Automatic capping and decapping method for sampling tube

Abstract

An automatic capping and decapping method for a sampling tube. A sampling tube rack (20) is comprised; the sampling tube rack (20) comprises a tube cap (32) lower edge arrangement plane; and when a sampling tube (30) is received in the sampling tube rack (20), the lower edge of a tube cap (32) of the sampling tube (30) is attached to the tube cap (32) lower edge arrangement plane. The method comprises: enabling a sampling tube (30) automatic capping and decapping apparatus (1) to move a distance towards the tube cap (32) lower edge arrangement plane (21) in the normal direction of the tube cap (32) lower edge arrangement plane (21), so as to contact the upper edge of the tube cap (32); when the distance is less than a preset distance, determining that the tube cap (32) has a first height, and when the distance is greater than the preset distance, determining that the tube cap (32) has a second height; in the case of the second height, distinguishing between a first material and a second material; and enabling the sampling tube (30) automatic capping and decapping apparatus (1) to execute corresponding decapping and capping procedures on the basis of the first height, the second height and the first material, as well as the second height and the second material.

Description

Automatic opening and closing method for sampling tubes Technical Field

[0001] This case relates to an automatic opening and closing method for sampling tube caps, and more particularly to an automatic opening and closing method capable of automatically opening and closing caps of multiple types of sampling tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, laboratory sample processing includes manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated methods. When there is a large demand for sample processing, automated equipment is often used to perform large-scale sample processing at once to improve sample processing efficiency.

[0003] Various types of sampling tubes are available on the market, with even more diverse cap types, such as screw caps, rigid caps, and flexible caps. However, most automated equipment only supports large-volume sample processing for a single type of sampling tube, or requires manual cap opening. A few automated devices that support multiple sampling tube types require prior confirmation of the tube type using image recognition, or manual pre-setting of the tube type before proceeding with automated operations. However, establishing image recognition mechanisms significantly increases costs, and manual setting requires time to select and set the sampling tube type.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automatic cap-opening method that can automatically open and close caps of various types of sampling tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cap-opening method for automatically opening and closing caps of multiple types of sampling tubes, thereby addressing the deficiencies in the aforementioned prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides an automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing method, comprising: providing a sampling tube holder, wherein the sampling tube holder has a lower edge plane for the cap, and when the sampling tube is placed in the sampling tube holder, the lower edge of the cap of the sampling tube is aligned with the lower edge plane for the cap; moving an automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device a distance along the normal direction of the lower edge plane for the cap to contact the upper edge of the cap of the sampling tube; when the distance is less than a preset distance, determining that the cap of the sampling tube has a first height, and when the distance is greater than the preset distance, determining that the cap of the sampling tube has a second height; when the cap of the sampling tube has the second height, determining that the cap with the second height has a first material or a second material; and the automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device executing corresponding cap opening and closing operation procedures according to the first height, the second height and the first material, and the second height and the second material.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first height is greater than the second height.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes: placing a plurality of clamping rings of the sampling tube automatic opening and closing device around the outer periphery of the tube cover with a second height and jointly providing clamping force to the tube cover with a second height; and determining that the tube cover with a second height has a first material when the clamping force causes the compression amount generated by the tube cover with a second height to be less than a preset compression amount, and determining that the tube cover with a second height has a second material when the clamping force causes the compression amount generated by the tube cover with a second height to be greater than the preset compression amount.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hardness of the first material is greater than that of the second material, and the material of the pipe cap having a first height is the first material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device further includes at least one baffle disposed between a plurality of clamps to apply a downward force to the upper edge of the cap having a first material.

[0011] In one embodiment, each plurality of clamps includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed vertically, and each second clamping portion has a protrusion at its lower edge.

[0012] In one embodiment, the procedure for opening the cap of the tube made of the first material includes: having a plurality of first clamps of a plurality of clamps of an automatic cap opening and closing device for sampling tube surround and clamp the outer periphery of the cap of the first material; and rotating the plurality of clamps counterclockwise to drive the cap of the first material to rotate counterclockwise and move upward simultaneously, so as to separate the cap of the first material from the tube body of the sampling tube.

[0013] In one embodiment, the procedure for closing the cap of the tube made of the first material includes: rotating a plurality of clamps clockwise to cause the cap of the tube made of the first material, which is clamped therebetween, to rotate clockwise and move downward simultaneously, so that the cap of the tube made of the first material is engaged with the tube body of the sampling tube.

[0014] In one embodiment, the procedure for opening a tube cap having a second height and a second material includes: having a plurality of second clamping portions of a plurality of clamps of an automatic sampling tube opening and closing device surround and clamp the outer periphery of the tube cap having a second height and a second material, wherein the plurality of second clamping portions are disposed below the lower edge of the tube cap having a second height and a second material through a plurality of protrusions to clamp the tube cap; and rotating the plurality of clamps counterclockwise to drive the tube cap having a second height and a second material to rotate counterclockwise and move upward simultaneously, so as to separate the tube cap having a second height and a second material from the tube body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the closing procedure of the tube cap having a second height and a second material includes: rotating a plurality of clamps clockwise to drive the tube cap having a second height and a second material, which is clamped between a plurality of second clamps, to rotate clockwise and move downward simultaneously, so that the lower part of the tube cap having a second height and a second material is engaged with the tube body of the sampling tube; the plurality of clamps opening and moving upward so that a plurality of protrusions correspond to the upper part of the tube cap; clamping the upper part of the tube cap with the plurality of protrusions; and rotating the plurality of clamps clockwise to drive the tube cap having a second height and a second material, which is clamped between a plurality of protrusions, to rotate clockwise and move downward simultaneously, so that the lower part of the tube cap is fully engaged with the tube body.

[0016] In one embodiment, there is a step between the first clamp and the second clamp, and the step provides a downward force to the upper edge of the cap having a second height and a second material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device includes a cover height sensing mechanism, which includes a sensor, a trigger, an elastic element, and a linear slide rail.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the cap has a first height, the trigger is in a first position and triggers the sensor, and when the cap has a second height, the trigger is in a second position and does not trigger the sensor.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sensor includes a photodetector, and the trigger includes a blocking element.

[0020] This automatic cap-opening and closing method for sampling tubes utilizes a process that determines the height and material of the cap to automatically identify the appropriate cap-opening and closing procedure, effectively reducing manual intervention and achieving a high degree of automation. Furthermore, it provides corresponding cap-opening and closing procedures for caps of different materials, effectively improving the success rate of cap-opening and closing procedures for different types of caps. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device in this case;

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device, along with the sampling tube holder and sampling tube in this case;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the sampling tube rack and various types of sampling tubes used in the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device applicable to this case;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device in this case.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device in this case, along with another sampling tube holder and sampling tube;

[0026] Figures 6A and 6B show schematic diagrams of the pipe cover height sensing mechanism in this case;

[0027] Figure 7 shows the flowchart for determining the type of pipe cover in this case;

[0028] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic cover opening and closing operation procedure of the sampling tube automatic cover opening and closing device in this case;

[0029] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the sampling tube with a soft material tube cap clamping device of the automatic sampling tube opening and closing device in this case;

[0030] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the opening process of the soft material pipe cap in this case;

[0031] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the closing process of the soft material pipe cap in this case;

[0032] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the closing process of the soft material pipe cap in this case;

[0033] Figure 13 shows the opening process of the pipe cap, which is made of a hard material on the outside of this case.

[0034] Figure 14 shows the closing process of the pipe cap, which is made of a hard material on the outside of this case.

[0035] Figure 15 shows the opening flowchart of the soft material pipe cap in this case;

[0036] Figure 16 shows the closing flowchart of the soft material pipe cap in this case.

[0037]

Symbol Explanation

[0038] Some typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the invention can have various variations in different forms, all of which do not depart from the scope of the invention, and the descriptions and drawings herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device of this invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device of this invention combined with a sampling tube holder and sampling tubes; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the setup of a sampling tube holder and various types of sampling tubes applicable to the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device of this invention; and Figure 4 shows a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device of this invention. The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device 1 of this invention is used to automatically perform the separation and connection of the tube caps 32 (e.g., 32a, 32b, 32c) and tube bodies 31 (e.g., 31a, 31b, 31c) of various types of sampling tubes 30 (e.g., 30a, 30b, 30c) set on the sampling tube holder 20. The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device 1 includes a base 11, multiple clamps 12, a first drive device 13, and a second drive device 19. Multiple clamps 12 are disposed below the base 11, wherein the extension direction of each clamp 12 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the base 11, i.e., parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the multiple clamps 12 are symmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis A of the base 11. A first drive device 13 is used to control the rotation of the base 11 around the longitudinal axis A, thereby driving the multiple clamps 12 below to rotate. In addition, the first drive device 13 also controls the opening and closing of the multiple clamps 12 relative to the longitudinal axis A of the base 11. A second drive device 19 is used to control the common movement of the first drive device 13, the base 11, and the multiple clamps 12 along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. Therefore, driven by the first driving device 13 and the second driving device 19, the base 11 and its multiple clamps 12 can move between the sampling tube frame 20 carrying the sampling tube 30 and the opening and closing position of the sampling tube 30. The clamps 12 can be placed around the tube cover 32 of the sampling tube 30 to clamp the tube cover 32 of the sampling tube 30, so as to achieve the operation of moving the sampling tube 30 and opening and closing the tube cover 32 of the sampling tube 30.

[0040] To achieve universal opening and closing of caps for various types of sampling tubes, this case study categorizes commonly used sampling tubes into three types using common cap types, designated 30a, 30b, and 30c, after researching various commercially available sampling tubes. The first type, sampling tube 30a, has a cap 32a made of a hard material that is screwed onto the tube body 31a. The second type, sampling tube 30b, has a cap 32b made of a hard material on the outside and a soft material on the inside, which is plugged onto the tube body 31b. The third type, sampling tube 30c, has a cap 32c made of a soft material that is plugged onto the tube body 31c. Therefore, sampling tube caps can be categorized into two types based on their external material: hard caps and soft caps. Furthermore, although commercially available sampling tubes come in various lengths and shapes, if we take the lower edge of the cap (with a diameter larger than the tube body) as a reference when it is attached to the tube body, as shown in Figure 3, we can simply distinguish between two types based on the height of the cap: high caps (e.g., cap 32a) and low caps (e.g., caps 32b and 32c). In addition, caps made solely of soft materials (e.g., cap 32c) are usually lower in height, while caps made of hard materials may vary in height (e.g., caps 32a and 32b). In other words, caps can be classified as high caps and low caps (i.e., they have different heights), and as hard caps and soft caps (i.e., they have different hardnesses). High caps are mostly hard caps, while low caps can be further divided into hard caps (with a hard outer material) and soft caps. This case involves developing corresponding automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing devices and methods based on the aforementioned tube cap classifications, aiming to complete the opening and closing procedures for multiple types of sampling tubes in the same batch without prior image recognition and / or manual settings.

[0041] More specifically, the automatic cover opening and closing method in this case is based on the fact that the lower edges of the tube caps 32 of various types of sampling tubes 30 are set on the same lower edge plane 21. Therefore, regardless of the height and shape of the tube body 31, the lower edges of all tube caps 32 will be located on the same plane, so the height of the tube caps 32 can be accurately determined. After determining the height of the tube caps 32, it is only necessary to determine the hardness of the external material of the lower cap, which can roughly cover various types of tube caps 32 commonly used in the market and perform the corresponding opening and closing operation.

[0042] Please also refer to Figure 5, which shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device of this case, combined with another sampling tube rack and sampling tube. The sampling tube rack 20' can also be implemented in the form of placing a single sampling tube. In this case, the sampling tube rack 20' still has a lower edge setting plane 21' for the tube cover, which can serve as the basis for judging the height of the tube cover 32, and thus determine the corresponding opening and closing operation. In this embodiment, the first drive device 13 is also used to control the rotation of the base 11 around the longitudinal axis A, and drive the multiple clamps 12 below to rotate, and also control the opening and closing of the multiple clamps 12 relative to the longitudinal axis A of the base 11. The second drive device 19 is mainly used to control the common movement of the first drive device 13, the base 11 and the multiple clamps 12 along the longitudinal axis A (Z-axis direction).

[0043] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5, 6A to 6B, and 7. Figures 6A to 6B show schematic diagrams of the tube cap height sensing mechanism of this invention, and Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the tube cap type determination process of this invention. Before executing the tube cap opening and closing operation procedure for any target sampling tube, the automatic tube cap opening and closing device 1 of this invention first executes a process to determine the type of its tube cap 32. More specifically, before moving the sampling tube 30 to the opening and closing position, the automatic tube cap opening and closing device 1 first performs a process to determine whether the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30, which is still supported on the sampling tube rack 20, is a high cap or a low cap, and after determining that it is a low cap, it further determines whether it is a hard cap or a soft cap. After the determination is completed, the target sampling tube 30 is moved to the opening and closing position, and the corresponding opening and closing operation procedure is executed according to the determined tube cap 32 type.

[0044] The process for determining the type of tube cap is as follows. First, in step S101, the determination process begins. In step S102, the first driving device 13 drives the clamp 12 to open, and the second driving device 19 drives the base 11 together with the clamp 12 to move downwards to above the target sampling tube 30 supported on the sampling tube rack 20, so that the clamp 12 is placed around the outer periphery of the tube cap 32, and the baffle 111 located below the base 11 and between the multiple clamps 12 abuts against the upper edge of the tube cap 32; here, the lower edge of the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30 is set on the lower edge setting plane 21 of the tube cap of the sampling tube rack 20, and the base 11 moves towards the target sampling tube 30 along the normal direction of the lower edge setting plane 21 of the tube cap. Step S103: The height of the pipe cover 32 is determined based on the distance the base 11 moves downward to make the baffle 111 abut against the upper edge of the pipe cover 32. When the pipe cover 32 is a high cover (e.g., pipe cover 32a), the distance the base 11 moves downward from the baffle 111 to the upper edge of the pipe cover 32 is shorter. When the pipe cover 32 is a low cover (e.g., pipe covers 32b, 32c), the distance the base 11 moves downward from the baffle 111 to the upper edge of the pipe cover 32 is longer. Therefore, by setting a preset distance and judging whether the downward movement distance of the base is less than the preset distance, it can be determined whether the pipe cover 32 is a high cover or a low cover.

[0045] The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device 1 of this invention further includes a cover height sensing mechanism to determine whether the downward movement distance of the base is less than a preset distance. The cover height sensing mechanism includes a sensor 15, a trigger 16, an elastic element 17, and a linear slide rail 18. The sensor 15 remains in a fixed position, and the linear slide rail 18 causes the base 11 to move along the longitudinal axis A (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The trigger 16 is linked to the base 11, and the distance between the sensor 15 and the trigger 16 changes as the base 11 moves. The elastic element 17 generates different compression amounts according to the change in the movement distance of the base 11. More specifically, the higher the position of the base 11 (along the Z-axis direction), the higher the position of the trigger 16, and the greater the compression amount of the elastic element 17; conversely, the lower the position of the base 11, the lower the position of the trigger 16, and the smaller the compression amount of the elastic element 17. In this configuration, by setting a preset distance, when the cover is high, the trigger 16 is located at a higher position (first position) due to the smaller downward movement of the base 11, thus triggering the sensor 15 to operate. Conversely, when the cover is low, the trigger 16 is located at a lower position (second position) due to the larger downward movement of the base 11, thus not triggering the sensor 15 to operate. This allows for the differentiation between a high and low cover on the target sampling tube 30. For example, the sensor 15 can be a light detector, and the trigger 16 can be a blocking element. The position of the blocking element can be adjusted to either block or not block the light path of the light detector, thus determining whether the cover 32 is a high or low cover. Furthermore, for example, the preset distance can be set to a distance that causes the elastic element 17 to generate a compression amount of 4.5 mm. When the base 11 moves downward to the top of the tube cap 32, the moving distance is less than the preset distance, but the compression amount is greater than 4.5 mm, it indicates that the baffle 111 is being pushed by the high cap. When the base 11 moves downward to the top of the tube cap 32, the moving distance is greater than the preset distance, but the compression amount is less than 4.5 mm, it indicates that the baffle 111 is being pushed by the low cap. Therefore, through this process, it can be determined whether the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30 is a high cap (first height) or a low cap (second height).

[0046] When it is determined in step S104 that the pipe cover 32 is a high cover (first height), as mentioned above, based on the premise that high covers are mostly hard covers, as shown in step S105, the pipe cover 32a that is determined to be a high cover will be executed accordingly for the high cover / hard cover opening and closing operation procedure.

[0047] Next, a further judgment process is performed on the pipe caps 32b and 32c that are determined to be low-profile (second height) in step S106. As mentioned above, low-profile caps may be made of only soft material or have a soft inner material combined with a hard outer material. In other words, if only the outer material is used to distinguish them, low-profile caps can still be further divided into hard caps and soft caps. Accordingly, a pipe cap material judgment process is further performed on the low-profile (second height). In step S107, the clamps 12 that were placed around the pipe caps during the height judgment of pipe caps 32b and 32c are further closed under the drive of the first drive device 13 to apply a clamping force to the pipe caps 32b and 32c that are determined to be low-profile. Then, in step S108, it is determined whether the compression amount generated by the clamping force on the pipe cap is less than a preset compression amount. Under a certain clamping force, when the amount of compression generated by the clamp 12 on the tube cap 32b is less than the preset compression amount, as shown in step S109, it can be determined that the outer surface of the tube cap 32b is made of a hard material (first material), and then as shown in step S110, the corresponding hard cap opening and closing operation procedure is executed; on the other hand, under the same clamping force, when the amount of compression generated by the clamp 12 on the tube cap 32c is greater than the preset compression amount, as shown in step S111, it can be determined that the outer surface of the tube cap 32c is made of a soft material (second material), and then as shown in step S112, the corresponding soft cap opening and closing operation procedure is executed. For example, the clamping force can be set to a torque value of 50 to 70 Nm, and the preset compression amount can be set to 0.5 to 5 mm. When the compression amount generated by the clamping force on the tube cap 32b is less than 0.5 mm, it indicates that the outer material of the tube cap 32b is a hard material, and therefore the opening and closing operation procedure for the hard cap is executed accordingly. On the other hand, when the compression amount generated by the clamping force on the tube cap 32c is greater than 5 mm, it indicates that the tube cap 32c is made of a soft material, and therefore the opening and closing operation procedure for the soft cap is executed accordingly.

[0048] Thus, it can be seen that the automatic opening and closing method of the sampling tube in this case starts by determining the type of tube cover 32. First, the height of the tube cover 32 (first height or second height) is determined. Then, the material of the tube cover 32 (first material or second material) is determined from the low cover (second height). Based on the principle that the high cover (first height) is mostly made of hard material (first material), all types of tube covers 32 are divided into two types: hard cover (first material) (i.e., high cover (first height)) and soft cover (second material). Then, the corresponding hard cover or soft cover opening and closing operation procedure is executed.

[0049] The cap 32 and body 31 of the sampling tube 30 are typically connected in two ways: screw connection and plug connection. Screw connection requires rotating the cap 32 to separate and connect it to the body 31. Plug connection primarily involves inserting the cap 32 into the body 31, regardless of whether the force is applied directly from top to bottom or by rotating while applying force downwards. Therefore, to accommodate various types of caps 32, the cap opening and closing procedure in this invention uses the method of rotating the cap 32, thus being compatible with both situations.

[0050] After determining the type of the tube cap 32, the first driving device 13 drives the clamp 12 to close and grasp the target sampling tube 30, and the second driving device 19 drives the base 11 and the clamp 12 to move. The target sampling tube 30 moves from the sampling tube rack 20 to the opening and closing position, and then executes the corresponding opening and closing operation procedure according to the determination result. In order to execute the opening and closing operation procedure, the automatic opening and closing device 1 for sampling tubes also includes a tube body fixing part 14, which can fix the tube body 31 of the target sampling tube 30 at the opening and closing position, so as to facilitate the clamp 12 to perform the operation procedure of rotating to open and rotate to close the tube cap 32 after grasping it.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, depending on the material of the external tube cap, each clamp 12 includes a first clamp 121 and a second clamp 122 arranged vertically. The first clamp 121 is located below the base 11, and the second clamp 122 is located below the first clamp 121. The space enclosed by the multiple first clamps 121 facing the inner side of the longitudinal axis A of the base 11 is smaller than the space enclosed by the multiple second clamps 122 facing the inner side of the longitudinal axis A of the base 11. That is, the shortest distance between the first clamp 121 and the longitudinal axis A of the base 11 is smaller than the shortest distance between the second clamp 122 and the longitudinal axis A of the base 11. Therefore, there is a step difference 123 between the first clamp 121 and the second clamp 122, that is, the lower edge of the first clamp 121 is exposed. For example, the first clamp 121 may be generally cylindrical, the second clamp 122 may be generally semi-cylindrical, and the plane of the semi-cylindrical is generally oriented toward the longitudinal axis A of the base 11, thus having a step 123 between the cylinder and the semi-cylindrical.

[0052] The first clamp 121, located above the clamp 12, is used to clamp the hard cap (first material / first height tube cap). Please refer to Figures 4 and 8. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the opening and closing procedure of the sampling tube automatic opening and closing device of this invention. When the hard cap is clamped by the first clamp 121, since the second clamp 122 below is farther from the longitudinal axis A of the base 11 than the first clamp 121, the second clamp 122 will not contact the hard cap. The tube cap 32 can be clamped precisely between the upper baffle 111 and the multiple first clamps 121, and therefore can be universally adapted to high-cap hard caps (e.g., tube cap 32a) or low-cap hard caps (e.g., tube cap 32b). Next, in cooperation with the tube body fixing part 14, the separation and connection of the tube caps 32a and 32b of the sampling tube with an outer tube cap made of a hard material can be completed by simply having the first driving device 13 drive the base 11 to move the clamp 12 counterclockwise while the second driving device 19 drives the base 11 and clamp 12 to move upward together, or to rotate clockwise and move downward at the same time. Here, in order to increase the friction between the first clamp 121 and the tube cap, the contact surface 1211 between the clamp and the tube cap can be made of an elastic material. For example, it can be implemented as a metal material with an elastic material such as plastic / rubber on the outside. In this way, the metal can provide sufficient strength, and the elastic material can provide friction and tolerance range, which is conducive to the smooth execution of the opening and closing operation of the hard cap. In some embodiments, the elastic material may be a material with a Shore hardness between A60 and A80, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyoxymethylene (POM), but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the elastic material may further be configured to cover the entire first clamping portion 121.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 8 and 13 simultaneously. Figure 13 shows the opening flowchart of the tube cap, whose external material is hard. After determining that the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30 is a high cap (first height), or that the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30 is a low cap (second height) and its external material is hard (first material), the hard cap opening and closing operation procedure is started. Taking sampling tube 30a as an example, in step S201, the base 11 moves downward until the baffle 111 abuts against the upper edge 321a of the tube cap 32a, and the clamp 12 closes so that the contact surface 1211 of the first clamp 121 clamps the outer periphery of the tube cap 32a. In step S202, the base 11 and the clamp 12 move upward together to move the sampling tube 30a from the sampling tube holder 20 to the opening and closing position. In step S203, the tube body fixing part 14 clamps the tube body 31a of the sampling tube. In step S204, the base 11 drives the clamp 12 to rotate counterclockwise, causing the tube cap 32a to rotate counterclockwise, and at the same time, the base 11 and the clamp 12 move upward; here, the base 11 and the clamp 12 rotate approximately 360 to 720 degrees and move upward at a speed of approximately 3 to 5 mm / s. Finally, in step S205, as the base 11 and the clamp 12 move upward, the tube cap 32a gradually separates from the tube body 31a, completing the separation of the tube cap 32a from the tube body 31a, that is, completing the opening operation procedure of the high cap (first height) / hard cap (first material).

[0054] Please refer to Figures 8 and 14 simultaneously. Figure 14 shows the closing flowchart of the tube cap, whose external material is hard. After opening the cap, the sample inside the sampling tube is immediately taken. After the sampling is completed, the closing operation procedure of the high cap (first height) / hard cap (first material) continues. In step S301, the base 11 and the tube cap 32a, which has been continuously clamped between the first clamp 121 after the opening operation procedure, move together to above the tube body 31a after the sampling is completed, and the height position is the same as the height position when the cap is opened in step S205. In step S302, the clamp 12 is slightly opened (about 0.5mm to 1.0mm) to make it easier for the tube cap 32a to be put onto the tube body 31a. In step S303, the base 11 moves down until the baffle 111 abuts against the upper edge 321a of the tube cap 32a, and the first clamp 121 clamps the tube cap 32a. In step S304, the base 11 moves downward, and the baffle 111 applies force to engage the tube cap 32a, which is clamped between the clamps 12, with the tube body 31a, ensuring that the tube cap 32a is fitted onto the tube body 31a. In step S305, the base 11 moves downward again and rotates clockwise at the same time, so as to drive the clamps 12 and the tube cap 32a clamped between them to rotate downward; here, the downward movement speed of the base 11 and the clamps 12 is about 7-9 mm / s and the rotation is about 540-900 degrees, and the rotational torque is about 1-2 Nm. Finally, in step S306, as the base 11 and the clamps 12 move downward, the tube cap 32a gradually engages with the tube body 31a, completing the engagement of the tube cap 32a with the tube body 31a, that is, completing the closing operation procedure of the high cap (first height) / hard cap (first material).

[0055] The second clamping part 122, located below the clamp 12, is used to clamp the soft cap (second material). Please refer to Figures 4 and 9. Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the automatic sampling tube opening and closing device of this invention clamping the sampling tube with the soft material tube cap. Taking the sampling tube 30c as an example, the cap 32c includes an upper part 321c with a larger diameter that protrudes from the tube body 31c and a lower part 322c with a smaller diameter that is inserted into the tube body 31c, and the height difference of the upper part of the soft material tube cap is small for different sampling tubes. In response to this soft cap form, the length of the second clamping part 122 is designed to approximately correspond to the height of the upper part 321c, for example, approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the upper part 321c, and the lower edge of the second clamping part 122 is further provided with a protrusion 1222 that extends toward the longitudinal axis A of the base 11 to form a space between it and the step 123 to accommodate the upper part 321c. Unlike hard caps, the soft-material cap 32c may deform locally under stress. Therefore, in the opening and closing procedure of the soft-material cap 32c, the second clamp 122 may need to clamp the cap 32c at different positions at different steps, and / or may need to clamp the cap 32c with different parts of the second clamp 122. The design of the protrusion 1222 helps to clamp the cap 32c at specific locations more accurately, and / or clamp the cap 32c more securely. Furthermore, the edge 1223 of the protrusion 1222 can be designed as an arc to conform to the cylindrical shape of the cap 32c, which increases the contact area when clamping the cap 32c using the protrusion 1222, thus helping to make the clamping more stable. Furthermore, to increase the friction between the second clamp 122 and the cap 32c, a groove 1224 is provided on the contact surface 1221 of the second clamp 122 and the cap 32c. This groove prevents misalignment between the two when the second clamp 122 clamps and rotates the cap 32c, thus preventing the cap 32c from being unable to rotate. In some embodiments, the second clamp 122 may be made of metal. In some embodiments, the second clamp 122 and the first clamp 121 may be integrally formed.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 9, 10, and 15. Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the opening process of the soft material tube cap in this case, and Figure 15 shows a flowchart of the opening process of the soft material tube cap in this case. After determining that the tube cap 32 of the target sampling tube 30 is a low cap (second height) and is made of soft material (second material), the automatic tube cap opening and closing device 1 starts to execute the opening operation procedure of the soft cap (second material). Taking the sampling tube 30c as an example, in step S401, the base 11 moves downward until the step 123 of the clamp 12 is approximately located in the middle of the upper part 321c of the tube cap 32c (as shown in Figure 9), and the clamp 12 closes to clamp the tube cap 32c; at this time, the step 123 is pressed into the upper part 321c of the tube cap 32c, and the edge 1223 of the protrusion 1222 is approximately close to the tube body 31c. In step S402, the base 11 and clamp 12 move upward together to move the sampling tube 30c from the sampling tube holder 20 to the switch cover position. In step S403, the tube body fixing part 14 clamps the tube body 31c of the sampling tube 30c. In step S404, the clamp 12 opens and the base 11 moves upward until the protrusion 1222 is approximately located at the lower edge 3212c of the upper part 321c of the tube cover 32c. In step S405, the clamp 12 closes to surround and clamp the tube cover 32c, and the protrusion 1222 is embedded between the lower edge 3212c of the upper part 321c of the tube cover 32c and the upper edge of the tube body 31c (as shown in Figure 10); at this time, the upper part 321c of the tube cover 32c is just accommodated between the step 123 and the protrusion 1222. In step S406, the base 11 drives the clamp 12 to rotate counterclockwise, causing the tube cap 32c to rotate counterclockwise, and at the same time, the base 11 and the clamp 12 move upward; here, the base 11 and the clamp 12 rotate approximately 360 to 720 degrees and move upward at a speed of approximately 3 to 5 mm / s. Finally, in step S407, as the base 11 and the clamp 12 move upward, the tube cap 32c gradually separates from the tube body 31c, completing the separation of the tube cap 32c from the tube body 31c, that is, completing the opening procedure of the soft cap (second material).

[0057] Please refer to Figures 11, 12, and 16 simultaneously. Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the closing process of the soft material tube cap in this case, Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the closing process of the soft material tube cap in this case, and Figure 16 shows a flowchart of the closing process of the soft material tube cap in this case. After the cap is opened, the sample in the sampling tube is immediately taken. After the sampling is completed, the closing operation procedure of the soft cap (second material) is continued. In step S501, the base 11 and the tube cap 32c, which has been continuously clamped between the second clamping part 122 after the opening operation procedure is performed, move together to above the tube body 31c after the sampling is completed, and the height position is the same as the height position when the cap is opened in step S407. In step S502, the base 11 moves downward and rotates clockwise simultaneously, causing the clamp 12 and the tube cap 32c clamped therebetween to rotate downward, so that a portion of the lower part 322c of the tube cap 32c is inserted into the tube body 31c; during this process, the upper part 321c of the tube cap 32c is accommodated between the step 123 and the protrusion 1222, that is, the step 123 abuts against the upper edge 3211c of the upper part 321c of the tube cap 32c and the protrusion 1222 abuts against the upper part of the tube cap 32c. The lower edge 3212c of 321c allows the step 123 to apply pressure to the cap 32c during insertion, providing a stable force to prevent the cap 32c from popping out. Since the protrusion 1222 is located at the lower edge 3212c of the upper part 321c, the lower part 322c is only partially inserted into the tube body 31c (as shown in Figure 11). Here, the base 11 and clamp 12 move downwards at a speed of approximately 7–9 mm / s and rotate approximately 540–900 degrees, with a rotational torque of approximately 1–2 Nm. In step S503, the clamp 12 opens and the base 11 moves upwards (approximately 5 mm) until the protrusion 1222 is approximately located in the middle of the upper part 321c of the cap 32c. In step S504, the clamp 12 closes and clamps, causing the protrusion 1222 to surround and clamp the upper part 321c of the cap 32c (as shown in Figure 12). In step S505, the base 11 moves downward again and rotates clockwise, causing the clamp 12 and the tube cap 32c clamped therebetween to rotate downward, so that the lower part 322c of the tube cap 32c is completely inserted into the tube body 31c. Here, the downward movement speed of the base 11 and the clamp 12 is about 7-9 mm / s and the rotation is about 540-900 degrees, with a rotational torque of about 1-2 Nm. Finally, in step S506, as the base 11 and the clamp 12 move downward, the tube cap 32c gradually engages with the tube body 31c, completing the engagement of the tube cap 32c with the tube body 31c, that is, completing the closing operation procedure of the soft cap (second material).

[0058] In summary, this invention provides an automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device and method that does not require prior image recognition or manual setting. With the cooperation of a sampling tube rack with a flat surface at the lower edge of the cap, it can be universally applied to various types of sampling tubes on the market, effectively achieving a highly automated cap opening and closing operation procedure, further simplifying the operation steps of batch sample processing, and saving operation time at the same time.

[0059] In the automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device of this case, by simultaneously setting two clamping parts in the clamping member to clamp both hard material caps and soft material caps, a single cap opening and closing device can complete the cap opening and closing operation procedure for both types of caps. This not only effectively achieves the purpose of being applicable to various types of caps, but also helps to improve the automation of the operation procedure.

[0060] In this case, the automatic opening and closing method for sampling tubes utilizes a process that determines the height and material of the tube cap to automatically identify the appropriate opening and closing procedure for the target tube cap, effectively reducing manual intervention and achieving a high degree of automation. Furthermore, it provides corresponding opening and closing procedures for tube caps of different materials, effectively improving the success rate of opening and closing procedures for different types of tube caps.

[0061] It should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments for illustrative purposes, and the scope of this application is not limited to the described embodiments. The scope of this application is determined by the claims. Furthermore, this application may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art, but all such modifications shall not depart from the scope of protection sought by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for automatically opening and closing the cap of a sampling tube, characterized in that, Include: A sampling tube holder is provided, wherein the sampling tube holder has a lower edge of a tube cap and a plane is provided. When a sampling tube is placed in the sampling tube holder, the lower edge of a tube cap of the sampling tube is flush with the lower edge of the tube cap. An automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device is moved a distance along the normal direction of the plane where the lower edge of the cover is set, so as to contact the upper edge of the cover of the sampling tube; When the distance is less than a preset distance, it is determined that the cap of the sampling tube has a first height, and when the distance is greater than the preset distance, it is determined that the cap of the sampling tube has a second height. When the cap of the sampling tube has the second height, it is determined that the cap having the second height is made of a first material or a second material; and The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device executes corresponding cover opening and closing procedures based on the first height, the second height, the first material, the second height, and the second material.

2. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first height is greater than the second height.

3. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The multiple clamping rings of the automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device are placed around the outer periphery of the tube cover with the second height and together provide a clamping force to the tube cover with the second height. as well as When the clamping force causes the compression amount generated by the pipe cap with the second height to be less than a preset compression amount, it is determined that the pipe cap with the second height has the first material; and when the clamping force causes the compression amount generated by the pipe cap with the second height to be greater than the preset compression amount, it is determined that the pipe cap with the second height has the second material.

4. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first material has a higher hardness than the second material, and the cap with the first height is made of the first material.

5. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device also includes at least one baffle disposed between the plurality of clamps to provide a downward force on the upper edge of the tube cover having the first material.

6. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of clamps includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed vertically, and each of the second clamping portions has a protrusion at its lower edge.

7. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The opening procedure for the cap made of the first material includes: The plurality of first clamping portions of the plurality of clamps in the automatic sampling tube cap opening and closing device surround and clamp the outer periphery of the tube cap made of the first material; and The multiple clamps are rotated counterclockwise to cause the tube cap made of the first material to rotate counterclockwise and move upward simultaneously, so that the tube cap made of the first material is separated from one tube body of the sampling tube.

8. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The closing procedure for the pipe cap made of the first material includes: Rotate the multiple clamps clockwise to cause the tube cap made of the first material, which is clamped between them, to rotate clockwise and move downward at the same time, so that the tube cap made of the first material is combined with one tube body of the sampling tube.

9. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The opening procedure for the pipe cap having the second height and the second material includes: The sampling tube automatic opening and closing device uses multiple clamps, each with multiple second clamping portions, to surround and clamp the outer periphery of the tube cap having the second height and the second material. The multiple second clamping portions clamp the tube cap by means of multiple protrusions positioned below the lower edge of the tube cap having the second height and the second material. The plurality of clamps are rotated counterclockwise to cause the tube cap having the second height and the second material to rotate counterclockwise and move upward simultaneously, so as to separate the tube cap having the second height and the second material from a tube body.

10. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The closing procedure for the pipe cap having the second height and the second material includes: Rotate the plurality of clamps clockwise to drive the tube cap, which has the second height and the second material, which is clamped between the plurality of second clamps, to rotate clockwise and move downward at the same time, so that the lower part of the tube cap, which has the second height and the second material, is connected to the tube body of the sampling tube. The multiple clamps open and move upward so that the multiple protrusions correspond to an upper part of the tube cap; The multiple protrusions clamp the upper part of the tube cap; as well as Rotate the multiple clamps clockwise to cause the tube cap, which has the second height and the second material and is clamped between the multiple protrusions, to rotate clockwise and move downward at the same time, so that the lower part of the tube cap is fully engaged with the tube body.

11. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 9, characterized in that, There is a gap between the first clamp and the second clamp, and the gap applies a downward force to the upper edge of the cap having the second height and the second material.

12. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic sampling tube cover opening and closing device includes a cover height sensing mechanism, which includes a sensor, a trigger, an elastic element, and a linear slide rail.

13. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 12, characterized in that, When the cap has the first height, the trigger is in a first position and triggers the sensor; when the cap has the second height, the trigger is in a second position and does not trigger the sensor.

14. The automatic opening and closing method for the sampling tube as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The sensor includes a photodetector, and the trigger includes a blocking element.

Images