An automated test tube labeling device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of labeling equipment technology, and discloses an automated test tube labeling device, including a support frame with at least one tray. The tray has multiple rows of placement slots for positioning test tubes, and the support frame also has a limiting structure located outside the tray, which abuts against the tray and restricts its movement. A labeling device is located on the adjacent side of the support frame for marking or affixing labels to the test tubes, and a conveying channel is provided between the labeling device and the support frame. A clamping device includes a clamping assembly movably mounted on the support frame, configured to sequentially clamp test tubes from the innermost row of placement slots on the tray outwards, and transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel. The advantages of this utility model are that it achieves efficient clamping and conveying of test tubes with high stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of labeling equipment technology, and in particular to an automated test tube labeling device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern biomedicine, clinical testing, and chemical analysis, test tubes serve as the fundamental containers for holding samples, and the accuracy and efficiency of their labeling are crucial. To achieve large-scale, high-throughput sample processing, automated test tube labeling equipment has become a key piece of equipment in laboratories and production lines. Such equipment typically automates processes such as test tube transport, positioning, labeling or attaching labels, and collection.

[0003] In existing technologies, to improve the efficiency of test tube labeling, most automated equipment is equipped with gripper structures capable of batch gripping and transferring test tubes. These gripper structures are typically designed to grasp multiple test tubes arranged in a single row on a carrier in a single action, aiming to increase overall throughput by reducing the number of gripping operations. The gripping path of this gripper structure usually adopts a strategy of gripping row by row from the outside to the inside. That is, the gripper first moves to the outermost row of test tubes, performs the gripping action, and then needs to carry that row of test tubes over several rows of test tubes inside it before transferring them to the conveyor channel; after completing the transfer, the gripper returns empty to the next outermost row to grip again, and similarly needs to pass through part of the inner test tube area before transferring again. This process is repeated until all test tubes have been processed. However, this "outside-to-inside" row-by-row gripping strategy does not have a globally optimized movement trajectory, resulting in a large number of invalid travels and path repetitions. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to propose an automated test tube marking device that can achieve efficient clamping and transportation of test tubes and has high stability.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to provide an automated test tube labeling device, comprising:

[0006] A support frame is provided with at least one material tray, the material tray has multiple rows of placement slots for positioning test tubes, and the support frame is also provided with a limiting structure located outside the material tray, the limiting structure abutting against the material tray and restricting the movement of the material tray;

[0007] A labeling device is provided on the adjacent side of the support frame for marking or labeling the test tubes, and a conveying channel is provided between the labeling device and the support frame;

[0008] A clamping device, comprising a clamping assembly movably disposed on the support frame, the clamping assembly being configured to sequentially clamp the test tubes from the innermost row of placement slots on the tray outwards, and to transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel.

[0009] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the clamping device includes a drive module, which comprises an X-axis drive module, a Z-axis drive module, and a Y-axis drive module. The X-axis drive module is mounted on the support frame and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the X-axis direction. The Z-axis drive module is movably mounted on the X-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis drive module is movably mounted on the Z-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0010] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the clamping assembly includes a mounting base disposed on the Y-axis drive module, and a plurality of clamps disposed on the mounting base that can be opened and closed synchronously, and there is a clearance gap between the top of the clamps and the Y-axis drive module for accommodating the top of the clamped test tube.

[0011] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the mounting base is provided with at least two detection sensors and two detection holes. The detection sensors are respectively located in the corresponding detection holes, and the two detection holes are respectively located above the two outer clamps among the plurality of clamps.

[0012] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the support frame includes a vertically arranged first mounting frame; the X-axis drive module includes a first linear guide rail structure horizontally mounted on the first mounting frame, and a first drive component detachably mounted on the first mounting frame and connected to the first linear guide rail structure; the Z-axis drive module includes a second linear guide rail structure movably mounted vertically on the first linear guide rail structure, and a second drive component detachably mounted on the first mounting frame and connected to the second linear guide rail structure; the Y-axis drive module includes a third linear guide rail structure movably mounted vertically on the second linear guide rail structure, and a third drive component detachably mounted on and connected to the third linear guide rail structure, and the clamping assembly is movably mounted on the third linear guide rail structure.

[0013] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the support frame includes a vertically arranged second mounting frame. The second mounting frame has multiple positioning frames spaced apart along the vertical direction. Each positioning frame has a positioning groove adapted to the size of the material tray. A limiting structure is movably disposed outside the positioning frame and has a first moving position and a second moving position. When the limiting structure is in the first moving position, it abuts against the upper surface of the material tray within the positioning groove, restricting the movement of the material tray. When the limiting structure is in the second moving position, it separates from the material tray within the positioning groove, releasing the restriction on the material tray.

[0014] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the positioning frame has an installation groove on its outer side, and the limiting structure includes a limiting member movably disposed in the installation groove, and an elastic member located between the limiting member and the inner wall of the installation groove, with the two ends of the elastic member abutting against the installation groove and the limiting member respectively.

[0015] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the conveying channel includes an inclined section and a horizontal section that are interconnected. The inclined section is located on the side closer to the labeling device, and the horizontal section is located on the side closer to the support frame. The height of the horizontal section is less than the length of the test tube. A push rod is movably provided on the side of the horizontal section away from the inclined section. The push rod is configured to push the test tube in the horizontal section toward the inclined section.

[0016] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, the conveying channel includes multiple conveying troughs arranged side by side, the push rod is arranged horizontally, its length is consistent with the arrangement direction of the conveying troughs, and there is a longitudinal gap between the bottom of the push rod and the top of the horizontal section.

[0017] In the aforementioned automated test tube labeling device, an output device is provided below the labeling device. The output device includes a conveyor belt assembly and a first discharge port and a second discharge port located at both ends of the conveyor belt assembly. The conveyor belt assembly is fixedly or movably disposed above the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and has a conveyor belt for transporting the labeled test tubes to the first discharge port or the second discharge port.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. In this utility model, the support frame is provided with a limiting structure located outside the material tray. This limiting structure abuts against the material tray and restricts its movement. The clamping assembly is configured to sequentially clamp test tubes from the innermost row of placement slots on the material tray outwards, and then transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel. This design significantly shortens the travel distance of the clamping assembly through the "inside-out" clamping path, reduces idle and repetitive paths, thereby greatly improving clamping and transfer efficiency. On the other hand, the limiting structure effectively counteracts the outward force generated during clamping, ensuring the positioning stability of the material tray and test tubes, thereby significantly improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0020] 2. In this utility model, the drive module includes an X-axis drive module, a Z-axis drive module, and a Y-axis drive module. The X-axis drive module is mounted on the support frame and is used to drive the clamping component to move along the X-axis direction. The Z-axis drive module is movably mounted on the X-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping component to move along the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis drive module is movably mounted on the Z-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping component to move along the Y-axis direction. This design, through the sequential connection of the three-axis modules, constitutes a compact motion system. In this system, only the clamping component with a relatively small mass needs to be moved, rather than the entire support frame. This not only reduces the power requirements of the drive motor and saves energy, but also indirectly reduces production costs.

[0021] 3. In this utility model, the conveying channel includes an inclined section and a horizontal section that are interconnected. The inclined section is located on the side closer to the marking device, and the horizontal section is located on the side closer to the support frame. The height of the horizontal section is less than the length of the test tube. A push rod is movably provided on the side of the horizontal section away from the inclined section. This push rod is configured to push the test tubes in the horizontal section toward the inclined section. This design allows the test tubes to naturally and orderly arrange themselves toward the marking device under the action of gravity through the inclined section. At the same time, the horizontal section of a specific height and the push rod structure effectively prevent the test tubes from blocking in the channel and realize the automatic and controllable supply of test tubes to the marking station, significantly improving the automation and reliability of the conveying process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an automated test tube labeling device according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an automated test tube labeling device according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the structure of an automated test tube labeling device according to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of an automated test tube labeling device according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0028] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically:

[0029] 100. Base; 200. Support frame; 210. First mounting frame; 220. Second mounting frame; 230. Positioning frame; 231. Positioning groove; 232. Mounting groove; 300. Material tray; 310. Placement groove; 400. Limiting component; 410. Protrusion; 411. Guide slope; 500. Identification device; 600. Conveying channel; 601. Inclined section; 602. Horizontal section; 610. Conveying trough; 620. Push rod; 700. Clamping assembly; 710. Mounting base; 711. Detection sensor; 712. Detection hole; 720. Chuck; 800, Drive module; 810, X-axis drive module; 811, First linear guide structure; 812, First drive component; 813, First slider; 820, Z-axis drive module; 821, Second linear guide structure; 822, Second drive component; 823, Second slider; 830, Y-axis drive module; 831, Third linear guide structure; 832, Third drive component; 833, Third slider; 900, Output device; 910, Conveyor belt assembly; 920, First discharge port; 930, Second discharge port; 940, Receiving box. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, an automated test tube labeling device includes:

[0036] The support frame 200 has at least one material tray 300, which has multiple rows of placement slots 310 for positioning test tubes. The support frame 200 also has a limiting structure located outside the material tray 300. The limiting structure abuts against the material tray 300 and can restrict the movement of the material tray 300.

[0037] A labeling device 500 is located on the adjacent side of the support frame 200 and is used to mark or label test tubes. A conveying channel 600 is provided between the labeling device 500 and the support frame 200.

[0038] The clamping device includes a clamping assembly 700 movably mounted on a support frame 200. The clamping assembly 700 is configured to sequentially clamp test tubes from the innermost row of placement slots 310 on the material tray 300 outwards, and transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel 600. This design, through an "inside-out" clamping path, significantly shortens the travel distance of the clamping assembly 700, reduces idle and repetitive paths, thereby greatly improving clamping and transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the limiting structure effectively counteracts the outward force generated during clamping, ensuring the positioning stability of the material tray 300 and the test tubes, thus significantly improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0039] Specifically, this embodiment provides an automated test tube labeling device for achieving efficient, stable, and continuous labeling of test tube samples, suitable for biomedical testing, clinical testing, and high-throughput laboratory automation scenarios. The device mainly includes a base 100, a support frame 200, a labeling device 500, a clamping device, and an output device 900. These components work together to complete the processes of clamping, transporting, labeling, and outputting test tubes.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 100 serves as the basic support structure for the entire automated test tube labeling device, used to fix and support various functional components, and to ensure its structural stability and spatial layout rationality during operation. The support frame 200 includes a first mounting frame 210 and a second mounting frame 220 disposed on the base 100. The first mounting frame 210 is used to mount the drive module 800, providing an installation reference and guiding support for the movement of the clamping device; the second mounting frame 220 is disposed adjacent to the first mounting frame 210 and is used to mount one or more trays 300 to hold the test tube samples to be labeled.

[0041] Furthermore, the first mounting bracket 210 is rectangular and is detachably and vertically mounted on the upper surface of the base 100, for example, by bolt connection or quick-release buckle structure, which facilitates the assembly, maintenance and modular replacement of the equipment.

[0042] Furthermore, the second mounting frame 220 is composed of multiple crossbeams and longitudinal beams, and is detachably and vertically mounted on the upper surface of the base 100. This design not only has good load-bearing capacity, but also can adapt to the installation requirements of different sized trays 300, improving the versatility and expandability of the equipment.

[0043] Furthermore, the second mounting frame 220 is provided with multiple positioning frames 230 arranged at intervals along the vertical direction. Each positioning frame 230 has a rectangular positioning groove 231 adapted to the size of the tray 300. Specifically, the positioning groove 231 opens from the top to accommodate and initially limit the position of the tray 300. When the tray 300 is placed into the positioning groove 231, its bottom surface and outer peripheral surface are respectively in contact with the inner wall of the positioning groove 231, achieving precise horizontal positioning. This design not only helps to improve the consistency and repeatability of the tray 300 installation, but also effectively prevents the tray 300 from horizontally shifting or rotating during equipment operation, providing a reliable reference for subsequent clamping operations.

[0044] Furthermore, a movement gap is reserved between the second mounting bracket 220 and the first mounting bracket 210 for the drive module 800 to move, ensuring that the operation of the clamping component 700 is not interfered with by the structure and achieves smooth reciprocating motion.

[0045] In this embodiment, each positioning frame 230 of the support frame 200 is provided with a tray 300, which is used to hold test tube samples to be identified in batches. Each tray 300 has multiple cylindrical placement slots 310 for positioning the test tubes. These slots 310 are regularly distributed along the horizontal and vertical directions, preferably arranged in a matrix, to achieve a high-density, orderly arrangement of the test tubes. This design not only facilitates the clamping component 700 to clamp the tubes row by row according to a preset path, but also facilitates coordinate mapping and position tracking by the control system, improving the accuracy and efficiency of automated operations.

[0046] Furthermore, the support frame 200 is also equipped with a limiting structure located outside the material tray 300. The limiting structure abuts against the material tray 300 and restricts the movement of the material tray 300. This design allows the limiting structure to directly and effectively counteract the outward force applied by the clamping assembly 700, ensuring the precise positioning of the material tray 300 and the test tubes within it. This provides a solid foundation for high-speed and accurate clamping operations, thereby solving the technical problem that occurs when implementing a more efficient "inside-out" clamping path, where "the clamping assembly 700 pushes the material tray 300 outward during operation, causing the material tray 300 to shift and the test tubes to become inaccurately positioned."

[0047] Furthermore, the limiting structure is movably located on the outside of the positioning frame 230 and has a first moving position and a second moving position. When the limiting structure is in the first moving position, it abuts against the upper surface of the material tray 300 in the positioning groove 231 and restricts the movement of the material tray 300, ensuring its accurate positioning during equipment operation. When the limiting structure is in the second moving position, it separates from the material tray 300 in the positioning groove 231 and releases the restriction on the material tray 300, making it easy for operators to remove the empty material tray 300 or replace it with a new batch of samples. This design not only meets the requirements for structural rigidity and positioning accuracy during equipment operation, but also takes into account the need for ease of operation in non-operational states. When replacing the material tray 300, there is no need to disassemble or adjust the fixed parts; simply switching the limiting structure to the released state is sufficient to complete the pick-and-place operation, significantly improving the human-machine interaction experience and operational efficiency of the equipment. It is worth noting that the limiting structure can be switched between the locked and released states manually, by a pneumatic cylinder, electromagnetic drive, or motor drive.

[0048] Furthermore, a rectangular mounting groove 232 is provided on the outer side of the positioning frame 230. The mounting groove 232 extends horizontally through or is blindly disposed on the side wall of the positioning frame 230 to accommodate the limiting structure. The limiting structure includes a limiting member 400 movably disposed in the mounting groove 232, and an elastic member (not shown in the figure) located between the limiting member 400 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 232. The two ends of the elastic member abut against the mounting groove 232 and the limiting member 400, respectively, and can elastically deform when the limiting member 400 is subjected to external force, and return to its original shape after the external force is released, thereby providing a reset driving force.

[0049] Specifically, when the user places the tray 300 into the positioning slot 231 of the positioning frame 230, the outer edge of the tray 300 pushes the limiting member 400 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member and move into the mounting slot 232, thus making room. After the tray 300 is fully in place, the elastic member automatically resets, pushing the limiting member 400 to extend again, so that its end constrains the tray 300, thereby achieving automatic limiting. This process requires no additional operation or external power; the compression and release of the limiting structure can be completed solely through the installation action of the tray 300 itself, making the operation simple and the response rapid.

[0050] When changing the tray 300, the user only needs to manually pull the limiting member 400 away from the tray 300 to compress the elastic element, causing the restraining end of the limiting member 400 to exit the positioning groove 231 area, thus easily removing or replacing the tray 300. This design achieves automatic locking and manual unlocking of the limiting state, balancing the stability of the equipment during operation with the convenience of maintenance.

[0051] Furthermore, one end of the limiting member 400 extends into the mounting groove 232 and is fixed to the elastic member, while the other end has a protrusion 410 protruding horizontally into the positioning groove 231. The protrusion 410 has a guide slope 411 on the side facing the positioning groove 231, meaning its surface gradually slopes downwards from the outside in. When the user places the tray 300 into the positioning groove 231 from top to bottom, the outer wall of the tray 300 contacts the guide slope 411 and applies pressure, forcing the limiting member 400 to retract into the mounting groove 232 against the elastic force of the elastic member. As the tray 300 continues to advance, when it completely falls into the bottom of the positioning groove 231, the elastic member returns to its original length, pushing the limiting member 400 to reset, causing the protrusion 410 to extend again and abut against the outside of the tray 300, completing the automatic locking.

[0052] In this embodiment, the marking device 500 is mounted on the base 100 and located on the adjacent side of the support frame 200. It is used to automatically mark test tubes that have been transferred to the conveying channel 600 by the clamping device, i.e., to apply or affix labels. The conveying channel 600 is provided between the marking device 500 and the support frame 200. The test tubes are gradually conveyed to the marking station through this channel, realizing continuous and automated marking processing.

[0053] Furthermore, the marking device 500 includes a laser marking machine and / or a labeling machine located below the output end of the conveyor channel 600, which can be flexibly configured according to actual application needs. Specifically, the laser marking machine is suitable for directly engraving QR codes, barcodes, or text information on the surface of test tubes, with advantages such as permanence, high precision, and no consumables; the labeling machine is suitable for scenarios requiring pre-printed labels, supports color marking, batch information printing, and multi-format label adaptation, and has higher information carrying capacity and visual recognition convenience. Preferably, the marking device 500 adopts a modular and replaceable design, and its core marking unit (such as a laser marking machine or a labeling machine) can be detachably installed on the standard mounting interface on the base 100. When the equipment needs to switch from marking mode to labeling mode, the user can completely disassemble the currently installed laser marking machine and then install the labeling machine in the same mounting position to complete the function switch.

[0054] Furthermore, the conveying channel 600 includes an inclined section 601 and a horizontal section 602 that are interconnected. The inclined section 601 is located on the side closer to the marking device 500 and is used to guide the test tube to slide towards the marking station. The horizontal section 602 is located on the side closer to the support frame 200 and connects to the transfer endpoint of the clamping device, used to receive the test tube released by the clamping assembly 700. The height of the horizontal section 602 is less than the length of the test tube, so that after the test tube is placed, its lower part is embedded in the channel while its upper part is exposed, forming a stable semi-enclosed state. This limits the risk of vertical jumping and tipping of the test tube and provides working space for subsequent pushing operations.

[0055] Furthermore, a push rod 620 is movably provided on the side of the horizontal section 602 opposite to the inclined section 601. This push rod 620 is configured to push the test tubes within the horizontal section 602 toward the inclined section 601. During operation, the clamping assembly 700 places the test tubes in the horizontal section 602 and then retracts; subsequently, the push rod 620 moves forward, pushing the test tubes into the inclined section 601; under its own weight, the test tubes slide down the inclined section 601 to a designated position below the marking device 500, completing the feeding action. This design, through the inclined section 601, allows the test tubes to naturally and orderly arrange themselves toward the marking device 500 under gravity. Combined with the specific height of the horizontal section 602 and the push rod 620 structure, it effectively prevents the test tubes from blocking the channel and achieves automatic and controllable supply of test tubes to the marking station, significantly improving the automation and reliability of the conveying process.

[0056] Furthermore, the conveying channel 600 includes multiple conveying troughs 610 arranged side by side. Each conveying trough 610 is arranged in a straight line along the Y-axis direction and corresponds to the position of each row of placement troughs 310 in the material tray 300, ensuring that the path of the test tube from clamping to conveying is one-to-one and avoiding misalignment or cross-interference.

[0057] Furthermore, the push rod 620 is arranged horizontally, with its length consistent with the arrangement direction of the conveying trough 610, and there is a longitudinal gap between the bottom of the push rod 620 and the top of the horizontal section 602. This design uses a single integral push rod 620 to act on all test tubes simultaneously, eliminating multiple independent drive mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and control complexity. At the same time, the longitudinal gap also prevents interference between the push rod 620 and the conveying channel 600, ensuring smooth and interference-free pushing action.

[0058] To achieve efficient and automated flow of test tubes between the tray 300 and the conveying channel 600, in this embodiment, a clamping device is also provided on the base 100. This clamping device includes a clamping assembly 700 movably mounted on the support frame 200. The clamping assembly 700 is configured to sequentially clamp test tubes to be labeled, starting from the innermost row of placement slots 310 on the tray 300 and moving outwards row by row, and then transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel 600. This design allows the clamping assembly 700 to directly transfer test tubes to the adjacent conveying channel 600 after each clamping operation, without needing to cross the internal unprocessed test tube area, thus significantly shortening the idle travel distance.

[0059] Furthermore, the clamping device includes a drive module 800, which includes an X-axis drive module 810, a Z-axis drive module 820, and a Y-axis drive module 830, forming a multi-degree-of-freedom motion system to ensure that the clamping assembly 700 can move precisely in three-dimensional space to adapt to the needs of gripping and placing test tubes at different positions and heights.

[0060] Furthermore, the X-axis drive module 810 is mounted on the support frame 200 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 700 to move along the X-axis direction. The Z-axis drive module 820 is movably mounted on the X-axis drive module 810 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 700 to move along the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis drive module 830 is movably mounted on the Z-axis drive module 820 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 700 to move along the Y-axis direction. This design, through the sequential connection of the three-axis modules, constitutes a compact motion system. In this system, only the clamping assembly 700 with a relatively small mass needs to be moved, rather than the entire support frame 200. This not only reduces the power requirements of the drive motor and saves energy, but also indirectly reduces production costs.

[0061] Furthermore, the X-axis drive module 810 includes a first linear guide structure 811 horizontally mounted on the first mounting bracket 210, and a first drive component 812 (such as a stepper motor or servo motor) detachably mounted on the first mounting bracket 210 and connected to the first linear guide structure 811 via a belt structure. Specifically, the first drive component 812 transmits power via a belt or synchronous belt, driving the first slider 813 on the first linear guide structure 811 to move, thereby enabling the Z-axis drive module 820 connected to the first slider 813 to drive the clamping assembly 700 to move smoothly along the X-axis direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the Z-axis drive module 820 includes a second linear guide structure 821 movably and vertically mounted on the first linear guide structure 811, and a second drive member 822 detachably mounted on the first mounting bracket 210 and connected to the second linear guide structure 821. Specifically, the second drive member 822 transmits power via a belt or synchronous belt, driving the second slider 823 on the second linear guide structure 821 to move, thereby enabling the Y-axis drive module 830 connected to the second slider 823 to drive the clamping assembly 700 to move smoothly along the Z-axis direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the Y-axis drive module 830 includes a third linear guide structure 831 movably and vertically mounted on the second linear guide structure 821, and a third drive member 832 detachably mounted on and connected to the third linear guide structure 831. The clamping assembly 700 is movably mounted on the third linear guide structure 831. Specifically, the third drive member 832 transmits power via a belt or synchronous belt, driving the third slider 833 on the third linear guide structure 831 to move, thereby causing the clamping assembly 700 connected to the third slider 833 to move smoothly along the Y-axis direction.

[0064] Furthermore, the clamping assembly 700 includes a mounting base 710 disposed on the Y-axis drive module 830, and multiple grippers 720 disposed on the mounting base 710 that can be opened and closed synchronously. A clearance gap exists between the top of the gripper 720 and the Y-axis drive module 830 to accommodate the top of the clamped test tube. This design enables batch clamping of entire rows of test tubes, greatly improving the efficiency of a single operation. The clearly defined "clearance gap" design provides a safe space for the top of the test tube, fundamentally avoiding the risk of mechanical collision and improving the reliability and safety of the equipment operation.

[0065] Furthermore, the mounting base 710 is equipped with at least two detection sensors 711 and two detection holes 712. The detection sensors 711 are respectively located within the corresponding detection holes 712, and the two detection holes 712 are respectively located above the two outer clamps 720 among the multiple clamps 720, so that the detection range of each detection sensor 711 covers the presence status of the corresponding end test tube. This design adopts a "end-to-end" monitoring strategy, which can effectively monitor the clamping status of the entire row of test tubes with only two sensors. While ensuring detection reliability, it significantly reduces the number of sensors, wiring complexity, and system cost.

[0066] Preferably, the detection sensor 711 is a photoelectric sensor, an optical fiber sensor, or a capacitive proximity switch, used for non-contact detection of whether the test tube has been successfully clamped.

[0067] In this embodiment, an output device 900 is provided below the labeling device 500. The output device 900 is mounted on the base 100 and includes a conveyor belt assembly 910 and a first discharge port 920 and a second discharge port 930 located at both ends of the conveyor belt assembly 910. The conveyor belt assembly 910 is fixedly or movably disposed above the first discharge port 920 and the second discharge port 930, and has a conveyor belt for transporting the labeled test tubes to the first discharge port 920 or the second discharge port 930. This design achieves automatic sorting and output of labeled test tubes, eliminating the need for manual sorting and improving overall efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, when the conveyor belt assembly 910 is movably mounted on the base 100, the entire assembly can be driven by a motor to move between the first discharge port 920 and the second discharge port 930, so that when one of the two discharge ports is in working condition, the other discharge port is blocked, effectively preventing the test tube from falling out of the other discharge port.

[0069] Furthermore, the conveyor belt can be driven by a motor and run continuously or intermittently in a preset direction, transporting the test tubes marked or labeled by the marking device 500 from the marking station to the downstream sorting area one by one.

[0070] Preferably, a receiving box 940 is provided below both the first discharge port 920 and the second discharge port 930 for collecting the sorted test tube samples.

Claims

1. An automated test tube labeling device, characterized in that, include: A support frame is provided with at least one material tray, the material tray has multiple rows of placement slots for positioning test tubes, and the support frame is also provided with a limiting structure located outside the material tray, the limiting structure abutting against the material tray and restricting the movement of the material tray; A labeling device is provided on the adjacent side of the support frame for marking or labeling the test tubes, and a conveying channel is provided between the labeling device and the support frame; A clamping device, comprising a clamping assembly movably disposed on the support frame, the clamping assembly being configured to sequentially clamp the test tubes from the innermost row of placement slots on the tray outwards, and to transfer the clamped test tubes to the conveying channel.

2. The automated test tube labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device includes a drive module, which comprises an X-axis drive module, a Z-axis drive module, and a Y-axis drive module. The X-axis drive module is mounted on the support frame and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the X-axis direction. The Z-axis drive module is movably mounted on the X-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis drive module is movably mounted on the Z-axis drive module and is used to drive the clamping assembly to move along the Y-axis direction.

3. The automated test tube labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a mounting base disposed on the Y-axis drive module, and a plurality of clamps disposed on the mounting base that can be opened and closed synchronously, and there is a clearance between the top of the clamps and the Y-axis drive module for accommodating the top of the clamped test tube.

4. The automated test tube labeling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base is provided with at least two detection sensors and two detection holes. The detection sensors are respectively located in the corresponding detection holes, and the two detection holes are respectively located above the two outermost clamps among the plurality of clamps.

5. An automated test tube labeling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame includes a vertically arranged first mounting frame; the X-axis drive module includes a first linear guide structure horizontally mounted on the first mounting frame, and a first drive component detachably mounted on the first mounting frame and connected to the first linear guide structure; the Z-axis drive module includes a second linear guide structure movably mounted vertically on the first linear guide structure, and a second drive component detachably mounted on the first mounting frame and connected to the second linear guide structure; the Y-axis drive module includes a third linear guide structure movably mounted vertically on the second linear guide structure, and a third drive component detachably mounted on and connected to the third linear guide structure, and the clamping assembly is movably mounted on the third linear guide structure.

6. The automated test tube labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame includes a vertically arranged second mounting frame, on which a plurality of positioning frames are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction. Each positioning frame has a positioning groove adapted to the size of the material tray, and the limiting structure is movably disposed on the outside of the positioning frame, and has a first moving position and a second moving position. When the limiting structure is in the first moving position, it abuts against the upper surface of the material tray in the positioning groove and restricts the movement of the material tray. When the limiting structure is in the second moving position, it separates from the material tray in the positioning groove and releases the restriction on the material tray.

7. An automated test tube labeling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning frame has an installation groove on its outer side. The limiting structure includes a limiting member movably disposed in the installation groove and an elastic member located between the limiting member and the inner wall of the installation groove, with the two ends of the elastic member abutting against the installation groove and the limiting member, respectively.

8. An automated test tube labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying channel includes an inclined section and a horizontal section that are interconnected. The inclined section is located on the side closer to the marking device, and the horizontal section is located on the side closer to the support frame. The height of the horizontal section is less than the length of the test tube. A push rod is movably provided on the side of the horizontal section away from the inclined section. The push rod is configured to push the test tube in the horizontal section toward the inclined section.

9. An automated test tube labeling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conveying channel includes multiple conveying troughs arranged side by side. The push rod is arranged horizontally, and its length is consistent with the arrangement direction of the conveying troughs. There is a longitudinal gap between the bottom of the push rod and the top of the horizontal section.

10. An automated test tube labeling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Below the marking device is an output device, which includes a conveyor belt assembly and a first discharge port and a second discharge port located at both ends of the conveyor belt assembly. The conveyor belt assembly is fixedly or movably disposed above the first discharge port and the second discharge port, and has a conveyor belt for transporting the marked test tube to the first discharge port or the second discharge port.

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