Tube transfer grip tool

Abstract

This tube transfer grip tool for transferring tubes, which are defined as lid-capped bodies and accommodate a solution, comprises: a first member including a first body part that extends in a first direction and a first grip part that protrudes from a first end portion of the first body part in a second direction; a second member facing the first member, and including a second body part that extends in the first direction and a second grip part that protrudes from a first end portion of the second body part in a third direction opposite to the second direction; and an elastic member positioned between the second end portion of the first body part and the second end portion of the second body part, wherein a body of the tube has a protruding part that protrudes from the side surface of the body and, when the grip tool for transferring the tube holds the tubes, the upper surface of each of the first and second grip parts supports the protruding part of the tube.

Description

Grip tool for tube transfer

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping tool for tube transport. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gripping tool for tube transport that transports tubes arranged in one direction.

[0002] In an automated production system, tubes in a semi-finished state can be transported via conveyors to multiple processing devices to be produced as finished products. A system that uses all processing devices to produce tubes is defined as a fully automated system, while a system that uses only some processing devices and involves manual labor is defined as a semi-automated system.

[0003] For example, a semi-automated system can be used in a workplace with relatively low production volume or without a fully automated system. In a semi-automated system, a tube may include a body and a cap, and a worker may manually dispense a solution into the body of the tube using a dispensing device. After the worker dispenses the solution into the body of the tube, the worker may cap the body with a cap (e.g., primary capping) and place the tube containing the solution in a tube storage box. The tube storage box may have a plurality of spaces in a grid shape, and the worker may repeatedly perform the aforementioned operation to fill all the spaces with tubes. The worker may then place the tube storage box containing the tubes adjacent to a tube supply device (e.g., a conveyor), and then manually supply the tubes to the supply port of the tube supply device. Here, the tubes supplied to the tube supply device may undergo a secondary capping process, a capping defect inspection process, a dispensing defect inspection process, a labeling process, etc., to produce finished tubes.

[0004] However, in the process of a worker manually supplying tubes located in a tube storage box to a supply section of a tube supply device, it may not be easy for the worker to hold tubes of relatively small size by hand, it takes a relatively long time for the worker to repeatedly move a large quantity of tubes from the tube storage box to the tube supply device, and there is a problem of the worker dropping the tubes while moving them.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a grip tool for tube transport.

[0006] However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described purpose, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0007] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, in a grip tool for transporting tubes in which a body with a cap is defined as a tube and a solution is contained, the grip tool for transporting tubes according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a first member including a first body portion extending in a first direction and a first grip portion protruding in a second direction from a first end of the first body portion, a second body portion extending in the first direction and a second grip portion protruding in a third direction opposite to the second direction from the first end of the second body portion, a second member facing the first member, and an elastic member positioned between the second end of the first body portion and the second end of the second body portion, and a protrusion protruding from a side surface of the body of the tube is formed, and when the grip tool for transporting tubes grips the tubes, the upper surfaces of each of the first and second grip portions can be configured to support the protrusion of the tube.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the side surface of the body of the tube may come into contact with the inner surface of each of the first and second grip portions.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first grip portion and the second grip portion may be spaced apart by a first distance, and the first distance may be less than a diameter of the protrusion of the tube.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first grip portion and the second grip portion are spaced apart by a first distance, and the first distance may be less than or equal to a diameter of the body of the tube.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transfer grip tool grips the tubes, the tubes can be positioned along a fourth direction orthogonal to the second and third directions in a spaced-apart empty space between the first and second grip portions.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the first member may further include a first blocking portion that protrudes in the second direction from both sides of the first grip portion and blocks tubes positioned in the spaced-apart space between the first and second grip portions from escaping to the outside.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the second member may further include a second blocking portion that protrudes in the third direction from both sides of the second grip portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion may be in contact with each other, and when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion may be spaced apart from each other.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the first member may further include a third blocking portion that protrudes in the second direction from the inner surface of the first body portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the tube transport tool may further include a hinge axis positioned between the first member and the second member, a first hinge connection member fixed to an inner surface of the first body portion and connected to the hinge axis, and a second hinge connection member fixed to both sides of the inner surface of the second body portion and connected to the hinge axis.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, a first groove is formed on an inner surface of the first body portion, a second groove is formed on an inner surface of the second body portion, the first and second grooves face each other, and the elastic member may have both sides of the elastic member positioned in the first and second grooves.

[0018] In order to achieve the object of the present invention described above, in a grip tool for transporting tubes in which a body with a cap is defined as a tube and a solution is contained, a grip tool for transporting tubes is provided, the grip tool for transporting tubes according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprises a first member including a first body part extending in a first direction, a first grip part protruding in a second direction from a first end of the first body part, a first blocking part protruding in the second direction from both sides of the first grip part and blocking tubes positioned in an empty space where the first and second grip parts are spaced from escaping to the outside, and a third blocking part protruding in the second direction from an inner surface of the first body part and blocking tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip parts are spaced from escaping in a direction opposite to the first direction, a second body part extending in the first direction, a second grip part protruding in a third direction opposite to the second direction from the first end of the second body part, and a third blocking part protruding from both sides of the second grip part The tubes may include a second blocking member that protrudes in the direction and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip parts are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside, a second member facing the first member, and an elastic member positioned between the second end of the first body part and the second end of the second body part.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the body of the tube may be formed with a protrusion protruding from a side of the body, and when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the upper surface of each of the first and second grip portions may be configured to support the protrusion of the tube.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the side surface of the body of the tube may come into contact with the inner surface of each of the first and second grip portions.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a grip tool for transporting a tube includes first and second grip portions, so that while the tubes located in an empty space are gripped, the protrusions of each of the tubes can be supported from the upper surfaces of the first and second grip portions while the side surfaces of each of the tubes come into contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second grip portions. In addition, since the grip tool for transporting a tube includes first to third blocking portions, the tubes located in an empty space can be prevented from escaping to the outside while the tubes are gripped. Accordingly, the grip tool for transporting a tube can stably transport the tubes located in an empty space.

[0022] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a grip tool for transporting a tube according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the grip tool for transporting the tube of Figure 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the first and second members included in the tube transfer grip tool of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one section of the first and second members included in the tube transfer grip tool of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a tube being transported through the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which the tube transfer grip tool of Fig. 1 holds tubes.

[0029] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings showing other examples of the grip tool for transporting the tube of Figure 1.

[0030] Figures 9 and 10 are drawings showing another example of the grip tool for transporting the tube of Figure 1.

[0031] FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14 are drawings showing a tube transfer method of a grip tool for tube transfer according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a grip tool for transporting a tube and a method for transporting a tube using the grip tool according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In the attached drawings, identical or similar components are designated by identical or similar reference numerals.

[0033] In this specification, specific structural and functional descriptions are merely exemplified for the purpose of explaining embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. When a component is described as being “connected to” or “in contact with” another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or in contact with the other component, but there may also be another component in between. Furthermore, when a component is described as being “directly connected to” or “in direct contact with” another component, it can be understood that there is no another component in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as “between” and “directly between” or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to”, can be interpreted similarly.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, it should be understood that the terms “comprise,” “include,” or “have” specify the presence of an implemented feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0035] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0036] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second" or "third" component, and similarly, a "second" or "third" component could be referred to interchangeably.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube transport grip tool according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining first and second members included in the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one section of the first and second members included in the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a tube being transported through the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1 grips tubes. For example, FIG. 2a is a side view of the tube transport grip tool, FIG. 2b is a top view of the tube transport grip tool, and FIG. 2c is a bottom view of the tube transport grip tool. In addition, Fig. 3a is a perspective view showing the first member, the first hinge connecting members, the hinge shaft, and the hinge fixing member, and Fig. 3b is a perspective view showing the second member and the second hinge connecting members. In addition, Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube is not gripped, Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube is gripped, and Figs. 4c and 4d are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the tube is blocked by the third blocking member. Furthermore, Fig. 5a is a drawing for explaining the tube, and Fig. 5b is a drawing showing the diameter of the protrusion of the tube and the diameter of the body of the tube.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, a grip tool (100) for feeding a tube may include a first member (200), a second member (300), an elastic member (400), a first hinge connection member (410), a hinge shaft (430), a second hinge connection member (450), a hinge fixing member (470), etc. Here, the first member (200) may include a first body portion (210), a first grip portion (230), a first blocking portion (250), and a third blocking portion (270), and a first groove (205) may be formed on an inner surface of the first body portion (210). Moreover, the second member (300) may include a second body portion (310), a second grip portion (330), and a second blocking portion (350), and a second groove (305) may be formed on the inner surface of the second body portion (310). Here, the first groove (205) and the second groove (305) may face each other.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the tube (10) may include a body (22) and a cap (27). The body (22) may have a cylindrical shape, and a protrusion (25) may be formed on a side of the body (22) (e.g., a neck of the tube). In addition, the body (22) may be capped (or sealed) with a cap (27). Furthermore, a liquid solution (30) may be contained in the body (22). The body (22) capped with the cap (27) may be defined as a tube (10), and a tube transport grip tool (100) may transport tubes (10) containing the solution (30).

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 5b, the diameter of the protrusion (25) is defined as the first diameter (b1), and the maximum diameter of the body (22) is defined as the second diameter (b2). In exemplary embodiments, the first diameter (b1) may be larger than the second diameter (b2). In addition, the diameter of the body (22) may gradually decrease from the lid (27) toward the bottom surface of the body (22), and the diameter of the body (22) located below the protrusion (25) may be defined as the maximum diameter, and the diameter of the bottom surface of the body (22) may be defined as the minimum diameter.

[0041] Referring back to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the first body portion (210) may extend in a first direction (D1), and an inner surface of the first body portion (210) and an inner surface of the second body portion (310) may face each other. The first body portion (210) may include a first end and a second end, and a width of the first end of the first body portion (210) may be greater than a width of the second end of the first body portion (210). For example, the width of each of the first and second ends of the first body portion (210) is defined as a length extending in a direction orthogonal to the first direction (D1) (e.g., a fourth direction (D4) or a fifth direction (D5) opposite to the fourth direction (D4)). Additionally, the first end of the first body part (210) may be adjacent to a portion where the tube (10) is gripped, and the second end of the first body part (210) may be adjacent to a portion where a worker holds a grip tool (100) for transporting the tube by hand.

[0042] The first grip portion (230) may protrude from the first end of the first body portion (210) in a second direction (D2) orthogonal to the first direction (D1). As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first grip portion (230) may include an upper surface (231) and an inner surface (232). In exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips the tube (10), the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) may be supported by the upper surface (231) of the first grip portion (230), and a side surface of the body (22) of the tube (10) (e.g., a side surface of the body (22) positioned below the protrusion (25)) may be brought into contact with the inner surface (232) of the first grip portion (230). In other words, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) grips the tube (10), the upper surface (231) of the first grip portion (230) may be configured to support the protrusion (25) of the tube (10), and the inner surface (232) of the first grip portion (230) may be configured to contact the side surface of the tube (10). The first blocking portion (250) may protrude in the second direction (D2) from both sides of the first grip portion (230). In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) grips the tube (10), the first blocking portion (250) may block the tube (10) so that the tube (10) does not escape to the outside (or in the fourth direction (D4) and the fifth direction (D5)).

[0043] The third blocking portion (270) may be positioned on the first blocking portion (250), and the third blocking portion (270) may protrude in the second direction (D2) from the inner surface of the first body portion (210). In exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4c, when the tube transport gripping tool (100) grips the tube (10), the third blocking portion (270) may block the tube (10) so that the tube (10) does not escape in the sixth direction (D6) opposite to the first direction (D1). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4d, when the bottom surface of the tube (10) is moved in the sixth direction (D6) due to an external impact during the process of the tube transfer grip tool (100) transferring the tube (10), the third blocking portion (270) can block the tube (10) so that the tube (10) does not escape in the sixth direction (D6) opposite to the first direction (D1). Furthermore, the first body portion (210), the first grip portion (230), the first blocking portion (250), and the third blocking portion (270) can be formed integrally.

[0044] The second body portion (310) may extend in a first direction (D1). The second body portion (310) may include a first end and a second end, and the width of the first end of the second body portion (310) may be greater than the width of the second end of the second body portion (310). For example, the width of each of the first and second ends of the second body portion (310) is defined as a length extending in the fourth direction (D4) (or the fifth direction (D5)). In addition, the first end of the second body portion (310) may be adjacent to a portion where the tube (10) is gripped, and the second end of the second body portion (310) may be adjacent to a portion where a worker holds a tube transport grip tool (100) by hand.

[0045] The second grip portion (330) may protrude from the first end of the second body portion (310) in a third direction (D3) opposite to the second direction (D2). As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the second grip portion (330) may include an upper surface (331) and an inner surface (332). In exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips the tube (10), the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) may be supported by the upper surface (331) of the second grip portion (330), and a side surface of the body (22) of the tube (10) (e.g., a side surface of the body (22) located below the protrusion (25)) may be brought into contact with the inner surface (332) of the second grip portion (330). In other words, when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips the tube (10), the upper surface (331) of the second grip portion (330) may be configured to support the protrusion (25) of the tube (10), and the inner surface (332) of the second grip portion (330) may be configured to contact the side surface of the tube (10). In addition, the upper surface (231) and the inner surface (232) of the first grip portion (230) and the upper surface (331) and the inner surface (332) of the second grip portion (330) may be symmetrical left and right about the first direction (D1) (or the sixth direction (D6)). In other words, the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330) may face each other.

[0046] The second blocking portion (350) may protrude in the third direction (D3) from both sides of the second grip portion (330). In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transport gripping tool (100) grips the tube (10), the second blocking portion (350) may block the tube (10) so that the tube (10) does not escape to the outside (or in the fourth direction (D4) and fifth direction (D5)). In addition, the second body portion (310), the second grip portion (330), and the second blocking portion (350) may be formed integrally.

[0047] Each of the first and second members (200, 300) may include a plastic such as polyether ether ketone PEEK, polyacrylether ketone PAEK, polyether imide PEI, polyether sulfone PES, etc. Optionally, each of the first and second members (200, 300) may include a metal material such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Nb), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), an alloy such as an alloy containing aluminum, an alloy containing silver, an alloy containing copper, an alloy containing molybdenum, and a metal nitride such as aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten nitride (WN), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), tantalum nitride (TaN), and the like.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2c and 4a, when the tube transport grip tool (100) does not grip the tubes (10), the first and second grip portions (230, 330) may be spaced apart in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)), and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) may be in contact with each other (see FIG. 11a). The space defined by the first and second grip portions (230, 330) and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) is defined as an empty space (110) (see FIGS. 1b and 2c). Here, the distance (e.g., the distance at which the first and second grip portions (230, 330) are spaced apart) in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)) of the empty space (110) is defined as the first distance (a1) (see FIGS. 2c and 4a). The first distance (a1) may be smaller than the diameter (b1) of the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) and may be smaller than or equal to the diameter (b2) of the body (22) of the tube (10). For example, when the first distance (a1) of the grip tool (100) for feeding tubes is smaller than the diameter (b2) of the body (22) of the tube (10), the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can contact each other when the tubes (10) are not gripped (see FIG. 11a), and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can be spaced apart when the tubes (10) are gripped (see FIG. 11c). In contrast, when the first distance (a1) of the grip tool (100) for feeding tubes is equal to the diameter (b2) of the body (22) of the tube (10), the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can contact each other when the tubes (10) are not gripped and when the tubes (10) are gripped.

[0049] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the tube transport grip tool (100) can grip the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) (or the fifth direction (D5)) through the empty space (110). In other words, when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips the tubes (10), the tubes (10) can be positioned along the fourth direction (D4) in the empty space (110) where the first and second grip portions (230, 330) are spaced apart.

[0050] In addition, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) grips the tubes (10), the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) can block the tubes (10) located in the spaced-apart empty space (110) so that the tubes (10) do not escape to the outside. Here, even if the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) are spaced apart while the tube transfer grip tool (100) grips the tubes (10) (see FIG. 11c), the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) can block the tubes (10) because the spaced-apart space is relatively smaller than the diameter of the body (22) of the tube (10).

[0051] In addition, when the grip tool (100) for tube transport grips the tubes (10), the third blocking part (270) can block the tubes (10) positioned in the empty space (110) where the first and second grip parts (230, 330) are spaced apart from each other so that the tubes (10) do not escape in the sixth direction (D6).

[0052] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4b, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) is holding the tubes (10), the protrusions (25) of each of the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) are supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), and the side surfaces (i.e., the side surfaces of the body (22)) of each of the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) can come into contact with the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). In this case, when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips and transports the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) by simultaneously contacting the protrusions (25) and the side surfaces of each of the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) with the upper surfaces (231, 331) and the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), the tubes (10) arranged in the fourth direction (D4) can be transported stably.

[0053] In other exemplary embodiments, when the protrusion (25) is not formed on the tube (10), the diameter of the cap (27) of the tube (10) may be larger than the diameter (b2) of the body (22) (see FIG. 5b). In this case, the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) may support the lower portion of the cap (27).

[0054] In other exemplary embodiments, a buffer member may be positioned on the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) to protect the side surfaces of the tube (10). The buffer member may include a material having relatively low friction. For example, when a worker positions the tubes (10) in the empty space (110) by spreading the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330) of the tube transport grip tool (100), and then grips the tubes (10) through the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330), as shown in FIG. 4c, after the upper surface of each of the tubes (10) comes into contact with the third blocking portion (270), the tubes (10) can be gripped, and as shown in FIG. 4b, the tubes (10) can move in the first direction (D1) so that the protrusions (25) of each of the tubes (10) can be supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). If the buffer member includes a material having relatively high friction, the tubes (10) may not be able to move in the first direction (D1), so the buffer member must include a material having relatively low friction so that the tubes (10) can easily move in the first direction (D1).

[0055] However, although the tube transfer grip tool (100) in FIG. 6 is illustrated as holding 10 tubes (10), the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the maximum number of tubes (10) that the tube transfer grip tool (100) in FIG. 6 can hold is 10, and the maximum number of tubes (10) that the tube transfer grip tool (100) can hold can be changed by changing the length of the fourth direction (D4) (or fifth direction (D5)) of the empty space (110) or changing the size of the tube transfer grip tool (100).

[0056] The elastic member (400) may be positioned between the second end of the first body portion (210) and the second end of the second body portion (310), and may extend in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)). In other words, both sides of the elastic member (400) may be positioned in the first groove (205) of the first body portion (210) and the second groove (305) of the second body portion (310). For example, a worker may move the second end of the first member (200) in the second direction (D2) and the second end of the second member (300) in the third direction (D3) to grip the tubes (10) using a tube transfer grip tool (100) (see FIGS. 11a and 11b). In this case, the elastic member (400) can be compressed, and the elastic member (400) can provide an elastic restoring force so that the second end of each of the first and second members (200, 300) returns to its original position. The elastic member (400) can include a compression spring. For example, the compression spring can be an open coil helical spring that provides resistance to a compression force applied in the axial direction.

[0057] However, although the elastic member (400) of the present invention has been described as a compression spring, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic member (400) may include a torsion spring, an extension spring, or the like.

[0058] Here, gripping means an action in which a worker positions a tube (10) in an empty space (110) of a tube transfer grip tool (100) using a tube transfer grip tool (100), and the gripping does not mean fixing the tubes (10) so that they do not move in the empty space (110) by pressing the side of the tube (10) with a relatively large force by the inner surfaces (232, 233) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). For example, while the inner surfaces (232, 233) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) and the side surfaces of the tubes (10) are in contact, the lower portions of each of the tubes (10) in the empty space (110) (for example, a portion adjacent to the bottom surface of the tube (10)) may slightly shake in the fourth direction (D4) and the fifth direction (D5). That is, the force applied to the side of the tube (10) from the inner surfaces (232, 233) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) can be relatively small, and the inner surfaces (232, 233) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) can guide the tubes (10) so that the tubes (10) do not shake in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 11a, the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can come into contact with each other when the tube transport grip tool (100) does not grip the tubes (10), and as illustrated in FIG. 11c, the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can be spaced apart when the tube transport grip tool (100) grips the tubes (10). The elastic restoring force of the elastic member (400) corresponding to the spaced apart space can be transmitted to the side surfaces of the tubes (10) by the inner surfaces (232, 233) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), and the elastic restoring force can be relatively small.

[0059] A hinge axis (430) may be positioned between the first body portion (210) and the second body portion (310) under the elastic member (400), and the hinge axis (430) may extend in the fourth direction (D4) (or the fifth direction (D5)). The hinge axis (430) may include a metal material, an alloy, a metal nitride, or the like.

[0060] First hinge connecting members (410) may be fixed to the inner surface of the first body portion (210). The first hinge connecting members (410) may be connected to a hinge axis (430). By connecting the first hinge connecting members (410) to the hinge axis (430), the first member (200) may partially rotate about the hinge axis (430).

[0061] However, although the number of first hinge connecting members (410) of the present invention is illustrated as being two, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one first hinge connecting member (410) may be fixed to the inner surface of the first member (200), and one first hinge connecting member (410) may be connected to the hinge shaft (430).

[0062] Second hinge connecting members (450) may be respectively fixed to both sides of the inner surface of the second body part (310). The second hinge connecting members (450) may be connected to the hinge axis (430), and the first hinge connecting members (410) may be positioned between the second hinge connecting members (450). By connecting the second hinge connecting members (450) to the hinge axis (430), the second member (300) may partially rotate about the hinge axis (430). Each of the first and second hinge connecting members (410, 450) may include a metal material, an alloy, a metal nitride, or the like.

[0063] A hinge fixing member (470) may be positioned on both sides of the hinge axis (430). The hinge fixing member (470) may be fixed to the hinge axis (430) so that the hinge axis (430) is not separated to the outside (or in the fourth or fifth directions (D4, D5)). The hinge fixing member (470) may include a metal material, an alloy, a metal nitride, or the like.

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the grip tool (100) for transporting a tube includes first and second grip portions (230, 330), so that while the side surfaces of each of the tubes (10) are in contact with the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330) in a state where the tubes (10) located in the empty space (110) are gripped, the protrusions (25) of each of the tubes (10) can be supported from the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). In addition, since the grip tool (100) for transporting a tube includes first to third blocking portions (250, 350, 270), the tubes (10) located in the empty space (110) can be prevented from escaping to the outside. Accordingly, the grip tool (100) for tube transport can stably transport the tubes (10) located in the empty space (110).

[0065] FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings showing other examples of the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1. The tube transport grip tool (700) illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may have a configuration substantially the same as or similar to the tube transport grip tool (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, except for the shapes of the first and second blocking portions. In FIGS. 7 and 8, overlapping descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 are omitted. For example, FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tube transport grip tool, and FIGS. 8 are side views of the tube transport grip tool.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a grip tool (700) for transporting a tube may include a first member (200), a second member (300), an elastic member (400), a first hinge connection member (410), a hinge shaft (430), a second hinge connection member (450), a hinge fixing member (470), etc. Here, the first member (200) may include a first body portion (210), a first grip portion (230), a first blocking portion (250), and a third blocking portion (270), and a first groove (205) may be formed on an inner surface of the first body portion (210). Moreover, the second member (300) may include a second body portion (310), a second grip portion (330), and a second blocking portion (350), and a second groove (305) may be formed on the inner surface of the second body portion (310).

[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8a, when the tube transport grip tool (700) does not grip the tubes (10), the first and second grip portions (230, 330) can be spaced apart in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)), and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) can be spaced apart in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)).

[0068] In the grip tool (700) for tube transport according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) are spaced apart in the second direction (D2) without holding the tubes (10), a force corresponding to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member (400) may not be transmitted to the first and second blocking parts (250, 350). Accordingly, the shapes of the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) may not be deformed, and the contact surfaces of the first and second blocking parts (250, 350) may not be worn.

[0069] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing another example of the tube transport grip tool of FIG. 1. The tube transport grip tool (800) illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may have a configuration substantially the same as or similar to the tube transport grip tool (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, except for the first and second depression patterns of the first and second grip portions. In FIGS. 9 and 10, overlapping descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 are omitted. For example, FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the tube transport grip tool, and FIGS. 10 are side views of the tube transport grip tool.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a grip tool (800) for transporting a tube may include a first member (200), a second member (300), an elastic member (400), a first hinge connection member (410), a hinge shaft (430), a second hinge connection member (450), a hinge fixing member (470), etc. Here, the first member (200) may include a first body portion (210), a first grip portion (230), a first blocking portion (250), and a third blocking portion (270), and a first groove (205) may be formed on an inner surface of the first body portion (210). Moreover, the second member (300) may include a second body portion (310), a second grip portion (330), and a second blocking portion (350), and a second groove (305) may be formed on the inner surface of the second body portion (310).

[0071] The first grip portion (230) may protrude from the first end of the first body portion (210) in a second direction (D2) orthogonal to the first direction (D1). The first grip portion (230) may include an upper surface (231) and an inner surface (232). In exemplary embodiments, the inner surface (232) of the first grip portion (230) may have a first depressed pattern (280) formed thereon. In addition, when the tube transport grip tool (800) grips the tube (10), a relatively large area of ​​the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) may be supported by the upper surface (231) of the first grip portion (230), and a relatively large area of ​​the side surface of the body (22) of the tube (10) may be in contact with the inner surface (232) of the first grip portion (230).

[0072] The inner surface (332) of the second grip portion (330) may have a second depression pattern (380) formed thereon. In addition, when the tube transport grip tool (800) grips the tube (10), a relatively large area of ​​the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) may be supported by the upper surface (331) of the second grip portion (330), and a relatively large area of ​​the side surface of the body (22) of the tube (10) may be in contact with the inner surface (332) of the second grip portion (330).

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10a, when the tube transfer grip tool (800) does not grip the tubes (10), the first and second grip portions (230, 330) may be spaced apart in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)), and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) may be in contact with each other. The space defined by the first and second grip portions (230, 330) and the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) is defined as an empty space (110). Here, the maximum distance (e.g., the maximum distance between the first and second recessed patterns (280, 380) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330)) in the second direction (D2) (or the third direction (D3)) of the empty space (110) is defined as the second distance (a2). The second distance (a2) may be smaller than the diameter (b1) of the protrusion (25) of the tube (10) and larger than the diameter (b2) of the body (22) of the tube (10). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 10c, when the tube transport grip tool (800) grips the tubes (10), the first and second blocking portions (250, 350) may come into contact with each other due to the first and second recessed patterns (280, 380).

[0074] By forming the first and second depression patterns (280, 380) on the grip tool (800) for transporting tubes according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when the tubes (10) are gripped, a relatively large area of ​​the protrusions (25) of each of the tubes (10) can be supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), and a relatively large area of ​​the side surface of the body (22) of each of the tubes (10) can be brought into contact with the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). Accordingly, the grip tool (800) for transporting tubes (10) positioned in the empty space (110) can be transported more stably.

[0075] Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14 are drawings illustrating a tube transfer method of a tube transfer grip tool according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, the tube transfer method of the tube transfer grip tool of Figures 11 to 14 may correspond to the tube transfer method of the tube transfer grip tool of Figures 1 to 6.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 12A, the tube storage box (510) may be provided with spaces divided into 10 rows and 10 columns. After manually dispensing the solution (30) into the body (22) of the tube (10), the worker may cap the body (22) with a lid (27). After capping the body (22) with the lid (27), the worker may position the tubes (10) in odd rows of the tube storage box (510). For example, the worker may position the tubes (10) in the 1st row, 1st column, 1st row, 10th column of the tube storage box (510), and then sequentially position the tubes (10) in the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th rows of the tube storage box (510). Optionally, the operator may position the tubes (10) in even rows of the tube storage box (510). Since the tube transfer grip tool (100) requires a spatial margin to grip the tubes (10), the tubes (10) should only be positioned in odd rows (or even rows) of the tube storage box (510). After positioning the tubes (10) containing the solution (30) in odd rows of the tube storage box (510), the operator may position the tube transfer grip tool (100) on ten tubes (10) located in one row of the tube storage box (510).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 11b and 11c, the worker can spread the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330) of the tube transfer grip tool (100) to position the 10 tubes (10) in the empty space (110), and then grip the 10 tubes (10) through the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330). Here, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) does not grip the 10 tubes (10), the first blocking portion (250) and the second blocking portion (350) may come into contact, and when the tube transfer grip tool (100) grips the 10 tubes (10), the first blocking portion (250) and the second blocking portion (350) may be spaced apart. In exemplary embodiments, when the tube transfer grip tool (100) is in a state of gripping the ten tubes (10), the protrusions (25) of each of the ten tubes (10) are supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), and the side surfaces (i.e., the side surfaces of the body (22)) of each of the ten tubes (10) can be brought into contact with the inner surfaces (232, 332) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330). Optionally, when the worker positions the 10 tubes (10) in the empty space (110) by spreading the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330) of the tube transfer grip tool (100), and then grips the 10 tubes (10) through the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330), as shown in FIG. 4c, after the upper surface of each of the 10 tubes (10) comes into contact with the third blocking portion (270), the 10 tubes (10) can be gripped, and as shown in FIG. 4b, the 10 tubes (10) can move in the first direction (D1) so that the protrusions (25) of each of the 10 tubes (10) can be supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330).

[0078] However, during the process of manufacturing the tube (10), a shape defect of the tube (10) (for example, an uneven side surface of the tube (10)) may occur, and due to the shape defect, at least one tube (10) among the ten tubes (10) may not be able to move completely in the first direction (D1). In this case, the protrusion (25) of the at least one tube (10) may be positioned on the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330), and the protrusions (25) of each of the remaining tubes (10) may be supported by the upper surfaces (231, 331) of the first and second grip portions (230, 330).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 12b, after the worker uses the tube transfer grip tool (100) to hold the 10 tubes (10), the worker can lift the tube transfer grip tool (100) holding the 10 tubes (10).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 14, the worker can release the ten tubes (10) gripped by the tube transfer grip tool (100) into the supply section (520) of the tube supply device (500), and the ten tubes (10) can move to the discharge section of the tube supply device (500).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 13a, the operator can position a tube transfer grip tool (100) on ten tubes (10) located in three rows of a tube storage box (510).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 11b and 11c, the worker can position the 10 tubes (10) in the empty space (110) by spreading the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330) of the tube transfer grip tool (100), and then hold the 10 tubes (10) through the first grip portion (230) and the second grip portion (330).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 13b, after the worker uses the tube transfer grip tool (100) to hold the 10 tubes (10), the worker can lift the tube transfer grip tool (100) holding the 10 tubes (10).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 14, the worker can release the ten tubes (10) gripped by the tube transfer grip tool (100) into the supply section (520) of the tube supply device (500), and the ten tubes (10) can move to the discharge section of the tube supply device (500).

[0085] In this way, the tubes (10) located in the 5th, 7th, and 9th rows of the tube storage box (510) can be supplied to the supply section (520) of the tube supply device (500) through the tube transfer grip tool (100).

[0086] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0087] The present invention can be applied to tube transfer tools that transport tubes. For example, the invention can be applied to a tube transfer grip tool that enables an operator to transfer tubes to various linear feeders capable of supplying tubes in a semi-automated system with relatively low production volume or without a fully automated system.

[0088] <Explanation of symbols>

[0089] 10: Tube 22: Body

[0090] 25: Protrusion 27: Lid

[0091] 30: Solution

[0092] 100, 700, 800: Grip tool for tube transfer

[0093] 110: Empty space 200: First body

[0094] 205: First groove 210: First body part

[0095] 230: First grip part 231: Top surface

[0096] 232: Inner side 250: First blocking section

[0097] 270: Third blocking section 280: First depression pattern

[0098] 300: Second body 305: Second groove

[0099] 310: Second body part 330: Second grip part

[0100] 331: Top surface 332: Inner surface

[0101] 350: Second blocking section 380: Second depression pattern

[0102] 400: Elastic member 410: First hinge connecting member

[0103] 430: Hinge shaft 450: Second hinge connecting member

[0104] 470: Hinge fixing member 500: Tube feed device

[0105] 510: Tube storage box 520: Supply section

Claims

1. In a tube transport grip tool for transporting the tubes in which the capped body is defined as a tube and the solution is contained, A first member including a first body portion extending in a first direction and a first grip portion protruding in a second direction from a first end of the first body portion; A second member including a second body part extending in the first direction and a second grip part protruding in a third direction opposite to the second direction from the first end of the second body part, and facing the first member; and Including an elastic member positioned between the second end of the first body part and the second end of the second body part, A tube transport grip tool, characterized in that the body of the tube has a protrusion formed therein that protrudes from a side of the body, and when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the upper surfaces of each of the first and second grip portions are configured to support the protrusion of the tube.

2. A tube transport grip tool according to claim 1, characterized in that when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the side surface of the body of the tube comes into contact with the inner surface of each of the first and second grip portions.

3. A tube transport grip tool, characterized in that in the first paragraph, when the tube transport grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first grip portion and the second grip portion are spaced apart by a first distance, and the first distance is smaller than the diameter of the protrusion of the tube.

4. A tube transport grip tool, characterized in that in the first paragraph, when the tube transport grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first grip portion and the second grip portion are spaced apart by a first distance, and the first distance is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the body of the tube.

5. A tube transport grip tool according to claim 1, characterized in that when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the tubes are positioned along a fourth direction orthogonal to the second and third directions in the spaced-apart empty space between the first and second grip portions.

6. In the first paragraph, the first member is, A tube transport grip tool characterized in that it further includes a first blocking portion that protrudes in the second direction from both sides of the first grip portion and blocks tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside.

7. In paragraph 6, the second member is, A tube transport grip tool characterized in that it further includes a second blocking portion that protrudes in the third direction from both sides of the second grip portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside.

8. In the 7th paragraph, when the tube transfer grip tool does not grip the tubes, the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are in contact with each other, A tube transport grip tool, characterized in that when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are spaced apart from each other.

9. In paragraph 1, the first member is, A tube transport grip tool characterized in that it further includes a third blocking portion that protrudes in the second direction from the inner surface of the first body portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping in a direction opposite to the first direction.

10. In paragraph 1, A hinge axis positioned between the first member and the second member; A first hinge connecting member fixed to the inner surface of the first body part and connected to the hinge axis; and A tube transport grip tool characterized in that it further includes a second hinge connecting member fixed to both sides of the inner surface of the second body part and connected to the hinge axis.

11. A tube transport grip tool, characterized in that in the first paragraph, a first groove is formed on the inner surface of the first body part, a second groove is formed on the inner surface of the second body part, the first and second grooves face each other, and the elastic member has both sides of the elastic member positioned in the first and second grooves.

12. In a tube transport grip tool for transporting the tubes in which the capped body is defined as a tube and the solution is contained, A first body portion extending in the first direction; A first grip portion protruding in a second direction from the first end of the first body portion; A first blocking portion protruding in the second direction from both sides of the first grip portion and blocking the tubes located in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside; and A first member including a third blocking portion that protrudes in the second direction from the inner surface of the first body portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping in a direction opposite to the first direction; A second body part extending in the first direction; A second grip portion protruding in a third direction opposite to the second direction from the first end of the second body portion; and A second blocking portion that protrudes in the third direction from both sides of the second grip portion and blocks the tubes positioned in the empty space where the first and second grip portions are spaced from each other from escaping to the outside, and a second member facing the first member; and A tube transport grip tool comprising an elastic member positioned between the second end of the first body portion and the second end of the second body portion.

13. In the 12th paragraph, a tube-transporting grip tool characterized in that a protrusion protruding from a side of the body of the tube is formed on the body of the tube, and when the tube-transporting grip tool grips the tubes, the upper surface of each of the first and second grip portions is configured to support the protrusion of the tube.

14. A tube transport grip tool according to claim 12, characterized in that when the tube transport grip tool grips the tubes, the side surface of the body of the tube comes into contact with the inner surface of each of the first and second grip portions.

Images