Loading assembly for capping and decapping apparatus, capping and decapping apparatus and container capping and decapping method

Abstract

A loading assembly for a capping and decapping apparatus, comprising: a frame mechanism, which can be driven to move in a first direction relative to a bit assembly of an apparatus; a loading mechanism, which is movably accommodated in the frame mechanism and provided with first containers or second containers of different structures; and a guide element, which has a guide surface and is fixedly arranged at a base of the apparatus. When the frame mechanism moves in the first direction, the loading mechanism can be in contact with the guide element and move relative to the bit assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the loading mechanism can move along the guide surface relative to the frame mechanism in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. When the loading mechanism is in the first position, a first part of bits can cap and decap the first containers, and when the loading mechanism is in the second position, a second part of the bits can cap and decap the second containers. The loading assembly enables the same bit assembly of the same capping and decapping apparatus to cap and decap different containers, thereby broadening the range of application of the capping and decapping apparatus.

Description

Loading components for opening and closing caps, opening and closing cap devices, and methods for opening and closing caps on containers. Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of laboratory equipment. Specifically, this disclosure relates to a loading assembly for a device for opening and closing the lid of a sample container in a laboratory, a lid opening and closing device having the aforementioned loading assembly, and a method for opening and closing the lid of a sample container in a laboratory. Background Technology

[0002] In the laboratory, it is often necessary to open and close the lids of sealed sample containers to remove samples for further analysis. Typically, multiple such sealed sample containers are held in different orifice plates (i.e., container holders) according to their different sizes.

[0003] Existing technologies already include relatively automated cap-opening and closing devices, which incorporate a bit assembly and a power element (e.g., a motor). Typically, the bit assembly in these devices is operated to align with the center of the sample container. The motor then drives the bit assembly and / or the sample container closer together, allowing the bit assembly to contact the sample container and remove or close the cap. The motor and bit assembly enable relative automation and avoid manual contact with the sample container (especially the opening). This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the potential contamination of the sample due to manual operation.

[0004] From a time and efficiency perspective, since well plates typically hold multiple sample containers—for example, a conventional 24-well plate can hold up to 24 sample containers, and a 48-well plate can hold up to 48 sample containers—existing capping devices already include bit assemblies containing multiple bits. By aligning the multiple bits in the bit assembly with the centers of the sample containers requiring capping, simultaneous capping of multiple sample containers can be achieved. This batch operation method is also considered advantageous.

[0005] Existing technology shows that relatively automated lid opening and closing devices are considered advantageous in many applications, but they still have some shortcomings and drawbacks. These shortcomings and drawbacks include how to improve the efficiency and cost of lid opening and closing devices, thus creating a need for further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and its purpose is to provide a lid-opening and closing device that can improve the efficiency of opening and closing lids on lidded sample containers in the laboratory.

[0007] Given that sample containers of different sizes already exist, along with container holders of various specifications (including but not limited to orifice plates) to hold these containers, the inventors of this application have noted that the length and width dimensions of container holders of different specifications, such as orifice plates (including but not limited to 24-well, 48-well, and 96-well plates), are essentially the same. Therefore, for an orifice plate of a specific specification, the center position distribution of the sample containers contained on it differs from that on an orifice plate of another specification. In other words, the centers of the sample containers form different arrays. Correspondingly, for the capping and uncapping devices mentioned in the background art, different arrangements of bitheads are required to align with the sample containers on orifice plates of different specifications to perform the capping and uncapping operations.

[0008] This means that if the sample containers in well plates of different sizes need to be opened and closed, the capping device needs to be equipped with multiple bit assemblies with different bit arrangements, or even the laboratory needs to be equipped with multiple capping devices, each with a bit assembly with different bit arrangements. This increases the cost of capping operations in the laboratory and reduces the utilization rate of individual capping devices.

[0009] Therefore, the applicant hopes to propose an improved capping device that can improve the efficiency of opening and closing the caps of sample containers in well plates of different sizes, and also reduce the cost of capping operations in the laboratory.

[0010] Based on this: This disclosure proposes a loading assembly for a capping device, the capping device including a bit assembly for opening and closing caps on laboratory sample containers with lids, the loading assembly including:

[0011] The frame mechanism can be driven to move relative to the bit assembly in a first horizontal direction.

[0012] The carrier mechanism is equipped with a first container holder for holding a first sample container or a second container holder for holding a second sample container with a different construction from the first sample container, and is movably housed within a frame mechanism, wherein the carrier mechanism does not move relative to the frame mechanism in a first horizontal direction.

[0013] The guide element has a guide surface and is fixedly mounted on the base of the opening and closing cover device, close to the frame mechanism and the carrier mechanism.

[0014] When the frame mechanism is driven to move in a first horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism can contact the guide element and move relative to the bit assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the carrier mechanism can move relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction along the guide surface of the guide element.

[0015] When the carrier mechanism is in the first position relative to the bit assembly, the first bit in the bit assembly can open and close the first sample container held by the first container holder.

[0016] When the carrier mechanism is in the second position relative to the bit assembly, the second bit in the bit assembly can open and close the second sample container held by the second container holder.

[0017] In the context of this article, the differences in construction between the first sample container and the second sample container include, but are not limited to, differences in sample container size, sample container volume, and sample container opening size.

[0018] Correspondingly, the first container holder and the second container holder used to hold the first sample container and the second sample container may also be constructed differently. The different construction of the first container holder and the second container holder refers to situations including but not limited to: different number of sample containers held by the container holder, different sizes of sample containers held by the container holder, different center positions of sample containers held by the container holder, and different arrangement of the centers of sample containers in the plane when the container holder holds multiple sample containers.

[0019] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first container holder and the second container holder are capable of accommodating 96 first sample containers and 24 second sample containers, respectively.

[0020] For a container holder capable of holding 96 first sample containers, the 96 first sample containers can be arranged, for example, in a 12x8 matrix, or in a 8-row arrangement of 12 first sample containers per row, with corresponding columns staggered by one position between rows. In both cases, the centers of these 96 first sample containers are also arranged differently. Correspondingly, the required 96 bits are also arranged in different ways.

[0021] By means of the loading assembly according to this disclosure, for at least two container holders with different constructions, the relative positional change of the loading mechanism with respect to the bit assembly in the horizontal direction, achieved by means of a guiding element, ensures that the centers of the sample containers with different constructions held in the container holders are aligned with the bits in the bit assembly. Thus, the capping device can perform capping operations on the sample containers held in these container holders using bits from the same or different parts of the same bit assembly, without needing to move the bit assembly in the horizontal direction or replace the bit assembly, thereby improving the efficiency of the capping operation.

[0022] In particular, in the loading assembly according to this disclosure, the arrangement of guiding elements, especially guiding surfaces, enables the loading mechanism to move relative to the bit assembly in two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions by moving the frame mechanism along a single horizontal direction. This structural arrangement is simple and reduces the number of parts included in the loading assembly, thereby lowering the production cost of the loading assembly.

[0023] Furthermore, in the loading assembly according to this disclosure, the dimensions of the carrier mechanism are substantially matched with those of the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction. The carrier mechanism does not move relative to the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction, but only in the second horizontal direction. During the relative movement of the carrier mechanism relative to the frame mechanism in the second horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism is always in contact with and guided by the guide surface of the guide element. The movement of the carrier mechanism is smooth, which in turn ensures the stability of the container holder installed in the carrier mechanism, thereby ensuring the stability of the sample container held in the container holder and preventing accidental tipping that could affect subsequent operations or the state of the sample inside due to movement.

[0024] Specifically, using the loading assembly according to this disclosure, by driving the frame mechanism of the loading assembly to move along a first horizontal direction, and by means of the contact between the carrier mechanism housed in the frame mechanism and the guide surface of the guide element and the guide surface, container holders with different configurations and containing sample containers, mounted in the carrier mechanism, are brought to different positions in a horizontal plane, such as a first position and a second position, thereby enabling the corresponding centers of the first sample container in the first container holder and the second sample container in the second container holder to be aligned with the same or different parts of the bit in the bit assembly for opening and closing cap operations, wherein the first position is offset relative to the second position in both the first and second horizontal directions, and the first and second horizontal directions are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0025] It should be noted that when the frame mechanism is driven to move along the first horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism contacts the guide element and moves from the first position to the second position relative to the bit assembly. The carrier mechanism may reach the second position immediately after contact with the guide element ends, i.e., after the guide element stops guiding the carrier mechanism, allowing the second sample container in the second container holder to open and close its lid. Alternatively, after contact with the guide element ends, the carrier mechanism may need to move further along the first horizontal direction to reach the second position, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the second sample container in the second container holder.

[0026] During the aforementioned movement of the frame mechanism, in the first horizontal direction, there is no relative movement between the carrier mechanism and the frame mechanism, but the carrier mechanism moves together with the frame mechanism relative to the base of the opening and closing cover device, thereby realizing the movement relative to the bit assembly. In the second horizontal direction, as described above, the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism.

[0027] Generally, during the process of moving the carrier mechanism relative to the bit assembly, in order to keep the sample container held by the container holder in the carrier mechanism stable, a driving force in the first horizontal direction is applied to the frame mechanism. Before the carrier mechanism contacts the guide element, the direction of movement of the frame mechanism is consistent with the direction of the driving force. After the carrier mechanism contacts the guide element, if it is a case where the carrier mechanism still needs to move a certain displacement to reach the second position, as mentioned above, during this displacement, the direction of movement of the frame mechanism housing the carrier mechanism continues to be consistent with the direction of the driving force.

[0028] Here, the guiding surface of the guiding element can be set as an inclined surface, an arc surface, or a curved surface. Regardless of the specific shape of the guiding surface, the carrier mechanism can contact the guiding surface and move along the guiding surface during the process of moving relative to the bit assembly from the first position to the second position.

[0029] Here, the first and second parts of the bit assembly may be completely different bits within the same bit assembly. Alternatively, some bits in the first and second parts may overlap.

[0030] Furthermore, the loading assembly according to this disclosure further includes at least one elastic return element disposed opposite to the guide surface of the guide element in a second horizontal direction, and the elastic return element is disposed between the loading mechanism and the frame mechanism such that the restoring force of the elastic return element acts on the loading mechanism, so that when the frame mechanism is driven to move in a direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, the loading mechanism can contact the guide element under the action of the restoring force and move from the second position back to the first position relative to the bit assembly, wherein the loading mechanism can move relative to the frame mechanism along the guide surface of the guide element in a direction opposite to the second horizontal direction.

[0031] The restoring force provided by the elastic restoring element, combined with the external drive, enables the carrier mechanism to move from the second position back to the first position. This allows the loading assembly to meet the opening and closing requirements of different sized container holders when they are installed or replaced in the carrier mechanism. Specifically, it can move the container holder to a position where the center of the sample container it holds is aligned with the corresponding bit of the bit assembly, thereby enabling the opening and closing of sample containers in different sized container holders. This achieves the reciprocating motion capability of the carrier mechanism between the first and second positions, and, in conjunction with the guiding element, ensures that the movement of the carrier mechanism relative to the frame mechanism in the second horizontal direction is stable.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to enable the aforementioned carrier mechanism to move from the second position back to the first position, the loading assembly does not need to include any other components besides the aforementioned elastic return element, thus improving the cost-effectiveness of the loading assembly.

[0033] During the process of the aforementioned carrier mechanism moving from the second position back to the first position, in the direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, due to their dimensional fit, there is still no relative movement between the carrier mechanism and the frame mechanism. Instead, the carrier mechanism moves together with the frame mechanism in that direction. In the direction opposite to the second horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism contacts the guide surface of the guide element under the restoring force of the elastic restoring element and moves along the guide surface, thereby moving relative to the frame mechanism in the direction opposite to the second horizontal direction, and enabling the carrier mechanism to move from the second position back to the first position.

[0034] In a non-limiting embodiment, the guide element of the loading assembly disposed at the base further includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface extending along a first horizontal direction, and the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are configured such that: in a first position, the loading mechanism abuts against the first limiting surface of the guide element by means of the restoring force of the elastic restoring element, and the loading mechanism abuts against a first side portion of the frame mechanism extending along the first horizontal direction; in a second position, the loading mechanism is sandwiched between the second limiting surface of the guide element and a second side portion of the frame mechanism extending along the first horizontal direction, the second side portion being opposite to the first side portion.

[0035] By providing a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface extending along a first horizontal direction in the guiding element, the carrier mechanism is held against the first limiting surface in the first position by means of the restoring force of the elastic restoring element, thereby stably holding the carrier mechanism in the first position. This, in turn, maintains the stability of the first container holder and the first sample container held by it in the carrier mechanism, facilitating the opening and closing of the first sample container by aligning the bit with the first sample container. Similarly, in the second position, the carrier mechanism is stably held in the second position by means of the second limiting surface and the second side portion of the frame mechanism, thereby maintaining the stability of the second container holder and the second sample container held by it in the carrier mechanism, also facilitating the opening and closing of the second sample container.

[0036] This configuration helps maintain the stability of the carrier mechanism when it is in the first and second positions relative to the bit assembly, while the frame and carrier mechanisms are in a stationary state. This also ensures that the sample container held by the container holder in the carrier mechanism is stably aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly, improving the success rate and efficiency of opening and closing the cap. In particular, the two limiting surfaces extending along the first horizontal direction increase the contact area between the carrier mechanism and the guiding element's limiting surfaces, preventing unstable contact, such as the sharp corner of the carrier mechanism touching the sharp corner of the guiding element. The latter would cause the carrier mechanism to be unstable in the first or second position, making it impossible for the sample container in the container holder to remain stationary relative to the bit. This would affect the success rate and efficiency of opening and closing the cap.

[0037] Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the guiding surface of the guiding element is disposed between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface, and is adjacent to the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface, respectively.

[0038] By directly abutting the first and second limiting surfaces in the guiding element, the carrier mechanism remains in contact with the guiding element throughout its movement along the guiding element. Furthermore, when entering and exiting contact with the guiding surface, the carrier mechanism transitions along the first limiting surface to the guiding surface and then moves along the transition connection to the second limiting surface. This ensures smooth movement of the carrier mechanism throughout its dynamic movement along the guiding surface.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, in the guiding element, the guiding surface is at an angle between 57° and 72° to the first horizontal direction.

[0040] The inventors have discovered that the angle setting between the aforementioned guide surface and the first horizontal direction is advantageous for the movement of the carrier mechanism along the guide element.

[0041] Specifically, the angle between the aforementioned guide surface and the first horizontal direction is greater than 45°. This causes the distance the carrier mechanism moves in the second horizontal direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, during its movement along the guide surface to be greater than the distance it moves in the first horizontal direction. Consequently, when the carrier mechanism finishes moving along the guide surface of the guide element, the displacement in the second horizontal direction already satisfies the required displacement from the first position to the second position, while a remaining distance in the first horizontal direction requires the carrier mechanism to continue moving to reach the second position. This displacement distance can be achieved by using an external drive to propel the frame mechanism to continue moving along the first horizontal direction. This divides the movement of the carrier mechanism from the first position to the second position or from the second position back to the first position into two stages, which is more conducive to controlling the smoothness of the carrier mechanism's movement and enables more precise position control of the carrier mechanism.

[0042] Conversely, if the guide surface forms a 45° angle with the first horizontal direction, then while the carrier mechanism moves along the second horizontal direction under the guidance of the guide surface of the guide element, the carrier mechanism will move a distance equal to the distance it moves in the first horizontal direction and in the second horizontal direction. This results in the carrier mechanism and the guide element making sharp-angle contact at the end of their movement along the guide surface, and it is possible that the carrier mechanism will always remain in this state in the second position. However, such sharp-angle contact is not a stable contact state, which is not conducive to guiding the carrier mechanism and cannot keep the carrier mechanism stably in the second position, thus hindering subsequent opening and closing operations.

[0043] If the angle between the guide surface and the first horizontal direction is less than 45°, then when the carrier mechanism completes the required displacement relative to the bit assembly in the first horizontal direction under the guidance of the guide surface of the guide element, the carrier mechanism has not yet moved into position in space along the second horizontal direction. If the carrier mechanism continues to move in the first horizontal direction, it will miss the second position and will never reach the correct second position.

[0044] If the angle between the guide surface and the first horizontal direction exceeds the above range, i.e., greater than 72°, a large component of the external driving force that causes the frame mechanism to move along the first horizontal direction will be distributed to the second horizontal direction, which is basically perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, thus wasting the external driving force. In particular, if the angle is close to 90°, almost most of the external drive will be distributed to the second horizontal direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in the loading assembly according to this disclosure, the loading mechanism includes a guide portion, the guide portion including a guide mating surface, the guide mating surface being configured such that when the loading mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction along the guide surface of the guide element, the guide mating surface slides along the guide surface.

[0046] The guide element guides the displacement of the carrier mechanism in the first and second horizontal directions through the surface-to-surface contact and relative sliding between the guide mating surface of the guide part of the carrier mechanism and the guide surface of the guide element.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the guide mating surface of the guide portion of the carrier mechanism and the guide surface of the guide element are both constructed as planes, and the angles they form with the first horizontal direction are complementary, so that the guide mating surface and the guide surface can fit well during the movement of the carrier mechanism along the guide surface of the guide element, and the processing and manufacturing of the planar guide mating surface and the guide surface are relatively simple.

[0048] Alternatively, in the loading assembly according to this disclosure, the loading mechanism includes a guide portion, the guide portion including a rolling element, the rolling element being configured such that when the loading mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction along the guide surface of the guide element, the rolling element rolls along the guide surface.

[0049] Here, since the contact between the rolling element of the guide part of the carrier mechanism and the guide surface of the guide element is a rolling contact, this contact is smoother than a sliding contact, thus making the movement of the carrier mechanism less strenuous.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, in the loading assembly according to this disclosure, the carrier mechanism includes a guide portion, the guide portion including an inclined portion, the inclined portion including a protrusion extending from the carrier mechanism toward the guide element and / or a slope formed at the outer edge of the frame mechanism, and the protrusion and / or the slope contact and move along the guide surface when the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction along the guide surface of the guide element.

[0051] The carrier mechanism is simple to manufacture and can guide the guide element to the carrier mechanism with a relatively cost-effective structure. It also achieves a large contact area between the carrier mechanism and the guide element, ensuring smooth guidance. Particularly advantageous is that when the carrier mechanism is designed in a rectangular shape, the beveled surface of the beveled portion can be obtained by beveling the corners of the outer edge of the rectangle.

[0052] In a non-limiting embodiment, the elastic restoring element of the loading assembly is configured as a spring, and the loading mechanism includes a groove facing the second side of the frame mechanism, the spring being disposed in the groove, the first end of the spring being connected to the loading mechanism, and the second end of the spring opposite to the first end being connected to a protrusion, at least a portion of which protrudes out of the groove so as to abut against the second side of the frame mechanism.

[0053] The elastic recovery element is specifically implemented as a spring to facilitate the manufacture of the loading assembly, and a groove is provided in the carrier mechanism to accommodate the spring so that when the carrier mechanism is in the second position relative to the bit assembly, the spring can fully retract into the groove, thereby achieving complete abutment between the second side of the frame mechanism and the carrier mechanism, so as to more stably hold the carrier mechanism, the container holder therein, and the sample container it holds in the second position.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the loading assembly includes two guide elements, a first guide element and a second guide element, which are respectively disposed at two ends of the base of the device in the first horizontal direction. The first guide element has a first guide element guide surface configured as the aforementioned guide surface, a first guide element first limiting surface configured as the aforementioned first limiting surface, and a first guide element second limiting surface configured as the aforementioned second limiting surface. The second guide element has a second guide element guide surface configured as the aforementioned guide surface, a second guide element first limiting surface configured as the aforementioned first limiting surface, and a second guide element second limiting surface configured as the aforementioned second limiting surface, and the angle formed by the first guide element guide surface and the first horizontal direction is equal to the angle formed by the second guide element guide surface and the first horizontal direction.

[0055] By setting dual guide elements at the base, the carrier mechanism can be better guided during the contact process with the guide elements, thus making the movement of the carrier mechanism more stable during the movement between the first position and the second position, especially when the size of the carrier mechanism along the first horizontal direction is large.

[0056] Specifically, the carrier mechanism is provided with two guide portions as described above to cooperate with the guide surfaces of the guide elements.

[0057] This disclosure also proposes a capping device for opening and closing caps on laboratory sample containers with caps, comprising: a base; a loading assembly according to any of the above embodiments; and a capping module for opening and closing caps on the sample container, the capping module including a bit assembly, wherein when the loading mechanism of the loading assembly is in a first position relative to the bit assembly, a first portion of the bit in the bit assembly can be aligned with a first sample container held by a first container holder to open and close the cap, and when the loading mechanism of the loading assembly is in a second position relative to the bit assembly, a second portion of the bit in the bit assembly can be aligned with a second sample container held by a second container holder to open and close the cap, wherein the first container holder and the second container holder are constructed differently.

[0058] The capping device according to this disclosure can open and close sample containers held in first and second container holders of different structures using a first part of the bit and a second part of the bit in the same bit assembly. This is achieved by simply displacing the container holders of different structures in the horizontal plane so that the center of the corresponding sample container is aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly. This eliminates the need to replace the bit assembly or the capping device itself to open and close sample containers held by container holders of different structures, thus improving the efficiency of the capping device and reducing the cost of the capping operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the opening and closing device according to this disclosure also includes a drive element operatively connected to the frame mechanism of the loading assembly to drive the frame mechanism to move in a first horizontal direction.

[0060] Here, a drive element is provided to apply a driving force to the frame mechanism. The driving force applied by the drive element is controllable, and through cooperation with the control element of the drive element, the movement of the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction can be controlled more precisely, thereby controlling the movement of the container holder and the sample container it holds in the carrier mechanism, and can be stopped immediately when it is necessary to stop the movement of the sample container.

[0061] This disclosure also proposes a method for opening and closing lids on laboratory sample containers with lids using a lid-opening and closing device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0062] -The first sample container held by a first container holder mounted in the bit assembly of the cap-opening and closing device is opened and closed by means of a first part of the bit in the bit assembly of the cap-opening and closing device, which is in a first position relative to the bit assembly, wherein the bit assembly is movably housed in the frame mechanism of the cap-opening and closing device, and the bit assembly does not move relative to the frame mechanism in a first horizontal direction.

[0063] - Raise the bit assembly to remove the first container holder from the carrier mechanism, in which the first sample container has been opened and closed, and insert a second container holder to hold a second sample container that is constructed differently from the first sample container.

[0064] - Lower the bit assembly, causing the frame mechanism to move along a first horizontal direction, thereby bringing the carrier mechanism into contact with the guide surface of the guide element of the cap-opening / closing device, and moving it from a first position to a second position relative to the bit assembly, wherein the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism along the guide surface of the guide element in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0065] - In the second position, the second bit of the bit assembly opens and closes the lid of the second sample container held by the second container holder.

[0066] - Raise the bit assembly to remove the second container holder from the carrier mechanism. The second sample container held by the second container holder has had its lid opened and closed, and a third container holder is inserted to hold a third sample container that is constructed differently from the second sample container.

[0067] - Move the frame mechanism in a horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, and bring the carrier mechanism into contact with the guide surface of the guide element and keep it in contact with the guide surface, thereby moving the carrier mechanism relative to the bit assembly from the second position back to the first position, wherein the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a horizontal direction opposite to the second horizontal direction along the guide surface of the guide element.

[0068] The method for opening and closing lids of laboratory sample containers with caps according to this disclosure enables the use of a single lid-opening and closing device. This is achieved by shifting a carrier mechanism, equipped with first, second, and third container holders for holding first, second, and third sample containers of different constructions, to different positions in the horizontal plane using guide elements. This allows each sample container to be aligned with a different part of the bit assembly, thereby enabling sequential opening and closing of sample containers of different constructions held by the first, second, and third container holders. During this process, it is unnecessary to change the bit assembly of the lid-opening and closing device, nor is any movement of the bit assembly other than the aforementioned vertical movement, particularly horizontal movement. This lid-opening and closing method is highly efficient and applicable to laboratory sample containers of different constructions held by container holders of different constructions.

[0069] In the method according to this disclosure, because the center arrangements of the first and second sample containers held therein are different, the container centers need to be shifted relative to the bit assembly to align with the corresponding bits of the bit assembly for subsequent opening and closing operations. Therefore, the movement of the frame mechanism achieves this movement of the container centers relative to the bit assembly. After the second sample container held by the second container holder is opened and closed, the third sample container held by the third container holder, which is inserted into the carrier mechanism, has the same structure as the first sample container held by the first container holder, but a different structure than the second sample container held by the second container holder. Therefore, it aligns with the same bits as the first container holder relative to the bit assembly. Thus, by moving the carrier mechanism containing the third container holder back to the first position, the corresponding bits can be used to align with the third sample container and open and close the lid.

[0070] Alternatively, the third sample container held by the third container holder may have a different construction than the first sample container held by the first container holder. However, when the carrier mechanism with the third container holder is in the first position, the center of the third sample container held by the third container holder can still be aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly, even though the aligned bit may be different from the bit aligned with the first sample container held by the first container holder in the first position. Thus, after the carrier mechanism with the third container holder moves back to the first position, the third sample container held by the third container holder can be aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly, and subsequent opening and closing operations can be performed.

[0071] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description illustrate various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0072] With reference to the above objectives, the technical features of this disclosure are clearly described in the following claims, and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example, without limiting the scope of the inventive concept.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the loading assembly of the opening and closing cover device according to the present disclosure, wherein the loading assembly is in a first position;

[0074] Figure 2 shows a top view of the loading assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0075] Figure 3 shows a side view of the loading assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0076] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the loading assembly taken along line BB in Figure 3;

[0077] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the loading assembly shown in Figure 1, with the loading assembly in the second position;

[0078] Figure 6 shows a top view of the loading assembly shown in Figure 5;

[0079] Figure 7 shows a side view of the loading assembly shown in Figure 5;

[0080] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the loading assembly taken along line B'-B' in Figure 7;

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates different embodiments of the guide portion of the loading assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0082] Figure 10 illustrates the cooperation between the guide portion and the guide element of the loading mechanism in the loading assembly according to the present disclosure; and

[0083] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the opening and closing device according to the present disclosure, which can hold a test tube and a corresponding bit for opening and closing the lid. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For ease of interpretation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” and “outer,” “horizontal direction,” and “vertical direction” are used to describe these features with reference to their location in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0085] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the following text, referring to "first container holder," "second container holder," and "third container holder," are used only to distinguish between different container holders and are not intended to limit the positional relationship or importance of these container holders.

[0086] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the following text are only for distinguishing between different test tubes and are not intended to limit the positional relationship or importance of these test tubes.

[0087] The terms "first" and "second" in "first horizontal direction" and "second horizontal direction" used below are merely to distinguish between the two directions and are not intended to define their importance. In the following text, the first horizontal direction ideally refers to the direction of the driving force applied externally to the frame mechanism of the opening and closing device. The second horizontal direction ideally is a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0088] The descriptions of “first container holder”, “second container holder” and “third container holder” in the following text are based on test tube holders with 24 wells, 48 ​​wells or 96 wells, respectively. However, those skilled in the art can also design loading components and opening and closing devices suitable for other container holders based on the description of the central arrangement of the sample containers held in the container holders mentioned herein, which will also fall within the scope of this invention.

[0089] The inventors of this application have discovered that by appropriately displacing a container holder containing multiple test tubes with different center arrangements, typically in two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions, while keeping the bit assembly stationary in the horizontal direction, it is possible to align sample containers held by container holders of different sizes at different positions in the horizontal plane with the bit required for use in the same bit assembly. This allows the same bit assembly to be applicable to the opening and closing operations of as many container holders with different center arrangements of test tubes as possible, as explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

[0090] The capping device is used to open and close caps on laboratory sample containers with caps, such as test tubes with caps. The capping device includes a base, a loading assembly, a capping module, a frame support plate 10, and optionally a drive unit.

[0091] The capping device is placed in the laboratory with its base. The capping module includes a bit assembly DC100, which can be raised and lowered vertically to open and close capped test tubes or other capped laboratory sample containers in the loading assembly, while generally remaining stationary in the horizontal direction. The loading assembly is used to load capped test tubes or other capped laboratory sample containers and can be driven by a drive or other external power to move in different positions in the horizontal plane relative to the bit assembly of the capping module, thereby aligning the center of the capped test tube with the bit of the bit assembly for opening and closing the cap, and the capped test tube is held in the loading assembly by means of a retainer, such as a test tube holder.

[0092] The loading assembly is vertically positioned below the bit assembly DC100 and includes a frame mechanism 50 housed in a frame tray 10, a loading mechanism 40 housed in the frame mechanism 50, a first guide element 20 and a second guide element 30 located at the base and close to the frame mechanism 50 and the loading mechanism 40, and an elastic return element.

[0093] The frame mechanism 50 accommodates the carrier mechanism 40, so that when the frame mechanism 50 is subjected to an external force in a horizontal direction, it will drive the carrier mechanism 40 to move together in this horizontal direction. In this horizontal direction, the frame mechanism 50 and the carrier mechanism 40 have substantially the same size, so that the carrier mechanism 40 does not move relative to the frame mechanism 50 in this horizontal direction.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, this horizontal direction is substantially consistent with the direction along which the long sides of the generally rectangular frame mechanism 50 and carrier mechanism 40 extend.

[0095] The first guiding element 20 has a guiding surface 23. The second guiding element 30 has a guiding surface 33. The elastic restoring element is disposed opposite to the guiding surfaces 23 and 33 of the guiding elements 20 and 30, and is disposed between the carrier mechanism 40 and the frame mechanism 50, so that its restoring force acts on the carrier mechanism 40.

[0096] The carrier mechanism 40 can accommodate container holders of different sizes, such as container holders R1, R2, and R3. These container holders are rectangular in structure and have the same or substantially the same length and width, used to hold capped test tubes of different diameters. As the diameter of the test tubes held in the container holders changes, the center of the held test tube will be in different positions relative to the rectangular structure formed by the container holders. In order to align the center of the test tube with the bit of the bit assembly DC100, the container holders mounted in the carrier mechanism 40 need to move together with the test tubes in the horizontal plane to different positions so that the center of the test tubes held in different container holders can be aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly DC100. The reciprocating movement of the carrier mechanism 40 between the above-mentioned different positions in the horizontal plane is achieved by the horizontal movement of the frame mechanism 50 combined with the guidance of the guide elements 20 and 30 and the restoring force of the elastic return element. However, it is understood that if reciprocating movement between two positions is not required, a design of the loading assembly without an elastic return element is also feasible.

[0097] During the aforementioned movement, the guide elements 20 and 30 enable the carrier mechanism 40 to have displacement components in two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions relative to the bit assembly DC100. For this purpose, the guide elements 20 and 30 include guide surfaces 23 and 33. The guide surfaces 23 and 33 can be implemented as planes, curved surfaces, concave surfaces, convex surfaces, or combinations thereof, and are configured such that, regardless of their specific construction, the angle α between the line connecting their two endpoints and the following horizontal direction is between 57° and 72°, such that the driving force for displacement of the frame mechanism 50 is in this horizontal direction.

[0098] Guide elements 20 and 30 may also include limiting surfaces 21, 22, 31, and 32, respectively. After the carrier mechanism 40 has been moved relative to the bit assembly DC100 to a position where the center of the test tubes in the container holder is aligned with the corresponding bit of the bit assembly DC100, the carrier mechanism 40 is stably held in this position by the cooperation of the limiting surfaces of the guide elements 20 and 30 with the elastic return element or the cooperation of the limiting surfaces with the frame mechanism 50, which facilitates the subsequent opening and closing of the bit assembly DC100.

[0099] Figure 1 shows a part of an opening and closing device, where the frame mechanism 50 and the carrier mechanism 40 are both of a certain height so as to form an internal space of a certain depth, so that the frame mechanism 50 can accommodate the carrier mechanism 40, and the carrier mechanism 40 can accommodate the rectangular container holders R1, R2, R3.

[0100] The frame mechanism 50 has a first side portion 51 and a second side portion 52 extending along a first horizontal direction F1. The carrier mechanism 40, housed within the frame mechanism 50, has a first side portion 41 and a second side portion 44 extending along the first horizontal direction F1, and a third side portion 46 and a fourth side portion 47 extending between them along a second horizontal direction F2 orthogonal to the first horizontal direction F1. The direction of the first horizontal direction F1 in the horizontal plane is shown in FIG2. The frame mechanism 50 and the carrier mechanism 40 are substantially the same in size in the first horizontal direction F1, but differ in size in the second horizontal direction F2, thus allowing the carrier mechanism 40 to move relative to the frame mechanism 50 in the second horizontal direction F2.

[0101] The opening and closing device also includes a frame tray 10, in which a frame mechanism 50 for loading components is housed. The frame tray 10 is operatively connected to a drive mechanism of the opening and closing device, thereby enabling the frame mechanism 50 to move horizontally by a force applied to the frame tray 10 by the drive mechanism. For example, by applying a driving force F1 along a first horizontal direction to the frame tray 10, without the action of other external forces, the frame tray 10 can be driven to move along the first horizontal direction F1, thereby causing the frame mechanism 50, the component carrier 40 housed therein, and the container holder and test tubes mounted on the component carrier 40 to move together along the first horizontal direction F1.

[0102] The first guide element 20 and the second guide element 30 are disposed near the first side portion 51 of the frame mechanism 50 and the first side portion 41 of the carrier mechanism 40.

[0103] In Figures 1 and 2, the carrier mechanism 40 is in a first position relative to the bit assembly DC100, in which it can open and close the caps on the test tubes held in container holders R1 and R3. In Figures 5 and 6, the carrier mechanism 40 is in a second position relative to the bit assembly DC100, in which it can open and close the caps on the test tubes held in container holder R2. This will be explained in more detail later. However, those skilled in the art will understand that adjustments can be made based on the above embodiments, setting the first position to open and close the caps on, for example, the test tubes held in container holder R2, and setting the second position to correspond to opening and closing the caps on the test tubes held in container holder R1 or container holder R3.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the loading assembly includes two resilient restoring elements. These are implemented as a first spring 61 and a second spring 62. Grooves 81 and 82 are spaced apart along a first horizontal direction F1 in the side portion 44 of the carrier mechanism 40 opposite to the second side portion 52 of the frame mechanism 50, as seen in Figures 4 and 8. The first spring 61 and the second spring 62 are fixedly connected at one end to the grooves 81 and 82, respectively, and at the other end to protrusions 71 and 72. When the carrier mechanism 40 is in the first position shown in Figure 1, the first spring 61 and the second spring 62 extend from the first groove 81 and the second groove 82, while when the carrier mechanism 40 is in the second position shown in Figure 5, the first spring 61 and the second spring 62 are fully retracted into the first groove 81 and the second groove 82. When the carrier mechanism 40 moves back and forth between the first position, the second position, and between the first position and the second position, the protrusions 71 and 72 always abut against the side of the second side portion 52 of the frame mechanism 50 facing the carrier mechanism 40.

[0105] The carrier mechanism 40 also includes a first guide portion 42 and a second guide portion 43 disposed near the first side portion 41 of the guide elements 20 and 30, which respectively cooperate with the first guide element 20 and the second guide element 30.

[0106] In this preferred embodiment, the first guide portion 42 includes a guide mating surface 422 that forms a surface-to-surface contact with the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20, and the second guide mating portion 43 includes a guide mating surface 432 that forms a surface-to-surface contact with the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30. As mentioned above, such surface-to-surface contact causes sliding friction to occur when the guide elements 20, 30 and the guide portions 42, 43 undergo relative displacement (or relative sliding), and the planar structure allows for better fit between the guide mating surfaces and the guide surfaces. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific structures of the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 differ. Specifically, the first guide portion 42 is formed as a protrusion extending from the first side portion 41 toward the first guide element 20; while the second guide portion 43 is formed as a chamfered portion (i.e., an inclined portion) at the corner formed by the first side portion 41 and the fourth side portion 47. In a rectangular structure as shown in the figure, it is advantageous to "obliquely cut" one of the corresponding corners of the carrier mechanism 40 (the upper right corner of the carrier mechanism 40 in Figure 2) to form an inclined part. This makes the structure of the entire carrier mechanism 40 simpler and easier to process.

[0107] The first guide element 20, located at the base of the cover opening and closing device, includes a first limiting surface 21 and a second limiting surface 22 extending along a first horizontal direction F1, and a guide surface 23 with its two ends adjacent to the first limiting surface 21 and the second limiting surface 22, respectively. The guide surface 23 extends obliquely at an angle α relative to the first horizontal direction F1.

[0108] Similarly, the second guide element 30, which is spaced apart from the first guide element 20 along the first horizontal direction F1, includes a first limiting surface 31 and a second limiting surface 32 extending along the first horizontal direction F1, and guide surfaces 33 at both ends adjacent to the first limiting surface 31 and the second limiting surface 32, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30 also extends obliquely at an angle α relative to the first horizontal direction F1, similar to the structure of the first guide element 20.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20 and the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30 are both constructed as linear inclined surfaces. The angle α is 60°, that is, the angle between the direction of the linearly inclined guide surfaces 23 and 33 in the horizontal plane, i.e., the drawing plane of FIG2, and the first horizontal direction F1 is 60°.

[0110] In embodiments where the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20 and the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30 are constructed as non-linear inclined surfaces, such as curved or arc surfaces, the angle α is also 60°. Taking the guide surface 23 as an example, in this embodiment, the angle is the angle formed by the line connecting the endpoint of the guide surface 23 that connects to the first limiting surface 21 and the endpoint of the guide surface 23 that connects to the second limiting surface 22 in the horizontal plane relative to the first horizontal direction.

[0111] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10, the angle α between the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the first guide element 20 and the second guide element 30 and the first horizontal direction F1 is 60°.

[0112] In other embodiments, the angle α can be any value within the range of 57 to 72°. This range ensures that when the carrier mechanism 40 is in the second position, the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 of the carrier mechanism 40 have sufficient length of surface contact with the corresponding first guide element 20 and the second guide element 30.

[0113] As can be seen from Figures 4, 8, 9, and 10, the first guide portion 42 of the carrier mechanism 40 includes a limiting mating surface 421 extending along the first horizontal direction F1 and a guide mating surface 422 adjacent to the limiting mating surface 421. In the embodiment shown in part (a) of Figure 9, a smooth transition portion is formed between the two, and the limiting mating surface 421 and the guide mating surface 422 form a non-right angle. Similarly, the second guide portion 43, spaced apart from the first guide portion 42 in the first horizontal direction F1, has a limiting mating surface 431 extending along the first horizontal direction F1 and a guide mating surface 432 adjacent to the limiting mating surface 431.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the limiting mating surfaces 421, 431 and the guiding mating surfaces 422, 432 are also constructed as planes, and the angles formed by the guiding mating surfaces 422, 432 and the first horizontal direction F1 are complementary to the angles α formed by the guiding surfaces 23, 33 and the first horizontal direction F1.

[0115] In the embodiment where the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20 and the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30 are constructed as non-linear inclined surfaces, such as curved or arc surfaces, the guide mating surfaces 422 and 432 are also correspondingly constructed as non-linear inclined surfaces, and are curved or arc surfaces constructed in a complementary manner to the guide surfaces 23 and 33.

[0116] In the alternative embodiment shown in part (b) of Figure 9, taking the first guide portion 42 as an example, a recess is provided at the end of the limiting mating surface 421 to accommodate the roller 424, and the limiting mating surface 421 transitions to the side portion 425 via this recess. The side portion 425 is perpendicular to the limiting mating surface 421. The second guide portion 43 can also similarly have a roller and a side portion perpendicular to the limiting mating surface 431 at the end of the limiting mating surface 431. When the carrier mechanism 40 moves between the first position and the second position under the guidance of the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, the rollers in the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 roll in contact on the guide surfaces 23 and 33, which can also guide the movement of the carrier mechanism 40 and reduce the machining difficulty of the guide portion of the carrier mechanism 40.

[0117] Figures 2 and 6 both show top views of the loading assembly.

[0118] Figure 11 shows container holders R1 to R3 holding test tubes that can be opened and closed by the capping device in parts (a), (b), and (c), and schematically shows the first part bit DC-A, the second part bit DC-B, and the third part bit DC-C in the bit assembly DC100 of the capping device that can be used to open and close the caps of the test tubes in the container holders R1 to R3 in parts (d), (e), and (f).

[0119] Figure 11(a) shows a first container holder R1. The first container holder R1 is a 96-hole container holder, such as a test tube holder. The 96 holes are arranged in a rectangular array of 12 holes per row for a total of 8 rows. A first portion of the bits DC-A in the bit assembly DC100 of the capping device can be used to open the test tubes held in the 96 holes of the first container holder R1. This portion of the bits is shown in Figure 11(d). The bit assembly DC100 here also includes 96 bits, and the first portion of bits DC-A includes all 96 bits. These 96 bits are arranged in an array of 12 holes per row for a total of 8 rows. For clarity, only bits DC101, DC102, DC103, and DC104 are exemplarily labeled in the figure.

[0120] Figure 11(b) shows the third container holder R3. The third container holder R3 is a container holder with 48 holes. The 48 holes are arranged in an array of 8 rows of 6 holes each. Unlike the first container holder R1, where the 96 holes are arranged in a 12x8 rectangular array, in the third container holder R3, the 8 rows of holes are not arranged end-to-end in each row, but are staggered relative to each other in the column direction.

[0121] The third part of the bit assembly DC100 of the capping device, bit DC-C, is used to open test tubes held in the third container holder R3. This part of the bits is the bit shown on the diagonal line in part (e) of Figure 11. The third part of the bit assembly DC-C includes 48 bits. These 48 bits are arranged in an array of 6 bits per row for a total of 8 rows, and in these 8 rows, the rows are staggered by one bit in the column direction. Of the four bits DC101 to DC104 labeled in the bit assembly DC100, bits DC102 and DC103 are used when opening and closing the test tubes held in the 48-hole third container holder R3.

[0122] The second container holder R2 is shown in part (c) of Figure 11. The second container holder R2 is a container holder with 24 holes arranged in a rectangular array of 6 holes per row for a total of 4 rows.

[0123] The second part of the bit assembly DC100, bit DC-B, is used to open 24 capped test tubes held in the second container holder R2. This part of the bits is the 24 bits marked with short horizontal lines shown in section (f) of Figure 11. These 24 bits are also arranged in a rectangular array of 6 bits per row, for a total of 4 rows. Of the four bits DC101 to DC104 labeled in the bit assembly DC100, bit DC104 is used to open and close the caps on the test tubes held in the 24-hole second container holder R2.

[0124] Figure 11(g) schematically illustrates the positional correspondence between container holders R1 and R2 and bit assembly DC100. For the first container holder R1 and the bit assembly DC100, which also has 96 holes arranged in a 12x8 rectangle (which is also the first part of bit DC-A), when the carrier mechanism 40 is in a position relative to the bit assembly DC100, for example, in the first position, the center of the 96 holes in the first container holder R1, which it accommodates, is also the center of the test tube it holds, aligned with the corresponding bit in the bit assembly DC100. Then, lowering the bit allows for opening and closing the cap.

[0125] For the third container holder R3 with 48 holes arranged in a 6x8 staggered pattern and the third part of the bit DC-C in the bit assembly DC100, since the center of the 48 holes is located in the rectangular area defined by the third container holder R3, and the center of half of the holes in the first container holder R1 is located in the rectangular area defined by the first container holder R1, when the carrier mechanism 40 is in the first position relative to the bit assembly DC100 and the third container holder R3 is placed on it, the center of the test tube held on the third container holder R3 is also aligned with the third part of the bit DC-C in the bit assembly DC100, and the bit can be directly lowered for opening and closing caps. Bits in the bit assembly DC100 that are not aligned with any test tubes, such as DC101-DC104, can simply be idled when other bits are used for opening and closing caps.

[0126] Figure 11(h) schematically illustrates the positional correspondence between container holders R1, R2, and bit assembly DC100, and section (i) schematically illustrates region I in section (h). For the second container holder R2, which has 24 holes arranged in a 6x4 rectangle, as seen in section (h), when the carrier mechanism 40 is in the first position with the second container holder R2 mounted on it, the centers of the 24 holes in the third container holder R3 are not aligned with any bit. Therefore, it is impossible to directly lower the bit assembly DC100 to open and close the test tubes held in the second container holder R2; instead, the carrier mechanism 40 must first be displaced relative to the bit assembly DC100 so that the centers of the 24 holes on the second container holder R2 are aligned with a corresponding bit.

[0127] Taking the enlarged schematic diagram in part (i) of the figure as an example, S in part (i) represents the offset S of the center C21 of one hole in the 24-hole second container holder R2 relative to the center C11 of one hole in the first container holder R1. With the bit assembly DC100 fixed in the horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism 40, carrying the second container holder R2, needs to be displaced in the horizontal direction relative to the bit assembly DC100 by the offset S, to move it to a second position where the center C21 of the second container holder R2 is aligned with the bit DC104 of the bit assembly DC100. Only after this displacement is completed can the bit assembly DC100 be lowered, and the second part of the bit DC-B within it be used to open and close the caps on the test tubes in the second container holder R2.

[0128] [Movement from position one to position two]

[0129] When the carrier mechanism 40 is in the first position, the test tube held in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3 can be opened and closed. If the carrier mechanism 40 is equipped with a second container holder R2, the carrier mechanism 40 needs to be moved to the second position.

[0130] A force F1 is applied to the frame mechanism 50, for example, by applying a driving force F1 to the frame support plate 10 in the first horizontal direction via a drive member. The frame mechanism 50, together with the carrier mechanism 40, moves in the first horizontal direction F1. The carrier mechanism 40 contacts the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30 and begins to displace along both the guide elements in the first horizontal direction F1 and the second horizontal direction F2 perpendicular to them. Under the action of the driving force, guided by the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, the carrier mechanism 40 displaces relative to the bit assembly DC100 in the first horizontal direction F1 and also relative to the frame mechanism 50 and the bit assembly DC100 in the second horizontal direction F2 until it reaches the second position. During the movement of the carrier mechanism 40 along the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, the driving force along the first horizontal direction F1 is decomposed into a component force along the tangential direction of the guide surfaces 23 and 33 and a component force perpendicular to the normal direction of the guide surfaces 23 and 33.

[0131] When the carrier mechanism 40, which is equipped with the second container holder R2, reaches the second position, the bit assembly DC100 can be lowered, and the second part of the bit DC-B therein can be used to open and close the caps on the test tubes in the second container holder R2.

[0132] [Move from the second position to the first position]

[0133] When the carrier mechanism 40 is in the second position and contains either the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3, as can be seen in Figure 11, similar to what was described above, the center of the test tube held in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3 cannot be aligned with the bit of the bit assembly DC100. In this case, the carrier mechanism 40 needs to be moved back to the first position before the test tube in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3 can be opened or closed.

[0134] Similar to the process described above, a force is applied to the frame mechanism 50 in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction F1. For example, a driving force in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction F1 is applied to the frame support plate 10 through the driving member. The frame mechanism 50, together with the carrier mechanism 40, moves in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction F1. The restoring force of the springs 61 and 62 acts on the carrier mechanism 40, causing the carrier mechanism 40 to contact the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, and begin to move along the guide elements 20 and 30 in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction F1 and in the opposite direction of the second horizontal direction F2. Under the action of the driving force, the carrier mechanism 40 displaces relative to the bit assembly DC100 in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction F1. Simultaneously, with the restoring force provided by the elastic restoring element towards the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, the carrier mechanism 40 maintains contact with the guide surfaces 23 and 33. Furthermore, guided by the guide surfaces 21 and 31, it displaces relative to the frame mechanism 50 and the bit assembly DC100 in the opposite direction of the second horizontal direction F2 until it returns to the aforementioned first position. During the movement of the carrier mechanism 40 along the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, the driving force against the first horizontal direction F1 is also decomposed into a component force along the tangential direction of the guide surfaces 23 and 33 and a component force perpendicular to the normal direction of the guide surfaces 23 and 33.

[0135] When the carrier mechanism 40, which contains the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3, returns to the first position, the bit assembly DC100 can be lowered, and the first bit DC-A or the third bit DC-C therein can be used to open and close the caps on the test tubes in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3.

[0136] A particularly advantageous embodiment will be explained below with the aid of Figures 2, 6, 9, and 10. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the carrier mechanism 40 reciprocates between a first position and a second position relative to the bit assembly DC100.

[0137] [Contact in the first position]

[0138] Referring first to Figures 2 and 9, part (a) in Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the contact engagement between the first guide portion 42 and the first guide element 20 of the carrier mechanism 40 in the first position shown in Figure 2.

[0139] Under the restoring force of the first spring 61 and the second spring 62, the limiting mating surface 421 of the first guide portion 42 of the carrier mechanism 40 abuts against the first limiting surface 21 of the first guide element 20, and the guiding mating surface 422 of the first guide portion 42 abuts against a portion of the guiding surface 23 of the first guide element 20. The limiting mating surface 431 of the second guide portion 43 abuts against the first limiting surface 31 of the second guide element 30, and the guiding mating surface 432 of the second guide portion 43 abuts against a portion of the guiding surface 33 of the second guide element 30. The carrier mechanism 40 is stably held in a first position relative to the bit assembly DC100 to open and close the caps of the test tubes loaded in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3 in the carrier mechanism 40.

[0140] [Move from position 1 to position 2]

[0141] When the carrier mechanism 40 is in the first position, a driving force F1 is applied to the frame pallet 10 in the first horizontal direction. This driving force is applied by a driving component such as a motor or by an operator, so that the frame pallet 10 drives the frame mechanism 50 together with the carrier mechanism 40 carried in the frame mechanism 50 to move in the first horizontal direction F1, that is, to move in the horizontal rightward direction in the figure of FIG9.

[0142] As the carrier mechanism 40 moves to the right, the guide mating surface 422 of the first guide portion 42 remains in contact with and moves along the guide surface 22 of the first guide element 20, while the guide mating surface 432 of the second guide portion 43 remains in contact with and moves along the guide surface 32 of the second guide element 30, causing the carrier mechanism 40 to move to the right and downward as a whole in the drawing. As the carrier mechanism 40 moves downward relative to the frame mechanism 50 along the second horizontal direction F2, the springs 61 and 62 housed in the grooves 81 and 82 of the carrier mechanism 40 are compressed until the protrusions 71 and 72 connected to the other ends of the springs 61 and 62 are completely retracted into the grooves 81 and 82, and the second side portion 44 of the carrier mechanism 40 is in complete contact with the second side portion 52 of the frame mechanism 50. During this process, the first guide portion 42 of the carrier mechanism 40 remains in contact with the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20, while the second guide portion 43 of the carrier mechanism 40 remains in contact with the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30.

[0143] When the first guide portion 42 moves along the guide surface 23 relative to the first guide element 20 to the position schematically shown in part (a) of FIG10, the displacement component in the second horizontal direction F2 has been completed for the carrier mechanism 40 to move from the first position to the second position (which corresponds to the offset shown in part (i) of FIG11 above), but a displacement is still required in the first horizontal direction F1.

[0144] As shown in part (a) of Figure 10, the transition from the limiting mating surface 421 to the guiding mating surface 422 of the first guide portion 42 and the transition from the guiding surface 23 to the second limiting surface 22 of the first guide element 20 make point-to-point contact in an approximately corner-to-corner manner. This contact state between the first guide portion 42 and the first guide element 20 is unstable.

[0145] As the driving force continues to be applied, starting from the state shown in part (a) of Figure 10, the frame mechanism 50 drives the carrier mechanism 40 to continue moving along the first horizontal direction F1. The first guide portion 42 of the carrier mechanism 40 then again contacts the second limiting surface 22 of the first guide element 20 with its limiting mating surface 421. As the carrier mechanism 40 moves further in the first horizontal direction F1, the contact length between the limiting mating surface 421 of the first guide portion 42 and the second limiting surface 22 of the guide element 20 gradually increases in area. This contact area cannot be too small to maintain stable contact between the second limiting surfaces 22, 32 of the guide elements 20, 30 and the limiting mating surfaces 421, 431 of the guide portions 42, 43 of the carrier mechanism 40.

[0146] [Contact in the second position]

[0147] Finally, the carrier mechanism 40 moves relative to the bit assembly DC100 to the second position shown in FIG. 6. No further driving force is applied to the frame tray 10. In the second position, the limiting mating surface 421 of the first guide portion 42 of the carrier mechanism 40 abuts against the second limiting surface 22 of the first guide element 20, and the limiting mating surface 431 of the second guide portion 43 abuts against the second limiting surface 32 of the second guide element 30. Simultaneously, the second side portion 44 of the carrier mechanism 40 and the second side portion 52 of the frame mechanism 50 are in contact with each other due to the compression of springs 61 and 62, causing protrusions 71 and 72 to retract into grooves 81 and 82. This stably holds the carrier mechanism 40 relative to the bit assembly DC100 in the second position, allowing for the opening and closing of the caps on the container holders, such as the test tubes in the second container holder R2, loaded in the carrier mechanism 40.

[0148] [Return from second position to first position]

[0149] If, due to a change in the specifications of the test tubes in the container holder housed in the carrier mechanism 40, the carrier mechanism 40 needs to return from the second position shown in FIG. 6 to the first position relative to the bit assembly DC100, as explained above, so that the center of the test tubes in the container holder is realigned with the corresponding bit, a driving force in the opposite direction to the first horizontal direction F1 needs to be applied to the frame support plate 10. This causes the frame mechanism 50 to move the carrier mechanism 40 and the container holder housed therein in a horizontal leftward direction in the drawing. As the carrier mechanism 40 gradually moves to the left, the guide mating surfaces 422 and 432 of the guides 42 and 43 will contact the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30. With the restoring force of the compressed springs 61 and 62, the first guide portion 42 and the second guide portion 43 of the carrier mechanism 40 are held against the guide surface 23 of the first guide element 20 and the guide surface 33 of the second guide element 30, and are displaced in both the first horizontal direction F1 and the second horizontal direction F2, that is, they move to the upper left in the figure until they return to the first position shown in Figure 2.

[0150] When the carrier mechanism 40 reaches the first position, the bit assembly DC100 is lowered, and the first bit DC-A or the third bit DC-C can be used to open and close the caps on the test tubes in the first container holder R1 or the third container holder R3 in the carrier mechanism 40.

[0151] [Methods for opening and closing lids on different container holders using lid opening and closing devices]

[0152] -The first test tube held by the first container holder R1 in the carrier mechanism 40, which is in a first position relative to the bit assembly DC100 of the opening and closing device, is opened and closed by the first bit DC-A in the bit assembly DC100.

[0153] - Raise the bit assembly DC100 so that the first container holder R1, which holds the first test tube, is removed from the carrier mechanism 40 after its cap has been opened and closed, and a second container holder R2 for holding a second test tube with a different construction from the first test tube is inserted into the carrier mechanism 40.

[0154] - Lower the bit assembly DC100 and move the frame mechanism 50 along the first horizontal direction F1, thereby causing the carrier mechanism 40 to contact the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, and move relative to the bit assembly DC100 from the first position to the second position. During this movement, the carrier mechanism 40 moves relative to the frame mechanism 50 along the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30 in the second horizontal direction F2.

[0155] - In the second position, the second bit DC-B of the bit assembly DC100 opens and closes the cap of the second test tube held by the second container holder R2.

[0156] - Raise the bit assembly DC100 so that the second container holder R2, which holds the second test tube (which has been opened and closed), is removed from the carrier mechanism 40, and a third container holder R3, which can be used to hold a third test tube constructed differently from the second test tube, is inserted.

[0157] - The frame mechanism 50 is moved in a horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction F1, and the carrier mechanism 40 contacts and maintains contact with the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30, thereby moving the carrier mechanism 40 relative to the bit assembly DC100 from the second position back to the first position. During this movement, the carrier mechanism 40 moves relative to the frame mechanism 50 in a horizontal direction opposite to the second horizontal direction F2 along the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30.

[0158] -After the carrier mechanism 40 returns to the first position, the third parting bit DC-C of the bit assembly DC100 is used to open and close the cap of the third test tube held by the third container holder R3.

[0159] The following further illustrates an exemplary operation method for sequentially opening and closing the first container holder R1, the second container holder R2, and the third container holder R3 described above using the opening and closing device of the illustrated embodiment.

[0160] - The operator of the opening and closing device places the first container holder R1, which contains 96 first test tubes sealed with caps, into the carrier mechanism 40, and inputs a command into the control unit of the opening and closing device to confirm that the first container holder R1 is placed to hold the first test tubes, and instructs the device to open and close the caps on the 96 first test tubes in the first container holder R1.

[0161] - The drive mechanism of the opening and closing device operates, applying a driving force to the frame support plate 10, causing the loading mechanism 40 to move relative to the bit assembly DC100 to the first position;

[0162] -The bit assembly DC100 moves downward in the vertical direction and uses the first bit DC-A to open and close the cap on the first test tube in the first container holder R1.

[0163] - The bit assembly DC100 moves vertically upward to move away from the carrier mechanism 40, removes the first container holder R1 containing the first test tubes which has been opened and closed from the carrier mechanism 40, and places in the second container holder R2 containing 24 second test tubes. The control unit of the opening and closing device is given a command to confirm that the second container holder R2 containing the second test tubes is placed, and the device is instructed to open and close the caps on the 24 second test tubes in the second container holder R2.

[0164] - The drive mechanism applies a driving force F1 along the first horizontal direction to the frame pallet 10, causing the load mechanism 40 to move from the first position to the second position relative to the bit assembly DC100.

[0165] -The bit assembly DC100 moves downward in the vertical direction and uses the second bit DC-B to open and close the cap on the second test tube on the second container holder R2.

[0166] - The bit assembly DC100 moves vertically upward to move away from the carrier mechanism 40, removes the second container holder R2 from the carrier mechanism 40, wherein the second test tube held therein has been opened and closed, and puts in the third container holder R3 containing 48 third test tubes. The control unit of the opening and closing device inputs a command to confirm that the third container holder R3 holding the third test tubes is placed, and instructs the device to open and close the caps on the third test tubes held in the new third container holder R3.

[0167] - The driving component applies a driving force against the first horizontal direction F1 to the frame support plate 10, causing the frame mechanism 50 to move against the first horizontal direction F1, and the first spring 61 and the second spring 62 apply a restoring force to the carrier mechanism 40, pressing the carrier mechanism 40 against the guide surfaces 23 and 33 of the guide elements 20 and 30 and keeping it in contact with them, thereby moving the carrier mechanism 40 relative to the bit assembly DC100 from the second position back to the first position;

[0168] - The bit assembly DC100 moves downward in the vertical direction, using the third part of the bit DC-C to open and close the cap on the third test tube on the third container holder R3.

[0169] Thus, a method for batch opening and closing caps of first, second, and third dossam test tubes with different structures held in first container holders R1, second container holders R2, and third container holders R3 was completed.

[0170] In this method, if after completing the opening and closing operation of the first test tube in, for example, the first container holder R1, is still the first container holder R1 that holds the first test tube when the new loading mechanism 40 is placed, the control unit of the device will not instruct the drive to apply a driving force to move the loading mechanism 40 relative to the bit assembly DC100 toward the second position.

[0171] In this method, if after completing the opening and closing operation of the second test tube in, for example, the second container holder R2, the first container holder R1 is newly placed into the carrier mechanism 40, then after inputting an instruction to the control unit of the device to confirm that the first container holder R1 containing the first test tube is placed, the control unit will control the drive to apply a driving force against the first horizontal direction F1, so that the carrier mechanism 40 moves back to the first position relative to the bit assembly DC100.

[0172] In this method, the action of loading the container holders R1, R2, and R3 into the carrier mechanism 40 can be performed manually by an operator or non-manually by other components of the equipment or other devices.

[0173] The capping device according to this disclosure displaces different test tubes in container holders of different sizes loaded in the carrier mechanism in a horizontal plane, so that the center of the test tubes held in the container holders of different sizes can be aligned with the corresponding bit of the bit assembly fixed in the horizontal plane, so as to perform capping operation on the test tubes. The guide element in the loading assembly of the capping device allows the container holders to be displaced in both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction, which are substantially perpendicular to each other, by means of a driving force along the first horizontal direction.

[0174] Within the scope of this invention, various embodiments can be freely combined, or appropriately modified or omitted.

[0175] List of reference numerals: 10 Frame support plate; 20 First guide element; 21 First limiting surface of the first guide element; 22 Second limiting surface of the first guide element; 23 Guide surface of the first guide element; 30 Second guide element; 31 First limiting surface of the second guide element; 32 Second limiting surface of the second guide element; 33 Guide surface of the second guide element; 40 Carrier mechanism; 41 First side portion of the carrier mechanism; 42, 42' First guide portion; 421 Limiting mating surface of the first guide portion; 422 Guide mating surface of the first guide portion; 424 Roller; 425 Side of the first guide element; 43 Second guide portion; 431 Limiting mating surface of the second guide portion; 432 Guide mating surface of the second guide portion; 44 Second side portion of the carrier mechanism; 45 Accommodating space; 46 Third side portion of the carrier mechanism; 47 Fourth side portion of the carrier mechanism; 50 Frame mechanism; 51 First side portion of the frame mechanism; 52 (Frame mechanism) Second side 61 First spring 62 Second spring 71 First protrusion 72 Second protrusion 81 First groove 82 Second groove α Angle C11 (Center of hole in first container holder) C21 (Center of hole in second container holder) F1 First horizontal direction F2 Second horizontal direction R1 First container holder R2 Second container holder R3 Third container holder DC100 Bit assembly DC101-DC104 Bit DC-A First part bit DC-B Second part bit DC-C Third part bit S Offset

Claims

1. A loading assembly for an open-close lid apparatus, the open-close lid apparatus comprising a batch head assembly for open-close lidding of capped laboratory sample containers, characterized in that, The loading assembly comprises: a frame mechanism which is drivable to move in a first horizontal direction relative to the head assembly, a carrier mechanism which is equipped with a first container holder for holding a first sample container or a second container holder for holding a second sample container which is configured differently from the first sample container, and which is movably accommodated in the frame mechanism, wherein the carrier mechanism is not moved relative to the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction, a guide element having a guide surface which is fixedly provided at a base of the lid opening and closing device and which is located close to the frame mechanism and the carrier mechanism, when the frame mechanism is driven to move in the first horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism is able to contact the guide element and to move relative to the head assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the carrier mechanism is able to move relative to the frame mechanism along the guide surface of the guide element in a second horizontal direction which is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, wherein, when the carrier mechanism is in the first position relative to the head assembly, a first part of the head assembly is able to open and close a lid of the first sample container held by the first container holder, wherein, when the carrier mechanism is in the second position relative to the head assembly, a second part of the head assembly is able to open and close a lid of the second sample container held by the second container holder.

2. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein, The loading assembly further comprises at least one elastic return element which is arranged opposite the guide surface of the guide element in the second horizontal direction, and the elastic return element is arranged between the carrier mechanism and the frame mechanism such that a return force of the elastic return element acts on the carrier mechanism, so that, when the frame mechanism is driven to move in a direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, the carrier mechanism is able to contact the guide element and to move relative to the head assembly from the second position back to the first position under the action of the return force, wherein the carrier mechanism is able to move relative to the frame mechanism along the guide surface of the guide element in a direction opposite to the second horizontal direction.

3. The loading assembly according to claim 2, wherein the guide element further comprises a first stop surface and a second stop surface which extend in the first horizontal direction, and which are arranged such that: in the first position, the carrier mechanism rests against the first stop surface of the guide element by means of the return force of the elastic return element, and the carrier mechanism rests against a first side edge portion of the frame mechanism which extends in the first horizontal direction, in the second position, the carrier mechanism is clamped between the second stop surface of the guide element and a second side edge portion of the frame mechanism which extends in the first horizontal direction, wherein the second side edge portion is opposite to the first side edge portion.

4. The loading assembly of claim 3, wherein, The guide surface is disposed between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface, and is respectively adjacent to the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface.

5. The loading assembly of claim 4, wherein, The guide surface forms an angle of between 57° and 72° with the first horizontal direction.

6. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein, The carrier mechanism comprises a guide portion, the guide portion comprising a guide mating surface configured to slide along the guide surface of the guide element when the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

7. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein, The carrier mechanism comprises a guide portion, the guide portion comprising a rolling body configured to roll along the guide surface of the guide element when the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

8. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein, The carrier mechanism comprises a guide portion, the guide portion comprising an inclined portion, the inclined portion comprising a protruding portion extending from the carrier mechanism toward the guide element and / or a bevel formed at an outer edge of the frame mechanism, and the protruding portion and / or the bevel contact and move along the guide surface when the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

9. The loading assembly of claim 3, wherein, The elastic recovery element is configured as a spring, the carrier mechanism comprises a groove facing the second side edge portion of the frame mechanism, the spring is disposed in the groove, a first end of the spring is connected to the carrier mechanism, and a second end of the spring opposite to the first end is connected with a protruding block, at least a portion of the protruding block protrudes out of the groove so as to be able to abut against the second side edge portion of the frame mechanism.

10. The loading assembly of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The loading assembly comprises a first guide element and a second guide element, the first guide element and the second guide element are respectively disposed at two ends of the base in the first horizontal direction, The first guide element has a first guide element guide surface configured as the guide surface, a first guide element first limiting surface configured as the first limiting surface, and a first guide element second limiting surface configured as the second limiting surface, The second guide element has a second guide element guide surface configured as the guide surface, a second guide element first limiting surface configured as the first limiting surface, and a second guide element second limiting surface configured as the second limiting surface, and The angle formed by the first guide element guide surface with the first horizontal direction is equal to the angle formed by the second guide element guide surface with the first horizontal direction.

11. An open-close lid apparatus for opening and closing a capped laboratory sample container, comprising: a base; a loading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A capping module for capping and decapping the containers, the capping module comprising a head assembly, wherein a first portion of the head assembly is alignable with a first sample container held by a first container holder for capping and decapping the first sample container when the carrier mechanism of the loading assembly is in a first position relative to the head assembly, and a second portion of the head assembly is alignable with a second sample container held by a second container holder for capping and decapping the second sample container when the carrier mechanism of the loading assembly is in a second position relative to the head assembly, wherein the first sample container is configured differently from the second sample container.

12. The opening and closing lid device according to claim 11, wherein The capping device further comprises a drive operatively connected to the frame mechanism of the loading assembly for driving the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction.

13. A method for capping and decapping capped laboratory sample containers using a capping device, the method comprising the steps of: - capping and decapping a first sample container held by a first container holder of a carrier mechanism of the capping device in a first position relative to a head assembly of the capping device by means of a first portion of the head assembly, wherein the carrier mechanism is movably accommodated in a frame mechanism of the capping device and the carrier mechanism does not move relative to the frame mechanism in a first horizontal direction, - raising the head assembly such that the first container holder is removed from the carrier mechanism, the first sample container held in the first container holder having been capped and decapped and loaded into a second container holder for holding a second sample container configured differently from the first sample container, - lowering the head assembly and moving the frame mechanism in the first horizontal direction such that the carrier mechanism contacts a guiding surface of a guiding element of the capping device and moves relative to the head assembly from the first position to a second position, wherein the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism along the guiding surface of the guiding element in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, - capping and decapping the second sample container held by the second container holder in the second position by means of a second portion of the head assembly, - raising the head assembly such that the second container holder is removed from the carrier mechanism, the second sample container held in the second container holder having been capped and decapped and loaded into a third container holder for holding a third sample container configured differently from the second sample container, - moving the frame mechanism in a horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction such that the carrier mechanism contacts and remains in contact with the guiding surface of the guiding element, thereby moving the carrier mechanism relative to the head assembly from the second position back to the first position, wherein the carrier mechanism moves relative to the frame mechanism along the guiding surface of the guiding element in a horizontal direction opposite to the second horizontal direction.

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