening of the sample hole in sequence and extends into the sample hole.

3. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top surface of the turntable is provided with a placement groove for placing the tube cap.

4. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning end of the fastener has a first positioning block and a second positioning block. The first positioning block and the second positioning block each have a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are obliquely opposite each other to form an angled positioning groove between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. When the positioning end clamps the sample tube, at least a portion of the sample tube is located in the positioning groove, and the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and the inner wall of the sample hole cooperate to clamp the sample tube.

5. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding drive mechanism includes a guide rod extending horizontally, which can move toward or away from the axis of the turntable. The fastener is slidably disposed on the guide rod. A spring is sleeved on the guide rod, one end of which is fixed or confined to the guide rod, and the other end of which is fixed or abuts against the fastener, so as to automatically adjust the clamping force of the positioning end on the sample tube by the deformation of the spring.

6. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The guide rod has a first end in the axial direction away from the turntable and a second end in the axial direction close to the turntable; The fastener includes a vertically arranged fastener body, a positioning end located at the top of the fastener body, a connecting end at the bottom of the fastener body, a first guide hole provided on the connecting end, the connecting end being slidably fitted onto the guide rod through the first guide hole, and a spring located between the first end of the guide rod and the connecting end.

7. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the spring is fixedly connected to the first end of the guide rod, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end; Alternatively, the first end of the guide rod has a limiting member, one end of the spring abuts against the limiting member, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end; Alternatively, the first end of the guide rod has a limiting member, one end of the spring is fixedly connected to the limiting member, and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to or abuts against the connecting end.

8. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The guide drive mechanism further includes a second motor, a slide rail, and a slider. The extension direction of the slide rail is parallel to the guide rod. The slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The second end of the guide rod is connected to the slider. The second motor is located on one side of the slide rail, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is parallel to the guide rod. The slider has a threaded hole, and the slider is screwed onto the lead screw through the threaded hole.

9. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A spring sheet is located inside the sample hole and on the side near the axis of the turntable. The spring sheet is tilted vertically. When the positioning end clamps the sample tube, the sample tube is pressed between the positioning end and the spring sheet.

10. The automatic sample tube opening device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sidewall of the outer shell has a plurality of through-holes, and the turntable can be rotated so that the lateral openings of the plurality of sample holes are opposite to the plurality of through-holes one by one; When there are multiple through-holes, there are also multiple fasteners and multiple guide drive mechanisms, and the multiple through-holes, multiple fasteners and multiple guide drive mechanisms correspond one-to-one.

Images