Filling apparatus for cryogenic vials

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of storage equipment, and particularly provides a filling device for cryopreservation tubes, which aims to solve the technical problem of low filling efficiency in the prior art when the cryopreservation tubes are filled into a cryopreservation tube sleeve. To this end, the filling device comprises a fixing member, a tube rotating device, a tube pushing device and a limiting device which are mounted on the fixing member, the fixing member is provided with a containing cavity, a lower tube cavity and a tube pushing cavity which are communicated with the containing cavity, the tube rotating device is provided with a tube rotating cavity, the tube rotating device is located in the containing cavity and can move in the containing cavity so that the tube rotating device can be switched between a first working position and a second working position, when the tube rotating device is located in the first working position, the tube rotating cavity is communicated with the lower tube cavity, when the tube rotating device is located in the second working position, the tube rotating cavity is communicated with the tube pushing cavity, the limiting device can fix the cryopreservation tube sleeve at a first end of the tube pushing cavity, and the tube pushing device can push the cryopreservation tube transported into the tube pushing cavity into the cryopreservation tube sleeve from a second end of the tube pushing cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of storage device technology, and specifically provides a filling device for cryopreservation tubes. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, due to the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical and medical fields, the demand for low-temperature storage equipment has been increasing. In order to maintain the activity of biological samples, they often need to be preserved in a low-temperature or ultra-low-temperature storage environment during production and experimentation.

[0003] In the process of storing biological samples, in order to facilitate the classification and storage of samples, multiple cryovials containing biological samples need to be filled into a cryovial sleeve, and then the multiple cryovial sleeves are put into a cryopreservation box for storage.

[0004] However, in the existing technology, the degree of automation is low and the filling efficiency is low when filling cryopreservation tubes into cryopreservation tube sleeves.

[0005] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, how to achieve batch filling of multiple cryopreservation tubes into cryopreservation tube sleeves and improve filling efficiency.

[0007] This invention provides a filling device, comprising a fixing component and a tube rotating device, a tube pushing device, and a limiting device mounted on the fixing component. The fixing component has a receiving cavity, a lower tube cavity, and a tube pushing cavity. The lower tube cavity and the tube pushing cavity are both connected to the receiving cavity and are each capable of accommodating multiple cryopreservation tubes. The tube rotating device has a rotating cavity capable of accommodating multiple cryopreservation tubes, and the rotating cavity has an opening on the surface of the tube rotating device that allows cryopreservation tubes to pass through. The tube rotating device is located within the receiving cavity and can move within the receiving cavity to switch between a first working position and a second working position. When the tube rotating device... When the device is in the first working position, the rotating tube cavity is connected to the lower tube cavity so that the cryopreservation tube in the lower tube cavity enters the rotating tube cavity. When the rotating tube device is in the second working position, the rotating tube cavity is connected to the pushing tube cavity so that the cryopreservation tube in the rotating tube cavity enters the pushing tube cavity. The limiting device is located at the first end of the pushing tube cavity and can fix the cryopreservation tube sleeve at the first end of the pushing tube cavity so that the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve is connected to the first end of the pushing tube cavity. The pushing tube device is located at the second end of the pushing tube cavity and can extend into the pushing tube cavity to push the cryopreservation tube transferred to the pushing tube cavity into the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the rotating tube device includes a rotating component and a rotating shaft. The receiving cavity is cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating component is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity. The rotating tube cavity is located inside the rotating component, and the opening of the rotating tube cavity is located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The rotating component is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft or integrally formed. The rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the fixed component so that the rotating component can rotate within the receiving cavity, thereby allowing the rotating component to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling device, the filling device further includes a tube-cutting member disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. The tube-cutting member is disposed close to the opening so as to separate the cryopreservation tube at the opening from the cryopreservation tube at the outlet of the lower tube cavity when the rotating member rotates from the first working position to the second working position.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the tube cutting component includes a tube cutting part and a supporting part. The tube cutting part is located at the opening and is configured as an inclined surface or an arc surface so as to separate two adjacent cryogenic tubes. The supporting part is arranged circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The supporting part always supports the cryogenic tube located at the tube outlet as the rotating component rotates toward the second working position. The inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity is provided with a receiving groove at a position corresponding to the supporting part to accommodate the supporting part.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the filling equipment further includes a first positioning stop member and a second positioning stop member disposed on the fixed member. The pipe rotating device is located between the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member. Both the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member can stop the pipe rotating device so that the pipe rotating device stops exactly at the first working position and the second working position, respectively.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the first positioning stop component includes a first base and a first adjusting stop component disposed on the first base, and the second positioning stop component includes a second base and a second adjusting stop component disposed on the second base. The first base and the second base are both fixedly connected to or integrally disposed with the fixing component. The first adjusting stop component and the second adjusting stop component can both stop the pipe rotating device, and the first adjusting stop component and the second adjusting stop component can move relative to the first base and the second base respectively, so that the pipe rotating device can always be stopped exactly at the first working position and the second working position respectively.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the limiting device includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member spaced apart along the extension direction of the push tube cavity. The first limiting member has a first limiting groove and a first baffle. The first baffle is provided with a through hole that allows multiple cryopreservation tubes to pass through simultaneously. The second limiting member has a second limiting groove and a second baffle. Both the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove can clamp the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides to limit the radial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The first baffle and the second baffle can respectively stop the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both ends to limit the axial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The two ends of the through hole are respectively connected to the first end of the push tube cavity and the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the limiting device further includes a third limiting member located between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The third limiting member includes a third limiting groove and a fastening member. The fastening member can adjust the clamping force on the cryopreservation tube sleeve located in the third limiting groove.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the lower tube cavity has an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the inclined surface is connected to the lower tube opening of the lower tube cavity.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filling equipment, the pusher device includes a pusher rod and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is fixed at the second end of the pusher cavity, and the pusher rod is movably connected to the guide mechanism. The pusher rod can move within the pusher cavity along the guiding direction of the guide mechanism.

[0017] When adopting the above technical solution, the filling device of the present invention includes a fixing component and a tube rotating device, a tube pushing device, and a limiting device installed on the fixing component. The fixing component has a receiving cavity, a lower tube cavity, and a tube pushing cavity. The lower tube cavity and the tube pushing cavity are both connected to the receiving cavity and can each accommodate multiple cryopreservation tubes. The tube rotating device has a rotating cavity that can accommodate multiple cryopreservation tubes, and the rotating cavity has an opening on the surface of the rotating device that allows the cryopreservation tubes to pass through. The rotating device is located in the receiving cavity and can move within the receiving cavity so that the rotating device can be in a first working position and a second working position. The device switches between operating positions. When the tube transfer device is in the first operating position, the tube transfer chamber is connected to the lower tube chamber, allowing the cryopreservation tube in the lower tube chamber to enter the tube transfer chamber. When the tube transfer device is in the second operating position, the tube transfer chamber is connected to the tube pusher chamber, allowing the cryopreservation tube in the tube transfer chamber to enter the tube pusher chamber. A limiting device is located at the first end of the tube pusher chamber and can fix the cryopreservation tube sleeve to the first end of the tube pusher chamber, so that the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve is connected to the first end of the tube pusher chamber. The tube pusher device is located at the second end of the tube pusher chamber and can extend into the tube pusher chamber to push the cryopreservation tube transferred to the tube pusher chamber into the cryopreservation tube sleeve. Through this setting, batch transfer and filling of multiple cryopreservation tubes are realized, simplifying the process of filling cryopreservation tubes into cryopreservation tube sleeves, saving labor and time costs, and improving the filling efficiency of cryopreservation tubes.

[0018] Furthermore, the tube-transfer device of the present invention includes a rotating component and a rotating shaft. The receiving cavity is cylindrical, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity. The tube-transfer chamber is located inside the rotating component, and the opening of the tube-transfer chamber is located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The rotating component is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft or integrally formed, and the rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the fixed component so that the rotating component can rotate within the receiving cavity, thereby enabling the rotating component to switch between a first working position and a second working position. With this configuration, while achieving batch transfer of cryopreservation tubes between the lower tube cavity and the push tube cavity, the overall structure is simplified, making the structure more compact and improving the smoothness and stability of the tube-transfer device's operation.

[0019] Furthermore, the filling device of the present invention also includes a tube-cutting member disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. The tube-cutting member is disposed close to the opening so as to separate the cryopreservation tube at the opening from the cryopreservation tube at the outlet of the lower tube cavity when the rotating member rotates from the first working position to the second working position. With this arrangement, the tube-cutting member can be inserted between two closely contacting cryopreservation tubes, separating the cryopreservation tube in the rotating tube cavity from the cryopreservation tube in the lower tube cavity, so that the rotation of the rotating member is not obstructed by the cryopreservation tube, and also avoids the rotating member causing crushing damage to the cryopreservation tube.

[0020] Furthermore, the tube-cutting component of the present invention includes a tube-cutting portion and a supporting portion. The tube-cutting portion is located at the opening and is configured as an inclined surface or an arc surface to separate two adjacent cryovials. The supporting portion is arranged circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The supporting portion supports the cryovial located at the outlet as the rotating component rotates toward the second working position. The inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity is provided with a receiving groove at a position corresponding to the supporting portion to accommodate the supporting portion. With this configuration, the tube-cutting component can cut more smoothly between two cryovials to separate the two closely contacting cryovials, making the tube-cutting process smooth and gentle, avoiding squeezing damage to the cryovials; at the same time, it ensures that the cryovial in the lower cavity is always in a supported state during the rotation of the rotating component, ensuring the smoothness of the rotation of the rotating component between the first working position and the second working position.

[0021] Furthermore, the filling device of the present invention also includes a first positioning stop member and a second positioning stop member disposed on the fixed member. The tube-rotating device is located between the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member. Both the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member can stop the tube-rotating device so that the tube-rotating device stops precisely at the first working position and the second working position, respectively. With this arrangement, on the one hand, the docking between the tube-rotating chamber and the lower tube chamber, and between the tube-rotating chamber and the push tube chamber, is more convenient and precise, reducing the difficulty of operating the equipment; on the other hand, it ensures smooth movement of the cryopreservation tube between the chambers, improving the tube-rotating efficiency.

[0022] Furthermore, the first positioning stop component of the present invention includes a first base and a first adjusting stop component disposed on the first base, and the second positioning stop component includes a second base and a second adjusting stop component disposed on the second base. Both the first and second bases are fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the fixing component. Both the first and second adjusting stops can stop the tube transfer device, and both can move relative to the first and second bases respectively, so that the tube transfer device can always be precisely stopped at the first working position and the second working position, respectively. Through this arrangement, the stopping positions of the tube transfer device on both sides can be precisely adjusted and positioned, so that the stopping positions on both sides coincide with the first and second working positions, thereby ensuring that the tube transfer cavity and the lower tube cavity, and the tube transfer cavity and the push tube cavity always maintain a high docking accuracy, making the movement of the cryopreservation tube smoother and improving the transfer efficiency of the cryopreservation tube.

[0023] Furthermore, the limiting device of the present invention includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member spaced apart along the extension direction of the push tube cavity. The first limiting member has a first limiting groove and a first baffle. The first baffle has a through hole that allows multiple cryopreservation tubes to pass through simultaneously. The second limiting member has a second limiting groove and a second baffle. Both the first and second limiting grooves can clamp the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides to limit the radial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The first and second baffles can respectively stop the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both ends to limit the axial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The two ends of the through hole are respectively connected to the first end of the push tube cavity and the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. With this arrangement, the limiting device can stop and limit the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides and both ends, making the positioning of the cryopreservation tube sleeve more accurate and ensuring the coaxiality between the cryopreservation tube sleeve and the push tube cavity, thereby ensuring that multiple cryopreservation tubes can be smoothly pushed from the push tube cavity into the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0024] Furthermore, the limiting device of the present invention also includes a third limiting member located between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The third limiting member includes a third limiting groove and a fastening member, wherein the fastening member can adjust the clamping force on the cryopreservation tube sleeve located in the third limiting groove. This arrangement allows for the limiting and fixing of the middle portion of the cryopreservation tube, further improving the lateral stability of the cryopreservation tube sleeve, while also facilitating the rapid fixing and disassembly of the cryopreservation tube, thus improving the filling efficiency of the cryopreservation tube.

[0025] Furthermore, the lower cavity of the present invention has an inclined surface, the bottom end of which is connected to the lower opening of the lower cavity. This design, on the one hand, makes the tube opening at the top of the lower cavity gradually larger, which is beneficial for the placement of cryopreservation tubes; on the other hand, the inclined surface structure, sloping inwards from top to bottom, is more conducive to the cryopreservation tubes sliding down to the lower opening, improving tube transfer efficiency.

[0026] Furthermore, the tube-pushing device of the present invention includes a push rod and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is fixed at the second end of the tube-pushing cavity, and the push rod is movably connected to the guide mechanism. The push rod can move within the tube-pushing cavity along the guiding direction of the guide mechanism. This arrangement ensures the stable movement of the push rod within the tube-pushing cavity, thereby achieving stable filling of cryopreservation tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryopreservation tube filling device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryopreservation tube filling device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the fixed component and the rotating component of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the fixed component and the rotating component of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryopreservation tube filling device of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0034] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0035] 1. Fixing component; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Lower tube cavity; 13. Pushing tube cavity; 141. First base; 142. First adjusting stop; 151. Second base; 152. Second adjusting stop; 2. Rotating tube device; 21. Rotating component; 211. Rotating tube cavity; 212. Cutting component; 2121. Cutting section; 2122. Support section; 22. Rotating shaft; 23. Driving component; 3. Pushing tube device; 31. Push rod; 32. Guide mechanism; 4. Limiting device; 41. First limiting component; 411. First limiting groove; 412. First baffle; 413. Through hole; 42. Second limiting component; 421. Second limiting groove; 422. Second baffle; 43. Third limiting component; 431. Third limiting groove; 432. Fastening component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," and "install" should be interpreted broadly, for example, referring to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] In the prior art described in the background section, when filling cryopreservation tubes into cryopreservation tube sleeves, multiple cryopreservation tubes need to be manually placed into the sleeves sequentially, resulting in low filling efficiency and being time-consuming and labor-intensive. This invention provides a cryopreservation tube filling device, which aims to achieve separate communication between the filling tube sleeve and the lower tube sleeve, and between the filling tube sleeve and the pushing tube sleeve, by setting up a lower tube cavity and a pushing tube cavity, and by controlling the movement of the pushing tube cavity, thereby enabling the batch transfer of a certain number of cryopreservation tubes between the lower tube cavity and the pushing tube cavity. Simultaneously, the pushing tube cavity pushes the cryopreservation tubes transferred to the pushing tube cavity into the cryopreservation tube sleeve, realizing batch transfer and filling of cryopreservation tubes. This design effectively improves the filling efficiency of cryopreservation tubes.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the filling device of the present invention includes a fixing member 1 and a tube rotating device 2, a tube pushing device 3, and a limiting device 4 mounted on the fixing member 1. The fixing member 1 has a receiving cavity 11, a lower tube cavity 12, and a tube pushing cavity 13. The lower tube cavity 12 and the tube pushing cavity 13 are both connected to the receiving cavity 11 and can each accommodate multiple cryopreservation tubes. The tube rotating device 2 has a rotating cavity 211 that can accommodate multiple cryopreservation tubes, and the rotating cavity 211 has an opening on the surface of the tube rotating device 2 that allows the cryopreservation tubes to pass through. The tube rotating device 2 is located in the receiving cavity 11 and can move within the receiving cavity 11 so that the tube rotating device 2 can switch between a first working position and a second working position. When the tube transfer device 2 is in the first working position, the tube transfer chamber 211 is connected to the lower tube chamber 12 so that the cryopreservation tube in the lower tube chamber 12 enters the tube transfer chamber 211. When the tube transfer device 2 is in the second working position, the tube transfer chamber 211 is connected to the push tube chamber 13 so that the cryopreservation tube in the tube transfer chamber 211 enters the push tube chamber 13. The limiting device 4 is located at the first end of the push tube chamber 13 and can fix the cryopreservation tube sleeve at the first end of the push tube chamber 13 so that the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve is connected to the first end of the push tube chamber 13. The tube pusher 3 is located at the second end of the push tube chamber 13 and can extend into the push tube chamber 13 to push the cryopreservation tube transferred to the push tube chamber 13 into the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0041] For example, the fixing component 1 can be configured as a box, a fixing seat or a mounting bracket, etc., for installing various components and providing support and protection for each component. The receiving cavity 11 is located in the middle of the fixing component 1, and the lower tube cavity 12 is located at the top of the fixing component 1. The upper part of the lower tube cavity 12 is an open tube outlet for placing cryopreservation tubes. The bottom of the lower tube cavity 12 has a lower tube opening that communicates with the receiving cavity 11. The cryopreservation tubes can fall into the tube transfer device 2 in the receiving cavity 11 through the lower tube opening. At the same time, the size of the lower tube opening is smaller than the size of the tube outlet, allowing only a single cryopreservation tube to pass through. This ensures that multiple cryopreservation tubes in the lower tube cavity 12 can only be arranged in a single row and fall into the tube transfer device 2 in sequence.

[0042] The lower tube 12 is preferably located directly above the receiving cavity 11, so that when the tube transfer device 2 is in the first working position, the tube transfer cavity 211 is in a vertical state, which is conducive to the cryopreservation tube sliding from the lower tube 12 to the tube transfer cavity 211 under the action of gravity.

[0043] The tube transfer device 2 is located below the lower tube opening. The tube pusher chamber 13 and the tube pusher device 3 are both located below or to the side of the tube transfer device 2. When the tube transfer device 2 is in the second working position, the open end of the tube transfer chamber 211 is lower than the closed end of the tube transfer chamber 211, thereby ensuring that the cryopreservation tubes transferred to the tube transfer chamber 211 can move towards the tube pusher chamber 13 under the action of gravity.

[0044] The push tube cavity 13 has openings on its side and at both ends. The opening on the side of the push tube cavity 13 can align with the opening of the rotating cavity 211, so that the cryopreservation tube can fall into the push tube cavity 13 through the side opening. The push tube device 3 and the limiting device 4 are located at opposite ends of the push tube cavity 13 and are coaxially arranged. This allows the opening at the first end of the push tube cavity 13 to align with the opening of the cryopreservation tube sleeve fixed on the limiting device 4, so that the cryopreservation tube sleeve can communicate with the push tube cavity 13. The opening at the second end of the push tube cavity 13 is directly opposite the push tube device 3, so that the push tube device 3 can enter the push tube cavity 13 from the second end of the push tube cavity 13 and move towards the first end of the push tube cavity 13, pushing the cryopreservation tube in the push tube cavity 13 into the cryopreservation tube sleeve to complete the filling of the cryopreservation tube.

[0045] Specifically, during the filling process of cryopreservation tubes, multiple cryopreservation tubes are first placed into the lower cavity 12 through the tube inlet, while the cryopreservation tube sleeves are fixed to the limiting device 4. Then, the tube rotating device 2 is controlled to move relative to the fixed component 1, so that the opening of the rotating tube cavity 211 aligns with the lower opening of the lower cavity 12. The opening size of the rotating tube cavity 211 is the same as the size of the lower opening, thereby achieving communication between the lower cavity 12 and the rotating tube cavity 211. Since the rotating tube cavity 211 is lower than the lower cavity 12, under the action of gravity, the multiple cryopreservation tubes in the lower cavity 12... The cryopreservation tubes will fall into the rotating tube cavity 211 one by one until the rotating tube cavity 211 is filled. At this time, the rotating tube device 2 is moved again to connect the rotating tube cavity 211 with the pushing tube cavity 13. The opening size of the pushing tube cavity 13 is the same as the opening size of the rotating tube cavity 211, and the pushing tube cavity 13 is lower than the rotating tube cavity 211. Therefore, the multiple cryopreservation tubes in the rotating tube cavity 211 fall into the pushing tube cavity 13 again under the action of gravity. Finally, the pushing tube device 3 is controlled to operate, pushing the multiple cryopreservation tubes in the pushing tube cavity 13 into the cryopreservation tube sleeve at the same time, completing the batch filling of cryopreservation tubes.

[0046] The capacity of the transfer chamber 211 and the push chamber 13 is preferably set to be the same as the capacity of the cryopreservation tube sleeve, so as to ensure that the cryopreservation tubes transferred each time can just fill one cryopreservation tube sleeve. For example, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can set the number of cryopreservation tubes filled each time as needed. In this scheme, the number of tubes filled each time is preferably set to twelve.

[0047] Therefore, by controlling the reciprocating motion of the tube rotating device 2, the rotating tube cavity 211 can be repeatedly docked and separated from the lower tube cavity 12 or the pushing tube cavity 13. This allows the cryopreservation tubes in the lower tube cavity 12 to be transferred in batches to the pushing tube cavity 13. Combined with the pushing action of the pushing device 3, the batch filling of cryopreservation tubes is realized, thereby realizing the batch transfer and filling of multiple cryopreservation tubes. This simplifies the filling process of cryopreservation tubes, saves labor and time costs, and greatly improves the filling efficiency of cryopreservation tubes.

[0048] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating tube device 2 of the present invention includes a rotating member 21 and a rotating shaft 22. The receiving cavity 11 is cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 21 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity 11. The rotating tube cavity 211 is located inside the rotating member 21 and the opening of the rotating tube cavity 211 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 21. The rotating member 21 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22 or integrally formed. The rotating shaft 22 is pivotally connected to the fixed member 1 so that the rotating member 21 can rotate inside the receiving cavity 11, thereby enabling the rotating member 21 to switch between a first working position and a second working position.

[0049] For example, the rotating member 21 is configured as a cylinder or semi-cylinder and is adapted to the cylindrical receiving cavity 11. It can rotate relative to the fixed member 1 via the rotating shaft 22. The rotating cavity 211 extends radially from the surface of the rotating member 21 to its interior, thereby forming a cavity structure with an opening on the surface of the rotating member 21. The opening size and cross-sectional size of the rotating cavity 211 are equal, each allowing only one cryopreservation tube to pass through. This allows multiple cryopreservation tubes to be arranged in a row in the rotating cavity 211, which can prevent multiple cryopreservation tubes from being squeezed together and causing blockage of the rotating cavity 211, thus ensuring smooth movement of the cryopreservation tubes.

[0050] The rotation of the drive shaft 22 enables the rotating tube 211 to be connected to the lower tube 12 or the push tube 13 independently, thus completing the transfer of the cryopreservation tube.

[0051] The inner circumferential surface of the receiving cavity 11 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating component 21. During the rotation of the rotating component 21 and the cryopreservation tube inside it relative to the receiving cavity 11, the inner circumferential surface of the receiving cavity 11 can always block the opening of the rotating tube cavity 211 until the rotating tube cavity 211 is connected to the push tube cavity 13, preventing the cryopreservation tube from slipping out of the rotating tube cavity 211 during the rotation of the rotating component 21.

[0052] By controlling the switching of the position of the rotating tube 211 through rotational motion, the cryopreservation tubes can be transferred in batches between the lower tube 12 and the push tube 13, while simplifying the overall structure, making the structure more compact, and improving the smoothness and stability of the operation of the rotating tube device 2.

[0053] It should be noted that, in practical applications, in order to facilitate the rotation of the rotating shaft 22 and the rotating component 21, those skilled in the art can set the driving component 23 or the driving device to be fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22. Preferably, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the driving component 23 of the present invention is configured as a rotating arm, which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22 to drive the rotating shaft 22 to rotate.

[0054] The rotating arm simplifies the structure of the drive component 23 and improves its reliability and ease of operation. Similarly, it can also be configured as a rotating structure such as a turntable. This invention does not specifically limit the structure of the drive component 23.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art can also flexibly configure the driving component 23 as a driving motor, preferably a stepper motor, thereby realizing the automation of the transfer of cryopreservation tubes, effectively improving the positioning accuracy of the rotating component 21, further reducing the operational difficulty of the filling equipment, and making the transfer process more efficient.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the fixing member has a square receiving groove, and the rotating tube device has a slider disposed in the square receiving groove. The upper and lower inner surfaces of the square receiving groove are respectively in contact with the upper and lower outer surfaces of the slider. The horizontal length of the square receiving groove is greater than that of the slider, so that the slider can slide horizontally in the square receiving groove. The rotating tube cavity is disposed vertically on the slider and passes through the slider vertically, so that the rotating tube cavity has an upper opening and a lower opening on the upper and lower surfaces of the slider, respectively. The lower tube cavity is located above the slider, and the pushing tube cavity is located below the slider. The lower tube cavity and the pushing tube cavity are staggered from each other in the vertical direction. In this way, by controlling the slider to slide horizontally, the upper opening can be connected to the lower tube cavity or the lower opening can be connected to the pushing tube cavity, realizing the independent communication between the rotating tube cavity and the lower tube cavity or the pushing tube cavity, thereby realizing the transfer of the cryopreservation tube.

[0057] Preferably, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the filling device of the present invention further includes a tube-cutting member 212 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 21. The tube-cutting member 212 is disposed close to the opening so as to separate the cryopreservation tube at the opening from the cryopreservation tube at the outlet of the lower cavity 12 when the rotating member 21 rotates from the first working position to the second working position.

[0058] Specifically, the end of the tube-cutting component 212 is located on the side of the opening of the rotating tube cavity 211 away from the pushing tube cavity 13, and the tube-cutting component 212 is slightly higher than the upper edge of the opening. When the cryopreservation tubes fill the rotating tube cavity 211, under the action of gravity, the junction of the rotating tube cavity 211 and the lower tube cavity 12 is filled with cryopreservation tubes in close contact. While controlling the rotating component 21 to rotate from the first working position to the second working position, it is necessary to separate the cryopreservation tubes located in the rotating tube cavity 211 from the cryopreservation tubes outside the rotating tube cavity 211 to prevent the rotating component 21 from squeezing and damaging the cryopreservation tubes at the opening of the rotating tube cavity 211.

[0059] At this time, since the tube cutting component 212 is slightly higher than the upper edge of the opening, when the rotating component 21 is started, it can lift up the cryopreservation tube located at the junction of the rotating tube cavity 211 and the lower tube cavity 12 and completely move it out of the rotating tube cavity 211. This avoids affecting the rotation of the rotating component 21 and also avoids the rotating component 21 from squeezing and damaging the cryopreservation tube.

[0060] Therefore, the cutting component 212 can separate the two closely contacting cryopreservation tubes from the junction of the rotating cavity 211 and the lower cavity 12, so as to ensure the normal operation of the rotating component 21 and avoid squeezing the cryopreservation tubes.

[0061] Preferably, such as Figures 2 to 5As shown, the tube cutting component 212 of the present invention includes a tube cutting portion 2121 and a supporting portion 2122. The tube cutting portion 2121 is located at the opening and is configured as an inclined surface or an arc surface so as to separate two adjacent cryopreservation tubes. The supporting portion 2122 is arranged circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component 21 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component 21. The supporting portion 2122 always supports the cryopreservation tube located at the tube outlet as the rotating component 21 rotates toward the second working position. The inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity 11 is provided with a receiving groove at a position corresponding to the supporting portion 2122 to accommodate the supporting portion 2122.

[0062] This design allows the cutting component 212 to smoothly enter between the two cryovials, separating the two closely contacting cryovials and making the cutting process smooth and gentle, avoiding squeezing damage to the cryovials. At the same time, it ensures that the cryovials in the lower cavity 12 are always in a supported state during the rotation of the rotating component 21, ensuring the smoothness of the rotation of the rotating component 21 between the first working position and the second working position.

[0063] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art prefer to use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to make the tube cutting component 212 because it has good heat and cold resistance, as well as a low coefficient of friction. Compared with the metal material used in the rotating component 21, its hardness is lower. These characteristics not only help to reduce the impact and damage of the rotating component 21 on the cryopreservation tubes, but also facilitate the cutting component 212 to cut and separate the cryopreservation tubes that are in close contact. At the same time, it also avoids the adverse effects of the low temperature environment on the equipment.

[0064] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, the filling device of the present invention further includes a first positioning stop member and a second positioning stop member disposed on the fixed member 1. The rotating pipe device 2 is located between the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member. Both the first positioning stop member and the second positioning stop member can stop the rotating pipe device 2 so that the rotating pipe device 2 stops exactly at the first working position and the second working position, respectively.

[0065] For example, the first positioning stop member 13 and the second positioning stop member 14 are respectively located on both sides of the driving member 23 or the rotating member 21. The driving member 23 or the rotating member 21 has a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure respectively. Through the cooperation of the limiting structure and the stop member, the rotational movement of the driving member 23 or the rotating member 21 can be stopped from both sides, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the driving member 23 or the rotating member 21 between the first positioning stop member 13 and the second positioning stop member 14, so that the rotating member 21 can switch between the first working position and the second working position, so that the rotating cavity 211 can be accurately docked with the lower cavity 12 or the push cavity 13 respectively.

[0066] This design makes the docking of the rotating tube 211 with the lower tube 12 and the pushing tube 13 more accurate and convenient, reduces the difficulty of operating the equipment, and improves the transfer efficiency of the cryopreservation tubes.

[0067] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first positioning stop component of the present invention includes a first base 141 and a first adjusting stop 142 disposed on the first base 141. The second positioning stop component includes a second base 151 and a second adjusting stop 152 disposed on the second base 151. The first base 141 and the second base 151 are both fixedly connected to or integrally disposed with the fixing component 1. The first adjusting stop 142 and the second adjusting stop 152 can both stop the rotating tube device 2. The first adjusting stop 142 and the second adjusting stop 152 can move relative to the first base 141 and the second base 151, respectively, so that the rotating tube device 2 can always be stopped exactly at the first working position and the second working position, respectively.

[0068] Specifically, the first base 141 and the second base 151 are fixedly connected to the fixed member 1, and the first adjusting stop 131 and the second adjusting stop 141 cooperate with the limiting structure on the driving member 23 or the rotating member 21 to complete the limiting. By adjusting the position of the first adjusting stop 131 and the second adjusting stop 141 relative to the first base 141 and the second base, the stopping position on both sides of the driving member 23 or the rotating member 21 can be changed, thereby adjusting the docking accuracy between the rotating cavity 211 and the lower cavity 12, and between the rotating cavity 211 and the push cavity 13.

[0069] As the equipment ages, the clearance between components may deviate to some extent, causing misalignment between the rotating cavity 211 and the lower cavity 12, and between the rotating cavity 211 and the pushing cavity 13. This affects the smoothness of the cryopreservation tube movement. In this case, the docking positions of the rotating cavity 211 and the lower cavity 12, and between the rotating cavity 211 and the pushing cavity 13, can be adjusted by controlling the first adjusting stop 131 and the second adjusting stop 141, thereby improving the docking position accuracy.

[0070] Preferably, the first base 141 and the second base are configured as limiting blocks with threaded holes, and the first adjusting stop 131 and the second adjusting stop 141 are configured as bolts. The bolt length is adjusted by the cooperation between the bolt and the threaded hole, thereby adjusting the stop position.

[0071] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can also set the stop member and the adjusting stop member to any structural form, as long as the position between the adjusting stop member and the stop member can be adjusted. This case does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0072] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, the limiting device 4 of the present invention includes a first limiting member 41 and a second limiting member 42 spaced apart along the extension direction of the push tube cavity 13. The first limiting member 41 has a first limiting groove 411 and a first baffle 412. The first baffle 412 is provided with a through hole 413 that allows multiple cryopreservation tubes to pass through simultaneously. The second limiting member 42 has a second limiting groove 421 and a second baffle 422. The first limiting groove 411 and the second limiting groove 421 can clamp the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides to limit the radial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The first baffle 412 and the second baffle 422 can stop the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both ends to limit the axial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The two ends of the through hole 413 are respectively connected to the first end of the push tube cavity 13 and the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0073] For example, the first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42 are distributed at intervals along the extension direction of the push tube cavity 13, and can fix the two ends of the cryopreservation tube sleeve respectively. The first limiting groove 411 and the second limiting groove 421 both adopt the structure of U-shaped grooves to clamp the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides and restrict the lateral displacement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The first baffle 412 and the second baffle 422 can respectively apply an inward stopping force to the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both ends to restrict the axial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

[0074] Preferably, the first limiting member 41 is fitted to the first end of the push tube cavity 13, and the through hole 413 on the first baffle 412 is connected to the opening of the push tube cavity 13 to realize the communication between the cryopreservation tube sleeve and the push tube cavity 13. The cryopreservation tube can pass through the through hole 413 and enter the cryopreservation tube sleeve under the push of the push tube device 3.

[0075] In addition, there is a chamfered structure on the inner top of the U-shaped groove, which makes it easier for the cryopreservation tube sleeve to enter the U-shaped groove.

[0076] With this setting, the limiting device 4 can stop and limit the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides and both ends, making the positioning of the cryopreservation tube sleeve more accurate and ensuring the coaxiality of the cryopreservation tube sleeve and the push tube cavity 13, so that multiple cryopreservation tubes can be smoothly pushed into the cryopreservation tube sleeve from the push tube cavity 13.

[0077] Preferably, such as Figure 6As shown, the limiting device 4 of the present invention further includes a third limiting member 43 located between the first limiting member 41 and the second limiting member 42. The third limiting member 43 includes a third limiting groove 431 and a fastening member 432. The fastening member 432 can adjust the clamping force on the cryopreservation tube sleeve located in the third limiting groove 431. With this arrangement, the cryopreservation tube can be limited from the middle, further improving the lateral stability of the cryopreservation tube sleeve, while also facilitating the rapid fixing and disassembly of the cryopreservation tube, thus improving the filling efficiency of the cryopreservation tube.

[0078] For example, the third limiting groove 431 is also configured as a U-shaped groove structure, and the fastening member 432 is configured as two oppositely arranged fastening bolts. The two fastening bolts are respectively arranged on two opposite side walls of the U-shaped groove. Both side walls of the U-shaped groove have threaded through holes 413 for installing fastening bolts. By cooperating with the fastening bolts and the threaded through holes 413, the clamping force of the fastening member 432 on the cryopreservation tube sleeve can be adjusted.

[0079] It should be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can flexibly install the fastening member 432 on the first limiting member 41 and / or the second limiting member 42 and / or the third limiting member 43, as long as sufficient clamping force can be provided. Such flexible adjustments and changes do not deviate from the principles and scope of the present invention and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0080] In this invention, the fastening bolt is preferably set on the second limiting member 42 located in the middle, which can provide better clamping stability by clamping the middle part of the cryopreservation tube sleeve, and also helps to control the number of components used and equipment costs.

[0081] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, those skilled in the art can flexibly set the fastening component 432 as a clamp, spring clip, etc., as long as it can adjust the clamping force on the cryopreservation tube sleeve. Such flexible adjustment and change do not deviate from the principle and scope of the present invention and should be limited to the protection scope of the present invention. The present invention preferably adopts a fastening bolt scheme.

[0082] This design allows for restraint from the middle of the cryopreservation tube, further improving the lateral stability of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. It also facilitates the quick fixing and disassembly of the cryopreservation tube, thereby increasing the filling efficiency of the cryopreservation tube.

[0083] Preferably, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lower cavity 12 of the present invention has an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the inclined surface is connected to the lower opening of the lower cavity 12.

[0084] This design allows the tube opening at the top of the lower tube 12 to gradually increase in size, which is beneficial for the placement of cryopreservation tubes. On the other hand, the inclined structure that slopes inward from top to bottom is more conducive to the cryopreservation tubes sliding down to the lower tube opening, thus improving the efficiency of tube transfer.

[0085] Preferably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the push tube device 3 of the present invention includes a push rod 31 and a guide mechanism 32. The guide mechanism 32 is fixed at the second end of the push tube cavity 13, and the push rod 31 is movably connected to the guide mechanism 32. The push rod 31 can move in the push tube cavity 13 along the guiding direction of the guide mechanism 32.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the guide mechanism 32 includes a fixed seat and a guide hole disposed on the fixed seat. The guide hole, the push tube cavity 13 and the cryopreservation tube sleeve are coaxially arranged. The push rod 31 passes through the guide hole and can slide in the guide hole, thereby realizing the movement of the push rod 31 in the push tube cavity 13.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment, the guide mechanism 32 includes a guide rail and a guide groove arranged along the extension direction of the push tube cavity 13, and the push rod 31 is fixedly connected to the guide rail and is arranged facing the push tube cavity 13, thereby realizing the movement of the push rod 31 in the push tube cavity 13.

[0088] This design ensures the stable movement of the push rod 31 within the push tube cavity 13, thereby achieving stable filling of the cryopreservation tube.

[0089] 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 filling device for cryopreservation tubes, characterized in that, The loading equipment includes a fixing component and a pipe rotating device, a pipe pushing device, and a limiting device installed on the fixing component. The fixing component has a receiving cavity, a lower tube cavity, and a pushing tube cavity. The lower tube cavity and the pushing tube cavity are both connected to the receiving cavity and can each accommodate multiple cryopreservation tubes. The tube transfer device has a transfer cavity capable of accommodating multiple cryovials, and the transfer cavity has an opening on the surface of the tube transfer device that allows the cryovials to pass through. The tube transfer device is located within the accommodating cavity and can move within the accommodating cavity to switch between a first working position and a second working position. When the tube transfer device is in the first working position, the tube transfer chamber is connected to the lower tube chamber so that the cryopreservation tube in the lower tube chamber enters the tube transfer chamber. When the tube transfer device is in the second working position, the tube transfer chamber is connected to the push tube chamber so that the cryopreservation tube in the tube transfer chamber enters the push tube chamber. The limiting device is located at the first end of the push tube cavity and can fix the cryopreservation tube sleeve at the first end of the push tube cavity so that the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve is connected to the first end of the push tube cavity. The push tube device is located at the second end of the push tube cavity and can extend into the push tube cavity to push the cryopreservation tube transferred to the push tube cavity into the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

2. The filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating tube device includes a rotating component and a rotating shaft. The receiving cavity is cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating component is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity. The rotating tube cavity is located inside the rotating component, and the opening of the rotating tube cavity is located on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The rotating component is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft or integrally formed. The rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the fixed component so that the rotating component can rotate within the receiving cavity, thereby allowing the rotating component to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

3. The filling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filling device further includes a tube-cutting component disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. The tube-cutting component is disposed close to the opening so as to separate the cryopreservation tube at the opening from the cryopreservation tube at the outlet of the lower tube cavity when the rotating member rotates from the first working position to the second working position.

4. The filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tube cutting component includes a tube cutting section and a support section. The tube cutting section is located at the opening and is configured as an inclined surface or an arc surface to separate two adjacent cryogenic tubes. The support section is arranged circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating component. The support section always supports the cryogenic tube located at the tube outlet as the rotating component rotates toward the second working position. The inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity is provided with a receiving groove at a position corresponding to the support section to accommodate the support section.

5. The filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading device further includes a first positioning stop component and a second positioning stop component disposed on the fixed component. The pipe rotating device is located between the first positioning stop component and the second positioning stop component. Both the first positioning stop component and the second positioning stop component can stop the pipe rotating device so that the pipe rotating device stops exactly at the first working position and the second working position, respectively.

6. The filling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first positioning stop component includes a first base and a first adjusting stop disposed on the first base. The second positioning stop component includes a second base and a second adjusting stop disposed on the second base. The first base and the second base are both fixedly connected to or integrally disposed with the fixing component. The first adjusting stop and the second adjusting stop can both stop the rotating pipe device. The first adjusting stop and the second adjusting stop can move relative to the first base and the second base, respectively, so that the rotating pipe device can always be stopped exactly at the first working position and the second working position, respectively.

7. The filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting device includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member spaced apart along the extension direction of the push tube cavity. The first limiting member has a first limiting groove and a first baffle. The first baffle has a through hole that allows multiple cryopreservation tubes to pass through simultaneously. The second limiting member has a second limiting groove and a second baffle. Both the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove can clamp the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both sides to limit the radial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The first baffle and the second baffle can stop the cryopreservation tube sleeve from both ends to limit the axial movement of the cryopreservation tube sleeve. The two ends of the through hole are respectively connected to the first end of the push tube cavity and the first end of the cryopreservation tube sleeve.

8. The filling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting device further includes a third limiting member located between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The third limiting member includes a third limiting groove and a fastening member. The fastening member is capable of adjusting the clamping force on the cryopreservation tube sleeve located in the third limiting groove.

9. The filling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower tube cavity has an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the inclined surface is connected to the lower tube opening of the lower tube cavity.

10. The filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The tube-pushing device includes a push rod and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is fixed to the second end of the tube-pushing cavity, and the push rod is movably connected to the guide mechanism. The push rod can move within the tube-pushing cavity along the guiding direction of the guide mechanism.

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