Low temperature storage equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to biological sample storage, and specifically provides a low-temperature storage device, aiming at solving the problem of small storage capacity caused by large space occupation after lifting in the prior art low-temperature storage device with a single-section structure. To this end, the low-temperature storage device of the present application comprises a cryopreservation rack and a lifting separation mechanism, the cryopreservation rack comprises at least two sub-racks capable of being combined or separated, the lifting separation mechanism comprises a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism, the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism cooperate to lift or return the cryopreservation rack in the freezing area to the original position, and separate or combine the sub-racks. The present application can not only realize the lifting, separation and combination of the cryopreservation rack under the cooperation of the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism, but also does not need to place the lifted sub-rack in other parts to make room for the second lifting mechanism to lift other sub-racks, simplifying the operation process and improving the work efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to biological sample storage, and specifically provides a low-temperature storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The development of life science research and the progress of disease analysis and treatment health care technology in the field of clinical medicine promote the increasingly extensive demand for biological samples, and put forward higher requirements for the storage technology and equipment of biological samples, including the safety, reliability and stability of the stored samples, and the accuracy, efficiency and scientificity of the sample storage and retrieval process and procedure. For long-term storage of biological samples, the biochemical reactions in the samples need to be reduced as much as possible by using as low a temperature as possible to improve the stability of various components in the samples. In order to realize long-term, stable and reliable storage and sampling of a large number of biological samples, the development and use of automatic low-temperature or ultralow-temperature biological sample storage and retrieval equipment is an inevitable development direction.

[0003] However, in the prior art, the cryopreservation rack in the low-temperature storage device is of a single-section structure, i.e., cannot be adjusted in the length direction, resulting in the problem that when the cryopreservation box at the bottom of the cryopreservation rack is taken, the entire cryopreservation rack needs to be lifted by the lifting mechanism, which occupies a large lifting space, thereby indirectly causing a small storage capacity.

[0004] Correspondingly, the present application needs to provide a new low-temperature storage device to solve the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to solve the above technical problems, i.e., to solve the problem in the prior art that the cryopreservation rack in the low-temperature storage device is of a single-section structure, i.e., cannot be adjusted in the length direction, resulting in the problem that when the cryopreservation box at the bottom of the cryopreservation rack is taken, the entire cryopreservation rack needs to be lifted by the lifting mechanism, which occupies a large lifting space, thereby indirectly causing a small storage capacity.

[0006] To this end, the present application provides a low-temperature storage device, which comprises a cryopreservation library, a first transfer mechanism and a lifting separation mechanism, the cryopreservation library is provided with a freezing area inside, the freezing area is provided with a cryopreservation rack, the cryopreservation rack comprises at least two split rack bodies which can be combined together or split, a plurality of cryopreservation boxes are placed in the split rack bodies, the first transfer mechanism is arranged outside the freezing area in the cryopreservation library, the first transfer mechanism is arranged to drive the lifting separation mechanism to move to lift the cryopreservation rack at different positions, the lifting separation mechanism comprises a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism arranged on the first transfer mechanism, the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism cooperate with each other to lift or return the cryopreservation rack in the freezing area to the original position, and split the cryopreservation rack or combine the split rack bodies.

[0007] In the technical scheme, the freezing rack is composed of at least two sub-racks and can be disassembled, the length of the freezing rack can be adjusted, the sub-racks can be combined into the freezing rack or disassembled from the freezing rack under the cooperation of the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism, the sub-rack located outside the freezing area can be disassembled from the freezing rack and then the remaining sub-racks can be lifted outside the freezing area during the lifting of the freezing rack outside the freezing area, the space occupied by the lifting in the vertical direction outside the freezing area is reduced, and the capacity of the freezer is increased compared with the single-section freezing rack in the same space.

[0008] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the low-temperature storage device further comprises a second transfer mechanism, which is configured to take out the freezing box on the sub-rack and transfer it to the discharge port of the freezing library or transfer the freezing box from the discharge port of the freezing library to the freezing library and place it on the sub-rack.

[0009] In the technical scheme, the second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the freezing box to the discharge port or transfer the freezing box from the discharge port to the freezing library, and the transfer of the first transfer mechanism and the second transfer mechanism can be performed at the same time, thereby improving the efficiency of taking or placing the freezing box.

[0010] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism are oppositely arranged, the number of the second lifting mechanisms is less than the number of the sub-racks by one, and the second lifting mechanisms are distributed side by side; and / or

[0011] The second lifting mechanism is connected to a first linear driver arranged on the first transfer mechanism, and the first linear driver drives the second lifting mechanism to move longitudinally relative to the first lifting mechanism.

[0012] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the first lifting mechanism comprises a first lifter and a clamping mechanism, the first lifter is connected to the clamping mechanism to move up and down, and the clamping mechanism is configured to clamp the sub-rack.

[0013] Preferably, the clamping mechanism comprises a support plate, a clamping driver and two clamping rods, the support plate is arranged on the first transfer mechanism, the clamping driver is arranged on the support plate, the two clamping rods are slidably connected to the support plate, and the clamping driver drives the two clamping rods to move towards or away from each other to clamp or release the sub-rack.

[0014] In the technical scheme, the first lifting mechanism comprises a first lifter and a clamping mechanism, the first lifter can drive the clamping mechanism to move up and down, the clamping mechanism can assist the second lifting mechanism to separate or combine the cryopreservation shelf, and the clamping mechanism can also move up and down under the driving of the first lifter after clamping the separated shelf body, so that the separated shelf body is taken out from the inner library; the number of the second lifting mechanism is one less than that of the separated shelf body, and the first lifting mechanism can realize the lifting, separation and combination of the cryopreservation shelf, so that the separated shelf body does not need to be placed in other parts to make room for the second lifting mechanism to lift other separated shelf bodies, the operation process is simplified during the separation and combination, and the working efficiency of the lifting and separating mechanism is improved.

[0015] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the second lifting mechanism comprises a second lifter and a gripper, the second lifter is arranged on the first transfer mechanism, and the second lifter is arranged to drive the gripper to move up and down, and the gripper is arranged to grasp the separated shelf body.

[0016] Preferably, the gripper comprises a gripping plate, the bottom end of the gripping plate is provided with a gripping groove, the gripping groove is in a T-shaped structure, and the two side edge portions in the gripping groove are respectively provided with a first edge groove recessed downward.

[0017] In the technical scheme, the second lifter drives the gripper to move up and down, so as to realize the function of automatically grasping the cryopreservation shelf, the first edge groove is arranged in the gripping groove, the extraction hook on the separated shelf body can be inserted into the first edge groove to limit the displacement of the separated shelf body, so as to ensure that the gripper can successfully separate the two adjacent separated shelf bodies, and the gripper has a simple overall structure and is convenient to use.

[0018] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the top end of the separated shelf body is fixed with an extraction hook, the bottom end of the separated shelf body is fixed with an extraction groove, and the extraction hook and the extraction groove can be hooked or separated with each other, so as to realize the combination or separation of the two adjacent separated shelf bodies in a top-down arrangement.

[0019] Preferably, the extraction groove is a T-shaped sliding groove, the two side edge portions in the T-shaped sliding groove are respectively provided with a second edge groove recessed downward, the extraction hook is a T-shaped sliding block, the T-shaped sliding block can be inserted into the T-shaped sliding groove to realize the detachable connection of the two adjacent separated shelf bodies, the edge of the T-shaped sliding block can be sunk into the second edge groove, the T-shaped sliding block can be inserted into the gripping groove, and the edge of the T-shaped sliding block can be sunk into the first edge groove to enable the gripper to grasp the separated shelf body.

[0020] In the technical scheme, the extraction hook can be inserted into the extraction groove in a set direction and taken out in the set direction, so that the combination or disassembly of the plurality of sub-frame bodies is achieved, the combination and disassembly are simple and convenient to operate; when the extraction groove is a T-shaped sliding groove and the extraction hook is a T-shaped sliding block, the T-shaped sliding block is inserted into the T-shaped sliding groove, and the edge of the T-shaped sliding block is trapped in the second edge slot, so that the displacement of the T-shaped sliding block is limited, the T-shaped sliding block can only move upward and be pulled out of the second edge slot and then be moved out of the T-shaped sliding groove, so that the position deviation of the adjacent two sub-frame bodies in a free state after combination is prevented, and the firmness of the combination is improved.

[0021] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the freeze bank comprises an outer bank and an inner bank, the inner bank is arranged in the outer bank, a top end of the inner bank is covered with a cover plate, the discharge port is arranged on a side wall of the outer bank, a refrigeration system is installed in the inner bank, and an inner cavity of the inner bank constitutes the freezing area.

[0022] In the technical scheme, the freeze bank adopts the double-insulation structure of the inner bank and the outer bank, has high insulation performance, the upper part of the freezing area is covered with the cover plate, the cover plate is opened when the freeze bank is taken out or placed, and then is placed back to the original position after the operation is completed, so that the emission of cold air is effectively avoided, and the ultra-low-temperature requirement of sample storage is met.

[0023] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the first transfer mechanism comprises a support, a second linear driver and a third linear driver, the third linear driver is installed at a top end of the inner bank, the support is located above the inner bank and is connected with the third linear driver, the third linear driver drives the support to move laterally, and the second linear driver is arranged on the support and drives the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism and the first linear driver to move longitudinally.

[0024] In the specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the second transfer mechanism comprises a walking driving assembly, a first support plate, a first lifting assembly, an angle rotating assembly and a freeze bank taking assembly, the walking driving assembly is arranged on the inner bank, the first support plate is located above the inner bank and is connected with the walking driving assembly, the walking driving assembly is arranged to be capable of driving the first support plate to move laterally and longitudinally, the first lifting assembly is arranged on the first support plate, the first lifting assembly is connected with the angle rotating assembly to be capable of moving up and down, the angle rotating assembly is connected with the freeze bank taking assembly to be capable of rotating, and the freeze bank taking assembly is arranged to be capable of taking out or putting in the freeze bank in the freeze bank;

[0025] Preferably, the box-retrieving assembly includes a second support plate, a tray, and a telescopic device. The second support plate is connected to the angle rotation assembly, and the tray is slidably connected to the second support plate. The telescopic device is mounted on the second support plate and connected to the tray to drive the tray to extend or retract. The tray is capable of supporting the cryopreservation box.

[0026] With the above technical solution, the automatic box picking or placing function is realized through the cooperation of the walking drive component, the first lifting component, the angle rotation component and the box picking component. The automation level is high, the box picking efficiency is improved, and the temporary storage box can temporarily store the frozen boxes. This makes it easy to pick up or place multiple frozen boxes in one stroke of the second transfer mechanism, reducing the number of times the second transfer mechanism moves between the frozen storage rack and the discharge port, and improving work efficiency.

[0027] In a specific embodiment of the low-temperature storage device, the low-temperature storage device further includes a lid opening mechanism, which is disposed on the support and configured to grasp the lid and move it upward to open the inner storage.

[0028] With the above technical solution, the opening mechanism can automatically grab the cover and move it up to open the inner warehouse, thus realizing the function of automatically opening or closing the inner warehouse. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is an overall appearance drawing of the low-temperature storage device provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is an overall view of the cryopreservation facility;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cryopreservation facility;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural view of the first transfer mechanism and the lifting and separation mechanism;

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of the first lifting mechanism;

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the gripper;

[0036] Figure 7 An enlarged view of the structure in which the lid-opening mechanism is installed on the first transfer mechanism;

[0037] Figure 8Structure diagram of the claw for opening the cover;

[0038] Figure 9 Structure diagram of the second transfer mechanism; Figure 3 Structure diagram of the second transfer mechanism;

[0039] Figure 10 Structure diagram of the second transfer mechanism;

[0040] Figure 11 Structure diagram of the second transfer mechanism from another angle;

[0041] Figure 12 Structure diagram of the temporary storage box;

[0042] Figure 13 Structure diagram of the cryopreservation rack.

[0043] List of reference signs:

[0044] 1, cryopreservation bank; 11, outer bank; 111, discharge port; 12, inner bank; 121, grid rack; 2, buffer bank; 3, cryopreservation rack; 31, sub-rack body; 32, extraction hook; 33, extraction groove; 4, second transfer mechanism; 41, walking driving assembly; 411, fourth linear driver; 4111, fourth motor; 4112, fourth rack; 412, fifth linear driver; 4121, seventh motor; 4122, seventh slide rail; 413, crossbeam; 42, box taking assembly; 421, tray; 422, second support plate; 423, telescopic device; 4231, fifth motor; 4232, fifth slide rail; 43, first lifting assembly; 431, connecting plate; 432, lifting motor; 433, fourth support plate; 44, angle rotating assembly; 441, rotating motor; 442, third support plate; 45, temporary storage box; 451, supporting rod; 46, first support plate; 5, first transfer mechanism; 51, support; 52, second linear driver; 521, first moving plate; 522, second slide rail; 53, third linear driver; 6, lifting separation mechanism; 61, second lifting mechanism; 611, grabber; 6111, grabbing groove; 6112, grabbing plate; 6113, first flange groove; 612, second lifter; 62, first lifting mechanism; 621, first lifter; 622, clamping mechanism; 6221, clamping driver; 6222, clamping rod; 6223, support plate; 63, first linear driver; 631, second moving plate; 632, third motor; 7, cover opening mechanism; 71, cover opening rack; 72, second lifting assembly; 721, sixth motor; 722, sixth slide block; 73, claw for opening the cover; 8, cover plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present application, and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed in order to adapt to specific application occasions.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the description of the present application, the terms indicating the direction or positional relationship such as "left", "right", "inner", "outer" and the like are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of description, and does not indicate or imply that the related devices or elements must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the ordinal numbers "first", "second" and the like are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] In addition, it should also be noted that, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection or integral connection; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] Firstly referring to Figures 1-5 and Figure 13 , the present application provides a low-temperature storage device, which comprises a cryobank 1, a first transfer mechanism 5 and a lifting separation mechanism 6, the cryobank 1 is provided with a freezing area inside, a cryopreservation rack 3 is placed in the freezing area, the cryopreservation rack 3 comprises at least two sub-rack bodies 31 which can be combined together or disassembled, a plurality of cryopreservation boxes are placed in the sub-rack body 31, the first transfer mechanism 5 is arranged in the cryobank 1 outside the freezing area, the first transfer mechanism 5 is arranged to be able to drive the lifting separation mechanism 6 to move to lift the cryopreservation rack 3 in different positions, the lifting separation mechanism 6 comprises a first lifting mechanism 62 and a second lifting mechanism 61 arranged on the first transfer mechanism 5, the first lifting mechanism 62 and the second lifting mechanism 61 cooperate with each other to lift or put back the cryopreservation rack 3 in the freezing area to the original position, and disassemble the cryopreservation rack 3 or combine the sub-rack bodies 31.

[0049] Next referring to Figures 1-3The freezing storage bank 1 comprises an outer bank 11 and an inner bank 12, the inner bank 12 is arranged in the outer bank 11, the top end of the inner bank 12 is of an open structure, the top end of the inner bank 12 is covered by a plurality of cover plates 8 which are arranged side by side to cover the whole top end of the inner bank 12, the top end of each cover plate 8 is fixed with four handles which are arranged to form a rectangular structure, and the four handles are respectively located at the four corners of the rectangular structure; a grid frame 121 is fixed in the inner bank 12, the grid frame 121 is provided with containing holes in which the freezing racks 3 are placed; a discharge port 111 is arranged on one side wall of the outer bank 11, a refrigeration system is installed in the inner bank 12, the refrigeration system is a liquid nitrogen refrigeration system, the inner cavity of the inner bank 12 is a freezing area, and the cover plates 8, the outer bank 11 and the inner bank 12 are all made of heat insulation plates.

[0050] The inner bank 12 is arranged in the outer bank 11, the inner bank 12 and the outer bank 11 are made of heat insulation plates, the top end of the inner bank 12 is covered by a cover plate, the freezing storage bank 1 adopts a double heat insulation structure, has good heat insulation sealing performance, can effectively avoid the emission of cold air, the upper part of the freezing area is covered by a plurality of cover plates, which helps to reduce the emission of cold air, when the freezing boxes are taken out or placed in, only the cover plate used for the taking-out or placing-in part needs to be opened, the cover plates at other positions do not move, and after the operation is completed, the cover plates are put back to the original positions, which also helps to reduce the emission of cold air, and the ultra-low temperature requirement of sample storage is realized.

[0051] Referring to Figure 13 The side wall of the sub-rack 31 facing the discharge port 111 of the freezing storage bank 1 is of an open structure, a plurality of support rods which are vertically and equally spaced are respectively fixed on the two side walls in the sub-rack 31, the cavities between adjacent support rods form storage cavities for placing the freezing boxes, the two edges of the freezing box are respectively placed on the support rods at the same height to support the freezing box, and the freezing box is placed in the storage cavity, since there are a plurality of support rods, a plurality of storage cavities which are vertically and equally spaced are formed in the sub-rack 31, a plurality of freezing boxes can be placed at the same time to increase the capacity of the freezing storage bank 1, and the freezing box is taken out from the open part of the sub-rack.

[0052] Continuously referring to Figure 13 The top end of the sub-rack 31 is fixed with a lifting hook 32, and the bottom end of the sub-rack 31 is fixed with a lifting groove 33, the lifting hook 32 and the lifting groove 33 can be hooked or separated from each other to realize that two adjacent sub-racks 31 are combined together or separated in a top-down arrangement.

[0053] Exemplarily, the extraction groove 33 is a T-shaped sliding groove, both side edge portions in the T-shaped sliding groove are respectively provided with a downwardly recessed second edge groove, the extraction hook 32 is a T-shaped sliding block, the T-shaped sliding block is inserted into the T-shaped sliding groove, so as to realize that the T-shaped sliding block hooks the T-shaped sliding groove, both ends of the T-shaped sliding groove are open structures, so as to facilitate that the T-shaped sliding block can be inserted into or removed from the T-shaped sliding groove, after the T-shaped sliding block is inserted into the T-shaped sliding groove, the edge of the T-shaped sliding block can be sunk into the second edge groove, so that the adjacent two sub-frame bodies do not deviate in position in a free state after being combined, when the upper sub-frame body 31 is lifted, the adjacent lower sub-frame body 31 follows and moves upward under the cooperation of the T-shaped sliding block and the T-shaped sliding groove, when disassembling, only need to move the extraction groove downward relative to the extraction hook, the edge of the extraction hook is pulled out from the second edge groove and then the extraction hook is removed from the extraction groove, so as to realize the disassembly of the adjacent two sub-frame bodies 31.

[0054] Referring to Figure 4 , the first transfer mechanism 5 comprises a bracket 51, a second linear driver 52 and a third linear driver 53, the third linear driver 53 is installed at the top end of the inner warehouse 12, the bracket 51 is located above the inner warehouse 12 and is connected with the third linear driver 53, the third linear driver 53 drives the bracket 51 to move transversely, the second linear driver 52 is arranged on the bracket 51, and the second linear driver 52 drives the first lifting mechanism 62, the second lifting mechanism 61 and the first linear driver 63 to move longitudinally.

[0055] Specifically, the top end of the two side walls of the inner warehouse 12 is provided with the third linear driver 53, the third linear driver 53 is connected with the end of the bracket 51, so that the bracket 51 is longitudinally arranged on the inner warehouse 12, the third linear driver 53 comprises a first sliding rail, a first rack, a first gear and a first motor, the first sliding rail and the first rack are both fixed on the top end of the side wall of the inner warehouse 12, the first sliding rail and the first rack are parallel to each other, a first sliding block is slidingly connected on the first sliding rail, the first sliding block is fixedly connected with the bottom end of the bracket 51, the first motor is fixed on the first sliding block, a first gear is fixed on the output shaft of the first motor, the first gear is engaged with the first rack, so that when the first motor drives the first gear to rotate, the first sliding block drives the bracket 51 to move transversely under the cooperation of the first gear and the first rack.

[0056] The top end and the bottom end of the support 51 are open structures to facilitate lifting of the cryopreservation rack 3. The second linear driver 52 is mounted on a side wall of the support 51, and the second linear driver 52 comprises a first moving plate 521, a second motor, a second sliding rail 522, a second rack, and a second gear. The second sliding rail 522 and the second rack are fixed on the side wall on the inner side of the support 51. A second sliding block is slidingly connected to the second sliding rail 522. The first moving plate 521 is fixed with the second sliding block. The second motor is fixed on the first moving plate 521. A second gear is fixed on the output shaft of the second motor, and the second gear is engaged with the second rack. The first moving plate 521 moves longitudinally by rotating the second gear driven by the second motor. The bottom end of the first moving plate is fixed with an auxiliary plate. The first lifting mechanism is arranged on the auxiliary plate, so that the first lifting mechanism can move with the first moving plate. The auxiliary plate is provided with a lifting opening. The cryopreservation rack is lifted to above the inner library from the lifting opening.

[0057] Continuing to refer to Figure 4 , the first lifting mechanism is arranged opposite to the second lifting mechanism. In Figure 4 , the first lifting mechanism is located at the front side of the second lifting mechanism, and the clamping opening of the clamping mechanism faces the second lifting mechanism. The number of the second lifting mechanisms is less than the number of the sub-rack bodies by one, and the second lifting mechanisms are distributed side by side. The number of the second lifting mechanisms 61 and the sub-rack bodies 31 is exemplified. When the number of the sub-rack bodies 31 is three, the number of the second lifting mechanisms 61 is two.

[0058] The second lifting mechanism 61 is connected to the first linear driver 63, which is arranged on the first transfer mechanism 5. The first linear driver 63 drives the second lifting mechanism 61 to move longitudally relative to the first lifting mechanism 62.

[0059] Specifically, the first linear driver 63 comprises a second moving plate 631, a third motor 632, a third rack, a third sliding rail, and a third gear. The third motor 632 is fixed on the second moving plate 631, which is fixed with a second vertical plate in the second lifting mechanism. The third rack and the third sliding rail are both fixed on the first moving plate 521. A third sliding block is slidingly connected to the third sliding rail. The second vertical plate is fixed with the third sliding block. A third gear is fixed on the output shaft of the third motor 632, and the third gear is engaged with the third rack. The third motor 632 drives the third gear to rotate, and the second lifting mechanism moves longitudinally under the condition that the third gear is engaged with the third rack. It should be noted that some known parts are not shown in the figure in order to make some structures clearer.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that the first linear actuator 63, the second linear actuator 52, and the third linear actuator 53 described above use a gear and rack mechanism to achieve linear motion, but this should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Other structures are also possible, such as a lead screw linear module.

[0061] See Figure 5 The first lifting mechanism 62 includes a first lifting device 621 and a clamping mechanism 622. The first lifting device 621 is connected to the clamping mechanism 622 so that the first lifting device can drive the clamping mechanism to move up and down. The clamping mechanism 622 is configured to clamp the sub-frame 31.

[0062] Specifically, the first lifting device 621 includes a first vertical plate, a first lead screw, a first lifting motor, and a first lifting slider. The first lead screw is rotatably connected to the first vertical plate, and the first vertical plate is fixed to an auxiliary plate. The first lifting slider is threadedly connected to the first lead screw, and the first lifting slider is slidably connected to the vertical plate through a first lifting slide rail, which is fixed to the vertical plate. The first lifting motor drives the first lead screw to rotate so that the first lifting slider moves up and down. The first lifting slider is connected to a clamping mechanism.

[0063] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 622 includes a support plate 6223, a clamping driver 6221, and two clamping rods 6222. The support plate 6223 is fixed on the first lifting slider, the clamping driver 6221 is disposed on the support plate 6223, and the two clamping rods 6222 are slidably connected to the support plate 6223. The clamping driver 6221 drives the two clamping rods 6222 to move closer or further away from each other to clamp or release the sub-frame 31.

[0064] The clamping rod 6222 is used to clamp the fixed limiting post on the side wall of the sub-frame 31. The side wall of the sub-frame 31 for clamping is provided with an anti-fall protrusion. When the clamping rod 6222 clamps the sub-frame 31, the limiting post is located below the anti-fall protrusion. When the sub-frame 31 falls downward, the protrusion is stuck on the limiting post, which prevents it from falling and improves safety.

[0065] The specific structure of the clamping driver 6221 includes a clamping motor, a clamping gear, and a clamping rack. The clamping motor is fixed on the support plate 6223, and the output shaft of the clamping motor is fixed to the clamping gear. A clamping rack is fixed on each of the two clamping rods 6222, and the clamping racks on the two clamping rods 6222 are distributed vertically and mesh with the clamping gear. When the clamping motor drives the clamping gear to rotate, the clamping racks meshing above and below cause the two clamping rods 6222 to move closer or further apart, so as to clamp or release the frame 31.

[0066] It should be noted that the present invention does not limit the clamping mechanism 622 to the structure described above. The clamping mechanism can also be other structures, as long as they are suitable for clamping the sub-frame 31.

[0067] See Figure 4 The second lifting mechanism 61 includes a second lifter 612 and a gripper 611. The second lifter 612 is mounted on the first transfer mechanism 5, and the gripper is connected to the second lifter. The second lifter 612 can drive the gripper 611 to move up and down. The gripper 611 is configured to grip the sub-frame 31.

[0068] Specifically, see Figure 6 The gripper 611 includes a gripping plate 6112, which is connected to the lifting device. The bottom end of the gripping plate 6112 is provided with a gripping groove 6111, which can grip the extraction hook 32 on the sub-frame 31 to enable the gripper 611 to grip the sub-frame 31. At the same time, the gripping groove 6111 and the extraction hook 32 can be disengaged to enable the gripper 611 to release the sub-frame 31.

[0069] Specifically, the gripping groove 6111 has a T-shaped structure, and the two sides of the gripping groove 6111 are respectively provided with downwardly recessed first overlapping grooves 6113. The gripping groove 6111 has a T-shaped structure to cooperate with the extraction hook 32, which is a T-shaped slider. The extraction hook can be inserted into the gripping groove 6111, and the edge of the extraction hook is embedded in the first overlapping groove 6113 to restrict the position of the extraction hook relative to the gripping groove 6111, so that the extraction hook cannot be moved out of the gripping groove 6111, thereby allowing the split frame 31 to move with the gripper 611. When it is necessary to separate, the lifting device drives the gripper to move down, so that the extraction hook on the split frame is pulled out from the first overlapping groove in the gripping groove. Then, with the first linear drive driving the lifting mechanism to move longitudinally, the gripper moves longitudinally to move the extraction hook out of the gripping groove, thereby achieving the purpose of the gripper 611 releasing the split frame 31.

[0070] See Figure 4 and Figure 6 The second lifting device 612 includes a second vertical plate, a second lead screw, a second lifting motor, and a second lifting slider. The second vertical plate is slidably connected to the first moving plate. The second lead screw is rotatably connected to the second vertical plate. The second lifting slider is threaded onto the second lead screw. The second lifting slider is slidably connected to the second vertical plate through a second lifting slide rail. The second lifting slide rail is fixed to the second vertical plate. The second lifting motor drives the second lead screw to rotate so that the second lifting slider moves up and down. The second lifting slider is fixedly connected to the gripping plate 6112.

[0071] It should be noted that the second lifting mechanisms can be driven by a single first linear driver, or each second lifting mechanism can be connected to a single first linear driver. The specific connection method can be designed according to actual design requirements.

[0072] See Figure 3 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The low-temperature storage device also includes a second transfer mechanism 4, which is configured to remove the cryopreservation box from the shelf 31 and transfer it to the discharge port 111 of the cryopreservation chamber 1, or transfer the cryopreservation box from the discharge port 111 of the cryopreservation chamber 1 into the cryopreservation chamber 1 and place it on the shelf 31.

[0073] Specifically, the second transfer mechanism 4 includes a walking drive assembly 41, a first support plate 46, a first lifting assembly 43, an angle rotation assembly 44, and a box retrieval assembly 42. The walking drive assembly 41 is mounted on the inner storage 12. The first support plate 46 is located above the inner storage 12 and connected to the walking drive assembly 41. The walking drive assembly 41 is configured to drive the first support plate 46 to move laterally and longitudinally. The first lifting assembly 43 is mounted on the first support plate 46. The first lifting assembly 43 is connected to the angle rotation assembly 44 so that it can move up and down. The angle rotation assembly 44 is connected to the box retrieval assembly 42 so that it can rotate. The box retrieval assembly 42 is configured to lift out or lift in the cryopreservation box in the cryopreservation rack 3.

[0074] The walking drive assembly 41 includes a crossbeam 413, a fourth linear actuator 411, and a fifth linear actuator 412. The fourth linear actuator 411 is respectively installed at the top of the two side walls of the inner storage 12. The fourth linear actuator 411 is connected to the end of the crossbeam 413 so that the crossbeam 413 spans the inner storage 12 and is located above the inner storage 12. The fourth linear actuator 411 is located on one side of the first linear actuator 64. The fifth linear actuator 412 is installed on the crossbeam 413 and connected to the first support plate 46. The fifth linear actuator 412 drives the first support plate 46 to move longitudinally.

[0075] Specifically, the fourth linear actuator 411 includes a fourth motor 4111, a fourth rack 4112, and a fourth slide rail. The fourth rack and slide rail are both fixed to the top of the inner wall of the inner chamber 12. A fourth slider is slidably connected to the fourth slide rail. The fourth motor is fixed to the fourth slider. A fourth gear is fixed to the output shaft of the fourth motor, and the fourth gear meshes with the fourth rack. The fifth linear actuator 412 includes a seventh motor 4121, a seventh slide rail 4122, a seventh rack, and a seventh gear. The seventh slide rail and the seventh rack are parallel to each other and both are fixed to the crossbeam. A first support plate is slidably connected to the seventh slide rail. The seventh motor is fixed to the first support plate. A seventh gear is fixed to the output shaft of the seventh motor, and the seventh gear meshes with the seventh rack. Under the rotation of the seventh motor, the first support plate moves relative to the crossbeam.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the fourth linear actuator 411 and the fifth linear actuator 412 described above use a gear and rack mechanism to achieve linear motion, this should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any suitable structure that can perform linear motion in the cold environment of the cryogenic storage 1 is acceptable, such as a lead screw linear module.

[0077] Continue reading Figure 11 and Figure 10 The box-retrieving assembly 42 includes a second support plate 422, a tray 421, and a telescopic device 423. The second support plate 422 is connected to the angle rotation assembly 44, and the tray 421 is slidably connected to the second support plate 422. The telescopic device 423 is mounted on the second support plate 422 and connected to the tray 421 to drive the tray 421 to extend or retract, enabling the tray 421 to lift the cryopreservation box. Specifically, the telescopic device 423 includes a fifth motor 4231, a fifth slide rail 4232, a fifth gear, and a fifth rack. The fifth slide rail 4232 is fixed to the second support plate 422, and a fifth slider is slidably connected to the fifth slide rail 4232. The fifth slider is fixedly connected to the tray 421 and the fifth rack, respectively. The fifth motor 4231 is fixed to the second support plate 422, and a fifth gear is fixed to the output shaft of the fifth motor 4231. The fifth gear meshes with the fifth rack.

[0078] Continue reading Figure 11 and Figure 10 The angle rotation assembly 44 includes a rotary motor 441 and a third support plate 442. The third support plate 442 is located above and fixedly connected to the second support plate 422. The output shaft of the rotary motor 441 is fixedly connected to the third support plate 442 so that the rotary motor 441 can drive the third support plate 442 to rotate the second support plate 422.

[0079] The first lifting assembly 43 includes a fourth support plate 433, a lifting motor 432, a connecting plate 431, a lifting rack, and a lifting gear. The fourth support plate 433 is fixed to one end of the first support plate 46. A lifting slide rail is fixed on the fourth support plate 433, and a lifting slider is slidably connected to the lifting slide rail. The connecting plate 431 is fixedly connected to the lifting slider. The lifting rack is fixed on the fourth support plate. The lifting motor 432 is fixed on the connecting plate 431. The output shaft of the lifting motor 432 is fixed to the lifting gear, and the lifting gear meshes with the lifting rack. A rotary motor 441 is fixed on the connecting plate 431. The rotation of the lifting motor causes the connecting plate to drive the rotary motor 441 to move up and down.

[0080] See Figure 12 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 A temporary storage box 45 is fixed on the first support plate 46. The temporary storage box is located on one side of the box retrieval assembly 42. The side wall of the temporary storage box 45 facing the box retrieval assembly 42 has a retrieval opening. Multiple vertically arranged support rods 451 are fixed on the two side walls inside the temporary storage box 45. The edge of the frozen box rests on two support rods 451 of the same height to realize the placement of the frozen box in the temporary storage box 45. When taking it out, the tray 421 extends into the temporary storage box 45 from the retrieval opening to take out the frozen box. The setting of the temporary storage box 45 makes it easy to take out or place multiple frozen boxes in one stroke of the second transfer mechanism, reducing the number of movements of the second transfer mechanism 4 between the frozen rack 3 and the discharge port 111, and improving work efficiency.

[0081] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The low-temperature storage device also includes a lid opening mechanism 7, which is mounted on a support 51 and is configured to grasp and move the lid upward to open the inner storage compartment 12.

[0082] Specifically, the opening mechanism 7 includes a second lifting component 72, an opening frame 71, and an opening claw 73. The second lifting component 72 is mounted on the side wall of the support 51 facing away from the second transfer mechanism 4. The second lifting component 72 is connected to the opening frame 71. The second lifting component 72 drives the opening frame 71 to move up and down. The opening claw 73 is fixed at both ends of the bottom of the opening frame 71. The opening claw 73 can grab the handle on the cover.

[0083] Specifically, the second lifting assembly 72 includes a sixth motor 721, a sixth rack, a sixth gear, and a sixth slide rail. The sixth slide rail and the sixth rack are both fixed on the bracket 51. The sixth rack, the sixth slide rail, and the sixth gear are not shown in the figure. The sixth slider 722 is slidably connected to the sixth slide rail. The sixth motor 721 and the cover opening frame 71 are fixedly connected to the sixth slider 722. The sixth gear is fixed on the output shaft of the sixth motor 721. The sixth gear meshes with the sixth rack. The sixth motor 721 drives the sixth gear to rotate. Under the meshing condition of the sixth gear and the sixth rack, the cover opening frame 71 drives the cover opening claw 73 to move up and down.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the second lifting component 72 described above does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention, and other structures, such as a linear motor module, are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0085] In addition, the opening claw 73 includes an opening block with a T-shaped groove at the bottom. When opening the cover, the handle is inserted into the T-shaped groove to hook the cover. The two ends of the T-shaped groove are open so that the handle can be inserted into or removed from the T-shaped groove. Two handles can be inserted into one T-shaped groove at the same time, so that the two T-shaped grooves can grasp four handles.

[0086] It should be noted that some components are not shown in the figure in order to make the structure clearer. However, the structure of these unshown components is a commercially available product and is known to those skilled in the art. It does not affect the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art, so it will not be described in detail.

[0087] In addition, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cryogenic storage device also includes a buffer chamber 2, which is fixed to one side of the cryogenic storage chamber 1. An automatic opening and closing door is provided on the discharge port 111. When the automatic opening and closing door is open, the cryogenic storage chamber 1 can communicate with the buffer chamber 2 through the discharge port 111. When the automatic opening and closing door closes the discharge port 111, the cryogenic storage chamber 1 and the buffer chamber 2 are separated and not connected. The buffer chamber 2 is used for scanning and identifying cryogenic boxes to be placed or removed for recording purposes. Since the structure of the buffer chamber 2 is prior art known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0088] The working principle of this invention is illustrated by taking the cryopreservation rack 3, which includes three sub-racks 31, and the cryopreservation boxes on the third sub-rack 31 need to be transferred, as well as each second lifting mechanism connected to a first linear actuator, as an example. The third linear actuator 53 drives the support 51 to move above the inner storage 12 until the support 51 is positioned at the location of the cryopreservation rack 3 to be lifted. At the same time, the handle on the cover plate 8 corresponding to this position is inserted into the T-slot on the opening block, activating the second lifting assembly 72 to move the opening frame 71 upward, thereby lifting the cover plate 8 upward. Then, the third linear actuator 53 drives the support 51 to move the opening frame 71 laterally, causing the cover plate to move horizontally above other covers. The second lifting assembly 72 then moves the cover plate downward, and with the cooperation of the third linear actuator 53, the cover plate is finally lowered. The cover is temporarily placed on another cover, opening the inner compartment 12 where the cryogenic rack 3 to be lifted is located. Since only a part of the inner compartment 12 is opened, the temperature of the other parts of the inner compartment 12 is kept stable. After the cover is placed, the third linear actuator 53 drives the bracket 51 to retract to the position where the cryogenic rack 3 to be lifted is located. Then, the second linear actuator 52 is activated to drive the first lifting mechanism 62 and the second lifting mechanism 61 to move longitudinally along the bracket 51 until the first lifting mechanism 62 and the second lifting mechanism 61 are above the cryogenic rack 3 to be lifted, and the lifting port on the auxiliary plate connected to the first moving plate 521 corresponds to the cryogenic rack 3 to be lifted. The first linear actuator 63 is activated to drive the corresponding second lifting mechanism 61 to move, so that the second lifting mechanism 61... The gripping slot 6111 is fitted onto the topmost retrieval hook on the cryopreservation rack 3 to enable the gripper 611 to grasp the cryopreservation rack 3. Then, the second lifting mechanism 61 is activated to lift the cryopreservation rack 3 as a whole upwards until the first sub-rack 31 at the top is lifted to the outside of the inner storage 12, and the second sub-rack 31 below can be clamped by the clamping mechanism 622. Then, the second lifting mechanism 61 is closed. With the clamping mechanism 622 clamping the second sub-rack 31, the first linear drive 63 is activated to drive the second moving plate 631 to move the corresponding second lifting mechanism longitudinally. During the movement, the first sub-rack 31 is separated from the second sub-rack 31. Then, the first linear drive connected to the second second lifting mechanism 61 is activated. Device 63 drives the second lifting mechanism 61 to move longitudinally, so that the gripper 611 on the second lifting mechanism 61 can successfully grip the second sub-shelf 31, and at the same time, the clamping mechanism releases the second sub-shelf. Then, the second lifting mechanism drives the second sub-shelf to rise until it reaches the point where the clamping mechanism 622 can clamp the lowermost sub-shelf 31 and stops. After the clamping mechanism 622 clamps the third sub-shelf 31, the first linear actuator 63 drives the second lifting mechanism 61 to retract. During the retraction process, the second sub-shelf 31 separates from the lower third sub-shelf 31. After separation, the first lifter 621 in the first lifting mechanism 62 is activated to drive the clamping mechanism 622 to move upward to lift the third sub-shelf above the inner warehouse 12.This enables the lifting and splitting of the three sub-racks for box retrieval. The second transfer mechanism 4 is activated to transfer the cryopreservation boxes on the third sub-rack 31. First, the walking drive assembly 41 is activated to move the box retrieval assembly 42 closer to the cryopreservation rack 3, and the first lifting assembly 43 is activated to bring the box retrieval assembly 42 to the required height. Then, the telescopic device 423 in the box retrieval assembly 42 is activated, causing the tray 421 to extend into the storage cavity on the third sub-rack 31. The first lifting assembly 43 moves the tray 421 upwards, allowing it to support the cryopreservation box. Finally, the walking drive assembly 41 is activated, causing the crossbeam 413 to move the tray 421 towards... The device retracts to remove the cryopreservation box from the storage cavity. The walking drive assembly 41 continues to retract to the discharge port 111. Then, the angle rotation assembly 44 is activated to rotate the tray 421 180°, so that the cryopreservation box on the tray 421 faces the discharge port 111. The walking drive assembly 41 drives the crossbeam 413 to continue moving closer to the discharge port 111, so that the cryopreservation box on the tray 421 reaches the designated position, so that the cryopreservation box can be turned from the discharge port into the buffer chamber, completing the purpose of retrieving the box from the cryopreservation rack. After the box is retrieved, the lifting separation mechanism 6 and the first transfer mechanism 5 cooperate to reassemble the three sub-racks 31 in sequence and put them back into the inner chamber 12.

[0089] The cryogenic rack is composed of at least two separate rack sections, which can also be disassembled, enabling adjustment of the rack's length. With the cooperation of the first and second lifting mechanisms, the rack sections can be assembled into a cryogenic rack, or the rack can be disassembled into its individual sections. This allows for the separation of rack sections located outside the freezing zone during the lifting process, enabling the removal of sections from the rack before the remaining sections are lifted further outwards. This reduces the vertical space occupied by the entire lifting process outside the freezing zone, increasing storage capacity compared to single-section cryogenic racks within the same space. Furthermore, the cooperation of the first and second lifting mechanisms enables the lifting, disassembly, and assembly of the cryogenic rack without requiring the disassembled sections to be placed elsewhere to free up space for the second lifting mechanism to lift other sections. This simplifies the operation process during disassembly and assembly, improving the efficiency of the lifting and separation mechanisms.

[0090] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cryogenic storage device, characterized by, The low-temperature storage device comprises a cryobank, a first transfer mechanism and a lifting separation mechanism, the cryobank is internally provided with a freezing area, a cryopreservation rack is placed in the freezing area, the cryopreservation rack comprises at least two sub-racks capable of being combined together or separated, a plurality of cryopreservation boxes are placed in the sub-racks, the first transfer mechanism is arranged in the cryobank outside the freezing area, the first transfer mechanism is arranged to drive the lifting separation mechanism to move to lift cryopreservation racks at different positions, the lifting separation mechanism comprises a first lifting mechanism and a second lifting mechanism arranged on the first transfer mechanism, the first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism cooperate with each other to lift or place the cryopreservation racks in the freezing area, and the cryopreservation racks are separated or combined; The first lifting mechanism and the second lifting mechanism are oppositely arranged, and the second lifting mechanism is distributed side by side. The second lifting mechanism is connected with a first linear driver arranged on the first transfer mechanism, and the first linear driver drives the second lifting mechanism to move longitudinally relative to the first lifting mechanism. The first lifting mechanism comprises a first lifter and a clamping mechanism, the first lifter is arranged on the first transfer mechanism, and the first lifter is connected with the clamping mechanism to move up and down, and the clamping mechanism is arranged to clamp the sub-racks. The first lifter drives the clamping mechanism to move up and down, the clamping mechanism assists the second lifting mechanism to separate or combine the cryopreservation racks, and the clamping mechanism can move up and down under the drive of the first lifter after clamping the sub-racks to take out the sub-racks from the cryobank. The number of the second lifting mechanisms is less than that of the sub-racks, and the second lifting mechanisms can lift, separate and combine the cryopreservation racks under the cooperation of the first lifting mechanism, without placing the lifted sub-racks in other positions to make room for the second lifting mechanisms to lift other sub-racks. The second lifting mechanism comprises a second lifter and a grabber, the second lifter is arranged on the first transfer mechanism, and the second lifter is arranged to drive the grabber to move up and down, and the grabber is arranged to grab the sub-racks.

2. The cryogenic storage device of claim 1, wherein, The low-temperature storage device further comprises a second transfer mechanism arranged to take out the cryopreservation boxes on the sub-racks and transfer the cryopreservation boxes to a discharge port of the cryobank or transfer the cryopreservation boxes from the discharge port of the cryobank to the cryobank and place the cryopreservation boxes on the sub-racks.

3. The cryogenic storage appliance of claim 1, wherein, The clamping mechanism comprises a support plate, a clamping driver and two clamping rods, the support plate is arranged on the first transfer mechanism, the clamping driver is arranged on the support plate, the two clamping rods are slidably connected with the support plate, and the clamping driver drives the two clamping rods to move close to or away from each other to clamp or release the sub-racks.

4. The cryogenic storage appliance of claim 1, wherein, The grabber comprises a grabber plate, a grabber groove is arranged at the bottom end of the grabber plate, the grabber groove has a T-shaped structure, and downwardly recessed first flange grooves are arranged at both side edge portions in the grabber groove.

5. The cryogenic storage device of claim 4, wherein, The top end of the sub-frame body is fixed with an extraction hook, the bottom end of the sub-frame body is fixed with an extraction slot, and the extraction hook and the extraction slot can be hooked or separated to realize the combination or disassembly of two adjacent sub-frame bodies in an up-down arrangement; The extraction slot is a T-shaped sliding groove, the two side edge parts in the T-shaped sliding groove are respectively provided with a second edge groove which is concave downward, the extraction hook is a T-shaped sliding block, the T-shaped sliding block can be inserted into the T-shaped sliding groove to realize the detachable connection of two adjacent sub-frame bodies, the edge of the T-shaped sliding block can be sunk into the second edge groove, the T-shaped sliding block can be inserted into the grabbing slot, and the edge of the T-shaped sliding block can be sunk into the first edge groove to enable the grabber to grab the sub-frame body.

6. The cryogenic storage device of claim 2, wherein, The cryobank comprises an outer bank and an inner bank, the inner bank is arranged in the outer bank, the top end of the inner bank is covered with a cover plate, the discharge port is arranged on one side wall of the outer bank, a refrigeration system is installed in the inner bank, and the inner cavity of the inner bank constitutes the freezing area.

7. The cryogenic storage device of claim 6, wherein, The first transfer mechanism comprises a support, a second linear driver and a third linear driver, the third linear driver is installed at the top end of the inner bank, the support is located above the inner bank and connected with the third linear driver, the third linear driver drives the support to move laterally, and the second linear driver is arranged on the support and drives the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism and the first linear driver to move longitudinally.

8. The cryogenic storage device of claim 6, wherein, The second transfer mechanism comprises a walking driving assembly, a first support plate, a first lifting assembly, an angle rotating assembly and a box taking assembly, the walking driving assembly is arranged on the inner bank, the first support plate is located above the inner bank and connected with the walking driving assembly, the walking driving assembly is arranged to drive the first support plate to move laterally and longitudinally, the first lifting assembly is arranged on the first support plate, the first lifting assembly is connected with the angle rotating assembly to enable it to move up and down, the angle rotating assembly is connected with the box taking assembly to enable it to rotate, and the box taking assembly is arranged to take out or put in the cryogenic box in the cryogenic rack; The box taking assembly comprises a second support plate, a tray and an extender, the second support plate is connected with the angle rotating assembly, the tray is slidably connected to the second support plate, the extender is installed on the second support plate and connected with the tray to drive the tray to extend or retract, and the tray can hold the cryogenic box.

9. The cryogenic storage device of claim 7, wherein, The low-temperature storage device further comprises an opening mechanism, the opening mechanism is arranged on the support, and the opening mechanism is arranged to grab and move up the cover plate to open the inner bank.

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