Blood collection tube anti-separation safety cap for automated centrifugation decap and vacuum blood collection tube

Abstract

This utility model discloses a safety cap and vacuum blood collection tube for automated centrifugal opening, relating to the field of in vitro diagnostic instrument technology. It includes a plastic cap and a butyl rubber stopper that is elastically interference-fitted to the inner side of the plastic cap. A support cylinder is provided on the inner wall of the plastic cap near the top opening, and a protruding retainer is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder. A groove is formed on the top of the butyl rubber stopper, and a slot is provided on the inner wall of the groove for fitting with the protruding retainer. This utility model, through the elastic interference fit between the butyl rubber stopper and the plastic cap, and the precise fit between the protruding retainer and the slot, ensures the bonding force between the plastic cap and the butyl rubber stopper, effectively limiting their relative displacement, significantly reducing the risk of the butyl rubber stopper detaching, and ensuring that the butyl rubber stopper is not easily stuck in the tube body when the mechanical claw of the capping machine grasps the plastic cap, thus guaranteeing stability and efficiency during automated operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of in vitro diagnostic instrument technology, specifically to a safety cap for preventing separation of blood collection tubes and a vacuum blood collection tube for automated centrifugation opening. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum blood collection tubes are a crucial tool for collecting blood samples in clinical testing, and their structural integrity and ease of operation directly affect testing efficiency and sample quality. Existing vacuum blood collection tubes mainly consist of a plastic tube body and a composite cap (including a plastic cap and a butyl rubber stopper). The structure of the existing plastic cap can be referenced from [reference needed]. Figure 1 As shown, its inner side is provided with several raised ribs, and the butyl rubber stopper is fixed between these ribs by a snap-fit ​​mechanism (the structure of existing butyl rubber stoppers can be referenced). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0003] With the improvement of automation in medical testing, the centrifugation and capping operations of vacuum blood collection tubes have been widely automated using equipment (such as cap removal centrifuges and capping machines). However, existing composite caps have revealed significant defects in automated processes:

[0004] 1. When using a centrifuge to automatically remove the cap, the butyl rubber stopper and the plastic cap are prone to relative displacement under centrifugal force (measured >3mm), which causes the connection between the two to loosen. The butyl rubber stopper is prone to falling out, making it difficult to remove the plastic cap and butyl rubber stopper as a whole.

[0005] 2. When the mechanical claw of the cap opener only grabs the plastic cap, the butyl rubber stopper often gets stuck in the tube body due to insufficient bonding force with the plastic cap (occurrence rate of about 12%), requiring manual intervention to clean it, which seriously affects the efficiency of the automated production line.

[0006] 3. Traditionally, adhesive solutions are used to enhance the connection between the two. However, adding adhesive can cause the rubber stopper surface to harden or change its properties, significantly reducing its puncture performance and thus affecting the smoothness and sealing of sample collection. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a safety cap for preventing separation of blood collection tubes and a vacuum blood collection tube for automated centrifugal opening, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] Safety caps and vacuum blood collection tubes for automated centrifugal opening include a plastic cap and a butyl rubber stopper that is elastically interference-fitted to the inside of the plastic cap. A support cylinder is provided on the inner wall of the plastic cap near the top opening. A protruding clip is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder. A groove is provided on the top of the butyl rubber stopper. A slot is provided on the inner wall of the groove for fitting the protruding clip.

[0010] Preferably, a compression zone is provided between the inner wall of the plastic cap and the outer wall of the support cylinder, and a plurality of vent holes communicating with the compression zone are provided on the top of the plastic cap.

[0011] Preferably, the top of the butyl rubber stopper is provided with a plurality of anti-sticking protrusions, and the plurality of anti-sticking protrusions are distributed in a circumferential array with the groove as the center.

[0012] Preferably, the plurality of anti-stick protrusions are integrally formed with the butyl rubber stopper.

[0013] Preferably, the protruding clip is an annular protrusion located on the outer wall of the support cylinder in the circumferential direction, and the slot is an annular slot located on the inner wall of the groove in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Preferably, the plastic cap is integrally formed with the support cylinder and the protruding clip.

[0015] Preferably, the protruding clip is a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder in the circumferential direction, and the slot is a plurality of arc-shaped slots provided on the inner wall of the groove in the circumferential direction.

[0016] Preferably, the top end of the groove has a chamfer along the circumferential direction.

[0017] Preferably, the inner wall of the plastic cap is provided with a plurality of raised ribs, and the outer wall of the butyl rubber stopper is provided with an engagement area for engaging with the raised ribs.

[0018] Preferably, the present invention also provides a vacuum blood collection tube, which adopts the above-described safety cap for automatic centrifugal opening to prevent separation of the blood collection tube.

[0019] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the technological progress achieved by this utility model compared to the prior art is as follows:

[0020] This invention utilizes the elastic interference fit between the butyl rubber stopper and the inner cavity of the plastic cap to effectively limit their relative displacement, significantly reducing the risk of the butyl rubber stopper detaching and ensuring that the plastic cap and butyl rubber stopper can be removed as a single unit. Simultaneously, the precise fit between the protruding clip and the slot further enhances the bonding force between the plastic cap and the butyl rubber stopper, preventing the butyl rubber stopper from becoming stuck in the tube when the mechanical claw of the capping machine grasps the plastic cap. Furthermore, this invention eliminates the need for traditional adhesives, avoiding the performance degradation of the butyl rubber stopper caused by adhesives. While improving overall assembly reliability, it also ensures puncture resistance and sealing performance, significantly enhancing the overall performance of the product and making it suitable for market promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The top image shows the outer structure of the existing plastic cap, the middle image shows the inner structure of the plastic cap, and the bottom image is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the plastic cap.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an existing butyl rubber stopper;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the plastic cap of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of the plastic cap of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the butyl rubber stopper of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a top view of the butyl rubber stopper of this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Plastic cap; 2. Butyl rubber stopper; 3. Support cylinder; 4. Protruding clip; 5. Groove; 6. Slot; 7. Extrusion area; 8. Vent hole; 9. Anti-stick protrusion; 10. Chamfer. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments:

[0029] like Figure 3-6 As shown, this utility model provides a safety cap and vacuum blood collection tube for automatic centrifugal opening, which prevents separation of the blood collection tube. It includes a plastic cap 1 and a butyl rubber stopper 2 that is elastically interference-fitted to the inside of the plastic cap 1. A support cylinder 3 is provided on the inner wall of the plastic cap 1 near the top opening. A protruding clip 4 is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder 3. A groove 5 is provided on the top of the butyl rubber stopper 2. A slot 6 for matching the protruding clip 4 is provided on the inner wall of the groove 5.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, a compression zone 7 is provided between the inner wall of the plastic cap 1 and the outer wall of the support cylinder 3. Multiple vent holes 8 communicating with the compression zone 7 are provided on the top of the plastic cap 1. The design of multiple vent holes 8 allows the butyl rubber stopper 2 to expel air generated by compression in the compression zone 7 and the inner cavity of the plastic cap 1 during lamination. This prevents pressure resistance caused by gas retention, ensuring that the butyl rubber stopper 2 can be smoothly pressed down during assembly and accurately fits the preset position within the inner cavity of the plastic cap 1. This effectively prevents problems such as incomplete pressing or loose fit of the butyl rubber stopper 2 due to gas reaction force, thus ensuring the lamination sealing and structural stability between the butyl rubber stopper 2 and the plastic cap 1, providing a reliable assembly foundation for subsequent use.

[0031] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the top of the butyl rubber stopper 2 is provided with multiple anti-sticking protrusions 9, which are arranged in a circumferential array with the groove 5 as the center. The multiple anti-sticking protrusions 9 are integrally formed with the butyl rubber stopper 2. The design of multiple anti-sticking protrusions 9 can increase the contact gap between the butyl rubber stopper 2 and the plastic cap 1, reduce the surface contact area, avoid adhesion problems caused by tight contact, and ensure smooth separation of the parts. At the same time, the integrally formed structure also enhances the stability of the anti-sticking protrusions 9, ensuring the long-term reliability of the anti-sticking function.

[0032] In one implementation, the protruding locking member 4 is an annular protrusion located on the outer circumference of the support cylinder 3, and the locking groove 6 is an annular locking groove located on the inner circumference of the groove 5. The plastic cap 1 is integrally formed with the support cylinder 3 and the protruding locking member 4. Through the elastic interference fit of the butyl rubber stopper 2 in the inner cavity of the plastic cap 1, the relative displacement between the two can be effectively restricted, greatly reducing the risk of the butyl rubber stopper 2 coming off, and ensuring that the plastic cap 1 and the butyl rubber stopper 2 can be removed as a whole. At the same time, the precise fit between the annular protrusion and the annular locking groove further enhances the bonding force between the plastic cap 1 and the butyl rubber stopper 2, avoiding the situation where the butyl rubber stopper 2 is stuck in the tube when the mechanical claw of the capping machine grabs the plastic cap 1, and significantly improving the stability and efficiency of automated operation.

[0033] In another implementation, the protruding locking element 4 consists of multiple arc-shaped protrusions on the outer circumference of the support cylinder 3, and the locking groove 6 consists of multiple arc-shaped locking grooves on the inner circumference of the groove 5. Through the elastic interference fit of the butyl rubber stopper 2 within the inner cavity of the plastic cap 1, the relative displacement between the two can be effectively limited, significantly reducing the risk of the butyl rubber stopper 2 coming off, ensuring that the plastic cap 1 and the butyl rubber stopper 2 can be removed as a single unit. Simultaneously, the precise fit between the arc-shaped protrusions and the arc-shaped locking grooves further enhances the bonding force between the plastic cap 1 and the butyl rubber stopper 2, and further restricts the rotation of the butyl rubber stopper 2, preventing the butyl rubber stopper 2 from becoming stuck in the tube body when the mechanical claw of the cap opener grasps the plastic cap 1, significantly improving the stability and efficiency of automated operation.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, a chamfer 10 is provided at the top end of the groove 5 along the circumferential direction. The chamfer 10 provides a guiding function when the butyl rubber stopper 2 is assembled into the inner cavity of the plastic cap 1, reducing the alignment resistance during the assembly process, allowing the butyl rubber stopper 2 to enter the preset position more smoothly, and improving assembly efficiency and accuracy.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner wall of the plastic cap 1 is provided with multiple raised ribs, and the outer wall of the butyl rubber stopper 2 is provided with a locking area for engaging with the raised ribs. Specifically, this design is an existing technical structure, and this paper does not improve upon it; and through the precise engagement of the raised ribs with the locking area, the connection stability between the plastic cap 1 and the butyl rubber stopper 2 can be further enhanced, reducing relative slippage in automated operation. Combined with other structural designs, this improves the overall assembly reliability and avoids problems such as detachment or retention due to loose connections, thus possessing certain practicality.

[0036] This utility model also provides a vacuum blood collection tube, which adopts the above-mentioned anti-separation safety cap for automated centrifugal opening of the blood collection tube.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joint" 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; 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 disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] The present invention has been described in detail above. However, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, any modifications or improvements that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety cap for preventing separation of blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening, characterized in that: The device includes a plastic cap and a butyl rubber stopper that is elastically interference-fitted to the inside of the plastic cap. A support cylinder is provided on the inner wall of the plastic cap near the top opening. A protruding clip is provided on the outer wall of the support cylinder. A groove is provided on the top of the butyl rubber stopper. A slot for matching the protruding clip is provided on the inner wall of the groove.

2. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A compression zone is provided between the inner wall of the plastic cap and the outer wall of the support cylinder, and multiple vent holes communicating with the compression zone are opened on the top of the plastic cap.

3. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the butyl rubber stopper is provided with multiple anti-sticking protrusions, which are arranged in a circumferential array with the groove as the center.

4. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of anti-stick protrusions are integrally formed with the butyl rubber stopper.

5. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The protruding clip is an annular protrusion located on the outer wall of the support cylinder in the circumferential direction, and the slot is an annular slot located on the inner wall of the groove in the circumferential direction.

6. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic cap is integrally formed with the support cylinder and the protruding clip.

7. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The protruding clips are multiple arc-shaped protrusions located on the outer wall of the support cylinder in the circumferential direction, and the slots are multiple arc-shaped slots located on the inner wall of the groove in the circumferential direction.

8. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top end of the groove has a chamfer along the circumferential direction.

9. The anti-separation safety cap for blood collection tubes used in automated centrifugal opening as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the plastic cap is provided with multiple raised ribs, and the outer wall of the butyl rubber stopper is provided with an engagement area for engaging with the raised ribs.

10. A vacuum blood collection tube, characterized in that: Includes at least one blood collection tube anti-separation safety cap as described in any one of claims 1-9 for automated centrifugal opening.

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