A specimen tube transfer and distribution device and a specimen tube sorting apparatus

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of medical logistics equipment, specifically discloses a specimen tube transfer and distribution device and specimen tube sorting equipment. The utility model makes specimen tube directly and continuously lead into the distribution pipe of high speed swing through the transfer hopper and the rotating sleeve. The lower end of the distribution pipe can be aligned with different distribution ports on the distribution disc through fast and accurate angle rotation, realizing the selective distribution of specimen tube. This process does not need to rely on the frequent start and stop of the conveyor belt or the accurate synchronization with the mechanical poking mechanism, realizes the nearly continuous sorting operation, greatly shortens the sorting period of single specimen tube, can efficiently cope with the distribution demand of large quantities of specimen tubes continuously arriving from the high-speed transmission of air logistics system and the like, and the overall sorting efficiency is significantly improved. The utility model significantly reduces the number of parts, makes the device structure more simple and compact in overall layout, and effectively reduces the volume and floor area of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical logistics equipment technology, and relates to a specimen tube transfer and distribution device and a specimen tube sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern hospital operations, medical logistics and transportation systems have become crucial facilities for the automated and rapid flow of medicines, specimen tubes, and other items between departments and floors within the hospital. This is especially true for specimen tubes such as blood collection tubes, where the timeliness of pre-test transport is extremely important. Current technology widely utilizes pneumatic transport systems for this purpose. These systems use compressed air to drive the transport carriers containing specimen tubes at high speeds within sealed pipelines, significantly improving transport efficiency and meeting the urgent need for rapid specimen delivery to the laboratory.

[0003] However, when large quantities of specimen tubes are centrally transported to the receiving end (such as the pre-processing area of ​​the laboratory) via a high-speed pneumatic system, a common technical challenge arises: how to efficiently and accurately classify the mixed specimen tubes so that those requiring the same type of testing are grouped together and sent to the corresponding analytical instruments or temporary storage areas. Currently, common sorting methods often employ motor-driven movable paddles or push rods installed beside the conveyor belt. When a specimen tube moves to a designated station with the conveyor belt, the paddle is controlled to push it into the corresponding collection bin. This type of mechanical sorting structure has significant shortcomings: firstly, the drive and control structure is relatively complex, requiring an independent actuator for each sorting exit; secondly, multiple parallel mechanical mechanisms result in a large overall equipment size, occupying considerable space; and thirdly, the sorting action relies on the intermittent stops or precise synchronization of the conveyor belt, limiting the sorting cycle time and resulting in low overall sorting efficiency, making it difficult to cope with the continuous influx of large quantities of specimen tubes.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a specimen tube sorting solution that is more efficient, simpler in structure, and more compact in space, so as to connect with the high-speed logistics transmission system and realize rapid and automated diversion and transfer of specimen tubes after receipt. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose a specimen tube transfer and distribution device and a specimen tube sorting equipment to improve sorting efficiency and simplify the structure to make the space more compact.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: A specimen tube transfer and dispensing device, comprising: The transfer hopper has a feed inlet at its upper end and a discharge nozzle at its lower end that communicates with the feed inlet. A support base with a rotating sleeve rotatably connected to it. The inside of the rotating sleeve is a hollow cavity, and the upper end of the rotating sleeve corresponds to the discharge nozzle. The material distribution pipe has its upper end connected to the lower end of the rotating sleeve, and the lower end of the material distribution pipe is bent relative to the upper end. The material distribution tray has several material distribution ports along its edge; The rotating drive mechanism causes the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the support base; Among them, the rotating sleeve rotates at a set angle relative to the support base, and the lower end of the material distribution pipe can be selectively matched with the material distribution port; A conveying pipe, one end of which is connected to a dispensing port; The material bin is connected to the other end of the conveying pipe.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a transfer conveyor belt, the unloading end of which is located at the feed inlet of the transfer hopper.

[0008] Preferably, the transfer conveyor belt includes a support frame, a drive roller, a driven roller, a belt, and a belt motor; The two opposite ends of the support frame are respectively rotatably connected to a drive roller and a driven roller, and a belt is connected between the drive roller and the driven roller. The belt motor is mounted on the support frame, and the output shaft of the belt motor is powered by the drive roller.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a transfer plate, which is disposed on the support frame and the end of the transfer plate is located above the belt.

[0010] Preferably, the rotation drive mechanism includes a rotation motor and a gearbox; The output shaft of the rotating motor is connected to the input end of the gearbox, and the output end of the gearbox is connected to the rotating sleeve.

[0011] Preferably, several dispensing ports at the edge of the dispensing disc are located on the same circumference.

[0012] A specimen tube sorting device, wherein the specimen tube sorting device is equipped with the above-mentioned specimen tube transfer and distribution device.

[0013] As described above, this utility model relates to a specimen tube transfer and sorting device. When applied to specimen tube sorting equipment, by optimizing the overall structure and sorting process, the following beneficial technical effects can be achieved: 1. This utility model enables specimen tubes to be directly and continuously fed into a high-speed oscillating sorting tube via a transfer hopper and a rotating sleeve. The lower end of the sorting tube rotates rapidly and precisely at an angle to align with different sorting ports on the sorting tray, allowing for selective sorting of the specimen tubes. This process eliminates the need for frequent start-stop cycles of the conveyor belt or precise synchronization with mechanical actuation mechanisms, achieving near-continuous sorting operations. This significantly shortens the sorting cycle for individual specimen tubes and efficiently handles the need for sorting large quantities of specimen tubes arriving continuously from high-speed pneumatic logistics systems, resulting in a significant improvement in overall sorting efficiency.

[0014] 2. This utility model replaces the complex mechanical actuators such as motors, paddles, or push rods that are independently set at each sorting outlet in the prior art by setting a rotating sleeve and a bent sorting tube that can be used as a whole. The entire sorting action is driven by a single rotating drive mechanism (rotating motor and gearbox), which significantly reduces the number of parts, makes the device structure simpler and the overall layout more compact, and effectively reduces the size and floor space of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional representation of a partial structure of the specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional representation of a partial structure of the specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a front view of the rotating drive mechanism, material distribution pipe, and other structures in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Sectional view of AA; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the transfer conveyor belt according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a top view of the conveyor belt according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0018] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the specimen tube transfer and distribution device of this embodiment includes a transfer hopper 1, a support base 2, a distribution pipe 3, a distribution disc 4, a rotation drive mechanism, a conveying pipe 5, and a material box 6.

[0024] The upper end of the transfer hopper 1 is provided with a feed inlet 11, and the lower end of the transfer hopper 1 is provided with a discharge nozzle 12, which is connected to the feed inlet 11.

[0025] A rotating sleeve 21 is rotatably connected to the support base 2. The interior of the rotating sleeve 21 is a hollow cavity, and the upper end of the rotating sleeve 21 corresponds to the discharge nozzle 12. There is a gap between the upper end of the rotating sleeve 21 and the discharge nozzle 12, or the upper end of the rotating sleeve 21 and the discharge nozzle 12 are precisely fitted together.

[0026] The upper end of the material distribution pipe 3 is connected to the lower end of the rotating sleeve 21, and the lower end of the material distribution pipe 3 is bent relative to the upper end. Several material distribution ports 41 are provided on the edge of the material distribution plate 4. In this embodiment, 12 material distribution ports 41 are provided on the edge of the material distribution plate 4. Each material distribution port 41 is located on the same circumference and is arranged at equal intervals.

[0027] The rotating drive mechanism drives the rotating sleeve 21 to rotate relative to the support base 2, thereby causing the lower end of the dispensing pipe 3 to swing. The rotating sleeve 21 rotates at a set angle relative to the support base 2, allowing the lower end of the dispensing pipe 3 to selectively correspond to one of the dispensing ports 41. In this embodiment, the rotating sleeve 21 rotates 30° relative to the support base 2, causing the lower end of the dispensing pipe 3 to swing from one dispensing port 41 to an adjacent dispensing port 41.

[0028] One end of the conveying pipe 5 is connected to the material distribution port 41, and the other end of the conveying pipe 5 is connected to the material box 6.

[0029] The rotation drive mechanism includes a rotation motor 71 and a gearbox 72. The output shaft of the rotation motor 71 is connected to the input end of the gearbox 72 via a coupling, and the output end of the gearbox 72 is connected to a rotating sleeve 21. The output end of the gearbox 72 is a hollow structure that runs through both the top and bottom, and the rotating sleeve 21 is located inside the output end of the gearbox 72.

[0030] The rotation angle of the rotating sleeve 21 and the dispensing tube 3 is precisely controlled by the rotation drive mechanism (e.g., rotating 30° each time to correspond to the adjacent dispensing port 41), ensuring that the lower end of the dispensing tube 3 can be stably and accurately aligned with the target dispensing port 41. Under the guidance of gravity and pipeline, the specimen tube falls directly into the designated material box 6 through the closed and smooth path of the rotating sleeve 21, dispensing tube 3, and conveying tube 5, avoiding tube jamming, impact, or tipping that may be caused by mechanical manipulation, thus improving the reliability of the sorting action and the safety of specimen tube transportation.

[0031] The unloading end of the transfer conveyor belt is located at the inlet 11 of the transfer hopper 1, so that the specimen tubes can be transferred to the inlet 11 by the transfer conveyor belt. The transfer conveyor belt realizes automatic connection with the previous link (such as the material handling device), forming a continuous production line of receiving, transferring and sorting.

[0032] Specifically, the conveyor belt 8 includes a support frame 81, a drive roller 82, a driven roller 83, a belt 84, and a belt motor 85. The drive roller 82 and the driven roller 83 are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the support frame 81, and the belt 84 connects the drive roller 82 and the driven roller 83. The belt motor 85 is mounted on the support frame 81, and its output shaft is powered by the drive roller 82. The rotation of the output shaft of the belt motor 85 drives the drive roller 82 to rotate, which in turn drives the belt 84. The specimen tubes on the belt 84 are transported by the belt 84 to the feed inlet 11 of the hopper 1.

[0033] The transfer plate 86 is mounted on the support frame 81, and the end of the transfer plate 86 is located above the belt 84. After the specimen tube falls onto the transfer plate 86, the transfer plate 86 transfers the specimen tube onto the belt 84.

[0034] The specimen tube transfer and distribution device in this embodiment operates as follows: The conveyor belt transports the specimen tubes to the inlet 11 of the transfer hopper 1, from where they fall to the outlet 12. At this time, the rotating motor 71 drives the rotating sleeve 21 to rotate relative to the support base 2 to a set angle, and the lower end of the distribution pipe 3 corresponds to a distribution port 41. The specimen tube enters the rotating sleeve 21 from the outlet 12, continues through the distribution pipe 3 into a conveying pipe 5, and finally enters the material box 6 connected to the conveying pipe 5.

[0035] A specimen tube sorting device is provided, wherein the specimen tube sorting device is equipped with the specimen tube transfer and distribution device described above in this embodiment.

[0036] The present embodiment has now been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art should have a clear understanding of the specimen tube transfer and dispensing device of this utility model. Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of this utility model using the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model and should be protected by this utility model.

Claims

1. A specimen tube transfer and dispensing device, characterized in that, include: The transfer hopper has a feed inlet at its upper end and a discharge nozzle at its lower end that communicates with the feed inlet. A support base with a rotating sleeve rotatably connected to it. The inside of the rotating sleeve is a hollow cavity, and the upper end of the rotating sleeve corresponds to the discharge nozzle. The material distribution pipe has its upper end connected to the lower end of the rotating sleeve, and the lower end of the material distribution pipe is bent relative to the upper end. The material distribution tray has several material distribution ports along its edge; The rotating drive mechanism causes the rotating sleeve to rotate relative to the support base; Among them, the rotating sleeve rotates at a set angle relative to the support base, and the lower end of the material distribution pipe can be selectively matched with the material distribution port; A conveying pipe, one end of which is connected to a dispensing port; The material bin is connected to the other end of the conveying pipe.

2. The specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a transfer conveyor belt, the unloading end of which is located at the feed inlet of the transfer hopper.

3. The specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer conveyor belt includes a support frame, drive rollers, passive rollers, belt, and belt motor; The two opposite ends of the support frame are respectively rotatably connected to a drive roller and a driven roller, and a belt is connected between the drive roller and the driven roller. The belt motor is mounted on the support frame, and the output shaft of the belt motor is powered by the drive roller.

4. The specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a transfer plate, which is mounted on a support frame and has its end positioned above the belt.

5. The specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation drive mechanism includes a rotation motor and a gearbox; The output shaft of the rotating motor is connected to the input end of the gearbox, and the output end of the gearbox is connected to the rotating sleeve.

6. The specimen tube transfer and distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several dispensing ports on the edge of the dispensing tray are located on the same circumference.

7. A specimen tube sorting device, characterized in that, The specimen tube sorting equipment is equipped with the specimen tube transfer and distribution device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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