A test tube clamping and straightening device

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of test tube clamping devices, and specifically relates to a test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device. The technical solution is as follows: A test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device includes a clamping and straightening mounting plate. A longitudinally arranged driving mechanism is mounted on the clamping and straightening mounting plate. A connecting rod is rotatably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism, and a sliding block is rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod. A transversely arranged linear guide rail is fixed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate. The sliding block is sleeved within the linear guide rail, and a sliding connecting block is fixed on the sliding block. A contact block for straightening the test tube is mounted on the sliding connecting block. This utility model provides a test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device that can straighten and effectively fix the test tube to be sampled, avoiding interference with sampling by the sampling needle due to test tube tilting or shaking during puncture, without affecting the stable transport of the test tube rack, and saving space for the automatic sampler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of test tube clamping devices, and specifically relates to a test tube clamping, straightening and fixing device. Background Technology

[0002] Fully automated hematology analyzers require puncture sampling of test tubes containing blood samples during testing. This involves a sampling needle piercing the rubber seal of the test tube cap and entering the tube to aspirate the sample. Before this, the test tubes are typically transported through a rotating scanning station and a clamping and mixing station. A significant gap exists between the test tubes and the test tube rack, allowing for considerable positional freedom. This makes it highly susceptible to needle misalignment during puncture sampling, leading to needle bending, reduced lifespan, and ultimately, decreased analyzer efficiency and accuracy, or even abnormal shutdown and malfunction.

[0003] To avoid the problem of sampling needle misalignment during the puncture sampling process, the following three solutions have been proposed in the prior art: First, add a test tube holder to the test tube rack to reduce the shaking of the test tubes in the test tube rack during the automatic sample injection process, thereby reducing the tilt of the test tubes, but this cannot completely prevent the sampling needle from misaligning; Second, add an elastic device composed of springs, spring sheets, etc., to the sampling position of the automatic sampler to provide pre-tightening force to the radial direction of the test tubes through compression to achieve the purpose of straightening, but this solution increases the lateral transport resistance of the test tube rack, which is not conducive to the stable operation of the test tube rack, and the straightening effect is not good; Third, set a motor-driven straightening device at the sampling position of the automatic sampler. For example, Chinese Patent Publication No. CN214020948U discloses an analyzer and its test tube straightening and fixing device, which drives the cam to rotate by a motor and drives the straightening arm to fix the test tubes. This test tube straightening and fixing device occupies a lot of space in the X direction, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the automatic sampler. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a test tube clamping and straightening fixing device, which can straighten and fix the test tube to be sampled, avoid the sampling needle from being affected by the test tube tilting or shaking during puncture, and does not affect the stable transportation of the test tube rack, while saving space for the automatic sampler.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: A test tube clamping and straightening device includes a clamping and straightening mounting plate, a longitudinally arranged drive mechanism mounted on the clamping and straightening mounting plate, a connecting rod rotatably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, a sliding block rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod, a transversely arranged linear guide rail fixed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate, the sliding block being sleeved in the linear guide rail, a sliding connecting block fixed on the sliding block, and a contact block for straightening the test tube mounted on the sliding connecting block.

[0006] Initially, the distance between the contact block and the test tube is at its maximum. During operation, one end of the drive mechanism drives the connecting rod upward. Since the sliding block is limited by the linear guide rail, the other end of the connecting rod pushes the sliding block to move laterally in the linear guide rail. The contact block moves forward to press against the test tube, which, together with the limiting position of the autosampler test tube rack transport platform, serves to clamp, straighten, and fix the test tube.

[0007] The driving mechanism of this invention, through a connecting rod and a sliding block, drives the contact block to extend forward, which can straighten and effectively fix the test tube to be sampled, preventing the sampling needle from being affected by the test tube tilting or shaking during puncture. When the contact block is pulled back by the sliding block, it does not affect the stable transport of the test tube rack. The driving mechanism is arranged longitudinally, avoiding the occupation of too much lateral space, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the autosampler.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the driving mechanism includes a linear motor mounted on a clamping and straightening mounting plate. The output end of the linear motor is connected to a motor connecting block, and one end of a connecting rod is rotatably connected to the motor connecting block. The linear motor is fixed to the clamping and straightening mounting plate with screws, converting electrical energy into linear motion mechanical energy, serving as the power source for this device. The motor connecting block is threaded to the linear motor shaft, providing linear extension and retraction transmission along the Z-axis of the linear motor shaft.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the contact surface of the contact block is V-shaped. The contact block is made of urethane rubber and is locked to the sliding connecting block by screws. The V-shaped contact surface of the contact block increases the frictional force when in contact with the test tube, providing reliable friction and stability when contacting and radially pressing the test tube.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, two contact blocks are arranged longitudinally. The two contact blocks limit and support the test tube from different longitudinal positions, thereby improving the stability of the test tube.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the linear guide rail is provided with a guide groove, and the sliding block is provided with a guide plate, which is fitted inside the guide groove. The guide groove guides the guide plate, thereby ensuring that the sliding block always moves laterally and that the contact block can be stably pushed out laterally.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a photoelectric baffle is installed on the sliding connecting block, and a slotted photoelectric sensor is installed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate. The photoelectric baffle cooperates with the slotted photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric baffle is used to block the slotted photoelectric sensor and is installed on the rear end face of the sliding connecting block.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, when the slotted photoelectric sensor is blocked by the photoelectric baffle, the contact block is located at the origin position. In the initial state, the slotted photoelectric sensor is blocked by the photoelectric baffle, which is defined as the origin position.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the motor connecting block and the connecting rod, as well as the connecting rod and the sliding block, are rotatably connected via guide shafts. E-type retaining rings are installed on the guide shafts to prevent the connecting rods from falling off. The guide shafts are made of stainless steel, and to ensure smooth rotation, their surface roughness is extremely low. The ends of both sides of the guide shafts are grooved. Finally, E-type retaining rings are used to secure the connection points between the connecting rod and the sliding block and the motor connecting block, respectively, to prevent them from falling off.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the sliding connecting block has a slot, and one end of the sliding block is inserted into the slot. The front end face of the sliding connecting block has a threaded hole, and the contact block is locked with a screw; the rear end face has a slot, and one end of the sliding block can be inserted into it to form a fit, and finally locked and fixed with a screw.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, one end of the sliding block is provided with a clearance notch for avoiding the connecting rod.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The driving mechanism of this invention, through a connecting rod and a sliding block, drives the contact block to extend forward, which can straighten and effectively fix the test tube to be sampled, preventing the sampling needle from being affected by the test tube tilting or shaking during puncture. When the contact block is pulled back by the sliding block, it does not affect the stable transport of the test tube rack. The driving mechanism is arranged longitudinally, avoiding the occupation of too much lateral space, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the autosampler. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1-Clamping and straightening mounting plate; 2-Connecting rod; 3-Sliding block; 4-Linear guide rail; 5-Sliding connecting block; 6-Contact block; 7-Linear motor; 8-Motor connecting block; 9-Slotted photoelectric sensor; 21-Guide shaft; 22-E-type snap ring; 31-Guide plate; 32-Leaning notch; 41-Guide groove; 51-Photoelectric sensor baffle; 52-Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0021] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the test tube clamping and straightening fixing device of this embodiment includes a clamping and straightening mounting plate 1. A longitudinally arranged driving mechanism is installed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1. A connecting rod 2 is rotatably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism. A sliding block 3 is rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod 2. A transversely arranged linear guide rail 4 is fixed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1. The sliding block 3 is sleeved in the linear guide rail 4. A sliding connecting block 5 is fixed on the sliding block 3. A contact block 6 for straightening the test tube is installed on the sliding connecting block 5.

[0023] When the drive mechanism of this invention drives the contact block 6 to extend forward via the connecting rod 2 and the sliding block 3, it can straighten and effectively fix the test tube to be sampled, preventing the sampling needle from being affected by the test tube tilting or shaking during puncture. When the contact block 6 is pulled back by the sliding block 3, it does not affect the stable transport of the test tube rack. The drive mechanism is arranged longitudinally, avoiding the occupation of too much lateral space and facilitating the miniaturization design of the autosampler.

[0024] Specifically, the drive mechanism includes a linear motor 7, which is mounted on the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1. The output end of the linear motor 7 is connected to a motor connecting block 8, and one end of the connecting rod 2 is rotatably connected to the motor connecting block 8. The linear motor 7 is fixed to the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1 by screws, converting electrical energy into linear motion mechanical energy, serving as the power source for this device. The motor connecting block 8 is threaded to the shaft of the linear motor 7, providing linear extension and retraction transmission along the Z-axis of the linear motor 7.

[0025] The contact block 6 is made of urethane rubber and is fastened to the sliding connecting block 5 by screws. The contact surface of the contact block 6 is designed in a V-shape to increase the friction when in contact with the test tube, providing reliable friction and stability when contacting and radially pressing the test tube.

[0026] The number of contact blocks 6 is two, and the two contact blocks 6 are arranged longitudinally. The two contact blocks 6 limit and support the test tube from different longitudinal positions, thereby improving the stability of the test tube.

[0027] Specifically, the linear guide rail 4 is fixed to the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1 by screws, serving as a support and guide, and driving the sliding block 3 to perform reciprocating linear motion. The linear guide rail 4 is provided with a guide groove 41, and the sliding block 3 is provided with a guide plate 31, which is fitted within the guide groove 41. The guide groove 41 guides the guide plate 31, thus ensuring that the sliding block 3 always moves laterally, guaranteeing that the contact block 6 can be stably pushed out laterally.

[0028] Furthermore, a photoelectric baffle 51 is installed on the sliding connecting block 5, and a slotted photoelectric sensor 9 is installed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate 1. The photoelectric baffle 51 cooperates with the slotted photoelectric sensor 9. The photoelectric baffle 51 is used to block the slotted photoelectric sensor 9 and is installed on the rear end face of the sliding connecting block 5.

[0029] When the slotted photoelectric sensor 9 is blocked by the photoelectric baffle 51, the contact block 6 is located at the origin position. In the initial state, the slotted photoelectric sensor 9 is blocked by the photoelectric baffle 51, which is defined as the origin position.

[0030] Specifically, the two ends of the connecting rod 2 are provided with through holes, which are respectively connected to the motor connecting block 8 and the sliding block 3. The motor connecting block 8 moves in the Z direction to drive its rotation, which is eventually converted into the sliding block 3 moving in the X direction. In order to ensure smooth rotation, the roughness of the through holes is extremely low.

[0031] The motor connecting block 8 and the connecting rod 2, as well as the connecting rod 2 and the sliding block 3, are rotatably connected via a guide shaft 21. An E-type retaining ring 22 is installed on the guide shaft 21 to prevent the connecting rod 2 from falling off. The guide shaft 21 is made of stainless steel, and to ensure smooth rotation, its surface roughness is extremely low. The ends of both sides of the guide shaft 21 are grooved. Finally, the E-type retaining ring 22 is used to fix the connection points of the connecting rod 2 with the sliding block 3 and the motor connecting block 8 respectively, preventing them from falling off.

[0032] The sliding connecting block 5 has a slot 52, and one end of the sliding block 3 is inserted into the slot 52. The front end face of the sliding connecting block 5 has a threaded hole, and the contact block 6 is locked in place by a screw; the rear end face has a slot 52, and one end of the sliding block 3 can be inserted into it to form a fit, and finally locked in place by a screw.

[0033] It should be noted that one end of the sliding block 3 is provided with a clearance notch 32 for avoiding the connecting rod 2.

[0034] Working principle: Initially, the distance between contact block 6 and the test tube is at its maximum, and the linear motor 7 shaft is not extended. At this time, the slotted photoelectric sensor 9 is blocked, defined as the origin position. During operation, current is supplied to the linear motor 7, and the output shaft of the linear motor 7 gradually extends, driving the motor connecting block 8 to move upward. The two ends of the connecting rod 2 are connected to the motor connecting block 8 and the sliding block 3 through the guide shaft 21. The rotation of the connecting rod 2 drives the slider and the sliding connecting block 5 to move forward. The photoelectric baffle 51 and the contact block 6 are installed on the slider connecting block. The photoelectric baffle 51 is removed from the blocking range of the slotted photoelectric sensor 9, and the contact block 6 presses forward against the test tube. In conjunction with the limiting position of the automatic sampler test tube rack transport platform, it plays a role in clamping, straightening, and fixing the test tube.

[0035] The clamping and straightening device, driven by a linear motor 7, provides a more stable and reliable clamping and straightening effect on test tubes compared to an elastic straightening device. By using a compact linear motor 7, the size of the straightening device is significantly reduced compared to that driven by a conventional motor. Through the transmission of the connecting rod 2, the Z-axis drive stroke of the linear motor 7 is converted into the X-axis working stroke, reducing the space occupied by the device in the X-axis of the autosampler, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the autosampler.

[0036] This utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned optional embodiments. Anyone can derive other forms of products under the guidance of this utility model. However, regardless of any changes made in its shape or structure, any technical solution that falls within the scope of the claims of this utility model shall be protected by this utility model.

Claims

1. A test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device, characterized in that: The device includes a clamping and straightening mounting plate (1), on which a longitudinally arranged drive mechanism is mounted. A connecting rod (2) rotates at the output end of the drive mechanism, and a sliding block (3) is rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod (2). A transversely arranged linear guide rail (4) is fixed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate (1). The sliding block (3) is fitted inside the linear guide rail (4). A sliding connecting block (5) is fixed on the sliding block (3), and a contact block (6) for straightening the test tube is mounted on the sliding connecting block (5).

2. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a linear motor (7), which is mounted on a clamping and straightening mounting plate (1). The output end of the linear motor (7) is connected to a motor connecting block (8), and one end of the connecting rod (2) is rotatably connected to the motor connecting block (8).

3. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surface of the contact block (6) is V-shaped.

4. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of contact blocks (6) is two, and the two contact blocks (6) are arranged longitudinally.

5. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear guide rail (4) is provided with a guide groove (41), and the sliding block (3) is provided with a guide plate (31), which is fitted inside the guide groove (41).

6. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A photoelectric baffle (51) is installed on the sliding connecting block (5), and a slotted photoelectric device (9) is installed on the clamping and straightening mounting plate (1). The photoelectric baffle (51) and the slotted photoelectric device (9) cooperate with each other.

7. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the slotted photoelectric sensor (9) is blocked by the photoelectric baffle (51), the contact block (6) is located at the origin.

8. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The motor connecting block (8) and the connecting rod (2), and the connecting rod (2) and the sliding block (3) are rotatably connected by a guide shaft (21). An E-type snap ring (22) is installed on the guide shaft (21) to prevent the connecting rod (2) from falling off.

9. The test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding connecting block (5) has a slot (52) and one end of the sliding block (3) is inserted into the slot (52).

10. A test tube clamping, straightening, and fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: One end of the sliding block (3) is provided with a clearance notch (32) for avoiding the connecting rod (2).

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