A storage device

Abstract

The present specification relates to the technical field of biological sample storage device, in particular to a storage device characterized in that the storage device comprises a storage chamber, at least one storage tube is accommodated in the storage chamber, the at least one storage tube is used for storing a sample tube; a tube pressing device, the tube pressing device comprises a first tube pressing assembly and a positioning assembly; the positioning assembly is used for driving the first tube pressing assembly to move to a position corresponding to the at least one storage tube, the first tube pressing assembly can provide a pressing force to the sample tube in the storage tube, so that the sample tube moves relative to the storage tube.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese application No. 202110780290.6, filed on July 9, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This specification relates to the field of biological sample storage devices, and in particular to a storage device. Background Technology

[0003] The rapid development of life sciences has promoted an increasingly widespread demand for biological samples, which has also placed higher demands on biological sample storage technologies and devices, including requirements for the safety, reliability and stability of stored biological samples, as well as the accuracy, efficiency and scientific nature of biological sample access processes and procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of this specification provides a storage device, characterized in that the storage device includes: a storage chamber, wherein at least one storage tube is housed in the storage chamber, and the at least one storage tube is used to store sample tubes;

[0005] A tube pressing device, comprising a first tube pressing assembly and a positioning assembly; the positioning assembly is used to drive the first tube pressing assembly to a position corresponding to the at least one storage tube, and the first tube pressing assembly can provide a pushing force to the sample tube inside the storage tube, so that the sample tube moves relative to the storage tube.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod that extends into the interior of the storage tube and abuts against the sample tube to provide pushing force to the sample tube.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is disposed above the pressure transmission rod and is capable of transmitting pushing force to the pressure transmission rod along the axial direction of the storage tube. The pressure transmission rod abuts against the sample tube, thereby providing pushing force to the sample tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes an intermediate layer disposed between the pressure tube device and the storage chamber, the power rod being disposed above the intermediate layer, and the pressure transmission rod being disposed inside the intermediate layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer may be an insulation layer or an intermediate layer with other functions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a rotating member disposed above the intermediate layer, and a power rod disposed on the rotating member. The rotation of the rotating member can drive the power rod to move to a position corresponding to different storage tubes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pressure transmitting rod is provided with a pressure transmitting rod reset member for providing a biasing force to the pressure transmitting rod, the direction of which is opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted by the power rod on the pressure transmitting rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a storage device, which includes a plurality of storage clamps and a clamp turntable for placing the plurality of storage clamps; the clamp turntable is operably rotatable to drive the storage clamps to rotate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the positioning assembly includes a rotating member and a sub-rotating member disposed on the rotating member and capable of rotating relative to the rotating member; the sub-rotating member is capable of driving the first pressure tube assembly to move relative to the storage chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the positioning assembly further includes a sub-rotating arm disposed on the sub-rotating member, one end of the sub-rotating arm being pivotally connected to the sub-rotating member via a rotating shaft, and the other end of the sub-rotating arm being connected to the first pressure tube assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the power rod is in the first position, it is above the storage clamp, and when the power rod is in the second position, it passes through the storage clamp and is located inside the storage tube.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is disposed above the pressure transmission rod and is capable of transmitting pushing force to the pressure transmission rod along the axial direction of the storage tube. The pressure transmission rod abuts against the sample tube, thereby providing pushing force to the sample tube.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod, a transition rod, and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is disposed above the storage device, the transition rod is disposed in the storage device, and the pressure transmission rod is disposed within the sub-rotating member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the chuck turntable is provided with at least one transition channel, the transition channel extending through the chuck turntable along the thickness direction, and the transition rod is axially movable in the at least one transition channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sub-rotating member is provided with at least one pressure transmission channel, the pressure transmission channel extends through the sub-rotating member along the thickness direction, and the pressure transmission rod can move axially in the pressure transmission channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the chuck turntable is provided with a transition channel, and the sub-rotating component is provided with a pressure transmission channel; the distance between the axis of the chuck turntable and the axis of the sub-rotating component is less than 10 mm, and the difference between the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating component is less than 10 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the transition rod is provided with a transition rod reset member for providing a biasing force to the transition rod, the direction of which is opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted by the power rod on the transition rod.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tube pressing device further includes a second tube pressing assembly, which is used to apply force to the sample tube in the storage clamp or the storage clamp to separate the sample tube in the storage clamp from the storage clamp.

[0023] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a rotating member, a sub-rotating member disposed on the rotating member, and a first sub-rotating arm and a second sub-rotating arm disposed on the sub-rotating member. One end of the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm are pivotally connected to the sub-rotating member via a rotating shaft, and the other end of the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm are respectively connected to the first pressure tube assembly and the second pressure tube assembly.

[0024] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm ranges from 0° to 180°.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second pressure tube assembly includes an actuating rod that can extend into the storage clamp and abut against the sample tube in the storage clamp, thereby separating the sample tube from the storage clamp.

[0026] In some embodiments, the compression device further includes a buffer assembly disposed at the bottom of the at least one storage tube, the buffer assembly having a buffer stroke in the axial direction of the storage tube.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cushioning assembly includes a cushioning element, which may include a spring, rubber, or sponge.

[0028] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly further includes a barrier disposed on the buffer member, the barrier member being used to isolate the sample tube from the buffer member.

[0029] In some embodiments, the barrier is a rod-shaped structure, the rod-shaped structure including a first rod portion and a second rod portion, the diameter of the first rod portion being larger than the diameter of the second rod portion, the buffer being sleeved on the second rod portion and abutting against the first rod portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the barrier is a sheet-like structure, one side of which abuts against the buffer.

[0031] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a driving component and a processor connected to the driving component; the driving component is connected to the pressure tube assembly and / or the positioning component, and drives the pressure tube assembly and / or the positioning component to move according to the control signal of the processor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a sensor for detecting whether the sample tube has entered the storage clamp; the control signal is generated by the processor based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sensor is disposed on the second pressure tube assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processor periodically sends control signals to the drive component, and the drive component drives the pressure tube assembly and / or the positioning assembly to perform periodic movements according to the periodically received control signals. Attached Figure Description

[0035] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of the storage device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the storage chamber structure according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a storage device including a storage unit, as shown in some embodiments of this specification;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a storage device including a storage unit, as shown in some embodiments of this specification;

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A front view of a portion of the structure of the storage device shown;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0043] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the storage device shown;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer assembly at the bottom of the storage tube according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0046] Reference numerals: 100 is a storage device; 1 is a storage chamber; 11 is a storage tube; 12 is a sample tube; 2 is a tube pressing device; 21 is a first tube pressing assembly; 211 is a power rod; 212 is a pressure transmission rod; 213 is a transition rod; 22 is a positioning assembly; 221 is a rotating component; 222 is a sub-rotating component; 223 is a sub-rotating arm (first sub-rotating arm); 224 is a rotating shaft; 225 is a second sub-rotating arm; 23 is a second tube pressing assembly; 231 is an actuating rod; 24 is a buffer assembly; 241 is a buffer component; 242 is a barrier component; 242-1 is a first rod section; 242-2 is a second rod section; 3 is a receiving device; 31 is a receiving clamp; 32 is a clamp turntable; 4 is a conveying pipeline; 5 is an intermediate layer; 6 is a conveying channel. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0048] It should be understood that the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and / or “module” used herein are one way to distinguish different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0049] As indicated in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0050] With the development of life sciences, the quality requirements for biological samples are constantly increasing, as are the requirements for storage devices. In some embodiments, biological samples can be placed in sample tubes and stored in appropriate storage devices (e.g., cryogenic storage devices). In some cases, sample tubes may adhere to the inner wall of the storage tube for various reasons, causing the sample tube to become stuck inside the storage tube and difficult to remove. For example, when using airflow to store and retrieve sample tubes, specifically when the sample tube is sucked out of the storage tube by negative pressure or pushed into the storage tube by airflow, moisture may be present in the airflow, or there may be residual moisture on the outer wall of the sample tube, or moisture from damage or leakage of the sample tube. This moisture may frost in a low-temperature environment, causing the sample tube to adhere to the inner wall of the storage tube, resulting in a stuck tube that cannot be removed.

[0051] This specification provides a storage device including a tube-pressing device that applies axial pressure to sample tubes located within a storage tube, thereby breaking the bond between the sample tubes and the storage tube. In some embodiments, the tube-pressing device includes a first tube-pressing assembly and a positioning assembly. When one or more sample tubes are stacked within the storage tube, the positioning assembly positions the first tube-pressing assembly to a position corresponding to the storage tube, and then the first tube-pressing assembly can directly or indirectly apply pressure to the sample tubes within the storage tube. Under the pressure, the sample tubes within the storage tube can move relative to the storage tube in the axial direction, thereby breaking the bond between the sample tubes and the inner wall of the storage tube, facilitating sample tube removal. For example, negative pressure can be used to draw the sample tubes out of the storage tube. The storage device provided in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In some embodiments, the storage device in this specification can be used for storing biological samples, such as lyophilized powder. For ease of explanation, this specification will describe the storage of biological samples as an example.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage device 100 may include a storage chamber 1 and a pressure tube device 2.

[0054] Storage chamber 1 can be used to store biological samples. In some embodiments, storage chamber 1 can house a plurality of storage tubes 11, which can be used to store sample tubes 12, and biological samples can be stored in the sample tubes 12. In some embodiments, multiple sample tubes 12 can be stored in storage tubes 11 in a stacked manner. By accommodating a plurality of storage tubes 11 in storage chamber 1, and storing multiple sample tubes 12 in each storage tube 11, a larger number of sample tubes 12 can be stored within a given volume of storage chamber 1, thereby achieving centralized storage of a large number of biological samples. In some embodiments, biological samples refer to samples of biological macromolecules, cells, tissues, and organs from healthy and diseased organisms, including but not limited to human organ tissues, whole blood, plasma, serum, biological fluids, or processed DNA, RNA, proteins, etc.

[0055] The compression device 2 can be used to move the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11 relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking the possible adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11, avoiding the situation where the sample tube 12 gets stuck in the storage tube 11, so that the sample tube 12 can be smoothly removed from the storage tube 11.

[0056] In some embodiments, the crimping device 2 may include a first crimping assembly 21 and a positioning assembly 22. The positioning assembly 22 may be used to move the first crimping assembly 22 to a position corresponding to at least one storage tube 11, so that the first crimping assembly 21 can directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube inside the storage tube 11, causing the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11 to move relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking any possible adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the position of the first crimping assembly 22 corresponding to the storage tube 11 may refer to the position directly above the opening of the storage tube 11. For example, when the first crimping assembly 21 is located directly above the storage tube 11, the first crimping assembly 21 can directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11 along the axial direction of the storage tube 11, causing the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11.

[0057] In some embodiments, the clamping device 2 may be located at the end of the storage chamber 1 away from the mounting ground. In the embodiments described in this specification, the end of the storage chamber 1 away from the mounting ground can be understood as the top or above the storage chamber 1. For further description of the first clamping assembly and the positioning assembly, please refer to other parts of the specification.

[0058] The following is combined with Figure 3 The storage method of the storage device 100 is described by way of example. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the storage chamber structure according to some embodiments of this specification. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the storage chamber 1 may contain a plurality of storage tubes 11, which may be used to store sample tubes 12.

[0059] In some embodiments, to ensure the validity of the biological samples stored in the storage device 100, the storage chamber 1 may have a specific temperature environment (e.g., a low-temperature environment). In some embodiments, the temperature inside the storage chamber 1 may be below 0°C. In some embodiments, the temperature inside the storage chamber 1 may be between -80°C and -20°C. In some embodiments, the temperature inside the storage chamber 1 may be below -196°C.

[0060] In some embodiments, the storage tube 11 may be made of a low-temperature resistant material, including but not limited to polycarbonate, polysulfone, and aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, a plurality of storage tubes 11 may be placed vertically in the storage chamber 1, and the number of storage tubes 11 in the storage chamber 1 may be multiple, for example, the number of storage tubes 11 may exceed 1000. In some embodiments, one storage tube 11 may store one or more sample tubes 12, and multiple sample tubes 12 may be stacked and stored in one storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the number of sample tubes 12 that the storage tube 11 can store depends on the length of the storage tube 11 and the sample tubes 12. For example, when the length of the storage tube 11 is 20 cm and the length of the sample tube 12 is 2.5 cm, the storage tube 11 can store a maximum of 8 sample tubes 12.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly 21 includes at least a power rod 211 for moving along the axial direction of the storage tube 11, thereby abutting against the sample tube 12 and providing a pushing force to the sample tube 12. In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly 21 may further include other rods disposed below the power rod 211 (closer to the storage tube 11). The power rod 211 transmits the pushing force to the sample tube by abutting against other rods along the axial direction.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly 21 may include a power rod 211, which can be inserted into the interior of the storage tube 11 and abut against the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11 to provide a pushing force to the sample tube 12. Under the action of the pushing force, the sample tube 12 can move relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking any possible adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11, so that the sample tube 12 can be smoothly removed from the storage tube 11.

[0063] In some embodiments, when multiple sample tubes 12 are stacked in the storage tube 11, the power rod 211 abuts against the uppermost sample tube 12 in the storage tube 11. The pushing force provided by the power rod 211 can cause all the sample tubes 12 in the storage tube 11 to move relative to the storage tube 11. In this case, even if multiple sample tubes 12 are stuck to the inner wall of the storage tube 11, they can be destroyed at the same time.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly 21 may include a drive assembly connected to the power rod 211 to drive the power rod 211 into the storage tube 11, or to return the power rod 211 to a position where it is not inserted into the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the drive assembly may include, but is not limited to, a linear drive mechanism such as a cylinder or a linear motor.

[0065] In some embodiments, the power rod 211 can be a flexible shaft, and the first pressure tube assembly 21 further includes a reel for winding and unwinding the flexible shaft. By rotating the reel, the flexible shaft wound on the reel can be unfolded and extended into the storage tube 11 to abut against the sample tube 12, or the shaft can be rotated to allow the flexible shaft to exit the storage tube 11 and be wound onto the reel.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the first pressure tube assembly 21 includes other rods disposed below the power rod 211, the other rods may be pressure transmission rods or transition rods and pressure transmission rods.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first pressure tube assembly 21 may include a power rod 211 and a pressure transmission rod (not shown in the figure). The power rod 211 may be positioned above the pressure transmission rod (away from the storage tube 11) and is capable of transmitting pushing force to the pressure transmission rod along the axial direction of the storage tube 11. The pressure transmission rod abuts against the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11, thereby providing pushing force to the sample tube 12. Under the action of the pushing force, the sample tube 12 can move relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking any possible adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11, so that the sample tube 12 can be smoothly removed from the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, when the pressure transmission rod is subjected to the pushing force transmitted by the power rod 211, the pressure transmission rod may move along the axial direction of the storage tube 11 and enter the storage tube 11 to abut against the sample tube 12, thereby transmitting the pushing force to the sample tube 12.

[0068] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 2As shown, the storage device 100 also includes an intermediate layer 5 disposed between the pressure tube device 2 and the storage chamber 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 5 may be an insulation layer or other functional layer. The insulation layer can be used to block heat exchange between the storage chamber 1 and the outside environment, maintain a low temperature environment inside the storage chamber 1, and prevent the stored sample from deteriorating due to temperature rise inside the storage chamber 1. In some embodiments, the insulation layer may be made of one or a combination of organic thermal insulation materials, inorganic thermal insulation materials, or metallic thermal insulation materials. In some embodiments, organic thermal insulation materials may include polyurethane foam, polystyrene board, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam for insulation, phenolic foam, etc. In some embodiments, inorganic thermal insulation materials may include ceramic fiber blankets, silicon carbide fibers, aerogel felt, glass wool, rock wool, etc. In some embodiments, metallic thermal insulation materials may include gold, silver, nickel, aluminum foil, or metal-plated polyester, etc.

[0069] In some embodiments, the power rod 211 may be disposed above the intermediate layer 5, and the pressure transmission rod may be disposed inside the intermediate layer 5. Specifically, the intermediate layer 5 has a pressure transmission channel (not marked in the figure) along its thickness direction to accommodate the pressure transmission rod, wherein the power rod is disposed above the pressure transmission channel to ensure that the power rod can provide pushing force to the pressure transmission rod in the pressure transmission channel, so that the power rod can move within the pressure transmission channel. For example, the power rod may extend partially or completely from the pressure transmission channel into the storage tube 11, or the power rod may retract partially or completely from the storage tube 11 back into the pressure transmission channel. In some embodiments, the pressure transmission channel and the power rod may be simultaneously positioned to correspond to any storage tube 11.

[0070] In some embodiments, each storage tube 11 has a corresponding pressure transmitting rod along its axial direction, so the intermediate layer 5 is provided with a pressure transmitting rod corresponding to each storage tube 11 along its thickness direction (the axial direction of the storage tube 11). In this case, the pressure transmitting channel does not need to be positioned; the power rod only needs to be positioned above any pressure transmitting channel to directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube 12 in any storage tube 11.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the first pressure tube assembly 21 does not include other rods and only includes the power rod 211, the pressure transmission rod does not need to be provided in the pressure transmission channel. The power rod 211 can pass through the pressure transmission channel in the intermediate layer 5 and enter the storage tube 11 to abut against the sample tube 12, directly providing pushing force to the sample tube.

[0072] In some embodiments, after the pressure transmitting rod enters the storage tube 11 and abuts against the sample tube 12 to break any adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11, the pressure transmitting rod needs to retract from the storage tube 11 to allow the sample tube 12 to be removed from or stored in the storage tube 11, thus avoiding obstruction to the entry and exit of the sample tube 12. For this purpose, a pressure transmitting rod reset component (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the pressure transmitting rod. The reset component provides a biasing force to the pressure transmitting rod, the direction of which is opposite to the pushing force exerted by the power rod 211 on the pressure transmitting rod. Under the action of the biasing force, the pressure transmitting rod or the portion of the pressure transmitting rod located inside the storage tube 11 can retract from the storage tube 11 back into the pressure transmitting channel. For details regarding the specific structure and arrangement of the pressure transmitting rod and the pressure transmitting rod reset component, please refer to the following description of the pressure transmitting rod 212 and its reset component.

[0073] In some embodiments, the positioning component 22 can be used to drive the first pressure tube component 21 to a position corresponding to at least one storage tube 11, so that the power rod 211 can be positioned above any storage tube 11 to ensure that the power rod 211 can directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube 12 in any storage tube 11.

[0074] In some embodiments, the positioning component 22 may include a rotating member (not marked in the figure) disposed above the intermediate layer 5, the rotating member being capable of rotating around a certain rotation axis. A power rod 211 may be disposed on the rotating member, and the distance between the power rod 211 and the aforementioned rotation axis is the rotation radius of the rotating member. The rotation of the rotating member can drive the power rod 211 to move to the position corresponding to different storage tubes.

[0075] In some embodiments, the rotating component can be a telescopic rotating arm, with the telescopic direction being the direction of the rotation radius. One end of the telescopic rotating arm can be rotatably connected to the intermediate layer 5 via a pivot, allowing the telescopic rotating arm to rotate relative to the storage chamber 1. The other end of the telescopic rotating arm can be connected to the power rod 211, and the distance between the two ends of the telescopic rotating arm is adjustable. With the coordinated rotation and telescopic movements of the telescopic rotating arm, the power rod can be positioned to correspond to the positions of different storage tubes 11.

[0076] In some embodiments, the rotating member can be disc-shaped, and the positioning component 22 may further include a rotating arm (not marked in the figure) disposed on the rotating member and capable of rotating relative to the disc-shaped rotating member. The rotating arm is connected to the first positioning component 21. Through the coordinated rotation of the rotating member and the rotating arm, the power rod 211 can be positioned to correspond to different storage tubes 12. In some embodiments, one end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to half the radius of the rotating member via a pivot, allowing the rotating arm to rotate relative to the rotating member. Furthermore, the length of the rotating arm is equal to or substantially equal to half the radius of the rotating member, ensuring that the range of motion of the rotating arm covers the entire rotating member, guaranteeing that the power rod can be positioned above any storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the length of the rotating arm being substantially equal to half the radius of the rotating member can be understood as the difference between the length of the rotating arm and half the radius of the rotating member being less than 20%. In some embodiments, the difference between the length of the rotating arm and half the radius of the rotating member being less than 10%. In some embodiments, the difference between the length of the rotating arm and half the radius of the rotating member being less than 5%. In some embodiments, the difference between the length of the rotating arm and half the radius of the rotating component can be less than 1%.

[0077] In some embodiments, the positioning component 22 may further include a sub-rotating disk (not shown) disposed on the rotating member and rotatable relative to the rotating member, and a power rod 211 may be disposed on the edge of the sub-rotating disk. Through the coordinated rotation of the rotating member and the sub-rotating disk, the power rod 211 can be positioned to correspond to different storage tubes 11. In some embodiments, the center of the sub-rotating disk is located at half the radius of the rotating member, and the diameter of the sub-rotating disk is the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the rotating member, so that the movement range of the sub-rotating disk can cover the entire rotating member, ensuring that the power rod can be positioned above any storage tube 12. In some embodiments, the sub-rotating disk's diameter being substantially the same as the radius of the rotating member can be understood as the difference between the diameter of the sub-rotating disk and the radius of the rotating member being less than 20%. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameter of the sub-rotating disk and the radius of the rotating member being less than 10%. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameter of the sub-rotating disk and the radius of the rotating member being less than 5%. In some embodiments, the difference between the diameter of the sub-rotating disk and the radius of the rotating member being less than 1%.

[0078] By breaking the adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11 using the compression device 2, it is easy to remove the sample tube 12 from the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, after the sample tube 12 is drawn out of the storage tube 11 using an airflow method (e.g., negative pressure), the user can manually pick up the sample tube 12 or remove it from the storage device 100 by using tweezers.

[0079] To further improve the efficiency of the storage device in accessing sample tubes and reduce manual operations during sample tube access, the storage device in the embodiments of this specification may further include a receiving device for buffering multiple sample tubes 12 during sample tube 12 access. The buffered sample tubes 12 can be stored in batches into corresponding storage tubes 11 or removed in batches from the storage device 100 via the receiving device. In some embodiments, the receiving device is located at the same end of the storage chamber 1 as the tube pressing device 2. The following will be combined with... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The storage device 100, including the storage unit 3, will be described in detail.

[0080] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a storage device including a storage unit, according to some embodiments of this specification. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the storage device 3 may include a plurality of storage clamps 31 and a clamp turntable 32 for placing the plurality of storage clamps 31. The clamp turntable 32 can be rotated to drive the storage clamps 31 to rotate, so that the storage clamps 31 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the storage tube 11, that is, the storage clamps 31 can move above any one of the storage tubes 11.

[0081] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage device 100 also includes a transfer conduit 4, and the chuck turntable 32 is operably rotated to position the receiving chuck 31 above the transfer conduit 4. In some embodiments, the transfer conduit 4 of the storage device 100 can be used to provide a channel for storing and retrieving sample tubes. Through the transfer conduit 4, sample tubes 12 can be removed from the receiving chuck 31, or sample tubes 12 can be stored from the outside into the receiving chuck 31 and the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, since external sample tubes are sucked into the receiving device 3 through the transfer conduit 4 by negative pressure, and negative pressure is generated in the transfer conduit 4 during this process, if the strength of the transfer conduit 4 is insufficient, the presence of negative pressure will cause the transfer conduit 4 to vibrate, deform, etc. Therefore, the transfer conduit 4 can be selected as a pipe that can withstand negative pressure of 0.01 MPa or higher.

[0082] The storage device 3 can not only store or buffer multiple sample tubes 12, enabling the storage device 100 to access sample tubes 12 in batches and improve the access efficiency of sample tubes 12, but also, when there is a sticking or jamming situation in the storage tube 11 (for example, the inner wall of the storage tube 11 is stuck to the sample tube 12), and the storage tube 11 is not in a full state, the storage device 3 can transfer the sample tubes 12 in other storage tubes 11 or the sample tubes 12 buffered in the storage clamp 31 to the storage tube 11 where sticking or jamming occurs, so that the storage tube 11 reaches a full state, thereby ensuring that the pushing force provided by the first pressing tube assembly can be transmitted to the sample tube 12. This operation avoids the situation where, if the first pressing tube assembly 21 has a short travel stroke, the storage tube 11 is not fully filled, preventing the first moving component (e.g., the power rod or pressure transmission rod) from contacting the sample tube inside the storage tube 11. This would prevent the pushing force from being transmitted to the sample tube 12, thus preventing the sample tube 12 from moving relative to the storage tube 11 and thus preventing the adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11 from being broken. For a detailed description of how the receiving device 3 transfers the sample tube 12 from other storage tubes 11 to the storage tube 11 where adhesion and jamming occur to ensure the transmission of pushing force, please see the relevant description below.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the chuck turntable 32 can be operably rotated using the positioning component 22 of the tube pressing device 2. Specifically, by moving the positioning component 22, the chuck turntable 32 can be moved to the area corresponding to the target storage tube or transfer tube 4, and then the rotation of the chuck turntable 32 itself can position the storage chuck 31 to the position corresponding to the storage tube or transfer tube 4 (e.g., above the storage tube or transfer tube 4).

[0084] In some embodiments, when the storage device 100 has a receiving device, the relevant schemes for the positioning component 22 and / or the first pressing component 21 of the pressing device 2 can be referred to the foregoing description. The storage device with a receiving device will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the storage device 100 has a storage device 3, the positioning component 22 in the pressing device 2 may include a rotating member 221 and a sub-rotating member 222 disposed on the rotating member 221 and capable of rotating relative to the rotating member 221. The rotation of the sub-rotating member 222 can drive the first pressing component 21 to rotate relative to the storage chamber 1, thereby positioning the first pressing component 21 to a position corresponding to any one of the storage tubes.

[0086] In some embodiments, the rotating member 221 and / or the sub-rotating member 222 may be disc-shaped.

[0087] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A front view of a portion of the structure of the storage device shown. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the positioning component 22 may further include a sub-rotating arm 223 disposed on the sub-rotating component 222. One end of the sub-rotating arm 223 is pivotally connected to the sub-rotating component 222 via a rotating shaft 224, and the other end is connected to the first pressure tube assembly 21. In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 224 may be fixedly connected to the center of the sub-rotating component 222. The rotation of the sub-rotating component 222 itself is the rotation of the sub-rotating component 222 around the axis of the rotating shaft 224, which can drive the sub-rotating arm 223 to rotate together around the axis of the rotating shaft 224. Through the rotation of the rotating component 221, the sub-rotating component 222 can be driven to the area corresponding to the target storage tube. Then, the rotation of the sub-rotating component 222 itself can position the first positioning component 21 to the position corresponding to the storage tube.

[0088] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the chuck turntable 32 can be disposed between the sub-rotating member 222 and the sub-rotating arm 223, and can rotate relative to the sub-rotating member 222 or the sub-rotating arm 223. In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 224 can pass through the chuck turntable 32 and be fixedly connected to the sub-rotating member 222. By rotating the rotating member 221, the chuck turntable 32 can be driven to the area corresponding to the storage tube or the transfer tube 4, and then the rotation of the chuck turntable 32 itself can position the storage chuck 31 to the position corresponding to the storage tube or the transfer tube 4.

[0089] In some embodiments, in order to position the first positioning component 21 to a position corresponding to any one of the storage tubes 11, the movement range of the sub-rotating component 222 must cover the rotating component 221. The center of the sub-rotating component 222 can be located at half the radius of the rotating component 221, and the diameter of the sub-rotating component 222 can be the same as or substantially the same as the radius of the rotating component 221. In some embodiments, the fact that the center of the sub-rotating component 222 can be located at half the radius of the rotating component 221 can be understood as the center of the sub-rotating component being located within a circle with a certain radius (e.g., 5mm, 2mm, 1mm, etc.) centered at half the radius of the rotating component. In some embodiments, the fact that the diameter of the sub-rotating component 222 is substantially the same as the radius of the rotating component 221 can be understood as the difference between the diameter of the sub-rotating component 222 and the radius of the rotating component 221 being less than 20%, 10%, or 1%, etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, to further improve the refrigeration effect of the storage device 100 and maintain a low-temperature environment inside the storage chamber 1, an insulation layer is provided on the inner wall of the storage chamber 1, the sub-rotating component, and the side of the rotating component facing the storage chamber 1, thereby reducing heat exchange between the storage chamber 1 and the outside environment. Further description of the insulation layer can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly 21 can directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube within the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly 21 may include a power rod that extends into the storage tube 11 and abuts against the sample tube 12, directly providing pushing force to the sample tube 12. In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly may include a power rod and a pressure transmitting rod. The power rod can transmit pushing force to the pressure transmitting rod, which can move into the storage tube 11 and abut against the sample tube 12, indirectly providing pushing force to the sample tube 12. In some embodiments, the first pressing tube assembly may include a power rod, a pressure transmitting rod, and a transition rod. The power rod can transmit pushing force to the transition rod, causing the transition rod to move and abut against the pressure transmitting rod 212, thereby transmitting the pushing force to the pressure transmitting rod. The pressure transmitting rod can move into the storage tube 11 and abut against the sample tube 12, indirectly providing pushing force to the sample tube 12. The following will be combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 Several embodiments in which the first pressure tube assembly 21 directly or indirectly provides pushing force to the sample tube 12 within the storage tube 11 are described in detail.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0093] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first clamping tube assembly may consist only of a power rod 211. The power rod 211 can move directly between a first position and a second position. When the power rod 211 is in the first position, it is located above the receiving clamp 31. When the power rod 211 is in the second position, it passes through the receiving clamp and is located inside the storage tube 11. Specifically, one end of the power rod 211 can move from the first position through the receiving clamp 31 to the second position and abut against the sample tube 12, thereby directly providing pushing force to the sample tube 12, allowing the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking any adhesion that may occur between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11. In this embodiment, through the movement of the positioning assembly 22 (including a rotating member 221, a sub-rotating member 222, and a sub-rotating arm 223) and the clamp turntable 32, the power rod 211, any receiving clamp 31, and any storage tube 11 can correspond in the axial direction of the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the sub-rotator 222 and the intermediate layer 5 may be provided with a channel (e.g., a pressure transmission channel) through which the power rod passes into the storage tube.

[0094] In some embodiments, the stroke of the power rod 211 may be limited, preventing it from directly extending into the storage tube 11 to provide pushing force to the sample tube 12. Therefore, in conjunction with... Figure 6 As shown, the first pressure tube assembly 21 may include a power rod 211 and a pressure transmission rod 212. The power rod 211 may be positioned above the pressure transmission rod 212 and may transmit pushing force to the pressure transmission rod 212 along the axial direction of the storage tube 11, so that the pressure transmission rod 212 may move into the storage tube 11 and abut against the uppermost sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11, thereby indirectly providing pushing force to the sample tube 12.

[0095] Furthermore, a pressure transmission channel (not marked in the figure) with a pressure transmission rod 212 is provided along the thickness direction of the sub-rotating member 222. The pressure transmission channel corresponds to the power rod 211 in position, that is, the axis of the power rod 211 and the axis of the pressure transmission channel are on the same straight line. In some embodiments, the power rod 211 can pass through the receiving clamp 31 and abut against the pressure transmission rod 212 to transmit the pushing force to the power rod 211, so that part or all of the pressure transmission rod 212 moves from the pressure transmission channel into the storage tube 11 and abuts against the sample tube 12 to provide pushing force to the sample tube 12.

[0096] In some embodiments, the pressure transmitting rod 212 is further provided with a pressure transmitting rod reset member, so that after the pushing force acting on the pressure transmitting rod 212 is released, the pressure transmitting rod 212 can retract from the storage tube 11 back to the pressure transmitting channel, so as to avoid the pressure transmitting rod 212 obstructing the sample tube 12 from entering or leaving the storage tube 11 during the storage and retrieval process of the sample tube 12.

[0097] In some embodiments, the pressure transmitting rod reset member can be a spring. In some embodiments, the pressure transmitting rod 212 may include at least a first pressure transmitting rod portion near the power rod 211 and a second pressure transmitting rod portion away from the power rod 211, wherein the diameter of the first pressure transmitting rod portion is larger than the diameter of the second pressure transmitting rod portion, and the spring can be sleeved on the second pressure transmitting rod portion and abut against the lower end face of the first pressure transmitting rod portion. Correspondingly, a spring abutment portion is provided in the pressure transmitting channel to abut against the spring. When the power rod 211 transmits pushing force to the pressure transmitting rod 212, the power rod 211 abuts against the upper end face of the first pressure transmitting rod portion, causing the spring to be compressed. Under the action of the pushing force, the pressure transmitting rod 212 as a whole moves along the pressure transmitting channel toward the storage tube 11, causing part or all of the second pressure transmitting rod portion to extend into the storage tube 11 and abut against the sample tube 12, thereby achieving the purpose of transmitting the pushing force to the sample tube 12. When the power rod 211 stops transmitting pushing force to the pressure transmission rod 212, under the action of the spring force (i.e., the bias force), the second pressure transmission rod portion or the portion of the second pressure transmission rod portion located inside the storage tube 11 retracts from the storage tube 11 back to its initial position within the pressure transmission channel, thus eliminating the presence of the pressure transmission rod 212 within the storage tube 11. The initial position of the second pressure transmission rod portion within the pressure transmission channel can be understood as its position within the pressure transmission channel when no pushing force is applied.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first pressure tube assembly 21 may include a power rod 211, a transition rod 213, and a pressure transmission rod 212. The power rod 211 may be disposed above the storage device 3, the transition rod 213 may be disposed within the storage device 3, and the pressure transmission rod 212 may be disposed within the sub-rotating member 222.

[0099] The chuck turntable 32 may be provided with at least one transition channel (not marked in the figure), which extends through the chuck turntable 32 along its thickness direction. The transition rod 213 may be axially movable within the at least one transition channel. Correspondingly, the sub-rotating member 222 may be provided with at least one pressure transmission channel, which extends through the sub-rotating member 222 along its thickness direction. The pressure transmission rod 212 may be axially movable within the at least one pressure transmission channel. When the power rod 211 applies downward pressure, it can abut against the transition rod 213, transmitting the pressure to the transition rod 213. This causes the transition rod 213 to move axially within the transition channel and enter the pressure transmission channel, where it abuts against the pressure transmission rod 212. The pressure transmission rod 212 then moves axially within the pressure transmission channel and enters the storage tube 11, abutting against the sample tube 12. This transmits the pressure to the sample tube 12, causing it to move relative to the storage tube 11, thereby breaking any adhesion that may exist between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11.

[0100] In some embodiments, since the sub-rotating arm connecting the first pressure tube assembly 21 is pivotally connected to the sub-rotating member 222 via a rotating shaft 224, the pressure transmission channel and the power rod 211 can correspond in position and remain relatively constant, while the transition channel can be positioned to correspond to the power rod 211 as the chuck turntable 32 rotates, so that the axes of the power rod 211, the transition rod 213, and the pressure transmission rod 212 are on the same straight line and correspond in position to the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the number of transition channels on the chuck turntable 32 can be one or more, and the transition channels can replace the positions of one or more storage chucks 31 on the chuck turntable 32.

[0101] In some embodiments, after the power rod 211 stops providing pushing force, in order to ensure that the pressure transmitting rod 212 can exit the storage tube 11 without affecting the entry and exit of the sample tube 12 into and out of the storage tube 11, not only is a power rod reset component (not marked in the figure) provided on the power rod 212, but a transition rod reset component (not marked in the figure) can also be provided on the transition rod 213. The transition rod reset component can be used to provide bias force to the transition rod 213. The direction of the bias force is opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted by the power rod 211 on the transition rod 213. Since the structure and corresponding arrangement of the transition rod 213, the transition rod reset component, and the transition channel are similar to the structure and corresponding arrangement of the pressure transmitting rod 212, the pressure transmitting rod reset component, and the pressure transmitting channel, more details can be found in the relevant descriptions of the pressure transmitting rod 212, the pressure transmitting rod reset component, and the pressure transmitting channel in this document. In some embodiments, the transition rod 213 may not be provided with a transition rod reset component; instead, the transition rod 213 may be reset simultaneously with the pressure transmitting rod 212 when the pressure transmitting rod is reset.

[0102] In some embodiments, to ensure that the transition rod 213 and the pressure transmission rod 212 are positionally aligned, the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 are collinear or substantially collinear, and the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 is the same as or substantially the same as the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222. The axes of the chuck turntable 32 and the sub-rotating member 222 can be understood as the rotation center lines of the chuck turntable 32 and the sub-rotating member 222 relative to the rotating member 221. In some embodiments, the fact that the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 are substantially collinear can be understood as the distance between them being less than 10 mm. In some embodiments, the fact that the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 are substantially collinear can be understood as the distance between them being less than 5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 can be less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 may be less than 1 mm. In some embodiments, the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 are substantially the same, which can be understood as the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 being less than 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 are substantially the same, which can be understood as the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 being less than 5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 may be less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable 32 and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating member 222 may be less than 1 mm.

[0103] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 As shown, the tube clamping device may further include a second tube clamping assembly 23. The second tube clamping assembly 23 can provide a force to the receiving clamp 31 or the sample tube 12 held by the receiving clamp 31. This force can cause the receiving clamp 31 to release its grip on the sample tube 12, allowing the sample tube 12 to separate from the receiving clamp 31 and thus facilitate its entry into the storage tube 11 or the transport tube 4 for storage and retrieval. The following will be combined with... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second pressure tube assembly is described in detail.

[0104] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the storage device shown. Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of a storage device according to some embodiments of this specification. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the second pressing tube assembly 23 may include an actuating rod 231, which can extend into the receiving clamp 31 and abut against the sample tube 12 inside the receiving clamp 31, or directly abut against the receiving clamp 31. The actuating rod 231 can transmit force to the sample tube 12 inside the receiving clamp 31 or to the receiving clamp 31, causing the sample tube 12 to separate from the receiving clamp 31. In some embodiments, the second pressing tube assembly 23 may include a cylinder or linear motor and other linear drive mechanisms to drive the actuating rod 231 to provide force.

[0105] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, when the crimping device 2 includes the second crimping assembly 23, the positioning assembly 22 may include a rotating member 221, a sub-rotating member 222 disposed on the rotating member 221, and a first sub-rotating arm (i.e., the sub-rotating arm 223 mentioned above) and a second sub-rotating arm 225 disposed on the sub-rotating member. One end of the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 are pivotally connected to the sub-rotating member 222 via a rotating shaft 224, and the other ends of the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 are respectively connected to the first crimping assembly 21 and the second crimping assembly 23. In some embodiments, the chuck turntable 32 may be disposed between the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 and the sub-rotating member 222. Through the relative rotation between the chuck turntable 32 and the sub-rotating member 222, the first crimping assembly 21 can be moved and positioned to a position corresponding to the receiving chuck 31 or the transition channel, and the second crimping assembly 23 can be moved and positioned to a position corresponding to the receiving chuck 31.

[0106] In some embodiments, to reduce the interference from other components in the storage device 100 (e.g., drive components such as the drive chuck turntable 32, sub-rotating member 222, or rotating member 221) during the rotation of the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225, so that the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 can rotate at a large angle driven by the rotation of the sub-rotating member 222, the included angle between the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 can be as small as possible. In some embodiments, the included angle between the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 can be in the range of 0° to 180°. In some embodiments, the included angle between the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 can be in the range of 0° to 120°. The included angle between the first sub-rotating arm 223 and the second sub-rotating arm 225 can be in the range of 0° to 60°.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second pressing tube assembly 23 may not have an action rod 231. Instead, the power rod 211 in the first pressing tube assembly 21 can provide force to the receiving clamp 31 or the sample tube 12 held by the receiving clamp 31, so that the sample tube 12 can be separated from the receiving clamp 31, making it easier for the sample tube 12 to enter the storage tube 11 or the transmission pipeline 4 for storage and retrieval.

[0108] In some embodiments, since the first pressing assembly 21 directly or indirectly provides pushing force to the sample tube 12 within the storage tube 11, causing the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11, in order to ensure that the sample tube 12 has sufficient movement space within the storage tube 11, the pressing device 2 may further include a buffer assembly 24 disposed at the bottom of at least one storage tube 11, the buffer assembly 24 having a buffer stroke in the axial direction of the storage tube 11. See also... Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the buffer assembly 24 is disposed below the lowest sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11. When the sample tube 12 is subjected to a downward pushing force, the buffer assembly 24 will have a buffer stroke in the axial direction of the storage tube 11 under the action of the pushing force. This buffer stroke can provide sufficient movement space for the sample tube 12 when it is subjected to the pushing force, allowing the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11. The buffer stroke can be understood as the distance the buffer assembly moves under the action of the pushing force. When the sample tube 12 is no longer subjected to the pushing force, the buffer assembly 24 can return to its initial state, that is, the state before the sample tube 12 underwent the buffering movement. In some embodiments, a buffer assembly 24 is provided at the bottom of each storage tube 11.

[0109] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly may include a buffer member 241. The buffer member 241 may include a spring, rubber, or a sponge, or other elastic material. When the sample tube 12 is subjected to a pushing force, the pushing force is transmitted to the buffer member 241 because it abuts against the sample tube 12, causing it to undergo a certain elastic deformation, allowing the sample tube 12 to move towards the bottom of the storage tube 11. The amount of elastic deformation generated by the buffer member 241 is the buffer stroke of the buffer assembly 24 in the axial direction of the storage tube 11. After the pushing force disappears, the buffer member 241 can recover its elastic deformation, thereby driving the sample tube 12 back to its initial state.

[0110] In some cases, because the buffer 241 directly abuts against the sample tube 12, it may damage the sample tube 12 or scratch the inkjet information (e.g., a QR code or barcode used to identify the sample tube 12 or the sample information therein) located at the bottom of the sample tube 12, resulting in the inkjet information being damaged and unable to be used normally. Therefore, the buffer assembly 24 may also include a barrier 242 disposed on the buffer 21, which can be used to separate the sample tube 12 from the buffer 21.

[0111] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer assembly at the bottom of the storage tube according to some embodiments shown in this description.

[0112] like Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the barrier 242 can be a rod-shaped structure, which may include a first rod portion 242-1 and a second rod portion 242-2. The diameter of the first rod portion 242-1 is larger than the diameter of the second rod portion 242-2, such that a shoulder exists between the first rod portion 242-1 and the second rod portion 242-2. A buffer 241 (e.g., a spring) can be sleeved on the second rod portion 242-2 and abut against the shoulder, which transmits the biasing force provided by the buffer 241 to the barrier 242. When the sample tube 12 transmits pushing force to the barrier 242, the barrier 242 compresses the buffer 241 through the abutment between the buffer 241 and the shoulder. The buffer 241 can be compressed by a certain length (i.e., buffer stroke), allowing the sample tube 12 to move towards the bottom of the storage tube 11, breaking any adhesion that may exist between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11. After the pushing force disappears, the buffer 241 can drive the barrier 242 to return to its initial state.

[0113] In some embodiments, the barrier 242 may be a sheet-like structure (e.g., a pad). One side of the sheet-like structure abuts against the buffer 241, and the other side abuts against the sample tube 12.

[0114] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, to facilitate the storage and retrieval of sample tubes 12, taking airflow delivery as an example, the sample tubes 12 in the receiving clamp 31 can be smoothly blown into the storage tube 11, or the sample tubes 12 in the storage tube 11 can be smoothly sucked into the receiving clamp 31. The storage device 100 also includes a conveying channel 6 disposed between the receiving device 3 and the storage chamber 1, through which the sample tubes 12 can enter and exit the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the conveying channel 6 can be disposed within the sub-rotating member 222 along the thickness direction of the sub-rotating member 222 and extend to the storage chamber 1 (e.g., relatively close to the storage tube 11). In some embodiments, the conveying channel 6 can be positioned to correspond to any one of the storage tubes 11 and / or the receiving clamp 31 under the action of the positioning component 22 (e.g., the rotating member 221 and the sub-rotating member 222). In some embodiments, the conveying channel 6 can correspond to the second pressing tube assembly 23 in position and the relative position remains unchanged, that is, the actuating rod 231 of the second pressing tube assembly 23 and the axis of the conveying channel 6 are always on the same straight line.

[0115] In some embodiments, the storage device 100 further includes a driving component and a processor connected to the driving component. In some embodiments, the driving component may be connected to the first pressing component 21 and / or the second pressing component 23 and the positioning component 22 in the pressing device 2, and drive the positioning component 22 to move according to the control signal of the processor, so as to position the first pressing component 21 and / or the second pressing component 23 to a position corresponding to any one of the storage tubes 11, and control the first pressing component 21 and / or the second pressing component 23 to provide pushing force and / or action force according to the control signal. The pushing force can cause the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11, breaking the adhesion between the sample tube 12 and the inner wall of the storage tube 11. The action force can cause the receiving clamp 31 to release the sample tube 12.

[0116] In some embodiments, the drive component can also be connected to the chuck turntable 32 in the storage device 3 to drive the chuck turntable 32 to rotate. Under the cooperative movement with the positioning component 22 (e.g., the rotating member 221), the storage chuck 31 can be positioned to correspond to any one of the storage tubes 11. In some embodiments, the drive component can also be connected to an air pump above the storage device 3. The air pump can provide airflow to send the sample tube 12 into the storage tube 11 or provide negative pressure to suck the sample tube 12 into the storage chuck 31.

[0117] In some embodiments, the drive assembly may include a motor and / or a cylinder. For example, a motor can drive the rotating member 221, the sub-rotating member 222, and the chuck turntable 32 to rotate. Another example is that a motor can drive an air pump to provide airflow or negative pressure. Yet another example is that a motor or cylinder can drive the first pressure tube assembly 21 and / or the second pressure tube assembly 23 to provide pushing force and / or action force. In some embodiments, by driving the various moving parts within the storage device 100 to move independently using a motor and / or a cylinder, the first pressure tube assembly 21 and / or the second pressure tube assembly 23, as well as the receiving chuck 31, can be positioned to correspond to any one of the storage tubes 11 to perform corresponding operations (e.g., moving the sample tube 12 relative to the storage tube 11, separating the sample tube 12 from the receiving chuck 31, etc.).

[0118] In some embodiments, the processor's control signals may be generated based on user operation instructions. In some embodiments, the storage device 100 may include a database, which may be used to record and store sample tube information, sample tube 12 location information (e.g., which storage tube 11 the sample tube 12 is in, which sample tube 12 is in the storage tube 11), and the number of sample tubes in the storage tube 11, etc., and the information in the database may be updated in real time according to the access status of the sample tube 12.

[0119] In some embodiments, the storage device 100 may further include a user interface through which a user can input operation instructions, such as inserting and retrieving sample tubes or activating the tube clamping device 2. In some embodiments, the user interface may be directly mounted on the storage device 100. For example, the user interface may be a touch screen mounted on the storage device 100. In some embodiments, the user interface may be an application interface on a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone, computer, etc.) connected to the storage device 100 via a network.

[0120] In some embodiments, the user can also directly input operation commands to operate the crimping device 2. For example, the user can input information about the sample tube 12 to be removed in the user interface and trigger a command to start moving the crimping device 2. The processor can determine the location information of the storage tube 12 where the sample tube 12 to be removed is located based on the information of the sample tube 12 to be removed, and then control the crimping device 2 to move to the position of the corresponding storage tube 12 to perform the crimping operation.

[0121] In some embodiments, the control signal for whether to perform the tube clamping operation can also be generated based on whether there is a stuck tube in the storage tube 11. In some embodiments, the storage device 100 may further include a sensor, which can be used to detect whether there is a stuck tube in the storage tube 11 (i.e., the inner wall of the storage tube 11 is bonded to the sample tube 12). In some embodiments, when the sensor detects a stuck tube in the storage tube 11, the detection result can be sent to the processor, which can generate a corresponding control signal based on the stuck tube in the storage tube 11. The drive component can drive the tube clamping device 2 to break the bond between the sample tube 12 and its inner wall in the storage tube 11 where there is a stuck tube.

[0122] In some embodiments, the processor can determine whether there is a stuck sample tube in the storage tube 11 based on whether the sensor detects whether the sample tube 12 leaves the storage tube 11 within a specified time. If the sensor does not detect any sample tube 12 leaving the storage tube 11 after the specified time, the processor can determine that there is a stuck sample tube in the storage tube 11, and then generate a corresponding control signal based on the stuck sample tube in the storage tube 11. As an example only, if the database shows that the target storage tube (the storage tube where the sample tube to be removed is located) contains several sample tubes 12 and the target sample tube (i.e., the sample tube to be removed), and after the sample tube 12 in the target storage tube is sucked up by negative pressure for a certain period of time, the sensor still does not detect any sample tube 12 leaving the target storage tube, the processor can determine that there is a stuck sample tube in the target storage tube, and then generate a control signal that the pressing device 2 needs to move to the target storage tube to perform a pressing operation. The drive component can then drive the pressing device 2 to perform the corresponding operation based on the control signal.

[0123] In some embodiments, in order for the sensor to detect whether a sample tube 12 leaves the storage tube 11, the sensor can be set above or in the delivery channel 6. By detecting whether a sample tube 12 is in the delivery channel 6 or whether a sample tube 12 passes through the delivery channel 6, it can be determined whether a sample tube 12 has left the storage tube 11, thereby determining whether the storage tube 11 is stuck or stuck.

[0124] In some embodiments, the processor can determine whether there is a stuck tube in the storage tube 11 based on whether the sample tube 12 enters the storage clamp 31 within a specified time by the sensor. If the sensor does not detect a sample tube 12 in the storage clamp 31 after the timeout, the processor can determine that there is a stuck tube in the storage tube 11 and then generate a corresponding control signal.

[0125] In some embodiments, to enable the sensor to detect whether a sample tube 12 is inside the receiving clamp 31, the sensor may be disposed inside each receiving clamp 31. In some embodiments, the sensor may be disposed above each receiving clamp 31. In some embodiments, the sensor may be disposed on the second pressure tube assembly 23. For example, the sensor may be disposed on the second pressure tube assembly near the receiving clamp. Another example is that the sensor may be disposed on the actuating rod 231. In some embodiments, the sensor may include a photoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, the processor may periodically send control signals to the drive component or send periodic control signals to periodically control the tube pressing device 2 to perform tube pressing operations. The drive component may drive the tube pressing assembly (first tube pressing assembly and / or second tube pressing assembly) and / or positioning assembly 22 to perform periodic movements according to the periodic control signals. As an example only, when the processor determines that the storage device 100 is not in an operating state, where the operating state may refer to the state when the storage device 100 is performing sample tube access operations, the processor may periodically send control signals to the drive component or send periodic control signals, and the drive component may drive the tube pressing assembly and / or positioning assembly 22 to perform periodic movements according to the periodic control signals every three hours, six hours, twelve hours, etc. The positioning component 22 can move to the position corresponding to the target storage tube 11 every three hours, six hours, twelve hours, etc. Then the first pressing tube component 21 can directly or indirectly provide pushing force to the sample tube 12 inside the storage tube 11, so that the sample tube 12 moves relative to the storage tube 11, breaking the adhesion between the inner wall of the storage tube 11 and the sample tube 12, making it easier to remove the sample tube 12.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the storage tube 11 is not full of sample tubes 12, the first pressing assembly 21 may have a short stroke. When the power rod 211 or the pressure transmitting rod 212 extends into the storage tube 11 that is not full, the distance between the power rod 211 or the pressure transmitting rod 212 and the uppermost sample tube 12 in the storage tube 11 may be insufficient to make contact, resulting in the inability to transmit the pushing force to the sample tube 12 to move relative to the storage tube 11 and thus break the adhesion. In this case, the pushing force can be transmitted by adding sample tubes 12 to the storage tube 11 that is not full, so that it reaches a full state. Furthermore, the processor can obtain the number of sample tubes stored in each storage tube 11 from the database and calculate how many sample tubes 12 need to be transferred from other storage tubes to the storage tube that is not full to reach a full state. As an example only, suppose each storage tube 11 can stack 30 sample tubes. At the same time, the processor determines from the sensor's detection results that storage tube A has a stuck situation. The database shows that there are 16 sample tubes 12 in storage tube A and more than 14 sample tubes 12 in storage tube B adjacent to storage tube A. Then the processor can generate corresponding control signals, and the drive components can drive the tube pressing device 2 and the storage device 3 to move based on the corresponding control signals. Specifically, firstly, the storage clamps 31 in the storage device 3 are positioned one by one to the position corresponding to the B storage tube, and the 14 sample tubes in the B storage tube are transferred to the storage clamps 31. Then, the storage clamps 31 holding the 14 sample tubes 12 and the first pressing tube assembly 21 or the second pressing tube assembly 23 are positioned one by one to the position corresponding to the A storage tube, and the sample tubes in the storage clamps 31 are fed into the A storage tube one by one, so that the number of sample tubes 12 in the A storage tube reaches a full tube state of 30. Then, the first pressing tube assembly 21 is positioned to the position corresponding to the A storage tube, and the power rod 211 directly or indirectly provides pushing force to the sample tubes 12 in the A storage tube through the pressure transmission rod 212 and / or the transition rod 213, so that the sample tubes 12 in the A storage tube move relative to the A storage tube, thereby breaking the adhesion between the inner wall of the A storage tube and the sample tubes 12.

[0128] When the first pressing tube assembly 21 stops providing pushing force, the sample tubes in storage tube A, as well as the power rod 211, transition rod 213, and pressure transmission rod 212, are reset, and the adhesion between the inner wall of storage tube A and the sample tube 12 is broken. At this time, through the movement of the pressing tube device 2 and the receiving device 3, the 14 sample tubes 12 in storage tube A can be transferred back to storage tube B, and then the target sample tube in storage tube A can be taken out.

[0129] In some embodiments, multiple tooling tubes, such as 30 tooling tubes, can be stored in a single storage tube 11. These tooling tubes have similar dimensions to the sample tube 12 but do not store samples. They are lightweight and capable of being transferred and transmitting pressure. When adhesion occurs inside storage tube A and it is not full, the processor generates a corresponding control signal. The drive assembly, based on this control signal, drives the pressing device 2 and the receiving device 3 to transfer a certain number of tooling tubes into storage tube A, filling it to full capacity. This allows the first pressing assembly 21 to transmit pressure to the sample tube 12 within storage tube A through the transferred tooling tubes, breaking the adhesion between the inner wall of storage tube A and the sample tube 12.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the power rod 211 extends directly into the storage tube 11 and abuts against the sample tube to provide pushing force to the sample tube, if the storage tube A is stuck and not full, the processor can calculate the stroke of the power rod 211 (e.g., the power rod 211 is a flexible shaft) based on the number of sample tubes in the storage tube A, and then make the power rod 211 extend directly into the storage tube A and abut against the sample tube 12 to provide pushing force, so that the sample tube 12 moves relative to the storage tube A, breaking the adhesion between the inner wall of the storage tube A and the sample tube 12, so that the sample tube 11 can be easily removed.

[0131] The beneficial effects that the embodiments of this specification may bring include, but are not limited to: (1) The storage device in the embodiments of this specification includes a tube pressing device, which provides pushing force to the sample tube in the storage tube through the first tube pressing component in the tube pressing device, so that the sample tube can move relative to the storage tube, and can break the adhesion that may occur between the sample tube and the inner wall of the storage tube; (2) The storage device in the embodiments of this specification includes a receiving device, which can not only receive or buffer multiple sample tubes to achieve the purpose of efficient storage and retrieval of sample tubes by the storage device, but also, when there is a situation of head and tail adhesion between two adjacent sample tubes in the storage tube, one of the sample tubes is clamped by the receiving clamp in the receiving device, and the rotating clamp can break the adhesion between the sample tube and the inner wall of the storage tube; (3) When the storage tube is stuck due to adhesion and is not full, the first pressing tube assembly cannot contact the sample tube in the storage tube to transmit the pushing force due to its short travel. The sample tube of other storage tubes can be transferred to the storage tube with adhesion and adhesion to make it full, so as to facilitate the transmission of the pushing force to break the adhesion between the inner wall of the storage tube and the sample tube. (4) The storage device in the embodiment of this specification includes a sensor. The sensor can detect whether there is adhesion and adhesion in the storage tube, so that the pressing tube device can automatically move the sample tube relative to the storage tube to break the adhesion between the inner wall of the storage tube and the sample tube.

[0132] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0133] Furthermore, this specification uses specific terms to describe embodiments thereof. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0134] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented using hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely using software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0135] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0136] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0137] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents, referenced in this specification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This excludes historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims in this specification (currently or subsequently appended to this specification). It should be noted that in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials to this specification and the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification shall prevail.

[0138] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A storage device, characterized in that, The storage device includes: A storage chamber, wherein at least one storage tube is housed, the at least one storage tube being used to store sample tubes; A tube pressing device, comprising a first tube pressing assembly and a positioning assembly; the positioning assembly is used to move the first tube pressing assembly to a position corresponding to the at least one storage tube, the first tube pressing assembly being able to provide pushing force to the sample tube inside the storage tube, causing the sample tube to move relative to the storage tube; the tube pressing device is disposed at the top or above the storage chamber; The first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod that extends into the interior of the storage tube and abuts against the sample tube to provide downward pushing force to the sample tube, thereby breaking the adhesion between the sample tube and the inner wall of the storage tube.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is positioned above the pressure transmission rod and can transmit pushing force to the pressure transmission rod along the axial direction of the storage tube. The pressure transmission rod abuts against the sample tube, thereby providing pushing force to the sample tube.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage device further includes an intermediate layer disposed between the pressure tube device and the storage chamber, the power rod is disposed above the intermediate layer, and the pressure transmission rod is disposed inside the intermediate layer.

4. The storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a rotating member disposed above the intermediate layer, and a power rod disposed on the rotating member. The rotation of the rotating member can drive the power rod to move to a position corresponding to different storage tubes.

5. The storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure transmitting rod is provided with a pressure transmitting rod reset component, which is used to provide a bias force to the pressure transmitting rod. The direction of the bias force is opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted by the power rod on the pressure transmitting rod.

6. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device further includes a storage device, which includes a plurality of storage clamps and a clamp turntable for placing the plurality of storage clamps; the clamp turntable is operable to rotate to drive the storage clamps to rotate.

7. The storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a rotating component and a sub-rotating component disposed on the rotating component and capable of rotating relative to the rotating component; the sub-rotating component can drive the first pressure tube assembly to move relative to the storage chamber.

8. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning component further includes a sub-rotating arm disposed on the sub-rotating component, one end of the sub-rotating arm being pivotally connected to the sub-rotating component via a rotating shaft, and the other end of the sub-rotating arm being connected to the first pressure tube assembly.

9. The storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the power rod is in the first position, it is above the storage clamp. When the power rod is in the second position, it passes through the storage clamp and is located inside the storage tube.

10. The storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is positioned above the pressure transmission rod and is capable of transmitting pushing force to the pressure transmission rod along the axial direction of the storage tube. The pressure transmission rod abuts against the sample tube, thereby providing pushing force to the sample tube.

11. The storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first pressure tube assembly includes a power rod, a transition rod, and a pressure transmission rod. The power rod is disposed above the storage device, the transition rod is disposed in the storage device, and the pressure transmission rod is disposed inside the sub-rotating component.

12. The storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The chuck turntable is provided with at least one transition channel, which extends through the chuck turntable along its thickness direction, and the transition rod is axially movable in the at least one transition channel.

13. The storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sub-rotating component is provided with at least one pressure transmission channel, which penetrates the sub-rotating component along its thickness direction, and the pressure transmission rod can move axially within the pressure transmission channel.

14. The storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The chuck turntable is provided with a transition channel, and the sub-rotating component is provided with a pressure transmission channel; the distance between the axis of the chuck turntable and the axis of the sub-rotating component is less than 10 mm, and the difference between the distance from the transition channel to the axis of the chuck turntable and the distance from the pressure transmission channel to the axis of the sub-rotating component is less than 10 mm.

15. The storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transition rod is provided with a transition rod reset component, which is used to provide a biasing force to the transition rod. The direction of the biasing force is opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted by the power rod on the transition rod.

16. The storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tube pressing device further includes a second tube pressing assembly, which is used to apply force to the sample tube in the storage clamp or the storage clamp to separate the sample tube in the storage clamp from the storage clamp.

17. The storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a rotating component, a sub-rotating component disposed on the rotating component, and a first sub-rotating arm and a second sub-rotating arm disposed on the sub-rotating component. One end of the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm are pivotally connected to the sub-rotating component via a rotating shaft, and the other end of the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm are respectively connected to the first pressure tube assembly and the second pressure tube assembly.

18. The storage device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The angle between the first sub-rotating arm and the second sub-rotating arm ranges from 0° to 180°.

19. The storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second pressure tube assembly includes an actuating rod that can extend into the storage clamp and abut against the sample tube in the storage clamp, thereby separating the sample tube from the storage clamp.

20. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube pressing device further includes a buffer assembly disposed at the bottom of the at least one storage tube, the buffer assembly having a buffer stroke in the axial direction of the storage tube.

21. The storage device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The buffer assembly includes a buffer element, which may include a spring, rubber, or sponge.

22. The storage device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The buffer assembly also includes a barrier disposed on the buffer, the barrier being used to isolate the sample tube from the buffer.

23. The storage device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The barrier is a rod-shaped structure, which includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion. The diameter of the first rod portion is larger than the diameter of the second rod portion. The buffer is sleeved on the second rod portion and abuts against the first rod portion.

24. The storage device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The barrier is a sheet-like structure, and one side of the sheet-like structure abuts against the buffer.

25. The storage device according to claim 1 or 16, characterized in that, The storage device further includes a driving component and a processor connected to the driving component; the driving component is connected to at least one of the first pressure tube assembly, the second pressure tube assembly and the positioning component, and drives at least one of the first pressure tube assembly, the second pressure tube assembly and the positioning component to move according to the control signal of the processor.

26. The storage device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The storage device also includes a sensor for detecting whether the sample tube has entered the storage clamp; the control signal is generated by the processor based on the detection result of the sensor.

27. The storage device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The sensor is mounted on the second pressure tube assembly.

28. The storage device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The processor periodically sends control signals to the drive component, and the drive component drives at least one of the first pressure tube component, the second pressure tube component, and the positioning component to perform periodic movements according to the periodically received control signals.

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