An automated storage device with RFID functionality

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of cryopreservation tube storage, in particular to automatic storage equipment with RFID function, which comprises a storage table, a storage mechanism arranged at the bottom of the storage table, a cryopreservation box feeding assembly arranged on the storage table, a pasting assembly arranged on one side of the cryopreservation box feeding assembly, a first transfer mechanical arm and a second transfer mechanical arm arranged on one side of the cryopreservation box feeding assembly, a cryopreservation rack mounting assembly arranged on one side of the second transfer mechanical arm, a transverse movement assembly arranged on the storage table, and a code reading plate arranged on the storage mechanism. The cryopreservation tube is pasted with a code by the pasting assembly, the code is read by a code reader, the cryopreservation tube is loaded into a cryopreservation box, the cryopreservation box is placed into a cryopreservation rack by a mechanical arm, and then the cryopreservation rack is placed into the storage mechanism by the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cryopreservation technology, and more specifically to an automated storage device with RFID functionality. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, automated storage devices are being used more and more widely in various fields, especially in medical and biological sample preservation, where they can greatly improve storage efficiency and accuracy. Existing automated storage devices typically use barcode technology for item identification and tracking, by affixing barcodes to items and then scanning them. While this method can automate item identification and tracking, in large-scale storage environments, it requires a significant amount of manpower and time for barcode affixing and scanning, resulting in low efficiency.

[0003] Barcode technology has several drawbacks. First, its relatively slow recognition speed cannot meet the needs of large-scale storage. Second, barcodes are susceptible to environmental factors such as stains and wear, which can lead to recognition errors. Finally, barcode technology requires manual operation, increasing labor costs and the possibility of errors. Therefore, achieving rapid and accurate identification of items in automated storage devices is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and provide an automated storage device with RFID functionality.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An automated storage device with RFID functionality includes a storage platform, a storage mechanism at the bottom of the storage platform, and further includes:

[0007] A cryopreservation box feeding assembly is mounted on the storage platform and is used to provide the cryopreservation box body;

[0008] An RFID tagging assembly is located on one side of the cryopreservation box loading assembly. It is used to transfer cryopreservation tubes and attach RFID tags to the cryopreservation tubes.

[0009] The first and second transfer robotic arms are located on one side of the cryopreservation box loading assembly and are used to transport the cryopreservation box body filled with cryopreservation tubes.

[0010] A cryopreservation rack mounting assembly is located on one side of the second transfer robotic arm and is used to install the cryopreservation rack body into the storage mechanism;

[0011] A traverse assembly, mounted on the storage platform, is used to drive the movement of the cryogenic rack mounting assembly;

[0012] The code reader is installed on the storage mechanism and is used to read the information of all cryogenic tubes on the cryogenic rack body inside the storage mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the labeling assembly includes a labeling track mounted on the storage platform, a label bin on one side of the labeling track, label paper wrapped around the cryopreservation tube label bin, the label bin applying the label paper to the cryopreservation tube, a barcode reader on one side of the label bin, and a drop outlet at the conveying end of the labeling track.

[0014] Furthermore, the cryopreservation box feeding assembly includes a cryopreservation box storage unit, a cryopreservation box pushing mechanism is provided on the top of the cryopreservation box storage unit, a transfer mechanism is provided on one side of the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism, the transfer mechanism moves the cryopreservation box body to directly below the drop port, and a pressing mechanism is also provided on one side of the labeling track, the pressing mechanism is used to press the cryopreservation tube into the cryopreservation box body.

[0015] Furthermore, the cryopreservation box storage includes a loading platform, a storage box bin at the bottom of the loading platform, a lifting plate slidably disposed inside the storage box bin, the cryopreservation box body is stacked on the lifting plate, and a limit spring is provided at the bottom of the lifting plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism includes a first fixed frame fixed to the top of the cryopreservation box, a push plate for pushing the cryopreservation box body is provided inside the first fixed frame, a baffle is provided on one side of the push plate, a horizontal sliding rod is fixedly provided at the top of the push plate, and two sliding rods are provided on the first fixed frame, with the two ends of the horizontal sliding rod respectively sleeved on the two sliding rods.

[0017] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism includes a first movable plate disposed on one side of the first fixed frame, a second movable plate disposed on the first movable plate, a first lead screw rotatably disposed inside the loading platform, the first movable plate being sleeved on the first lead screw, a second lead screw rotatably disposed inside the first movable plate, and the second lead screw being perpendicular to the first lead screw, the second movable plate being sleeved on the second lead screw.

[0018] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism includes a column fixed to the loading platform, a fixing plate on the column, a hydraulic rod installed on the fixing plate, and a pressure plate connected to the movable end of the hydraulic rod. The pressure plate is located directly above the drop opening.

[0019] Furthermore, the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly includes a movable frame mounted on a transverse component. First drive wheels are rotatably mounted on both sides of the movable frame, and a fixed shaft is rotatably mounted on the top of the movable frame. A first driven wheel and a second driven wheel are mounted on the fixed shaft. The first driven wheel is connected to the first drive wheel via a conveyor belt. A first fixed pulley is also mounted on the bottom of the movable frame, and the second driven wheel is connected to the first fixed pulley via a first steel wire rope. A lifting frame mounted on the first steel wire rope is mounted inside the movable frame, and a clamp for holding the cryopreservation rack body is mounted at the bottom of the lifting frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the transverse component includes a second fixed frame fixed to the storage platform, a drive mechanism is provided on the second fixed frame, a second drive wheel is provided at the output end of the drive mechanism, a second fixed pulley is provided at the end of the second fixed frame away from the second drive wheel, the second drive wheel and the second fixed pulley are connected by a second steel wire rope, a movable slider is fixedly provided on the second steel wire rope, and the movable slider is fixed on the movable frame.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] This invention comprises an application assembly, a feeding assembly, a robotic arm, and a cryopreservation rack mounting assembly. Cryopreservation tubes are first coded by the application assembly and then coded by a code reader. The tubes are then placed into cryopreservation boxes, which are placed into cryopreservation racks by the robotic arm. Finally, the cryopreservation racks are placed into the storage mechanism by the mounting assembly. When an inventory check of samples in the storage area is required, the storage area code reader is activated to perform an RFID inventory check of the samples. When some samples are obstructed by metal parts, the storage system can rotate or move the cryopreservation racks to position the samples below the code reader, thereby achieving rapid inventory of all samples. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the patching component of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryopreservation box feeding assembly of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transverse movement component of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Storage platform; 2. Labeling assembly; 21. Labeling track; 22. Label bin; 23. Label paper; 24. Barcode reader; 25. Drop outlet; 3. Frozen storage box loading assembly; 31. Loading platform; 32. Storage bin; 33. Lifting plate; 34. Frozen storage box body; 35. Limiting spring; 36. First fixed frame; 37. Push plate; 38. Baffle; 39. Horizontal movement rod; 310. Sliding rod; 311. First moving plate; 312. Second moving plate; 313. First lead screw; 314. Second lead screw; 315. Column; 316. Fixed plate; 317. Hydraulic rod; 318. Pressure plate; 4. First transfer robotic arm; 5. Second transfer robotic arm; 6. Cryopreservation rack mounting assembly; 61. Movable frame; 62. First drive wheel; 63. Fixed rotating shaft; 64. First driven wheel; 65. Conveyor belt; 66. Second driven wheel; 67. First wire rope; 68. Lifting frame; 69. Clamp; 7. Lateral movement assembly; 71. Second fixed frame; 72. Drive mechanism; 73. Second drive wheel; 74. Second wire rope; 75. Moving slider; 8. Cryopreservation rack body; 9. Storage mechanism; 91. Code reader. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0032] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, an automated storage device with RFID functionality includes a storage platform 1, a storage mechanism 9 at the bottom of the storage platform 1, and the storage mechanism 9 using a liquid nitrogen tank. It also includes:

[0033] The cryopreservation box feeding assembly 3 is set on the storage platform 1 to provide the cryopreservation box body 34 and to load cryopreservation tubes into the cryopreservation box body 34.

[0034] The labeling component 2 is located on one side of the cryopreservation box feeding component 3. It is used to transfer cryopreservation tubes and apply RFID tags to the cryopreservation tubes. After the tags are applied, the tubes can be inserted into the cryopreservation box body 34.

[0035] The first transfer robotic arm 4 and the second transfer robotic arm 5 are located on one side of the cryopreservation box loading assembly 3 and are used to transport the cryopreservation box body 34 filled with cryopreservation tubes and can put the cryopreservation box body 34 into the cryopreservation rack body 8.

[0036] The cryopreservation rack mounting assembly 6 is located on one side of the second transfer robotic arm 5 and is used to install the cryopreservation rack body 8 into the storage mechanism 9;

[0037] The lateral movement component 7 is mounted on the storage platform 1 and is used to drive the movement of the cryopreservation rack mounting component 6;

[0038] The code reader 91 is installed on the storage mechanism 9. When it is necessary to inventory the samples in the storage area, the code reader 91 of the storage mechanism 9 is activated to perform radio frequency inventory of the samples in the memory.

[0039] A rotating mechanism can be installed inside the liquid nitrogen tank. This rotating mechanism can drive the drive shaft to rotate via a drive motor. A hanger is installed on the drive shaft to hang the cryopreservation rack body 8. When some samples are blocked by metal parts, the liquid nitrogen tank can rotate or move the cryopreservation rack so that the samples are under the barcode reader 91, thereby achieving rapid inventory of all samples.

[0040] In one embodiment, the labeling assembly 2 includes a labeling track 21 disposed on the storage platform 1. A label bin 22 is disposed on one side of the labeling track 21. Label paper 23 is wrapped around the cryopreservation tube label bin 22. The label bin 22 applies the label paper 23 to the cryopreservation tube. A barcode reader 24 is disposed on one side of the label bin 22. A drop opening 25 is provided at the conveying end of the labeling track 21.

[0041] The cryopreservation tube enters from one end of the labeling track 21. When it passes the label bin 22, the label bin 22 applies a label 23 to the cryopreservation tube and can rotate the cryopreservation tube to make the label more stable. Then, when it passes the barcode reader 24, the cryopreservation tube can be recorded. Finally, it moves to the end of the labeling track 21 and falls down from the drop outlet 25.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cryopreservation box loading assembly 3 includes a cryopreservation box storage unit. A cryopreservation box pushing mechanism is provided on the top of the cryopreservation box storage unit. A transfer mechanism is provided on one side of the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism. The transfer mechanism moves the cryopreservation box body 34 directly below the drop port 25. A pressing mechanism is also provided on one side of the labeling track 21. The pressing mechanism is used to press the cryopreservation tube into the cryopreservation box body 34.

[0043] The cryopreservation box bodies 34 are stacked inside the cryopreservation box storage. The cryopreservation box bodies 34 can be pushed out one by one by the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism. Then, the cryopreservation box bodies 34 are moved to the bottom of the drop port 25 by the transfer mechanism. After the cryopreservation tubes fall from the drop port 25, the cryopreservation tubes are pressed into the cryopreservation box bodies 34 by the pressing mechanism. The transfer mechanism can move along the grooves on the cryopreservation box bodies 34 one by one, so that the cryopreservation tubes can be put into the grooves one by one until the cryopreservation box body 34 is full. The first transfer robotic arm 4 removes it. The transfer mechanism returns to the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism so that the next cryopreservation box body 34 moves to the transfer mechanism.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cryopreservation box storage includes a loading platform 31, a storage box 32 is provided at the bottom of the loading platform 31, a lifting plate 33 is slidably provided in the storage box 32, the cryopreservation box body 34 is stacked on the lifting plate 33, and a limit spring 35 is provided at the bottom of the lifting plate 33.

[0045] The cryopreservation boxes 34 are stacked one by one on the lifting plate 33 inside the storage box 32. The top cryopreservation box 34 is pushed into the transfer mechanism by the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism. Then, under the elastic force of the limit spring 35, all the cryopreservation boxes 34 are pushed to move upward by one position.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism includes a first fixing frame 36 fixed to the top of the cryopreservation box 32, a push plate 37 for pushing the cryopreservation box body 34 is provided inside the first fixing frame 36, a baffle 38 is provided on one side of the push plate 37, a horizontal sliding rod 39 is fixedly provided at the top of the push plate 37, and two sliding rods 310 are provided on the first fixing frame 36, with the two ends of the horizontal sliding rod 39 respectively sleeved on the two sliding rods 310;

[0047] When the top cryopreservation box body 34 is attached to the first fixing frame 36, the horizontal sliding rod 39 slides along the slide bar 310, driving the push plate 37 to push the top cryopreservation box body 34 outward, while the baffle 38 can squeeze the bottom cryopreservation box body 34. After the top cryopreservation box body 34 is pushed into the transfer mechanism, the push plate 37 moves back, and then the cryopreservation box body 34 will move upward under the elastic force of the limit spring 35 and be attached to the top of the first fixing frame 36 again.

[0048] In one embodiment, the transfer mechanism includes a first movable plate 311 disposed on one side of the first fixed frame 36. A clamping mechanism may also be disposed on the first movable plate 311 for fixing the cryopreservation box body 34. A second movable plate 312 is disposed on the first movable plate 311. A first lead screw 313 is rotatably disposed inside the loading platform 31. The first movable plate 311 is sleeved on the first lead screw 313. A second lead screw 314 is rotatably disposed inside the first movable plate 311 and is perpendicular to the first lead screw 313. The second movable plate 312 is sleeved on the second lead screw 314.

[0049] After the cryopreservation box body 34 moves onto the first moving plate 311, it can be fixed by the clamping mechanism. Then, driven by the first lead screw 313 and the second lead screw 314, it moves to the bottom of the drop opening 25 and aligns the drop opening 25 with the outermost groove. After the pressing mechanism pushes the cryopreservation tube into the groove, the first moving plate 311 is moved so that the second groove is located at the bottom of the drop opening 25. It moves horizontally to the last one and then vertically into the second row. This process is repeated until all the grooves are filled with cryopreservation tubes.

[0050] In one embodiment, the pressing mechanism includes a column 315 fixed on the loading platform 31, a fixing plate 316 is provided on the column 315, a hydraulic rod 317 is installed on the fixing plate 316, and a pressure plate 318 is connected to the movable end of the hydraulic rod 317. The pressure plate 318 is located directly above the drop opening 25.

[0051] After the cryopreservation tube falls along the drop opening 25, it will fall into the groove directly below. Then, the hydraulic rod 317 pushes the pressure plate 318 to press the cryopreservation tube into the groove, making the cryopreservation tube more secure.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly 6 includes a movable frame 61 mounted on a transverse assembly 7. First drive wheels 62 are rotatably mounted on both sides of the movable frame 61, and a fixed shaft 63 is rotatably mounted on the top of the movable frame 61. A first driven wheel 64 and a second driven wheel 66 are mounted on the fixed shaft 63. The first driven wheel 64 is connected to the first drive wheel 62 via a conveyor belt 65. A first fixed pulley is also mounted on the bottom of the movable frame 61. The second driven wheel 66 is connected to the first fixed pulley via a first steel wire rope 67. A lifting frame 68 mounted on the first steel wire rope 67 is mounted inside the movable frame 61. A clamp 69 for holding the cryopreservation rack body 8 is mounted at the bottom of the lifting frame 68.

[0053] First, a through hole is made on the storage platform 1, allowing the movable rack 61 to move freely up and down. Since multiple cryopreservation box bodies 34 can be installed on the cryopreservation rack body 8 from top to bottom, the cryopreservation box bodies 34 can be installed from top to bottom when they are put into the cryopreservation rack body 8. That is, at the beginning, the movable rack 61 is located at the bottom of the through hole, exposing the upper end of the cryopreservation rack body 8. Then, the second transfer robotic arm 5 puts the cryopreservation box body 34 into the cryopreservation rack body 8. Next, the movable rack 61 moves up one position to facilitate the insertion of the next cryopreservation box body 34 until the cryopreservation rack body 8 is full. Then, the movable rack 61 is moved to the top of the liquid nitrogen tank and the cryopreservation rack body 8 is placed inside.

[0054] In one embodiment, the lateral movement assembly 7 includes a second fixed frame 71 fixed on the storage platform 1. A drive mechanism 72 is provided on the second fixed frame 71. A second drive wheel 73 is provided at the output end of the drive mechanism 72. A second fixed pulley is provided at the end of the second fixed frame 71 away from the second drive wheel 73. The second drive wheel 73 and the second fixed pulley are connected by a second steel wire rope 74. A movable slider 75 is fixedly provided on the second steel wire rope 74. The movable slider 75 is fixed on the movable frame 61 and mainly drives the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly 6 to move laterally, so as to move the movable frame 61 above the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated storage device with RFID functionality, comprising a storage platform (1), wherein a storage mechanism (9) is provided at the bottom of the storage platform (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The cryopreservation box feeding assembly (3) is set on the storage platform (1) and is used to provide the cryopreservation box body (34). The applicator (2) is located on one side of the cryopreservation box loading assembly (3) and is used to transfer cryopreservation tubes and apply RFID tags to the cryopreservation tubes. The first transfer robotic arm (4) and the second transfer robotic arm (5) are located on one side of the cryopreservation box loading assembly (3) and are used to transport the cryopreservation box body (34) filled with cryopreservation tubes. The cryopreservation rack mounting assembly (6) is located on one side of the second transfer robotic arm (5) and is used to install the cryopreservation rack body (8) into the storage mechanism (9); A lateral movement assembly (7) is mounted on the storage platform (1) and is used to drive the movement of the cryopreservation rack mounting assembly (6); A code reader (91) is installed on the storage mechanism (9) and is used to read the information of all cryopreservation tubes on the cryopreservation rack body (8) inside the storage mechanism (9); The applicator (2) includes an applicator track (21) set on the storage platform (1), a label bin (22) is set on one side of the applicator track (21), a label paper (23) is wrapped around the cryopreservation tube label bin (22), the label bin (22) applies the label paper (23) to the cryopreservation tube, a barcode reader (24) is set on one side of the label bin (22), and a drop outlet (25) is opened at the conveying end of the applicator track (21). The cryopreservation box feeding assembly (3) includes a cryopreservation box storage unit. A cryopreservation box pushing mechanism is provided on the top of the cryopreservation box storage unit. A transfer mechanism is provided on one side of the cryopreservation box pushing mechanism. The transfer mechanism moves the cryopreservation box body (34) directly below the drop port (25). A pressing mechanism is also provided on one side of the labeling track (21). The pressing mechanism is used to press the cryopreservation tube into the cryopreservation box body (34). The cryopreservation box storage includes a loading platform (31), a storage box barrel (32) is provided at the bottom of the loading platform (31), a lifting plate (33) is slidably provided in the storage box barrel (32), the cryopreservation box body (34) is stacked on the lifting plate (33), and a limit spring (35) is provided at the bottom of the lifting plate (33). The cryopreservation box pushing mechanism includes a first fixed frame (36) fixed to the top of the cryopreservation box (32), a push plate (37) for pushing the cryopreservation box body (34) is provided inside the first fixed frame (36), a baffle (38) is provided on one side of the push plate (37), a horizontal sliding rod (39) is fixedly provided at the top of the push plate (37), and two sliding rods (310) are provided on the first fixed frame (36), with the two ends of the horizontal sliding rod (39) respectively fitted onto the two sliding rods (310); The transfer mechanism includes a first movable plate (311) disposed on one side of the first fixed frame (36), a second movable plate (312) disposed on the first movable plate (311), a first lead screw (313) rotatably disposed inside the loading platform (31), the first movable plate (311) being sleeved on the first lead screw (313), a second lead screw (314) rotatably disposed inside the first movable plate (311), and the second lead screw (314) being perpendicular to the first lead screw (313), and the second movable plate (312) being sleeved on the second lead screw (314); The pressing mechanism includes a column (315) fixed on the loading platform (31), a fixing plate (316) is provided on the column (315), a hydraulic rod (317) is installed on the fixing plate (316), and a pressure plate (318) is connected to the movable end of the hydraulic rod (317). The pressure plate (318) is located directly above the drop opening (25).

2. The automated storage device with RFID function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryopreservation rack mounting assembly (6) includes a movable frame (61) mounted on a transverse assembly (7). The movable frame (61) has a first drive wheel (62) rotatably mounted on both sides. The movable frame (61) has a fixed shaft (63) rotatably mounted on the top of the movable frame (61). The fixed shaft (63) is fitted with a first driven wheel (64) and a second driven wheel (66). The first driven wheel (64) is connected to the first drive wheel (62) via a conveyor belt (65). The bottom of the movable frame (61) is also provided with a first fixed pulley. The second driven wheel (66) is connected to the first fixed pulley via a first steel wire rope (67). The movable frame (61) has a lifting frame (68) mounted on the first steel wire rope (67) inside. The bottom of the lifting frame (68) is provided with a clamp (69) for clamping the cryopreservation rack body (8).

3. An automated storage device with RFID functionality according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse component (7) includes a second fixed frame (71) fixed on the storage platform (1). A drive mechanism (72) is provided on the second fixed frame (71). A second drive wheel (73) is provided at the output end of the drive mechanism (72). A second fixed pulley is provided at the end of the second fixed frame (71) away from the second drive wheel (73). The second drive wheel (73) and the second fixed pulley are connected by a second steel wire rope (74). A movable slider (75) is fixedly provided on the second steel wire rope (74). The movable slider (75) is fixed on the movable frame (61).

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