KR20230134786A - Sample gathering unit having optimized driving mechanism and sample gathering apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In a sample collection unit having an optimal driving mechanism and a sample collection device including the same, the sample collection unit includes a rotation transfer unit, a drive unit, a frame unit, and a swap unit. The rotation transfer unit extends in a first direction, and a gear portion and a guide groove are formed along the outer peripheral surface. The drive unit is coupled to the gear unit and provides driving force to the rotary transfer unit to move the rotary transfer unit in a straight line. The frame part is coupled to the guide groove and guides the rotary transfer unit to rotate. The swap unit is connected to the rotation transfer unit and is introduced into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity to collect a sample.

Description

Sample collection unit having an optimal driving mechanism and sample collection device including the same {SAMPLE GATHERING UNIT HAVING OPTIMIZED DRIVING MECHANISM AND SAMPLE GATHERING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a sample collection unit and a sample collection device including the same. More specifically, when collecting samples for upper respiratory infectious diseases, a cotton swab or swab is transferred to the nasal cavity or oral cavity, and the sample is collected when the collection location is reached. Regarding a sample collection unit having an optimal drive mechanism designed to optimize the drive mechanism by implementing linear transfer and rotation drive through a single drive unit in performing a rotational motion to increase the amount of sample, and a sample collection device including the same will be.

As upper respiratory infectious diseases have recently become prevalent worldwide, the importance of accurate and rapid sample collection to confirm infection is increasing. To date, such sample collection is performed manually by professional medical personnel. This manual work has the problem of increasing the labor of medical personnel, but in particular, increases the risk of infection during the sample collection process.

Accordingly, through Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2350049, a multi-degree-of-freedom remote examination device for collecting upper respiratory tract samples is disclosed, and medical personnel remotely control the examination device without collecting samples directly from the patient. A technology for performing sample collection is being disclosed.

Furthermore, through Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2343396, an examination device capable of mounting and collecting swabs and a sample collection method using the same are disclosed. In addition to controlling the examination device remotely, the swab for which sample collection has been completed is also separated. A technology is being disclosed that can control the operation of collecting waste into a collection box and removing it to the outside.

As described above, non-face-to-face sample collection devices are being developed, but when collecting samples using an automated device in a non-face-to-face manner, compared to direct collection by medical staff, the swab or swab located in the nasal cavity or oral cavity is used in various directions or It is not easy to imitate the motion of collecting a sample while changing the posture, and as a result, there is a limitation in securing a sufficient amount of sample collection.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2350049 Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2343396

Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention was conceived from this point, and the purpose of the present invention is to effectively reach the collection location with a swab or swab through a single drive unit when collecting samples for upper respiratory infectious diseases, as well as to collect samples. By inducing the cotton swab or swab that has reached the location to operate in various motions, we provide a sample collection unit that can effectively increase the amount of sample collection even in a non-face-to-face remote sample collection device through a relatively simply designed and manufactured drive mechanism. It is done.

Additionally, another object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection device including the sample collection unit.

A sample collection unit according to an embodiment for realizing the object of the present invention described above includes a rotation transfer unit, a drive unit, a frame unit, and a swap unit. The rotation transfer unit extends in a first direction, and a gear portion and a guide groove are formed along the outer peripheral surface. The drive unit is coupled to the gear unit and provides driving force to the rotary transfer unit to move the rotary transfer unit in a straight line. The frame part is coupled to the guide groove and guides the rotary transfer unit to rotate. The swap unit is connected to the rotation transfer unit and is introduced into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity to collect a sample.

In one embodiment, the rotation transfer unit may be moved in a straight line by a predetermined stroke to reach the sample collection position and then rotated to collect the sample.

In one embodiment, the driving unit includes a driving unit that generates the driving force, and is connected to the driving unit to rotate about a rotation axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a driving gear is formed along the outer peripheral surface. It may include a driving gear.

In one embodiment, the gear unit includes a first gear tooth formed in the same direction on one side of the body portion of the rotary transfer unit in the first area of the rotary transfer unit and coupled to the driving gear, and the rotary transfer unit. In the second area, it may include a second gear tooth that is formed in a spiral direction along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion and is coupled to the driving gear gear.

In one embodiment, as the driving gear is coupled with the first gear tooth in the first area, the rotation transfer unit moves linearly, and as the driving gear is coupled with the second gear tooth in the second area, the rotation transfer unit is moved in a straight line. The rotation transfer unit can rotate.

In one embodiment, the guide groove includes, in the first section of the rotary transfer unit, a first groove formed on one side of the body portion of the rotary transfer unit to extend along the first direction, and a first groove extending from the first groove. It extends and may include a second groove formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion in the second section of the rotary transfer unit.

In one embodiment, as the frame part is coupled with the first groove in the first section, the rotation transfer unit moves linearly, and as the frame part is coupled with the second groove in the second section, the rotation transfer unit can rotate.

In one embodiment, the first section may be longer than the second section.

In one embodiment, the frame unit includes a first vertical frame formed with a first fixing hole through which the rotary transfer unit passes, a second fixing hole spaced apart from the first vertical frame by a predetermined distance and through which the rotary transfer unit passes. It may include a second vertical frame formed, and a horizontal frame connecting the first and second vertical frames.

In one embodiment, the frame unit may further include a guide protrusion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first fixing hole or the second fixing hole and coupled to the guide groove.

In one embodiment, an adapter to which the swap part is fixed may be interposed between the swap unit and the rotation transfer unit, and a connection module connecting the adapter and the rotation transfer unit.

In one embodiment, the adapter may have at least one coupling protrusion protruding in a direction toward the connection module, and at least one coupling groove into which the coupling protrusion is inserted may be formed in the connection module.

A sample collection device according to an embodiment for realizing another object of the present invention described above includes a sample collection unit and a posture control frame on which the sample collection unit is mounted and that changes the posture and position of the sample collection unit.

In one embodiment, the sample collection device further includes a drive simulation unit that simulates the driving of the drive unit of the sample collection unit, and a posture control simulation unit that simulates the posture and position of the posture control frame, and the drive simulation unit The posture control simulation unit and the posture control simulation unit can be located and controlled remotely.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in addition to simply moving forward to collect a sample, the swab unit is driven to rotate while being introduced into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity, making it possible to collect a more sufficient amount of sample by rotating the swab unit. You can.

In this case, only forward movement in one direction is implemented until the swap part reaches the sample collection position, and by designing the rotation drive to be induced only when the sample collection position is reached, the driving mechanism applied to the sample collection unit is simplified. The design can be optimized and optimal operation can be realized.

In particular, by replacing the plurality of drive units conventionally provided to respectively implement the forward transfer and rotation drive with the drive of a single drive unit, the design of the sample collection unit can be simplified, lightweight, and operation simplified.

In other words, by designing the gear portion and guide groove along the outer peripheral surface of the rotary transfer unit, the specimen is linearly transported to a position where sample collection is possible through the drive of one drive unit, and then rotationally driven at a position where specimen collection is required is possible. , effective sample collection can be performed.

In addition, since the connection module and the adapter are coupled to each other through the coupling groove and the coupling protrusion, the rotational driving force can be stably transmitted to the swap part.

Furthermore, since the operation of the sample collection device equipped with the sample collection unit is controlled remotely, sample collection is possible without face-to-face contact between the patient and medical personnel, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a sample collection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2a is a side view of the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from one side.
Figure 2b is a side view of the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from the other side.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame part of Figure 1.
Figure 4a is a side view of the coupled state of the drive gear and the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from one side.
Figure 4b is a side view of the coupled state of the drive gear and rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from the other side.
FIGS. 5A to 5D are side views showing the operating state of the rotation transfer unit in FIG. 1 as the driving gear is driven.
Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the coupled state of the adapter of Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a sample collection device including the sample collection unit of Figure 1.

Since the present invention can be subject to various changes and can have various forms, embodiments will be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. While describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms.

The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “consist of” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a sample collection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2a is a side view of the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from one side. Figure 2b is a side view of the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from the other side. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame part of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the sample collection unit 10 according to this embodiment includes a frame unit 100, a drive unit 200, a rotation transfer unit 300, a connection module 400, and an adapter 500. ) and a swap unit 600.

The frame unit 100 is a frame structure having an overall 'ㄷ' shape and includes a horizontal frame 110, a first vertical frame 120, and a second vertical frame 130.

The horizontal frame 110 is a frame extending a predetermined length along a first direction (X), and the first vertical frame 120 extends from the upper end of the horizontal frame 110 in the first direction (X). It extends along the second vertical direction (Y), and the second vertical frame 130 extends along the second direction (Y) from the lower end of the horizontal frame 110.

Accordingly, the first vertical frame 120 and the second vertical frame 130 are positioned to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the first direction (X) and extend parallel to each other. Thus, a predetermined internal space 140 is formed between the first vertical frame 120 and the second vertical frame 130.

Meanwhile, the rotation transfer unit 300 extends through the first vertical frame 120 and the second vertical frame 130, and for this purpose, a first fixing hole ( 121) is formed and a second fixing hole 131 is formed on the second vertical frame 130.

In this case, the diameter of the first and second fixing holes 121 and 131 takes into account the diameter of the rotary transfer unit 300, so that the rotary transfer unit 300 has the first and second fixing holes. It may be formed to be able to slide or rotate within (121, 131).

That is, the first and second fixing holes 121 and 131 support or fix the rotary transfer unit 300, and may be formed so that the rotary transfer unit 300 can be transferred or rotated inside. .

Additionally, as shown, a guide protrusion 132 is formed to protrude on the inner peripheral surface of the second fixing hole 131. In this case, the guide protrusion 132 is illustrated as being formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second fixing hole 131, but alternatively, it may also be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing hole 121.

The guide protrusion 132 guides the transfer or rotation of the rotation transfer unit 300, which will be described later, and will be described in detail in the description of the rotation transfer unit 300, which will be described later.

The driving unit 200 provides driving force to the rotation transfer unit 300 and includes a driving unit 210 and a driving gear 220.

The driving unit 210 may be located on the horizontal frame 110 and may be a motor that generates a rotational driving force.

The driving gear 220 is connected to the driving unit 210 and rotates by receiving the rotational driving force of the driving unit 210. The driving gear 220 rotates in the second direction (Y) about the central axis of rotation. can do.

That is, the central axis of rotation of the driving gear 220 may be perpendicular to the extension direction of the rotation transfer unit 300, which will be described later.

In this case, the driving gear 220 is a cylindrical gear with driving gear teeth 221 (see FIG. 4A) formed along the outer peripheral surface. Accordingly, the driving gear 221 formed on the driving gear 220 is gear-coupled with the gear portion 320 formed on the rotation transfer unit 300, which will be described later. This will also be described in detail with reference to the drawings described later.

The rotation transfer unit 300 includes a body portion 310 extending in the first direction (X), and the body portion 310 has a predetermined diameter and has a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction.

In this case, as described above, the body portion 310 extends to penetrate the first and second fixing holes 121 and 131 and is thus supported by the frame portion 100.

A front portion 340 is formed at the front end of the body portion 310, to which the connection module 400 described later is coupled, and a rear portion 350 is formed at the other end of the body portion 310.

As shown, a through hole 301 is formed from the rear portion 350 through the body portion 310 to the front portion 340, and thus the body portion 310 has a cylindrical shape with a hollow shaft. It can be.

Meanwhile, although not shown, a separate coupling unit is inserted into the rear part 350, extends through the through hole 301 of the body part 310, and connects the connection module 400 through the front part 340. can be combined with

That is, the coupling unit may have a bar shape extending longer than the extension length of the body portion 310, and the connection module 400 may be fixed to the front end. At this time, the coupling unit may be coupled to the body 310 in a fixed state inside the body 310, and accordingly, when the body 310 is transported or rotated in a linear direction, the coupling unit may be coupled to the body 310 in a fixed state. linearly transported or rotated

Accordingly, the connection module 400 coupled to the coupling unit is also linearly transferred or rotated along with the linear transfer or rotation drive of the body portion 310.

A gear portion 320 and a guide groove 330 are formed along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 310.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the gear unit 320 includes first gear teeth 321 formed at equal intervals in the same direction on one outer peripheral surface of the body unit 310, and the body unit 310. ) includes a second gear tooth 322 formed in a spiral direction along the outer peripheral surface of the gear.

The first gear teeth 321 are formed in a first area (L1) on the body portion 310, and the second gear teeth 322 are formed in a second region (L2) on the body portion 310. is formed, and the first area (L1) is continuous with the second area (L2).

Additionally, the length of the first area L1 is relatively much longer than the length of the second area L2.

The first gear teeth 321 are gear teeth formed in the same direction and at equal intervals, and are gear-coupled with the driving gear teeth 221 of the driving gear 220. This gear combination is similar to the rack-pinion combination, and accordingly, when the driving gear 221 rotates, it engages with the first gear 321, and the body portion 310 is linearly transferred.

In contrast, the second gear teeth 322 are formed in a spiral direction along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 310, and the spacing is the same, but the direction in which they are formed changes. In this case, the coupling between the second gear gear 322 and the driving gear 221 is similar to a rack-pinion gear coupling, but the driving gear 221 is rotated at the same position, but the second gear gear ( Since 322) is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 310, as the driving gear 221 rotates, the body portion 310 rotates in the first direction (X) about the central axis of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the guide groove 330 includes a first groove 331 formed in a straight line along the first direction (X) on the outer peripheral surface of the other side of the body portion 310, and the body portion 310. It includes a second groove 332 formed in a spiral direction along the outer peripheral surface of the portion 310.

In this case, the first groove 331 may be formed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first gear tooth 321 is formed, and accordingly, the first gear tooth 321 and the first groove 331 ) are formed so as not to interfere with each other.

The first groove 331 is formed in the first section D1 on the body 310, and the second groove 332 is formed in the second section D2 on the body 310. And, the first section (D1) is continuous with the second section (D2).

In addition, the length of the first section D1 is relatively much longer than the length of the second section D2.

In this case, the first section D1 extends from the front part 340 of the body 310 to the part where the second gear teeth 322 are formed, rather than the first area L1. The length can be large.

However, the second section D2 may have a different start and end position, but may have substantially the same length as the second area L2. Accordingly, the rotation section of the rotation transfer unit 300 is formed to be the same. In this way, the start and end positions of the second section D2 are different because the guide protrusion 132 inserted into the second groove 332 coupled to the second section D2 is This is because the driving gear 220 coupled to the second section (L2) and its position are formed or arranged differently.

Meanwhile, as the first section D1 extends to the second area L2, the first groove 331 is formed by the second gear tooth 322 in a portion overlapping with the second area L2. overlaps with.

However, since the first groove 331 is a groove formed in a straight direction, even if it is formed overlapping with the second gear tooth 322 formed in the second region L2, the driving gear gear 221 It does not affect gear engagement or insertion of the guide protrusion 132.

As described above, the guide protrusion 132 is inserted into the first groove 331 and the second groove 332.

Thus, when the guide protrusion 132 is inserted into the first groove 331 and the driving gear 221 and the first gear 321 are engaged and operated, the body portion 310 moves linearly along the first direction (X).

In contrast, when the guide protrusion 132 is inserted into the second groove 332, the driving gear 221 is engaged with the second gear 322, and accordingly, the driving gear 221 is engaged with the second gear 322. When the second gear teeth 221 and 322 engage with each other and operate, the body portion 31 rotates in the first direction (X) about the central axis of rotation.

The linear movement and rotational movement of the body portion 310 will be further explained with reference to the drawings described later.

As described above, the rear end 420 of the connection module 400 is coupled to the end of a coupling unit extending through the through hole 301 of the body portion 310, and thus the body portion 310 It is fixed on the front part 340 of.

Additionally, the front end 410 of the connection module 400 is coupled to the adapter 500, which will be described later, and a sensor unit 430 may be provided on the connection module 400.

In this case, the sensor unit 430 may be, for example, a force sensor that senses external force applied during the sample collection process using the swap unit 600.

The adapter 500 is interposed between the connection module 400 and the swap unit 600 and serves to fix the swap unit 600 on the connection module 400. The related structure will be described later. do.

The swap part 600 is fixed to the adapter 500 and extends in the first direction (X), and is connected to a fixing part 620 fixed to the adapter 500 and an end of the fixing part 620. It includes a collection unit 610 that performs actual sample collection.

The collection unit 610 is inserted into the patient's oral cavity or nasal cavity and collects a sample from the end of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, the collection unit 610 must be rotated while positioned at the end of the upper airway in order to effectively collect the sample. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the body unit 310 is linearly transported for a certain stroke and then rotated, This induces rotational drive of the sampling unit 610.

At this time, considering that the collection unit 610 must be linearly transferred until it reaches the end of the upper airway, the amount of strokes through which the body unit 310 must be transferred can be determined.

Figure 4a is a side view of the coupled state of the drive gear and the rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from one side. Figure 4b is a side view of the coupled state of the drive gear and rotation transfer unit of Figure 1 observed from the other side.

Figures 4a and 4b show a state in which the body portion 310 moves linearly, showing a state in which the driving gear and the first gear are coupled, and a state in which the first groove and the guide protrusion are coupled, respectively.

First, referring to FIG. 4A, the structure of the gear unit 320 will be described again as follows. That is, the frame unit 100 is positioned in a 'ㄷ' shape on the plane formed by the first and second directions (X, Y), and the driving gear 220 is located at the center of the frame unit 100. ) rotates.

At this time, the first gear teeth 321 are formed at equal intervals on one side of the body portion 310, that is, on the side facing the third direction (Z) in FIG. 4A. Accordingly, the driving gear 221 and the first gear 321 are coupled by a rack-pinion gear combination, and rotate with the second direction (Y) of the driving gear 220 as the rotation center axis. Accordingly, the body portion 310 moves linearly along the first direction (X).

As described above, the first gear tooth 321 is formed in the first area (L1), so the body portion 310 moves in the first direction (X) by the length of the first area (L1). It moves linearly.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 4B, the structure of the guide groove 330 will be described again as follows. That is, in the frame unit 100, the first and second vertical frames 120 and 130 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to form the internal space 140, and the first and second vertical frames 120 , 130) and the body portion 310 extends along the first direction (X).

In this case, the guide protrusion 132 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second fixing hole 131 of the second vertical frame 130 is formed in the first groove 331 and the second groove 331 formed in the body portion 310. It is inserted and located along the groove 332.

At this time, the first groove 331 is formed along the first direction (X) on the other side of the body portion 310, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first gear teeth 321 are formed, In order to be inserted into the first groove 331 formed at this position, the guide protrusion 132 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the second fixing hole 131 in a direction toward the third direction (Z).

In this case, when the driving gear 220 rotates, the body portion 310 is stably moved in the first direction (X) by the guide of the first groove 331 and the guide protrusion 132. It moves linearly.

Furthermore, this linear movement of the body portion 310 is performed in the range of the first section D1, which is the section where the first groove 331 is formed.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are side views showing the operating state of the rotation transfer unit in FIG. 1 as the driving gear is driven.

That is, FIGS. 5A to 5D show a state in which the body portion 310 is driven to rotate.

First, referring to FIG. 5A, when the driving gear 221 and the first gear 321 are coupled and the driving gear 220 rotates, the body portion 310, as described above, It moves straight in the first direction (X). That is, when the driving gear 220 continues to rotate in the counterclockwise direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 5A, the body portion 310 advances in the first direction (X), and finally the driving gear ( 221) is located at the starting end of the second gear tooth 322 through the end of the first gear tooth 321.

Meanwhile, in this process, the guide protrusion 132 is inserted and positioned on the first groove 331, and thus the moving direction of the body portion 310 is guided by the guide protrusion 132.

As described above, when the body portion 310 advances in the first direction (X), the connection module 400, the adapter 500, and the swap, which are not shown, are fixed to the body portion 310. The parts 600 also move forward, so the collection part 610 is introduced into the patient's upper airway and is located at the end of the upper airway.

That is, the collection unit 610 is located in an area where sample collection is possible.

Afterwards, referring to Figure 5b, when the driving gear 220 is further rotated counterclockwise, the driving gear 221 is gear-engaged with the second gear 322, and similarly, the The guide protrusion 132 is also located inside the second groove 332.

At this time, the second gear teeth 322 and the second grooves 332 extend helically in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 310, according to the rotation of the driving gear 220. , the body portion 310 rotates in the first direction (X) about the central axis of rotation.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the rotational drive of the body 310 with the first direction ( do.

Thus, when the driving gear 221 is located at the end of the second gear tooth 322 and the guide protrusion 132 is also located at the end of the second groove 332, the body portion 310 The rotational drive of will stop.

In this case, the second gear teeth 322 and the second grooves 332 are formed in a spiral shape on the body portion 310, but have lengths corresponding to the second region L2 and the second section D2, respectively. It extends in the first direction (X) as much as.

Therefore, in the process of rotating the body 310, in addition to the rotational drive, it additionally moves linearly in the first direction (X), and a stroke in which the body 310 moves additionally linearly is substantially equal to the length corresponding to the second area L2 and the second section D2.

That is, as the body part 310 moves forward, the collection part 610, which is located inside the upper airway, is rotated inside the upper airway according to the rotational drive of the body part 310, It can be further advanced by a predetermined length and positioned deeper inside the upper airway.

In this case, the stroke of the forward movement of the body 310 or the movement stroke of the rotation of the body 310 is ultimately the length of the first area L1 and the second area L2, The lengths of the first section D1 and the second section D2 can be varied in various ways. Therefore, considering the length or structure of the patient's upper airway, it can be replaced with a body part that matches it.

As described above, since the rotational drive of the sampling unit 610 located inside the upper airway is induced, sample collection by the sampling unit 610 can be performed more effectively. In particular, in the preceding step, this rotational drive can be performed more effectively. It has the advantage of being very easy to drive and related control as it is all performed by the drive of one drive unit 200 along with the linear drive.

Furthermore, although not shown, when sample collection is completed through rotation of the collection unit 610, the drive gear 220 rotates clockwise, and accordingly, the body unit 310 rotates in the opposite direction. Then, it moves backwards, and the collection part 610 is removed from the inside of the upper airway to the outside.

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the coupled state of the adapter of Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, the adapter 500 described above includes a fixing protrusion 510, a coupling surface 520, and a coupling protrusion 521.

That is, the fixing protrusion 510 protrudes toward the swap part 600, and the fixing part 620 is inserted and fixed.

The coupling surface 520 corresponds to the opposite side of the fixing protrusion 510 and faces the front end 410 of the connection module 400.

In this case, at least one coupling protrusion 521 protrudes from the coupling surface 520. If a plurality of coupling protrusions 521 are formed, they may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

Meanwhile, in the case of the connection module 400, the front end 410 is coupled to face the coupling surface 520, and a coupling groove 411 for coupling with the coupling protrusion 421 is formed on the front end 410. formed on the

Thus, the coupling protrusion 521 is inserted into and fixed to the coupling groove 411. By inserting this protrusion and groove, the rotational driving force of the connection module 400 is directly transmitted to the adapter 500. You can. Furthermore, this rotational driving force is directly transmitted to the swap unit 600 fixed to the adapter 500, and thus the rotational drive of the body unit 310 is reflected as the drive of the swap unit 600.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a sample collection device including the sample collection unit of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the sample collection device 1 includes, in addition to the sample collection unit 10 described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a posture control frame 20, a driving simulation unit 30, and a posture control simulation unit. Includes part 40.

Although not shown in detail, the posture control frame 20 fixes the sample collection unit 10 and is provided with a control module that controls the posture of the sample collection unit 10.

Thus, the sample collection unit 10 can be controlled to be positioned in a direction toward the patient's upper airway in three-dimensional space. More precisely, the sample collection unit 10's collection unit 610 can be positioned in the patient's nostril. It can be controlled to be placed in a position where it can be inserted into the inside of the oral cavity.

In this embodiment, the operation of the sample collection device 1 is remotely controlled by the driving simulation unit 30 and the posture control simulation unit 40 that are provided remotely. That is, the driving simulation unit 30 and the posture control simulation unit 40 are located at a location spaced apart from the sample collection device 1, and the simulation unit 30 is operated by a remote operator such as a medical staff member. ) and the posture control simulation unit 40 are controlled, the operation of the sample collection device 1 can be implemented.

That is, the driving simulation unit 30 can remotely drive the operation of the sample collection unit 10, and for this purpose, the driving simulation unit 30 is a driving unit 200 of the sample collection unit 10. It can be produced by directly replicating .

Accordingly, the remote controller can implement the operation of the sample collection unit 10 by operating the driving simulation unit 30.

Likewise, the posture control simulation unit 40 can remotely drive the motion or posture of the posture control frame 20, and for this purpose, the posture control simulation unit 40 also operates the posture control frame 20 as is. It can be manufactured by copying.

Accordingly, the remote controller can implement the operation or posture of the posture control frame 20 by operating the posture control simulation unit 40.

Furthermore, it is sufficient for the composition simulation unit 30 and the posture control simulation unit 40 to simulate the operation of the sample collection unit 10 and the posture control frame 20, respectively, and detailed design and operation It is obvious that the mechanism can be designed in various ways.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the sample collection device 1 is not remotely controlled, but is directly provided with a control unit that controls the posture control frame 20 and the sample collection unit 10 to automatically operate the sample collection device 1. Drives or movements may be controlled.

According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, in addition to simply moving forward to collect a sample, the swab is driven to rotate while being introduced into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity, so a more sufficient amount of sample can be collected by rotating the swab. Collection may be possible.

In this case, only forward movement in one direction is implemented until the swap part reaches the sample collection position, and by designing the rotation drive to be induced only when the sample collection position is reached, the driving mechanism applied to the sample collection unit is simplified. The design can be optimized and optimal operation can be realized.

In particular, by replacing the plurality of drive units conventionally provided to respectively implement the forward transfer and rotation drive with the drive of a single drive unit, the design of the sample collection unit can be simplified, lightweight, and operation simplified.

In other words, by designing the gear portion and guide groove along the outer peripheral surface of the rotary transfer unit, the specimen is linearly transported to a position where sample collection is possible through the drive of one drive unit, and then rotationally driven at a position where specimen collection is required is possible. , effective sample collection can be performed.

In addition, since the connection module and the adapter are coupled to each other through the coupling groove and the coupling protrusion, the rotational driving force can be stably transmitted to the swap part.

Furthermore, since the operation of the sample collection device equipped with the sample collection unit is controlled remotely, sample collection is possible without face-to-face contact between the patient and medical personnel, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following patent claims. You will understand that it is possible.

1: Sample collection device 10: Sample collection unit
20: Posture control frame 100: Frame part
132: Guide projection 200: Drive unit
220: Drive gear 300: Rotation transfer unit
310: body part 320: gear part
321: first gear value 322: second gear value
330: Guide groove 331: First groove
332: Second groove 400: Connection module
500: adapter 600: swap unit

Claims (14)

A rotation transfer unit extending in a first direction and having a gear portion and a guide groove formed along the outer peripheral surface;
A drive unit coupled to the gear unit to provide driving force to the rotation transfer unit to move the rotation transfer unit in a straight line;
A frame part coupled to the guide groove and guiding the rotary transfer unit to rotate; and
A sample collection unit connected to the rotation transfer unit and including a swab unit that is introduced into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity to collect a sample. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotation transfer unit,
A sample collection unit that moves in a straight line by a predetermined stroke to reach the sample collection position and then rotates to collect the sample. The method of claim 1, wherein the driving unit:
a driving unit that generates the driving force; and
A sample collection unit comprising a drive gear connected to the drive unit, rotating about a rotation axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and having drive gear teeth formed along the outer peripheral surface. The method of claim 3, wherein the gear unit,
A first gear tooth formed in the same direction on one side of the body of the rotary transfer unit in a first area of the rotary transfer unit and coupled to the driving gear; and
A sample collection unit comprising a second gear tooth formed in a spiral direction along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion in a second region of the rotary transfer unit and coupled to the driving gear gear. According to paragraph 4,
As the driving gear is coupled with the first gear in the first area, the rotation transfer unit moves in a straight line,
A sample collection unit, characterized in that the rotation transfer unit rotates as the driving gear is coupled with the second gear in the second area. The method of claim 1, wherein the guide groove is:
In the first section of the rotary transfer unit, a first groove formed on one side of the body of the rotary transfer unit to extend along the first direction; and
A sample collection unit comprising a second groove extending from the first groove and formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the body portion in a second section of the rotation transfer unit. According to clause 6,
As the frame part is coupled with the first groove in the first section, the rotation transfer unit moves linearly,
A sample collection unit, wherein the rotation transfer unit rotates as the frame part is coupled with the second groove in the second section. According to clause 6,
A sample collection unit, wherein the first section is formed longer than the second section. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame unit:
a first vertical frame in which a first fixing hole through which the rotation transfer unit passes is formed;
a second vertical frame spaced apart from the first vertical frame by a predetermined distance and having a second fixing hole through which the rotary transfer unit passes; and
A sample collection unit comprising a horizontal frame connecting the first and second vertical frames. The method of claim 9, wherein the frame unit,
The sample collection unit is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first fixing hole or the second fixing hole and further includes a guide protrusion coupled to the guide groove. According to paragraph 1,
A sample collection unit characterized in that an adapter to which the swap part is fixed is interposed between the swap unit and the rotation transfer unit, and a connection module connecting the adapter and the rotation transfer unit. According to clause 11,
At least one coupling protrusion protrudes from the adapter in a direction toward the connection module,
A sample collection unit, characterized in that at least one coupling groove into which the coupling protrusion is inserted is formed in the connection module. The sample collection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and
A sample collection device on which the sample collection unit is mounted and including a posture control frame that changes the posture and position of the sample collection unit. According to clause 13,
a drive simulation unit that simulates the drive of the drive unit of the sample collection unit; and
It further includes a posture control simulation unit that simulates the posture and position of the posture control frame,
A sample collection device characterized in that the driving simulation unit and the posture control simulation unit are located and controlled remotely.

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