Automatic tube-picking and liquid-adding mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automatic operation mechanism of tube picking and liquid adding, and the operation mechanism includes tube picking and liquid adding operation area, liquid adding mechanism is arranged in the tube picking and liquid adding operation area, and the liquid adding mechanism can rotate and supply liquid nitrogen outwardly.The application can ensure that each cryopreservation tube can be normally extracted or put down, reduce the access failure rate in sample library storage, and also create more durable, stable and safe deep low-temperature environment for sample storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated operation mechanism for adding liquid to a tube, belonging to the field of biological sample storage. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, in order to preserve the long-term viability of biological samples, the samples need to be stored directly in cryovials, and then the cryovials are placed in a storage device filled with liquid nitrogen via a rack. During the storage or retrieval of cryovials in the storage device, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the cold chain throughout the process, a transfer container that is also kept at a low temperature by liquid nitrogen is often used.

[0003] During use, the plates and racks inside the transport container are often stored in the storage devices of the sample library. However, due to reasons such as frost on the cryovials stored in the transport container, the cryovials cannot be retrieved when accessing the plates and racks, resulting in retrieval failure and greatly reducing the storage efficiency of the samples. Alternatively, the QR codes may be covered by frost, making it impossible to recognize and enter information.

[0004] In addition, when adding liquid to transfer tanks or other convenient storage devices, the liquid nitrogen is usually filled directly into the device using a liquid nitrogen gun. This results in a large amount of liquid nitrogen evaporating, wasting liquid nitrogen and potentially causing harm to the human body. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of related technologies, the present invention provides an automated operating mechanism for adding liquid to a pick-up tube, which has a more optimized structure, more uniform cooling effect, higher cooling efficiency, and is more economical and safer.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: including a tube-lifting liquid addition operation area, wherein a liquid addition mechanism is provided in the tube-lifting liquid addition operation area, and the liquid addition mechanism can rotate to supply liquid nitrogen to the outside.

[0007] Optionally, the liquid addition mechanism includes an operating control unit, a liquid addition pipe, a volume control storage cylinder, and a first nitrogen storage cylinder; the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder is connected to a nitrogen supply pipe, and the lower end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder is connected to a guide pipe, the lower end of the guide pipe extending into the volume control storage cylinder in a sealed manner, and the volume control storage cylinder can perform lifting and / or rotating movements relative to the guide pipe under the control of the operating control unit; the upper end of the liquid addition pipe is connected to the lower end of the volume control storage cylinder.

[0008] Preferably, a gas-liquid separator is connected to the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder, and a noise-absorbing buffer is provided on the gas-liquid separator.

[0009] Optionally, the operation control unit includes an operation control motor, a first control rail, a control panel, and a first sliding control member; the operation control motor and the first control rail are fixed within the liquid addition operation area of ​​the pick-up tube; the operation control motor is coaxially connected to a first transmission screw; one end of the first sliding control member meshes with the first transmission screw and is slidably mounted on the first control rail; the other end of the first sliding control member is fixed to the volume control storage cylinder; a transition control member extends outward from the housing of the operation control motor; the other end of the transition control member is fixed to the first nitrogen storage cylinder, and the other end of the transition control member is fixedly mounted with a control panel; a control channel is provided on the control panel; a limiting shaft extends from the other end of the first sliding control member onto the control panel, and the limiting shaft extends into the control channel, the control channel restricting the movement trajectory of the limiting shaft.

[0010] Optionally, the control channel includes a vertical axial channel and a circumferential channel that is smoothly connected to the vertical axial channel.

[0011] Optionally, the control channel includes a downward-facing arcuate channel and a vertically downward-facing axial channel, with the two channels sequentially connected to form an integral structure.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid filling pipe is an L-shaped or C-shaped pipe.

[0013] Preferably, a one-way valve is provided between the liquid addition pipe and the volume control storage cylinder.

[0014] Optionally, the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area is also equipped with an extraction module. By moving the module above the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area, it can grab the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank, and or it can suck up the cryopreservation tubes on the plate rack.

[0015] Optionally, the extraction module includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank and an suction mechanism for suctioning the cryopreservation tube.

[0016] Optionally, the gripping mechanism includes at least one gripping unit and a gripping mechanism driver for driving the gripping unit to move up and down as a whole, the gripping mechanism driver being fixed on the moving module.

[0017] Optionally, the suction mechanism includes at least one suction unit and a suction mechanism driver for driving the suction unit to move up and down as a whole. The suction mechanism driver is fixed on the moving module, and the suction units are slidably mounted on the cylinder of the suction mechanism driver via a second sliding control member. The suction unit includes a suction assembly and a suction control member. The suction assembly includes a venting cylinder coaxially connected in sequence. The upper end of the venting cylinder is connected to the air source mechanism, and the lower end is connected to the venting head. A cold insulation assembly is sleeved on the outside of the suction assembly. Liquid nitrogen is supplied to the cold insulation assembly by the liquid adding mechanism. Under the control of the suction control member, the suction assembly moves up and down within the cold insulation assembly.

[0018] Optionally, the cold insulation assembly includes a cold-conducting pipe and a second nitrogen storage cylinder. The cold-conducting pipe is sleeved outside the vent cylinder and fixed on the second sliding control component. The second nitrogen storage cylinder is sleeved at the lower end of the cold-conducting pipe and communicates with it.

[0019] Optionally, the suction control component includes a suction control motor and a second transmission screw. The suction control motor is fixed on the second sliding control component. The suction control motor is coaxially connected to the second transmission screw and the air cylinder in sequence. The second transmission screw meshes with the second sliding control component.

[0020] Optionally, the moving module includes an X-axis moving arm and a Y-axis moving arm. The X-axis moving arm includes an X-axis moving track, and the Y-axis moving arm includes two parallel Y-axis moving tracks. The two Y-axis moving tracks are respectively located on both sides of the upper part of the tube-lifting liquid addition operation area. The two ends of the X-axis moving track are slidably mounted on the two Y-axis moving tracks. The extraction module is mounted on the X-axis moving track. When movement on the Y-axis is required, the X-axis moving track drives the extraction module to slide on the Y-axis moving track.

[0021] Optionally, a loosening mechanism is also provided in the tube picking and liquid adding operation area, which can detach the cryopreservation tube from the plate rack.

[0022] Optionally, the loosening mechanism includes at least one loosening seat arranged on the movement trajectory of the extraction module, the upper end of the loosening seat being provided with a protrusion capable of lifting the cryopreservation tube in the vertical direction.

[0023] Optionally, a barcode scanning mechanism is also provided in the tube picking and liquid adding operation area. The barcode scanning mechanism includes a plate rack barcode scanning mechanism and a cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism. The plate rack barcode scanning mechanism is located on the movement trajectory of the extraction module. The cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism is located below the plate rack barcode scanning mechanism and is staggered, and is also directly opposite the movement trajectory.

[0024] Preferably, a sample transfer area for transferring the transfer tank is provided below the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area. The sample transfer area is equipped with a lifting mechanism and a horizontal conveying mechanism. The lifting mechanism transports the transfer tank from the sample transfer area to the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area, and the horizontal conveying mechanism transfers the transfer tank between the sample transfer areas of different operation mechanisms.

[0025] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a transfer tank lifting driver, and the top of the transfer tank lifting driver is provided with a lifting plate for placing the transfer tank.

[0026] Optionally, the transfer tank lifting driver includes a drive cylinder, a slider, and a lifting arm. The lifting plate is fixed to the upper end of the lifting arm, the lifting arm is driven and connected to the drive cylinder, the lifting arm is mounted on the slider in a relatively sliding manner, and the slider is fixed within the sample transfer area.

[0027] Preferably, the sample transmission area is a sample transmission channel with an overall C-shaped or U-shaped shape.

[0028] Optionally, the horizontal conveying mechanism mainly consists of a second control rail located below the lifting plate and a transfer trolley installed on the second control rail. The second control rail is fixed within the sample transfer area, and the top of the slider is fixed to the lower end of the second control rail.

[0029] The rotary liquid addition process designed in this technical solution avoids the various drawbacks of direct injection and localized liquid nitrogen injection, optimizes the uniformity and efficiency of cooling, and also reduces the evaporation or overflow of liquid nitrogen during the liquid nitrogen addition process to a certain extent. Therefore, it is more economical and safer. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are two different angles showing the overall internal structure of the present invention, with the lifting mechanism omitted.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area in this invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the core components of the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area in this invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the suction mechanism in this invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a half-sectional view of the suction mechanism in this invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the liquid addition mechanism in this invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a top view of the liquid addition mechanism in this invention.

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Sectional view at point B.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in this invention.

[0041] In the diagram, 1. Liquid addition operation area, 2. Sample transfer area, 3. Liquid addition mechanism, 311. Operation control motor, 312. First control track, 313. Control panel, 3131. Control channel, 314. First sliding control component, 3141. Limiting shaft, 315. Transition control component, 316. First transmission screw, 32. Liquid addition tube, 33. Volume control storage cylinder, 34. First nitrogen storage cylinder, 35. Gas-liquid separator, 36. Silencing buffer, 37. Guide tube, 4. Extraction module, 41. Grabbing mechanism, 42. Suction mechanism, 421. Suction mechanism driver, 422. Second sliding control component, 4231. Suction control motor, 4232. Second transmission screw, 4241. 4242. Air cylinder, 4251. Vent head, 4252. Cooling pipe, 4253. Second nitrogen storage cylinder, 5. Moving module, 51. X-axis moving arm, 52. Y-axis moving arm, 6. Loosening mechanism, 61. Loosening seat, 7. Scanning mechanism, 71. Plate rack scanning mechanism, 72. Cryopreservation tube scanning mechanism, 8. Operating platform, 81. Temporary storage tank, 82. Cover slot, 83. Extraction interface, 9. Camera mechanism, 10. Sensing mechanism, 11. Lifting mechanism, 111. Transfer tank lifting driver, 1111. Drive cylinder, 1112. Slider, 1113. Lifting arm, 112. Lifting plate, 12. Horizontal conveying mechanism, 121. Second control rail, 122. Transfer trolley, 13. Transfer tank. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] This embodiment provides an automated operation mechanism for adding liquid nitrogen through a tube, including a tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area 1, wherein a liquid-adding mechanism 3 is provided in the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area 1, and the liquid-adding mechanism 3 can rotate to supply liquid nitrogen to the outside.

[0044] Biological samples still require cryogenic treatment during transport, necessitating the addition of liquid nitrogen to the transport container 13. Direct injection of liquid nitrogen is prone to splashing, leading to waste and injury, and also hinders uniform cooling throughout the container. This embodiment employs a rotatable automatic liquid addition mechanism 3, which uniformly delivers liquid nitrogen into the container, resulting in a more stable and balanced cryogenic environment. This effectively reduces the probability of sample damage. Furthermore, the dynamic addition method reduces impact, providing gentler treatment, better protection, and higher economic efficiency.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the liquid addition mechanism 3 includes an operation control component, a liquid addition pipe 32, a volume control storage cylinder 33, and a first nitrogen storage cylinder 34; the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder 34 is connected to a nitrogen supply pipe, and the lower end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder 34 is connected to a guide pipe 37, the lower end of the guide pipe 37 is sealed and extends into the volume control storage cylinder 33, and the volume control storage cylinder 33 can move up and down and / or rotate relative to the guide pipe 37 under the control of the operation control component; the upper end of the liquid addition pipe 32 is connected to the lower end of the volume control storage cylinder 33.

[0046] The controlled-volume storage cylinder 33 has the function of storing liquid nitrogen, which is the same as the function of its upper nitrogen storage cylinder. Furthermore, based on the principle of internal pressure difference, similar to the working principle of an air pump, the controlled-volume storage cylinder 33 can also move up and down: when it rises, liquid nitrogen enters the liquid addition pipe 32 from the guide pipe 37 to supply liquid nitrogen to its transfer tank 13 or its internal temporary storage equipment, ensuring a deep cryogenic environment for sample storage; when it descends, excess liquid nitrogen flowing into its gas-liquid separator 35 can be stored in the controlled-volume storage cylinder 33. To further optimize the final effect of this liquid addition process, preferably, the liquid addition pipe 32 is an L-shaped or C-shaped pipe. More preferably, a one-way valve is provided between the liquid addition pipe 32 and the controlled-volume storage cylinder 33.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, a gas-liquid separator 35 is connected to the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder 34, and a silencer 36 is provided on the gas-liquid separator 35. The nitrogen gas separated by the gas-liquid separator 35 is ejected through the silencer 36, which has the function of dehumidifying the upper compartment, thereby further optimizing the storage environment. In a more specific implementation, multiple holes can be provided around the silencer 36 for venting nitrogen gas, so that excess nitrogen gas after gas-liquid separation enters the liquid addition operation area 1 for dehumidification.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the operation control unit includes an operation control motor 311, a first control rail 312, a control panel 313, and a first sliding control member 314. The operation control motor 311 and the first control rail 312 are fixed within the liquid addition operation area 1. The operation control motor 311 is coaxially connected to a first transmission screw 316. One end of the first sliding control member 314 engages with the first transmission screw 316 and is slidably mounted on the first control rail 312. The other end of the first sliding control member 314 is fixed to the control panel. On the liquid storage cylinder 33, a transition control component 315 extends outward from the housing of the operation control motor 311. The other end of the transition control component 315 is fixed to the first nitrogen storage cylinder 34, and a control plate 313 is fixedly mounted on the other end of the transition control component 315. A control channel 3131 is provided on the control plate 313. A limiting shaft 3141 extends from the other end of the first sliding control component 314 onto the control plate 313, and the limiting shaft 3141 extends into the control channel 3131. The control channel 3131 restricts the movement trajectory of the limiting shaft 3141. The design of the control channel 3131 enables the liquid addition to achieve a superimposed motion effect of rotation and lifting, better overcoming the drawbacks of direct injection and partial filling.

[0049] As a specific implementation of the control channel 3131 in this embodiment, the control channel 3131 includes a vertical axial channel and a circumferential channel that smoothly transitions to the vertical axial channel. The liquid injection tube 32 rotates as a whole with the operation control component. The control channel 3131, with its vertical axial channel, adds a dynamic up-and-down extension movement to the liquid injection tube 32, which can better control the injection force.

[0050] As another specific implementation of the control channel 3131 in this embodiment, the control channel 3131 includes a downward-oriented arcuate channel and a vertically downward-oriented axial channel, with the two channels sequentially connected to form an integral structure. The downward-oriented arcuate channel and the vertically downward-oriented axial channel have the same overall direction and move vertically, but this specific shape makes the movement stroke gentler and more gradient, increasing the degree of freedom of the liquid filling pipe 32, while further optimizing the liquid spraying effect.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area 1 is further provided with an extraction module 4. The moving module 5 is positioned above the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area 1, which can grab the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank 13, and or can suck up the cryopreservation tubes on the plate rack.

[0052] In an optional embodiment of this example, the extraction module 4 includes a gripping mechanism 41 for gripping the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank 13 and an extraction mechanism 42 for extracting the cryopreservation tube.

[0053] Optionally, the gripping mechanism 41 includes at least one gripping unit and a gripping mechanism driver for driving the gripping unit to move up and down as a whole, the gripping mechanism driver being fixed to the moving module 5. The gripping mechanism 41 can be any existing structure capable of gripping the board frame, and partial movement of the gripping mechanism 41 is achieved through the suction mechanism driver 421.

[0054] Optionally, the suction mechanism 42 includes at least one suction unit and a suction mechanism driver for driving the suction unit to move up and down as a whole. The suction mechanism driver 421 is fixed on the moving module 5. The suction units are slidably mounted on the cylinder of the suction mechanism driver 421 via a second sliding control member 422. The suction unit includes a suction assembly and a suction control member. The suction assembly includes a venting cylinder 4241 connected coaxially in sequence. The upper end of the venting cylinder 4241 is connected to the air source mechanism, and the lower end is connected to the venting head 4242. A cold insulation assembly is sleeved on the outside of the suction assembly. The cold insulation assembly is supplied with liquid nitrogen by the liquid adding mechanism 3. Under the control of the suction control member, the suction assembly moves up and down within the cold insulation assembly.

[0055] In an optional embodiment of this example, the cold insulation component includes a cold-conducting pipe 4251 and a second nitrogen storage cylinder 4252. The cold-conducting pipe 4251 is sleeved on the outside of the venting cylinder 4241 and fixed to the second sliding control member 422. The second nitrogen storage cylinder 4252 is sleeved on the lower end of the cold-conducting pipe 4251 and communicates with it. Excess liquid nitrogen in the cold-conducting pipe 4251 can be temporarily stored in the second nitrogen storage cylinder 4252 to meet the needs of maintaining deep cryogenic temperature and replenishing liquid nitrogen.

[0056] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the suction control component includes a suction control motor 4231 and a second transmission screw 4232. The suction control motor 4231 is fixed to the second sliding control component 422. The suction control motor 4231 is coaxially connected to the second transmission screw 4232 and the ventilator 4241 in sequence. The second transmission screw 4232 meshes with the second sliding control component 422. Under the action of the suction control motor 4231, the second transmission screw and the second sliding control component 422 move relative to each other, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the ventilator 4241 to accurately suction the cryopreservation tube.

[0057] In an optional embodiment of this example, the moving module 5 includes an X-axis moving arm 51 and a Y-axis moving arm 52. The X-axis moving arm 51 includes an X-axis moving track, and the Y-axis moving arm 52 includes two parallel Y-axis moving tracks. The two Y-axis moving tracks are respectively located on both sides of the upper part of the tube-lifting liquid addition operation area 1. The two ends of the X-axis moving track are slidably mounted on the two Y-axis moving tracks. The extraction module 4 is mounted on the X-axis moving track. When movement along the Y-axis is required, the X-axis moving track drives the extraction module 4 to slide along the Y-axis moving track. This track arrangement avoids interference between different operations.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of this example, a loosening mechanism 6 is further provided in the tube picking and liquid adding operation area, which can detach the cryopreservation tube from the plate holder. Further optionally, the loosening mechanism 6 includes at least one loosening seat 61 arranged on the movement trajectory of the extraction module, the upper end of the loosening seat 61 having a protrusion capable of vertically lifting the cryopreservation tube. More specifically, there can be two loosening seats 61, the first loosening seat having 48 protrusions and the second loosening seat having 96 protrusions, arranged alternately on the movement trajectory of the extraction mechanism, which can simultaneously be used to loosen cryopreservation tubes on conventional 48-well and 96-well plates holders.

[0059] Optionally, a barcode scanning mechanism 7 is also provided in the tube picking and liquid adding operation area 1. The barcode scanning mechanism 7 includes a plate rack barcode scanning mechanism 71 and a cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism 72. The plate rack barcode scanning mechanism 71 is arranged on the movement trajectory of the extraction module 4; the cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism 72 is arranged below the plate rack barcode scanning mechanism 71 and is staggered, and is also facing the movement trajectory. In a specific implementation, the cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism 72 may include a smart barcode reader, a bar light source, and a glass window. The glass window is arranged on the movement trajectory of the extraction mechanism. The smart barcode reader is equipped with a bar light source and is positioned facing the glass window. The glass window can be composed of a single layer or double layer of glass. The bar light source can be located on both sides above the smart barcode reader and together below the operation platform 8 to facilitate scanning of the cryopreservation tubes during movement. The plate frame scanning mechanism 71 includes a barcode reader mounted on the operating platform 8. The barcode reader can be mounted on the side of the loose seat 61. This angle can achieve full barcode scanning. Preferably, a light shield can also be installed outside the barcode reader to avoid the influence of external light reflection and optimize the barcode scanning effect.

[0060] In this specific embodiment, a sample transfer area 2 for transferring the transfer container 13 is also provided below the tube-lifting and liquid-adding operation area 1. The sample transfer area 2 is equipped with a lifting mechanism 11 and a horizontal conveying mechanism 12. The lifting mechanism 11 transports the transfer container 13 from the sample transfer area 2 to the tube-lifting and liquid-adding operation area 1, and the horizontal conveying mechanism 12 transfers the transfer container 13 between the sample transfer areas 2 of different operation mechanisms. Preferably, for optimized transfer, in order to facilitate docking with the transfer container 13 which contains a plate rack for storing biological samples, the sample transfer area 2 is a C-shaped or U-shaped sample transfer channel. In this embodiment, the sample transfer area 2 and the tube-lifting and liquid-adding operation area 1 can be spatially separated by an operation platform 8. The operation platform 8 can be directly equipped with the mechanisms of the tube-lifting and liquid-adding operation area 1, including a barcode scanning mechanism 7, a loosening mechanism 6, a moving module 5, etc. The operation platform 8 should also be equipped with an extraction interface 83 connecting the tube-lifting and liquid-adding operation area 1 and the sample transfer area 2 for docking with the transfer container 13.

[0061] Furthermore, considering the consistently low-temperature environment, it is best to maintain the airtightness of storage and prevent the evaporation of liquid nitrogen as much as possible in the details. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the operating platform 8 can also be equipped with a chamber dome and a cover slot 82 for placing the top cover of the transfer tank 13. The chamber dome is placed on the extraction interface 83, and the cover slot 82 is located on the movement trajectory of the extraction mechanism between the extraction interface 83 and the temporary storage tank 81. The temporary storage tank 81 can also be equipped with a plate holder fixing frame to stabilize the position of the plate holder placed inside. In use, after the transfer tank 13 is raised to below the chamber dome by the lifting mechanism 11, the grabbing mechanism 41 moves the top of the chamber dome to grab the top cover of the transfer tank 13 and move it into the cover slot 82 for temporary storage. Then, the plate holder is grabbed from the transfer tank 13, and the top cover can be put back into the transfer tank 13 immediately. This avoids the waste and hazards caused by the evaporation of liquid nitrogen and also helps maintain the low-temperature environment inside the transfer tank 13 for reuse.

[0062] In an optional embodiment of this example, the lifting mechanism 11 includes a transfer tank lifting driver 111, and the top of the transfer tank lifting driver 111 is provided with a lifting plate 112 for placing the transfer tank 13. Further optionally, the transfer tank lifting driver 111 includes a drive cylinder 1111, a slider 1112, and a lifting arm 1113. The lifting plate 112 is fixed to the upper end of the lifting arm 1113, and the lifting arm 1113 is drivenly connected to the drive cylinder 1111. The lifting arm 1113 is mounted on the slider 1112 in a relatively sliding manner, and the slider 1112 is fixed within the sample transfer area 2. As a specific variation, the transfer tank lifting driver 111 can also directly drive the slider 1112. In this case, it only needs to be fixed to the lifting arm 1113, ultimately achieving relative lifting motion and realizing the lifting function of the transfer tank 13. The transfer tank 13 is lifted to below or inside the liquid addition operation area 1 using the transfer tank lifting driver 111 for subsequent operations.

[0063] Optionally, the horizontal conveying mechanism 12 mainly consists of a second control rail 121 located below the lifting plate 112 and a transfer trolley 122 installed on the second control rail 121. The second control rail 121 is fixed in the sample transfer area 2, and the top end of the slider 1112 is fixed to the bottom end of the second control rail 121.

[0064] The transfer tank 13 is first transported between this mechanism and other external equipment along the second control track 121 using the transfer trolley 122 as a carrier. In order to better maintain the stability of the relative position, or for the purpose of charging the transfer tank 13, the upper surface of the transfer trolley 122 and the lower surface of the lifting plate 112 are equipped with a locking mechanism. The specific structure of this locking mechanism can be selected according to its function.

[0065] To achieve intelligent operation, as another specific implementation of this embodiment, the liquid addition operation area 1 can also be equipped with a camera mechanism 9 and a sensing mechanism 10. The camera mechanism 9 can include a monitoring camera for real-time monitoring of various operations within the internal mechanisms. The sensing mechanism 10 includes a temperature acquisition module and a dew point sensor for accurate temperature detection within the chamber. As those skilled in the art will know, the operation mechanism can also be equipped with a valve control cabinet and valve components. The valve control cabinet is connected to the valve components installed on the nitrogen inlet pipe, thereby regulating the liquid inlet to the temporary storage tank 81 and the liquid inlet to the rotating liquid addition mechanism 3. Obviously, for automation, a display controller, its control buttons, and an electrical control box are also required.

[0066] The automated tube-picking and liquid-addition operation mechanism of the above-described embodiment of the present invention first uses the rotating liquid-addition mechanism 3 to dehumidify the tube-picking and liquid-addition operation area 1. The transfer tank 13 of the sample transfer area 2 rises to the tube-picking and liquid-addition operation area 1 under the action of the lifting mechanism 11. Then, the extraction module 4 picks up the plate holder from the transfer tank 13, and the cryopreservation tubes are loosened at the loosening mechanism 6. Specifically, the plate holder is lowered onto the loosening mechanism 6 to push out the frozen cryopreservation tubes. After the cryopreservation tubes are loosened, the extraction module 4 continues to place the plate holder into the temporary storage tank 81. Then, the extraction module 4 again uses the extraction module 4 to pick up the cryopreservation tubes in the temporary storage tank 81. This ensures that each cryopreservation tube can be normally extracted or placed, reducing the storage and retrieval error rate in sample bank storage. Simultaneously, since the liquid-addition mechanism 3 in this solution combines dehumidification, rotating liquid-addition, and liquid storage functions, it creates a more durable, stable, and safe cryogenic environment for sample storage.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications and equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube, characterized in that: It includes a tube-lifting liquid addition operation area, in which a liquid addition mechanism is provided, which can rotate to supply liquid nitrogen to the outside; The liquid addition mechanism includes an operating control unit, a liquid addition pipe, a volume control storage cylinder, and a first nitrogen storage cylinder; the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder is connected to a nitrogen supply pipe, and the lower end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder is connected to a guide pipe, the lower end of the guide pipe extending sealed into the volume control storage cylinder, and the volume control storage cylinder can move up and down and / or rotate relative to the guide pipe under the control of the operating control unit; the upper end of the liquid addition pipe is connected to the lower end of the volume control storage cylinder. The operation control unit includes an operation control motor, a first control rail, a control panel, and a first sliding control component; the operation control motor and the first control rail are fixed in the liquid addition operation area of ​​the tube; the operation control motor is coaxially connected to a first transmission screw; one end of the first sliding control component meshes with the first transmission screw and is slidably disposed on the first control rail; the other end of the first sliding control component is fixed to the volume control storage cylinder. The outer casing of the operation control motor extends outward with a transition control component. The other end of the transition control component is fixed to the first nitrogen storage cylinder, and a control panel is fixedly provided on the other end of the transition control component. The control panel has a control channel, and the other end of the first sliding control member extends into the control panel with a limiting shaft, which extends into the control channel. The control channel restricts the movement trajectory of the limiting shaft.

2. The automated liquid addition mechanism for a pipe-lifting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gas-liquid separator is connected to the upper end of the first nitrogen storage cylinder, and a noise-absorbing buffer is provided on the gas-liquid separator.

3. The automated liquid addition mechanism for a pipe-lifting tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control channel includes a vertical axial channel and a circumferential channel that is smoothly connected to the vertical axial channel.

4. The automated liquid addition mechanism for a pipe-lifting tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control channel includes a downward-facing arc channel and a vertically downward-facing axial channel, which are connected sequentially to form a single structure.

5. An automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The liquid filling pipe is an L-shaped or C-shaped pipe.

6. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: A one-way valve is provided between the liquid addition pipe and the volume control storage cylinder.

7. An automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area is also equipped with an extraction module, which is positioned above the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area via a movable module. It can grab the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank, and or can suck up the cryopreservation tubes on the plate rack.

8. The automated liquid addition mechanism for a pipe-lifting tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The extraction module includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the plate rack or the top cover of the transfer tank and an aspiration mechanism for aspirating the cryopreservation tubes.

9. The automated liquid addition mechanism for a pipe-lifting tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The gripping mechanism includes at least one gripping unit and a gripping mechanism driver for driving the gripping unit to move up and down as a whole, and the gripping mechanism driver is fixed on the moving module.

10. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 9, characterized in that: The suction mechanism includes at least one suction unit and a suction mechanism driver for driving the suction unit to move up and down as a whole. The suction mechanism driver is fixed on the moving module, and the suction units are all slidably mounted on the cylinder of the suction mechanism driver through a second sliding control member. The suction unit includes a suction assembly and a suction control component. The suction assembly includes a ventilator connected coaxially in sequence. The upper end of the ventilator is connected to the gas source mechanism, and the lower end is connected to the vent head. A cold insulation component is sleeved on the outside of the suction assembly. Liquid nitrogen is supplied to the cold insulation component by the liquid addition mechanism. Under the control of the suction control component, the suction assembly moves up and down within the cold insulation component.

11. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 10, characterized in that: The cold insulation component includes a cold-conducting pipe and a second nitrogen storage cylinder. The cold-conducting pipe is sleeved outside the vent cylinder and fixed on the second sliding control component. The second nitrogen storage cylinder is sleeved at the lower end of the cold-conducting pipe and communicates with it.

12. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 10, characterized in that: The suction control component includes a suction control motor and a second transmission screw. The suction control motor is fixed on the second sliding control component. The suction control motor is coaxially connected to the second transmission screw and the air cylinder in sequence. The second transmission screw meshes with the second sliding control component.

13. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 8, characterized in that: The moving module includes an X-axis moving arm and a Y-axis moving arm. The X-axis moving arm includes an X-axis moving track, and the Y-axis moving arm includes two parallel Y-axis moving tracks. The two Y-axis moving tracks are respectively located on both sides of the upper part of the tube-lifting liquid addition operation area. The two ends of the X-axis moving track are slidably mounted on the two Y-axis moving tracks. The extraction module is mounted on the X-axis moving track. When movement on the Y-axis is required, the X-axis moving track drives the extraction module to slide on the Y-axis moving track.

14. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tube picking and liquid adding operation area is also equipped with a loosening mechanism, which can detach the cryopreservation tube from the plate rack.

15. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 14, characterized in that: The loosening mechanism includes at least one loosening seat arranged on the movement trajectory of the extraction module, and the upper end of the loosening seat is provided with a protrusion that can lift the cryopreservation tube in the vertical direction.

16. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tube picking and liquid adding operation area is also equipped with a barcode scanning mechanism, which includes a plate barcode scanning mechanism and a cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism. The plate barcode scanning mechanism is located on the movement trajectory of the extraction module; the cryopreservation tube barcode scanning mechanism is located below the plate barcode scanning mechanism and is staggered, and is also directly opposite the movement trajectory.

17. An automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Below the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area is a sample transfer area for transferring the transfer tank. The sample transfer area is equipped with a lifting mechanism and a horizontal conveying mechanism. The lifting mechanism transports the transfer tank from the sample transfer area to the tube-picking and liquid-adding operation area, and the horizontal conveying mechanism transfers the transfer tank between the sample transfer areas of different operation mechanisms.

18. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 17, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes a transfer tank lifting driver, and the top of the transfer tank lifting driver is provided with a lifting plate for placing the transfer tank.

19. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 18, characterized in that: The transfer tank lifting driver includes a drive cylinder, a slider, and a lifting arm. The lifting plate is fixed to the upper end of the lifting arm. The lifting arm is driven and connected to the drive cylinder. The lifting arm is mounted on the slider in a relatively sliding manner. The slider is fixed within the sample transfer area.

20. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 17, characterized in that: The sample transmission area is a sample transmission channel with an overall C-shaped or U-shaped shape.

21. The automated operating mechanism for adding liquid through a pick-up tube according to claim 19, characterized in that: The horizontal conveying mechanism mainly consists of a second control rail located below the lifting plate and a transfer trolley installed on the second control rail. The second control rail is fixed within the sample transfer area, and the top of the slider is fixed to the lower end of the second control rail.

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