A fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device

Abstract

This invention discloses a fully automated cryogenic storage device for centrifuge tubes, relating to the field of cryogenic storage equipment. The device includes a main chamber containing multiple storage racks, a storage and transfer mechanism, and a tube-picking area. The storage and transfer mechanism transfers and stores plates or cryopreserved tubes operated on in the tube-picking area into the storage racks. The tube-picking area has multiple operating unit areas that can cyclically move to positions corresponding to the storage and transfer mechanism. The advantages of this invention are that it enables sample storage and sample tube picking to be performed within a single chamber. The tube-picking area allows for sample picking operations, the transport mechanism allows for docking with external docking components to automate the transfer and docking of sample boxes, and the storage and transfer mechanism allows for the storage and retrieval of large quantities of sample tubes, enabling rapid tube picking operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cryogenic storage equipment technology, and in particular to a fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device. Background Technology

[0002] In the biomedical industry, specifically in the field of biosample storage, ultra-low temperature storage equipment is required for storing biological samples. Biobanks are currently essential foundational equipment for research in the medical and biological fields, as cryopreservation allows blood, stem cells, and immune cell tissues to maintain their long-term viability.

[0003] Current cryogenic storage equipment uses compartmentalized operations for sample storage and tube picking. This method is complex, involves many procedures, and is inefficient. Moreover, the tube picking process is time-consuming and complex, resulting in low efficiency and making it impossible to store samples in large quantities. To address this, the inventors designed a fully automated operating chamber device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the above or prior art, the present invention is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device, which can realize sample storage and sample tube picking in one chamber. The tube picking operation can be performed through the tube picking area. The transport mechanism can be docked with the external docking component to realize automated transfer and docking of sample boxes. The storage and retrieval transport mechanism can store and retrieve a large number of sample tubes, and can quickly transfer the sample double-layer rack and cooperate with the tube picking area to realize rapid tube picking operation.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device, which includes a main body compartment, and the main body compartment is provided with multiple storage racks, a storage and transfer mechanism and a tube picking area; The storage and transfer mechanism can transfer and store the plates or frozen tubes operated in the tube picking area into the storage rack; The pipe picking area is equipped with multiple operating unit areas, which can be cyclically moved to the positions corresponding to the storage and transfer mechanism.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the tube picking area includes a sample box rotation support assembly, the sample box rotation support assembly is provided with multiple operation unit areas, the multiple operation unit areas are arranged circumferentially on the sample box rotation support assembly, and the sample box rotation support assembly can rotate.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the storage and transfer mechanism includes a transport component, which is disposed inside the sample box rotation support assembly; the transport component can perform lifting and lowering scooping docking of target parts on multiple operating unit areas on the sample box rotation support assembly, and the transport component can dock with the outside of the main body compartment.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the tube picking area further includes a double-layer frame assembly, and the double-layer frame assembly is further provided with multiple second operating units. A hollow area is provided between the multiple second operating units, and the multiple second operating units are located above the sample box rotation support assembly; the operating unit area can be rotated to the bottom of the hollow area.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the tube picking area also includes a tube picking mechanism, which can rotatably pick up the target component in the operation unit area and the second operation unit.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, a waiting area is also provided in the tube picking area. The storage and transfer mechanism can move the plate rack to the waiting area and can drive the plate rack in the waiting area to be placed on the second operating unit.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the tube picking mechanism includes a horizontal drive module, a rotation module, a lifting module, a suction module, and a support frame. A support frame is slidably mounted on the horizontal drive module. A lifting module is mounted on the support frame. The lifting module can drive the rotating module to move up and down. A suction module is mounted on the rotating module. The rotating module can drive the suction module to rotate. The suction module can perform negative pressure suction and tube picking on the sample tube.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the sample box rotation support assembly includes an upper turntable, a drive limiting component is provided at the lower end of the upper turntable, multiple sets of support grooves are provided on the upper turntable, and an operation unit area is provided on the support grooves. The drive limiting component can drive the upper turntable to rotate.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the driving limiting component includes a lower limiting plate, which is connected to the upper turntable through a connecting column. A guide ring is provided on the side of the lower limiting plate, and multiple sets of guide wheels are provided on the side of the guide ring. The guide wheels can guide and limit the guide ring.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, a rotating tooth is provided on the inner side of the lower limit plate, and a gear is provided on one side of the rotating tooth. The gear is connected to a gear driver, and the gear driver drives the lower limit plate and the upper turntable to rotate through the gear.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the transport component includes a bottom support plate, a conveying component, and a lifting and limiting component; the conveying component is located at the center of the sample box rotation support component; the lifting and limiting component is connected to the bottom support plate, and the lifting and limiting component can drive the conveying component to move up and down, and the conveying component can drive the operating unit area to move.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the lifting and limiting assembly includes a lifting drive module and a limiting rod; the side end of the lifting drive module is connected to the bottom support plate, and the top end of the lifting drive module is connected to the conveying assembly; the bottom of the conveying assembly is connected to multiple limiting guide wheel rods, and the limiting rod is slidably connected to the bottom support plate.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the conveying component includes a sliding support and a horizontal dragging component; the sliding support is provided with a horizontal dragging component, and the sliding support can drive the horizontal dragging component to move horizontally.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the horizontal dragging component includes a sliding frame, a shovel plate, and a top column; the sliding frame is provided with a shovel plate, and the shovel plate is provided with a top column; the front end of the shovel plate can scoop up the target part on the operation unit area of ​​the sample box rotation support assembly, and the top column can limit the operation unit area.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the sliding support includes a sliding frame support plate, a slide rail is provided on the sliding frame support plate, a sliding frame drive module is provided on the sliding frame support plate, the sliding frame is connected to the sliding frame drive module, and the sliding frame drive module can drive the sliding frame to slide along the slide rail.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the storage and transfer mechanism includes a scooping component; the tube picking area and the transport component are set on the storage rack, which can support and store multiple sets of plate racks; the scooping component is set on the side of the storage rack, and the scooping component can transfer and scoop between the double-layer rack component and the storage rack.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the scooping component includes a scooping module and a track drive component. The scooping module is mounted on the track drive component and can move on the track drive component. The scooping module can scoop and transport the plate rack.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the scooping module includes a movable frame and a horizontal scooping module; the horizontal scooping module is set on the movable frame and can be vertically raised and lowered on the movable frame; the horizontal scooping module can scoop up the plates on the storage rack and the double-layer rack assembly.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device of the present invention, an operation port is provided on the main body compartment, and an external docking component is provided on the outside of the operation port. The external docking component docks with the conveying component to transfer the target component in the operation unit area.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device of the present invention, the external docking assembly includes a docking frame and a docking frame drive component; the docking frame is slidably mounted on the docking frame drive component, the docking frame can support the sample box, and the conveying assembly can receive the operating unit area on the docking frame.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the fully automatic centrifuge tube low-temperature storage device of the present invention, the operating port is provided with a variable track sealing door assembly, which can seal or open the operating port.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention enables sample storage and sample tube picking to be performed within a single chamber. The tube picking area allows for sample picking operations, and the transport mechanism can dock with the external docking assembly to automate the transfer and docking of sample boxes. The storage and retrieval transport mechanism can handle large quantities of sample tubes. The tube picking mechanism can perform tube picking operations on the operating unit area on the sample box rotating support assembly and the second operating unit on the double-layer frame assembly. Furthermore, the sample box rotating support assembly can support and rotate multiple sets of operating unit areas, and the transport mechanism can scoop and store the operating unit areas on the sample box rotating support assembly. Simultaneously, it can transfer and transport samples with the external docking assembly. The tube picking mechanism uses a horizontal movement and rotation method to ensure that the angle of the EP tube remains constant during the picking process, comprehensively improving the efficiency of tube picking and achieving rapid tube picking operations. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the storage and transfer mechanism of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the storage and transfer mechanism of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tube-picking area of ​​a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0034] Figure 6 Top view of the sample box rotation support assembly of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0035] Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sample box rotation support assembly of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transport mechanism for a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the tube-picking mechanism in a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0038] Figure 10 A 3D view of the scooping component of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the second operating unit of a fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0042] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0043] Reference Figures 1-11 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device, which includes a main body chamber 1, multiple storage racks 101, a storage and transfer mechanism 2, and a tube picking area 3. The multiple storage racks 101, the storage and transfer mechanism 2, and the tube picking area 3 are arranged in the main body chamber 1. The storage and transfer mechanism 2 can transfer the racks or sample tubes, and can transfer the sample tubes and racks to the multiple storage racks 101. The tube picking area 3 can pick the racks and sample tubes.

[0044] Specifically, the main body compartment 1 is equipped with multiple storage racks 101, a storage and transfer mechanism 2, and a pipe-picking area 3; The storage and transfer mechanism 2 can transfer and store the plates or frozen tubes operated in the tube picking area 3 into the storage rack 101; The pipe picking area 3 is equipped with multiple operation unit areas 102, which can be cyclically moved to positions corresponding to the storage and transfer mechanism 2.

[0045] It should be noted that multiple operation unit areas 102 can rotate and are cyclically and alternately docked through the storage and transfer mechanism 2 to realize the transfer of operation unit areas 102.

[0046] Furthermore, the picking area 3 includes a sample box rotation support assembly 32, on which multiple operation unit areas 102 are provided. The multiple operation unit areas 102 are arranged in a circle on the sample box rotation support assembly 32, and the sample box rotation support assembly 32 can rotate.

[0047] It should be noted that by setting multiple operating unit areas 102 on the sample box rotating support assembly 32, multiple sets of operating unit areas 102 can be rotated using the sample box rotating support assembly 32, and can be rotated above the storage and transfer mechanism 2. This setting can complete the picking and storage of a large number of EP tubes in a space with minimal space. Because the storage and retrieval of EP tubes requires certain requirements on the insertion angle of the EP tubes when they are stored on the rack, it can be understood that the EP tubes must be inserted into the rack according to certain requirements regarding their own orientation. The orientation must be uniform. This rotary docking not only makes the transfer process smooth, but also, in conjunction with the tube picking robotic arm, can well grasp the orientation of the EP tubes when they are put into storage. It should be noted that the EP tube itself has an outwardly extending protrusion at a certain position on its upper end. When storing or retrieving, the orientation of the EP tube itself on the rack is subject to certain requirements, with the protrusion as the coordinate point.

[0048] Furthermore, the storage and transfer mechanism 2 includes a transport component 4, which is disposed within the sample box rotation support assembly 32. The transport component 4 can perform lifting and scooping docking of target items on multiple operation unit areas 102 on the sample box rotation support assembly 32, and the transport component 4 can dock with the outside of the main body compartment 1.

[0049] It should be noted that a sample box is provided in the operation unit area 102; the sample box rotation support component 32 can drive multiple operation unit areas 102 to rotate, and at least two operation unit areas 102 can rotate to the corresponding position of the transport component 4. The transport component 4 can lift and scoop the operation unit area 102 and dock it with the outside to realize the transfer of the sample box.

[0050] Preferably, the operating unit area 102 on the sample box rotation support assembly 32 can be lifted and scooped by the transport component 4; Furthermore, the tube picking area 3 also includes a double-layer frame assembly 33, which is also provided with multiple second operation units 103. A hollow area 104 is provided between the multiple second operation units 103, and the multiple second operation units 103 are located above the sample box rotation support assembly 32; the operation unit area 102 can be rotated to the bottom of the hollow area 104.

[0051] It should be noted that the double-layer frame assembly 33 is configured in multiple sets and is positioned above the sample box rotation support assembly 32. The multiple sets of double-layer frame assemblies 33 are provided with second operation units 103, and a hollow area 104 is provided between the multiple second operation units 103. The hollow area 104 is provided with two operation unit areas 102 that can be exposed, thereby facilitating the tube picking mechanism 31 to pick up the sample tubes on the operation unit area 102.

[0052] It should be noted that the double-layer frame assembly 33 can support the second operation unit 103, and the double-layer frame assembly 33 and the second operation unit 103 cannot rotate. The sample box rotation support assembly 32 can drive multiple operation unit areas 102 to rotate, so that the tube picking mechanism 31 can pick tubes between multiple sets of operation unit areas 102 and the second operation unit 103.

[0053] It should be noted that the second operation unit 103 includes a plate holder, which can support and store several sets of sample tubes.

[0054] It should be noted that the scooping component 21 can scoop the plate rack in the storage rack 101 onto the double-layer rack assembly 33 to form the second operation unit 103; similarly, the scooping component 21 can place the second operation unit 103 onto the storage rack 101.

[0055] It should be noted that the storage rack 101 is configured in multiple groups, and each group of storage racks 101 can store several groups of board racks, which greatly improves storage efficiency.

[0056] Furthermore, the pipe-picking area 3 also includes a pipe-picking mechanism 31, which can rotatably pick up the target component on the operation unit area 102 and the second operation unit 103.

[0057] Furthermore, a waiting area 9 is also provided in the pipe picking area 3. The storage and transfer mechanism 2 can move the plate rack to the waiting area 9 and can move the plate rack in the waiting area 9 to the second operation unit 103.

[0058] It should be noted that the waiting area 9 can be set according to different types of pipe picking and transfer scenarios. Of course, waiting area 9 can also be left unset depending on the usage scenario.

[0059] Furthermore, the pipe-picking mechanism 31 includes a horizontal drive module 311, a rotation module 312, a lifting module 313, a suction module 314, and a support frame 315; A support frame 315 is slidably mounted on the horizontal drive module 311. A lifting module 313 is mounted on the support frame 315. The lifting module 313 can drive the rotation module 312 to lift and lower. A suction module 314 is mounted on the rotation module 312. The rotation module 312 can drive the suction module 314 to rotate. The suction module 314 can perform negative pressure suction and tube picking on the sample tube.

[0060] It should be noted that the horizontal drive module 311 can drive the rotation module 312, the lifting module 313, the suction module 314 and the support frame 315 to move horizontally, the lifting module 313 can drive the suction module 314 to move vertically, the rotation module 312 can drive the suction module 314 to rotate 360 ​​degrees, and the suction module 314 can perform negative pressure suction on the sample tube.

[0061] It should be noted that, due to the special structure of the EP tube, the EP tube cannot change its angle during the tube picking process. Although the rotating module 312 on the tube picking mechanism 31 is rotating, the target sample tube does not change its angle relative to the main body chamber 1; it only changes its position during the tube picking process.

[0062] It should be noted that the currently used three-axis pipe-picking mechanism occupies a large space and cannot cover the pipe-picking area below the motor positions at both ends, thus wasting space. The pipe-picking mechanism 31 in this embodiment adopts a rotatable method, which can save a lot of space and is applicable to a larger pipe-picking space. Moreover, the pipe-picking mechanism 31 of this application can save the time of moving on the pipe-picking path by rotating, thereby improving the pipe-picking efficiency.

[0063] It should be noted that the pipe-picking mechanism 31 can move horizontally and rotate 360 ​​degrees, thereby enabling pipe picking between the group operation unit area 102 and the second operation unit 103.

[0064] It should be noted that the sample box rotation support assembly 32 can rotate 360 ​​degrees, and multiple sets of operation unit areas 102 can be supported on the sample box rotation support assembly 32; in this embodiment, the double-layer frame assembly 33 is set in two sets, and the double-layer frame assembly 33 is located on both sides above the sample box rotation support assembly 32. The double-layer frame assembly 33 can support the second operation unit 103, and the sample tube can be picked between the operation unit area 102 and the second operation unit 103 by the tube picking mechanism 31.

[0065] It should be noted that this device can perform tube picking and storage operations on different types of sample tubes, and is not limited to EP tubes.

[0066] Furthermore, the sample box rotation support assembly 32 includes an upper turntable 321, a drive limiting member 322 is provided at the lower end of the upper turntable 321, and multiple sets of support grooves 323 are provided on the upper turntable 321. An operation unit area 102 is provided on the support grooves 323, and the drive limiting member 322 can drive the upper turntable 321 to rotate.

[0067] Furthermore, the drive limiting component 322 includes a lower limiting plate 324, which is connected to the upper turntable 321 via a connecting column. A guide ring 325 is provided on the side of the lower limiting plate 324, and multiple sets of guide wheels 326 are provided on the side of the guide ring 325. The guide wheels 326 can guide and limit the guide ring 325.

[0068] Furthermore, a rotating tooth 327 is provided on the inner side of the lower limit disk 324, and a gear 328 is provided on one side of the rotating tooth 327. The gear 328 is connected to the gear driver, and the gear driver drives the lower limit disk 324 and the upper turntable 321 to rotate through the gear 328.

[0069] It should be noted that the lower limit disk 324 is connected to the upper turntable 321 via a connecting column. The gear 328 can be driven to rotate by a gear driver. The gear 328 meshes with the rotating teeth 327, thereby driving the lower limit disk 324 to rotate. The lower limit disk 324 drives the upper turntable 321 to rotate via the connecting column. Furthermore, multiple sets of guide wheels 326 guide the guide ring 325 on the outer side of the lower limit disk 324, thereby limiting the rotation direction of the guide ring 325 and the lower limit disk 324.

[0070] Furthermore, the transport component 4 includes a bottom support plate 41, a transport component 42, and a lifting and limiting component 43; the transport component 42 is located at the center of the sample box rotation support component 32; the lifting and limiting component 43 is connected to the bottom support plate 41, and the lifting and limiting component 43 can drive the transport component 42 to move up and down, and the transport component 42 can drive the operation unit area 102 to move.

[0071] It should be noted that the lifting and limiting component 43 can lift and lower the conveying component 42, and the conveying component 42 can scoop up the operating unit area 102 on the sample box rotating support component 32. Of course, the conveying component 42 can also receive the external operating unit area 102 and place it on the sample box rotating support component 32.

[0072] It should be noted that the conveying component 42 can move horizontally, which can drive the operating unit area 102 to move horizontally.

[0073] Furthermore, the lifting and limiting assembly 43 includes a lifting drive module 431 and a limiting rod 432; the side end of the lifting drive module 431 is connected to the bottom support plate 41, and the top end of the lifting drive module 431 is connected to the conveying assembly 42, the bottom of the conveying assembly 42 is connected to multiple limiting rods 432, and the limiting rods 432 are slidably connected to the bottom support plate 41.

[0074] Preferably, the lifting drive module 431 is connected and fixed to the bottom support plate 41, and the top of the lifting drive module 431 passes through the bottom support plate 41 and is connected to the conveying component 42. The lifting drive module 431 can drive the conveying component 42 to rise or fall.

[0075] Furthermore, the conveying assembly 42 includes a sliding support 421 and a horizontal drag member 422; the sliding support 421 is provided with the horizontal drag member 422, and the sliding support 421 can drive the horizontal drag member 422 to move horizontally.

[0076] Furthermore, the horizontal drag member 422 includes a sliding frame 4221, a shovel plate 4222, and a top column 4223; the sliding frame 4221 is provided with a shovel plate 4222, and the shovel plate 4222 is provided with a top column 4223. The front end of the shovel plate 4222 can scoop up the target piece on the operation unit area 102 on the sample box rotation support assembly 32, and the top column 4223 can limit the operation unit area 102.

[0077] Preferably, the horizontal drag member 422 can be supported by the sliding support member 421, and the sliding support member 421 can drive the horizontal drag member 422 to move horizontally, so as to pick up and put down the operation unit area 102, i.e., the sample box, on the upper turntable 321.

[0078] Furthermore, the sliding support 421 includes a sliding frame support plate 4211, a slide rail 4212 is provided on the sliding frame support plate 4211, a sliding frame drive module 4213 is provided on the sliding frame support plate 4211, the sliding frame 4221 is connected to the sliding frame drive module 4213, and the sliding frame drive module 4213 can drive the sliding frame 4221 to slide along the slide rail 4212.

[0079] It should be noted that the front end of the spatula 4222 can scoop or place samples in the operation unit area 102, i.e., the sample box.

[0080] It should be noted that the lifting and limiting component 43 can raise the conveying component 42, and the horizontal movement of the shovel plate 4222 moves it below the operating unit area 102 on the upper turntable 321. The lifting and lowering continues, so that the shovel plate 4222 supports the operating unit area 102. The horizontal movement of the shovel plate 4222 moves the operating unit area 102 and places it on the external docking component 8. The same principle applies when the shovel plate 4222 receives the operating unit area 102 from the external docking component 8.

[0081] Furthermore, the storage and transfer mechanism 2 also includes a scooping component 21; the pipe picking area 3 and the transport component 4 are arranged on the storage rack 101, which can support and store multiple sets of plate racks. The scooping component 21 is arranged on the side of the storage rack 101, and the scooping component 21 can transfer and scoop between the double-layer rack component 33 and the storage rack 101.

[0082] Furthermore, the scooping assembly 21 includes a scooping module 211 and a track drive 212. The scooping module 211 is mounted on the track drive 212 and can move on the track drive 212. The scooping module 211 can scoop and transport the plate frame.

[0083] Furthermore, the scooping module 211 includes a movable frame 2111 and a horizontal scooping module 2112; the horizontal scooping module 2112 is mounted on the movable frame 2111 and can be vertically raised and lowered on the movable frame 2111; the horizontal scooping module 2112 can scoop up the plates on the storage rack 101 and the double-layer rack assembly 33.

[0084] Preferably, the storage rack 101 can store a batch of second operation units 103.

[0085] It should be noted that the scooping component 21 is located on the side of the storage rack 101 and the pipe picking area 3. The scooping component 21 can move within the main body compartment 1, thereby transferring the second operating unit 103 on the storage rack 101 and the double-layer rack assembly 33, thus facilitating the pipe picking operation.

[0086] Preferably, the track drive 212 can drive the scooping module 211 to move horizontally, and the scooping module 211 can scoop horizontally and move vertically.

[0087] It should be noted that the horizontal shovel module 2112 includes a horizontal support frame, on which a horizontal drive component is provided, and on which a gripping component is provided. The horizontal drive component can drive the gripping component to move horizontally, and the gripping component can grip the plate frame.

[0088] Preferably, the horizontal scooping module 2112 can scoop the second operating unit 103 on the double-layer frame assembly 33.

[0089] Furthermore, an operation port 7 is provided on the main body compartment 1, and an external docking assembly 8 is provided on the outside of the operation port 7. The external docking assembly 8 docks with the conveying assembly 42 to transfer the target part in the operation unit area 102.

[0090] Furthermore, the external docking assembly 8 includes a docking frame 81 and a docking frame drive 82; the docking frame 81 is slidably mounted on the docking frame drive 82, the docking frame 81 can support the sample box 6, and the transport assembly 42 can receive the operation unit area 102 on the docking frame 81.

[0091] Preferably, the docking frame 81 can be driven to move horizontally by the docking frame drive component 82 and dock with the conveying component 42 to realize the transfer docking of the operation unit area 102 and realize the fully automated operation.

[0092] Furthermore, a track-changing sealing door assembly is provided inside the operating port 7, which can seal or open the operating port 7.

[0093] Preferably, the operating port 7 can be opened or sealed by the variable track sealing door assembly, so as to isolate or connect the interior of the main body compartment 1 with the outside.

[0094] It should be noted that a maintenance door is also provided on the side of the main body compartment 1. With the maintenance door, when the maintenance door is opened, the internal components can be quickly inspected and the sample boxes inside can be manually accessed.

[0095] This invention enables sample storage and sample tube picking to be performed within a single chamber. The tube picking area allows for sample picking operations, and the transport mechanism can dock with the external docking assembly for automated sample box transfer. The storage and retrieval transport mechanism allows for the storage and retrieval of large quantities of sample tubes. The tube picking mechanism 31 allows for picking operations on the operating unit area 102 on the sample box rotating support assembly 32 and the second operating unit 103 on the double-layer frame assembly 33. The sample box rotating support assembly 32 can support and rotate multiple sets of operating unit areas 102, and the transport mechanism can scoop and store the operating unit areas 102 on the sample box rotating support assembly 32. Simultaneously, it can transfer samples with the external docking assembly 8. The tube picking mechanism 31 uses a horizontal movement and rotation method to ensure that the angle of the EP tube remains constant during the picking process, comprehensively improving picking efficiency and achieving rapid tube picking operations.

[0096] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0097] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0098] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0099] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device, characterized in that: Includes a main body compartment (1), which is equipped with multiple storage racks (101), a storage and transfer mechanism (2) and a pipe picking area (3). The storage and transfer mechanism (2) can transfer and store the plates or frozen tubes operated in the tube picking area (3) into the storage rack (101); The picking area (3) is provided with multiple operating unit areas (102), which can be cyclically moved to the position corresponding to the storage and transfer mechanism (2); The picking area (3) includes a sample box rotation support assembly (32), on which multiple operation unit areas (102) are provided. The multiple operation unit areas (102) are arranged in a circle on the sample box rotation support assembly (32), and the sample box rotation support assembly (32) can rotate. The storage and transfer mechanism (2) includes a transport component (4), which is located inside the sample box rotation support assembly (32). The transport component (4) can lift and place the target parts on multiple operation unit areas (102) on the sample box rotation support assembly (32), and the transport component (4) can dock with the outside of the main body compartment (1). The tube picking area (3) also includes a double-layer frame assembly (33), on which multiple second operation units (103) are provided. A hollow area (104) is provided between the multiple second operation units (103), and the multiple second operation units (103) are located above the sample box rotation support assembly (32). The operation unit area (102) can be rotated to the bottom of the hollow area (104).

2. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pipe-picking area (3) also includes a pipe-picking mechanism (31), which can rotatably pick up the target part on the operation unit area (102) and the second operation unit (103).

3. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The picking area (3) is also provided with a waiting area (9). The storage and transfer mechanism (2) can move the plate rack to the waiting area (9). The storage and transfer mechanism (2) can drive the plate rack in the waiting area (9) and place it on the second operation unit (103).

4. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The pipe-picking mechanism (31) includes a horizontal drive module (311), a rotation module (312), a lifting module (313), a suction module (314), and a support frame (315). A support frame (315) is slidably mounted on the horizontal drive module (311). A lifting module (313) is mounted on the support frame (315). The lifting module (313) can drive the rotating module (312) to lift. A suction module (314) is mounted on the rotating module (312). The rotating module (312) can drive the suction module (314) to rotate. The suction module (314) can perform negative pressure suction and tube picking on the sample tube.

5. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sample box rotation support assembly (32) includes an upper turntable (321), a drive limiting member (322) is provided at the lower end of the upper turntable (321), multiple sets of support grooves (323) are provided on the upper turntable (321), and an operation unit area (102) is provided on the support grooves (323). The drive limiting member (322) can drive the upper turntable (321) to rotate.

6. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The drive limiting component (322) includes a lower limiting plate (324), which is connected to the upper turntable (321) via a connecting column. A guide ring (325) is provided on the side of the lower limiting plate (324), and multiple sets of guide wheels (326) are provided on the side of the guide ring (325). The guide wheels (326) can guide and limit the guide ring (325).

7. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The lower limit disk (324) is provided with a rotating tooth (327) on its inner side, and a gear (328) is provided on one side of the rotating tooth (327). The gear (328) is connected to the gear driver, and the gear driver drives the lower limit disk (324) and the upper turntable (321) to rotate through the gear (328).

8. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transport component (4) includes a bottom support plate (41), a transport component (42), and a lifting limit component (43); the transport component (42) is located at the center of the sample box rotation support component (32); the lifting limit component (43) is connected to the bottom support plate (41), the lifting limit component (43) can drive the transport component (42) to move up and down, and the transport component (42) can drive the operation unit area (102) to move.

9. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The lifting and limiting assembly (43) includes a lifting drive module (431) and a limiting rod (432); the side end of the lifting drive module (431) is connected to the bottom support plate (41), and the top end of the lifting drive module (431) is connected to the conveying assembly (42). The bottom of the conveying assembly (42) is connected to multiple limiting rods (432), and the limiting rods (432) are slidably connected to the bottom support plate (41).

10. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The conveying assembly (42) includes a sliding support (421) and a horizontal drag member (422); the sliding support (421) is provided with the horizontal drag member (422), and the sliding support (421) can drive the horizontal drag member (422) to move horizontally.

11. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The horizontal drag member (422) includes a sliding frame (4221), a shovel plate (4222), and a top column (4223); the sliding frame (4221) is provided with a shovel plate (4222), the shovel plate (4222) is provided with a top column (4223), the front end of the shovel plate (4222) can scoop up the target part on the operation unit area (102) on the sample box rotation support assembly (32), and the top column (4223) can limit the operation unit area (102).

12. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The sliding support (421) includes a sliding frame support plate (4211), a slide rail (4212) is provided on the sliding frame support plate (4211), and a sliding frame drive module (4213) is provided on the sliding frame support plate (4211). The sliding frame (4221) is connected to the sliding frame drive module (4213), and the sliding frame drive module (4213) can drive the sliding frame (4221) to slide along the slide rail (4212).

13. The fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The storage and transfer mechanism (2) also includes a shovel assembly (21); the pipe picking area (3) and the transport component (4) are arranged in the storage rack (101), and multiple sets of plate racks can be supported and stored on the storage rack (101). The shovel assembly (21) is arranged on the side of the storage rack (101), and the shovel assembly (21) can transfer and shovel between the double-layer rack assembly (33) and the storage rack (101).

14. The fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 13, characterized in that: The scooping assembly (21) includes a scooping module (211) and a track drive (212). The scooping module (211) is mounted on the track drive (212) and can move on the track drive (212). The scooping module (211) can scoop and transport the plate frame.

15. The fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The scooping module (211) includes a movable frame (2111) and a horizontal scooping module (2112); the horizontal scooping module (2112) is mounted on the movable frame (2111) and can be vertically raised and lowered on the movable frame (2111); the horizontal scooping module (2112) can scoop up the plates on the storage rack (101) and the double-layer rack assembly (33).

16. The fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that: An operation port (7) is provided on the main body compartment (1), and an external docking assembly (8) is provided on the outside of the operation port (7). The external docking assembly (8) docks with the conveying assembly (42) to transfer the target part in the operation unit area (102).

17. The fully automated centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 16, characterized in that: The external docking assembly (8) includes a docking frame (81) and a docking frame drive (82); the docking frame (81) is slidably mounted on the docking frame drive (82), the docking frame (81) can support the sample box (6), and the conveying assembly (42) can receive the operating unit area (102) on the docking frame (81).

18. The fully automatic centrifuge tube cryogenic storage device as described in claim 16, characterized in that: The operating port (7) is provided with a track-changing sealing door assembly, which can seal or open the operating port (7).

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