Expandable biological sample bank system and sample access method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of biological sample library, and in particular to an expandable biological sample library system and a sample access method, comprising: at least one first unit, the first unit comprising a first functional area and a first storage area, the first storage area being used for storing sample boxes; at least one second unit, the second unit comprising a second functional area and a second storage area, the second storage area being used for storing sample boxes; the sample library system proposed in the present application can reduce investment and save energy in the early stage of library construction, and can freely add the first unit or the second unit according to the needs of users in the later stage, without equipment redundancy, with high adaptability between different units, and with free operation of sample boxes; the expansion mode of the sample library is simple, the cost is low, the access of samples is convenient, accurate and reliable, whether the access of whole boxes or single tubes can be adapted, the separately arranged refrigeration system can reduce energy consumption and ensure the safety of sample storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biobank technology, and more specifically to scalable biobank systems and sample access methods. Background Technology

[0002] Existing biobank storage devices have fixed capacities. In the early stages of biobank development, when sample storage is limited, excessively large storage devices waste space and energy. As the sample storage volume increases during the biobank's growth, the capacity of the existing storage devices needs to be increased. Expansion is generally achieved by adding new storage devices, but installing these new devices is difficult.

[0003] Currently, biobank storage devices are available in two levels of automation: tube-based and box-based. For users requiring tube-based automation in biobank construction, purchasing multiple tube-based storage devices is costly and results in functional redundancy. Biobanks using a combination of two different levels of automation require robotic or manual transport, further increasing construction costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in existing biobank systems, the first aspect of this invention proposes a scalable biobank system, comprising:

[0005] At least one first unit, the first unit including a first functional area and a first storage area, the first storage area being used to store sample boxes;

[0006] At least one second unit, the second unit including a second functional area and a second storage area, the second storage area being used to store sample boxes;

[0007] The first functional area is provided with two first transfer windows and one first pick-up and place window, and the second functional area is provided with two second transfer windows and one second pick-up and place window.

[0008] A number of the first units and a number of the second units are distributed along a linear direction to form a sample library, and multiple first pick-and-place windows and multiple second transfer windows are distributed along a straight line.

[0009] The second functional area is configured to recognize sample boxes entering the second functional area and to allow them to be transferred between the second storage area, two second transfer windows, and a second pick-and-place window;

[0010] The first functional area is configured to be able to identify the sample box entering the first functional area and the sample tube in the sample box, and to complete the transfer of the sample box between the first storage area, the two first transfer windows and the first pick-up and put-down window;

[0011] The first functional area is configured to temporarily store at least two sample boxes that enter the first functional area and to transfer sample tubes between the two temporarily stored sample boxes.

[0012] Preferably, the first functional area and / or the first storage area contains at least one empty sample box.

[0013] Preferably, the second storage area contains at least one empty sample box.

[0014] Preferably, the first functional area is provided with a gripping component and a first turnover component, and the first storage area is provided with a first storage rack and a first gripping robot arm;

[0015] The gripping component includes an XY-axis drive mechanism, a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a temporary storage platform, and a first identification device. The first turnover component is disposed on the temporary storage platform and partially covers the temporary storage platform. The first gripping robotic arm is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform and the first storage rack. The first robotic arm is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform, the first turnover component, and the first identification device. The first turnover component is used to transfer the sample box between two first transfer windows.

[0016] Preferably, the temporary storage platform is equipped with a sample tube rack for temporarily storing sample tubes.

[0017] Preferably, the first functional area and the second functional area are separated by a first door, and the first functional area and the second functional area have separate refrigeration systems.

[0018] Preferably, the second functional area is provided with a second turnover component and a second identification device, the second identification device identifies sample boxes entering and exiting the second pick-up and put-out window, and the second storage area is provided with a second storage rack and a second gripping robot, the second gripping robot being used to transfer sample boxes between the second storage rack and the second turnover component.

[0019] Preferably, the second turnover component and the second storage rack are separated by a second door, and the second functional area and the second storage area are equipped with separate refrigeration systems.

[0020] Preferably, the second identification device is configured to identify sample tube information entering the second pick-up and place window, and the second gripping robot grabs the unfilled sample box from the second storage area and hands it to the second pick-up and place window for loading the sample tube identified by the second identification device.

[0021] The second aspect of this invention proposes a technical solution, a sample storage and retrieval method, using the aforementioned scalable biobank system, including a sample storage method and a retrieval method;

[0022] The storage method includes the following steps:

[0023] Step a1: The sample tube is handed into any of the second pick-up and drop-off windows, and the label information on the sample tube is identified by the second function area;

[0024] Step a2: The system finds the unfilled sample box at any target location in the first or second storage area, and identifies and transfers it to the second pick-up and drop-off window through the first and / or second functional areas.

[0025] Step a3: The user inserts the sample tube into the sample box;

[0026] Step a4: The sample box containing the target sample tube is transferred to the target location by the first functional area and / or the second functional area;

[0027] The extraction method includes the following steps:

[0028] Step b1: The system determines the location of the corresponding sample box based on the target sample tube information input by the user.

[0029] Step b2: The first and / or second functional areas transfer the sample box at the target location and an empty sample box to the temporary storage platform;

[0030] Step b3: The second robotic arm transfers the target sample tube into an empty sample box;

[0031] Step b4: The first robotic arm transfers the sample box containing the target sample tube to the first pick-and-place window.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] The sample library system proposed in this application can reduce investment and save energy in the early stage of library construction. In the later stage, the first or second unit can be added freely according to the user's needs. There is no equipment redundancy, the different units are highly compatible, the sample boxes can be operated freely, the sample library expansion method is simple and low cost, and the sample storage and retrieval is convenient, accurate and reliable. It can be adapted to both whole box or single tube storage and retrieval. The separately set cooling system can reduce energy consumption and ensure the safety of sample storage. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the scalable biobank system shown in this invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the docking of the first functional area and the second functional area shown in this invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first unit shown in this invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first unit shown in this invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping component shown in this invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second unit shown in this invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second unit shown in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To better understand the technical content of the present invention, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] It should be understood that, to ensure the accuracy of sample storage, biobanks with tube-picking functionality have become mainstream. This tube-picking function refers to the sample boxes used in biobanks, primarily using standard 0.75ml / 1ml / 2ml SBS sample boxes / tubes. Taking a 2ml SBS sample box containing 48 2ml sample tubes as an example, if the storage device can only handle the storage of the sample box along with all the sample tubes, we call it a box-level automation device. If the storage device has a structure that can pick out sample tubes from one sample box and place them into another for storage, we call this a tube-level automation device. The function of transferring sample tubes is the tube-picking function. Currently, most biobanks are built around mechanisms that include tube-picking functionality. Later expansion of such biobanks involves issues such as adapting new storage structures and reduced tube-picking efficiency.

[0044] Therefore, this application aims to provide an expandable biobank system, which sets up two standardized units, one of which has a tube picking function and the other has a box picking function. The two standardized units can be freely combined to form a biobank. The sample box can be freely transferred in any standardized unit, and the tube picking is completed by the standardized unit with the tube picking function. In the future, several standardized units with box picking or tube picking functions can be arbitrarily expanded as needed.

[0045] [Scalable Biobank System]

[0046] A first aspect of the present invention proposes an scalable biobank system, comprising at least one first unit 100 and at least one second unit 200, wherein a plurality of first units 100 and a plurality of second units 200 are distributed along a linear direction to form a biobank, combined with Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, there are three sample libraries. In each sample library, the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are arranged linearly. Taking A as the first unit 100 and B as the second unit 200 as an example, the possible arrangements for each sample library are: ABBBBBB; ABBBBBA; BBBABBB, etc. The library creator can purchase any unit individually and add any units during use. Adding units does not affect the use of other unit storage areas.

[0047] The first unit 100 includes a first functional area 101 and a first storage area 102, the first storage area 102 being used to store sample boxes; the second unit 200 includes a second functional area 201 and a second storage area 202, the second storage area 202 being used to store sample boxes.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 should be configured to have the same external dimensions, which is beneficial for the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 to be combined with each other. The first functional area 101 has a tube-picking function, so its structure is more complex and its volume is larger. The second functional area 201 does not have a tube-picking function and its volume is smaller than that of the first functional area 101. Therefore, the volume of the second storage area 202 is larger than that of the first storage area 102.

[0049] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the first functional area 101 is provided with two first transfer windows 10b (only one is shown in the figure, and the other is on the opposite side of the first transfer window 10b in the figure) and a first pick-and-place window 10a, and the second functional area 201 is provided with two second transfer windows 20b and a second pick-and-place window 20a.

[0050] It should be understood that, in combination Figure 2 As shown, the first pick-up and drop-off window 10a and the second pick-up and drop-off window 20a should face the aisle side where the equipment is placed, which is convenient for the user to pick up and drop samples from the first pick-up and drop-off window 10a or the second pick-up and drop-off window 20a. The two first transfer windows 10b and the two second transfer windows 20b are preferably distributed in a straight line direction, so that the sample box can be transferred between any two first units 100 and / or second units 200 through the first transfer window 10b or the second transfer window 20b.

[0051] In this way, the transmission structure set in the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 can be kept as simple as possible, only performing linear transmission, while also facilitating the expansion and adaptation of subsequent newly added units.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, if the user's requirement is to take out a sample tube, and since only the first unit 100 has the tube-picking function, the user can only take the tube from the first transfer window 10b. If the target sample tube is in the second unit 200, the sample box containing the target sample tube in the second unit 200 needs to be transferred to the first unit 100 through the transfer window, and then the first unit 100 picks the tube and sends it to the first pick-and-place window 10a.

[0053] Furthermore, the main purpose of the second functional area 201 is to transfer the sample box containing the sample tubes required by the user in the second storage area 202 to the first unit 100. Therefore, the second functional area 201 is configured to be able to identify the sample box entering the second functional area 201 and to allow it to be transferred between the second storage area 202, the two second transfer windows 20b and the second pick-up and drop window 20a.

[0054] Specifically, when the target sample box is in the second storage area 202 of this unit, the second functional area 201 transfers the target sample box to one of the two second transfer windows 20b toward the first unit 100 that made the request; when the target sample box is only temporarily passing through the second functional area 201, the second functional area 201 is responsible for transporting the target sample box from the first second transfer window 20b on the transfer path to the second second transfer window 20b.

[0055] In other embodiments, if a user requests a whole box of sample tubes or requests storage of a single sample tube, the second functional area 201 can also transfer the sample box from the second storage area 202 to the second pick-up and drop window 20a, and return the sample box from the second pick-up and drop window 20a to the second storage area 202.

[0056] Furthermore, the first functional area 101 has more functions than the second functional area 201, including a tube picking function. Therefore, the first functional area 101 is configured to identify the sample box and the sample tube in the sample box that enter the first functional area 101, and to transfer the sample box between the first storage area 102, the two first transfer windows 10b and the first pick-and-place window 10a.

[0057] Furthermore, in the sample box selection function, the sample library cannot deliver a single sample tube to the user in the form of a tube, but rather delivers it to the user in the form of a sample box. Therefore, the first functional area 101 is configured to temporarily store at least two sample boxes that enter the first functional area 101 and transfer the sample tube between the two temporarily stored sample boxes.

[0058] Thus, after the first functional area 101 picks up the tube, it is necessary to open the sample box containing the target sample tube, take out the target sample tube, load it into an empty sample box, and the user takes out the sample box containing only the target sample tube.

[0059] Specifically, when the target sample tube required by the user is in the first storage area 102, the first functional area 101 is responsible for picking up the sample box containing the target sample tube in the first storage area 102 and loading it into a new sample box, which is then placed in the first pick-up and place window 10a; when the sample tube is in the second storage area 202, the first functional area 101 is responsible for picking up the sample box containing the target sample tube from the second storage area 202 and loading it into a new sample box, which is then placed in the first pick-up and place window 10a; when the user stores the sample tube, the sample box can be transferred from the first pick-up and place window 10a to the first transfer window 10b (stored in the second storage area 202) or to the first storage area 102 (stored in the first storage area 102).

[0060] Furthermore, in order to enable the first unit 100 to store and retrieve single tubes, the first functional area 101 and / or the first storage area 102 shall store at least one empty sample box. This sample box is used to transfer the target sample tube.

[0061] Furthermore, in order for the second unit 200 to complete the storage of a single tube, the second storage area 202 must hold at least one empty sample box. This empty sample box is used to store the single tube of the unit. After storage, an incomplete sample box is formed. When there is no incomplete sample box in the second unit 200, an incomplete sample box is requested from other second units 200. If there is no incomplete sample box in any second unit 200, then the second unit 200 cannot complete the single tube storage function.

[0062] Combination Figure 4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the first functional area 101 is provided with a gripping component 13 and a first turnover component 14, and the first storage area 102 is provided with a first storage rack 11 and a first gripping robot arm.

[0063] The first gripping robot is used to transfer the sample boxes stored in the first storage rack 11 to the handover position, while the gripping component 13 is responsible for transferring the sample boxes at the handover position to the first turnover component 14, or from the first turnover component 14 to the handover position. The first gripping robot then transfers the sample boxes from the handover position to the first storage rack 11, completing the pick-and-place process.

[0064] like Figure 5As shown, the gripping component 13 includes an XY-direction drive mechanism 131, a first robotic arm 132, a second robotic arm 133, a temporary storage platform 134, and a first identification device 135. The first turnover component 14 is disposed on the temporary storage platform 134 and partially covers the temporary storage platform 134. The first gripping robotic arm is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform 134 and the first storage rack 11. The first robotic arm 132 is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform 134, the first turnover component 14, and the first identification device 135. The first turnover component 14 is used to transfer the sample box between two first transfer windows 10b.

[0065] The XY-axis drive mechanism 131 includes two sets of cross-shaped linear drive mechanisms, such as lead screw drive structures, which can drive the first robotic arm 132 and the second robotic arm 133 mounted on the XY-axis drive mechanism 131 to move in the XY plane. The first robotic arm 132 and the second robotic arm 133 can drive the clamping structure at the bottom to move along the Z-axis. The difference between the first robotic arm 132 and the second robotic arm 133 is that they have different clamping structures. The first robotic arm 132 can clamp the sample box, and the second robotic arm 133 can clamp the sample tube. The XY-axis drive mechanism 131 can drive the first robotic arm 132 and the second robotic arm 133 to move to any position on the temporary storage platform 134 to realize the transfer of the sample box and the sample tube.

[0066] The first identification device 135 is installed on the temporary storage platform 134. The first identification device 135 consists of two parts: a barcode scanner and a vision camera. It can complete the input of sample box code information and the input of code information for the whole box of sample tubes.

[0067] Preferably, the temporary storage platform 134 is equipped with a sample tube rack for temporarily storing sample tubes.

[0068] Combination Figure 7 As shown, the second functional area 201 is provided with a second turnover component 23 and a second identification device 24. The second identification device 24 identifies the sample box entering and exiting the second pick-up and put-out window 20a. The second storage area 202 is provided with a second storage rack 21 and a second gripping robot. The second gripping robot is used to transfer the sample box between the second storage rack 21 and the second turnover component 23.

[0069] Optionally, both the second turnover component 23 and the first turnover component 14 include a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being oriented towards the turnover window, and the first or second gripping robot arm being able to place sample boxes onto the conveyor belt or from the conveyor belt onto a storage rack. A batch barcode scanner is provided on one side of the conveyor belt for identifying the barcode information of the sample boxes passing through the conveyor belt.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the scanning device is used to identify the QR code or RFID tag of the sample box or sample tube. By scanning the code, the specific location and sample information of the sample box or sample tube are identified. The controller is responsible for coordinating the actions of the gripping or turnover parts of each functional area so that the corresponding sample box or sample tube is transferred to the predetermined position.

[0071] Preferably, the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 201 are separated by a first door 12, and the first functional area 101 and the second functional area 201 have separate refrigeration systems. The second turnover component 23 and the second storage shelf 21 are separated by a second door 22, and the second functional area 201 and the second storage area 202 are equipped with separate refrigeration systems. The first door 12 and the second door 22 are automatic doors.

[0072] In this way, the functional area and the storage area have separate cooling effects, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and meet the low-temperature preservation conditions of samples compared with the existing technology of large capacity, low storage rate and unified cooling.

[0073] Furthermore, the second identification device 24 is configured to identify sample tube information entering the second pick-up and place window 20a, and the second gripping robot grabs the unfilled sample box from the second storage area 202 and hands it to the second pick-up and place window 20a for loading the sample tube identified by the second identification device 24.

[0074] Optionally, the second identification device 24 consists of a barcode scanner and a vision camera, which can complete the input of sample box code information and the input of code information for the entire sample tube.

[0075] [Sample Access Method]

[0076] The second aspect of this invention proposes a technical solution, a sample storage and retrieval method, using the aforementioned scalable biobank system, including a sample storage method and a retrieval method;

[0077] The storage method includes the following steps:

[0078] Step a1: The sample tube is handed into any of the second pick-up and drop-off windows 20a, and the label information on the sample tube is identified by the second functional area 201;

[0079] Step a2: The system finds an unfilled sample box at any target location in the first storage area 102 or the second storage area 202, and identifies and transfers it to the second pick-up and drop-off window 20a through the first functional area 101 and / or the second functional area 201.

[0080] Step a3: The user places the sample tube into the sample box;

[0081] Step a4: The sample box containing the target sample tube is transferred to the target location by the first functional area 101 and / or the second functional area 201;

[0082] The extraction method includes the following steps:

[0083] Step b1: The system determines the location of the corresponding sample box based on the target sample tube information input by the user.

[0084] Step b2: The first functional area 101 and / or the second functional area 201 transfer the sample box at the target location and an empty sample box to the temporary storage platform 134.

[0085] Step b3: The second robotic arm 133 transfers the target sample tube into an empty sample box;

[0086] Step b4: The first robotic arm 132 transfers the sample box containing the target sample tube to the first pick-and-place window 10a.

[0087] In a specific embodiment, the tube picking process is as follows:

[0088] The samples are stored or retrieved according to the order in which the task is assigned. Regardless of which unit the target sample is in, it is sent to the nearest first unit 100 through the sample transfer box line to complete the tube picking. The first unit 100 will contain a certain number of empty sample boxes so that the target sample can be placed in the sample box and then sent out of or stored in the device.

[0089] The convenient storage process for a single tube is as follows:

[0090] To complete the convenient storage function, perform the following operations on the second unit 200:

[0091] Suppose that the second storage area 202 of the second unit 200 contains a sample box A with 47 tubes, and sample box A has one empty tube slot. The operator wants to store one sample tube a and selects the convenient storage option;

[0092] To facilitate convenient warehousing, the second gripping robot takes out sample box A from the second storage area 202 and places it on the batch scanning device in the second functional area 201 to scan and confirm the sample information.

[0093] Once the sample information is confirmed to be correct (confirmed to be from an empty tube position), the transmission line of the second functional area 201 transmits the sample box A out of the second pick-up and drop-off window 20a.

[0094] The operator scans the QR code on the bottom of sample tube a at the camera next to the second pick-up and drop window 20a to confirm the information.

[0095] Once confirmed, place sample tube a into the empty slot in sample box A, click "Placement Complete," and the transmission line in the second function area 201 will retract with the sample box.

[0096] Once the sample box A is full, the sample information is confirmed to be correct by the batch scanning device in the second functional area 201, and then it is stored in the second storage area 202, completing the convenient storage.

[0097] In conjunction with the above embodiments, the sample library system proposed in this application can reduce investment and save energy in the early stage of library construction. In the later stage, the first or second unit can be freely added according to the user's needs. There is no equipment redundancy, the different units are highly compatible, the sample boxes can be operated freely, the sample library expansion method is simple and low cost, and the sample storage and retrieval is convenient, accurate and reliable. It can be adapted to both whole box or single tube storage and retrieval. The separately set cooling system can reduce energy consumption and ensure the safety of sample storage.

[0098] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A scalable biobank system, characterized in that, include: At least one first unit (100), the first unit (100) including a first functional area (101) and a first storage area (102), the first storage area (102) being used to store sample boxes; At least one second unit (200), the second unit including a second functional area (201) and a second storage area (202), the second storage area (202) being used to store sample boxes; The first functional area (101) is provided with two first transfer windows (10b) and one first pick-up and place window (10a), and the second functional area (201) is provided with two second transfer windows (20b) and one second pick-up and place window (20a). A number of first units (100) and a number of second units (200) are distributed along a linear direction to form a sample library, and multiple first pick-and-place windows (10a) and multiple second transfer windows (20b) are distributed in a straight line direction; The second functional area (201) is configured to recognize sample boxes entering the second functional area (201) and to allow them to be transferred between the second storage area (202), two second transfer windows (20b) and a second pick-and-place window (20a); The first functional area (101) is configured to be able to identify the sample box entering the first functional area (101) and the sample tube in the sample box, and to complete the transfer of the sample box between the first storage area (102), two first transfer windows (10b) and one first pick-up and drop-off window (10a); The first functional area (101) is configured to temporarily store at least two sample boxes that enter the first functional area (101) and to transfer sample tubes between the two temporarily stored sample boxes; The first functional area (101) is provided with a gripping component (13) and a first turnover component (14), and the first storage area (102) is provided with a first storage rack (11) and a first gripping robot arm; The gripping component (13) includes an XY drive mechanism (131), a first robotic arm (132), a second robotic arm (133), a temporary storage platform (134), and a first identification device (135). The first turnover component (14) is disposed on the temporary storage platform (134) and partially covers the temporary storage platform (134). The first gripping robotic arm is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform (134) and the first storage rack (11). The first robotic arm (132) is used to transfer the sample box between the temporary storage platform (134), the first turnover component (14), and the first identification device (135). The first turnover component (14) is used to transfer the sample box between two first transfer windows (10b). The first functional area (101) and the second functional area (201) are separated by a first door (12), and the first functional area (101) and the second functional area (201) have separate refrigeration systems.

2. The scalable biobank system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first functional area (101) and / or the first storage area (102) contains at least one empty sample box.

3. The scalable biobank system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second storage area (202) contains at least one empty sample box.

4. The scalable biobank system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temporary storage platform (134) is equipped with a sample tube rack for temporarily storing sample tubes.

5. The scalable biobank system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second functional area (201) is provided with a second turnover component (23) and a second identification device (24). The second identification device (24) identifies the sample box entering and exiting the second pick-up and drop-off window (20a). The second storage area (202) is provided with a second storage rack (21) and a second gripping robot. The second gripping robot is used to transfer the sample box between the second storage rack (21) and the second turnover component (23).

6. The scalable biobank system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second turnover component (23) and the second storage rack (21) are separated by a second door (22), and the second functional area (201) and the second storage area (202) are provided with separate refrigeration systems.

7. The scalable biobank system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second identification device (24) is configured to identify sample tube information entering the second pick-up and place window (20a), and the second gripping robot grabs the unfilled sample box from the second storage area (202) and hands it to the second pick-up and place window (20a) for loading the sample tube identified by the second identification device (24).

8. A sample access method, characterized in that, The expandable biobank system according to any one of claims 1-7 includes a sample storage method and a sample retrieval method. The storage method includes the following steps: Step a1: The sample tube is handed into any of the second pick-up and drop-off windows (20a), and the label information on the sample tube is identified by the second functional area (201); Step a2: The system finds the unfilled sample box at any target location in the first storage area (102) or the second storage area (202), and identifies and transfers it to the second pick-up and drop-off window (20a) through the first functional area (101) and / or the second functional area (201). Step a3: The user inserts the sample tube into the sample box; Step a4: The sample box containing the target sample tube is transferred to the target location by the first functional area (101) and / or the second functional area (201); The extraction method includes the following steps: Step b1: The system determines the location of the corresponding sample box based on the target sample tube information input by the user. Step b2: The first functional area (101) and / or the second functional area (201) transfer the sample box at the target location and an empty sample box to the temporary storage platform (134). Step b3: The second robotic arm (133) transfers the target sample tube into an empty sample box; Step b4: The first robotic arm (132) transfers the sample box containing the target sample tube to the first pick-and-place window (10a).

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