Intelligent sample storage system

Abstract

The intelligent sample storage system provided by the utility model is different from the existing integrated arrangement of an automatic access operation device and a storage device, and the automatic access operation device and the storage device are independent from each other, so that the production cost is saved; the storage device can be moved to the position below the automatic access operation device through the moving unit, and access is convenient; and when the liquid nitrogen in the storage device is insufficient, the storage device can be moved to the corresponding liquid adding level. And a reasonable layout design is adopted, so that the storage tank is endowed with mobility. When one storage tank is full or long-term storage is needed, the storage tank can be conveniently replaced by a brand new storage tank. The system is suitable for diversified use scenes, such as small-scale storage and large-scale flux storage. The user can gradually expand the system scale along with the increase of the demand from the initial small-scale layout according to the own demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of biopharmaceuticals, in particular to an intelligent sample storage system. Background Art

[0002] At present, liquid nitrogen tanks are mainly used in the medical device field for cryopreserving biological materials such as blood and stem cells. A liquid nitrogen tank usually includes a tank body and a tray arranged in the tank body. Among them, liquid nitrogen is filled in the tank body, and biological materials are placed on the tray and placed in the tank body in an environment below -190°C to achieve long-term and reliable storage of biological materials. In the prior art, in order to facilitate the access of biological materials, an automatic access operation device is usually configured on the liquid nitrogen tank, and a manipulator is configured on the automatic access operation device to take out the tray from the tank body, or the manipulator is used to put an external tray into the tank body. However, this configuration method has the following problems: on the one hand, in the prior art, each liquid nitrogen tank needs to be configured with a set of automatic access operation devices, resulting in high manufacturing costs; on the other hand, if all equipment needs to be relocated due to factory relocation or other reasons, this structure is not only difficult to operate, but also easily damages biological materials if handled improperly during the operation process.

[0003] Therefore, it is urgent to invent an intelligent sample storage system to effectively solve at least one of the above technical problems. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an intelligent sample storage system to effectively solve at least one of the problems of high cost of biological sample storage and damage to biological materials during handling.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides an intelligent sample storage system, including:

[0006] At least one storage device, each of which is provided with a liquid nitrogen storage area, and each storage device is also provided with an access port for accessing items;

[0007] At least one automatic access operation device, used to open and close the storage device and extend through the access port into the mobile storage device to access items;

[0008] A mobile unit, used to drive the storage device to move to the designated automatic access operation device;

[0009] A liquid filling and charging device, used to fill liquid nitrogen into the storage device and charge the mobile unit.

[0010] Further, the storage device includes a tank body, a tank cover, a storage rack, a rotating shaft, a synchronous belt, and a rotating motor;

[0011] The can lid is eccentrically arranged at the top of the can body. The position of the rotating shaft coincides with the central axis of the can body. The storage rack is arranged inside the can body and connected to the rotating shaft, and can rotate around the rotating shaft. The synchronous belt is respectively wound around the top end of the rotating shaft and the output end of the rotating motor, and is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0012] Further, a lifting platform is provided on the surface of the moving unit;

[0013] When the lifting platform is in the low position, the moving unit can extend into the bottom of the storage device;

[0014] When the lifting platform is in the high position, the storage device on the moving unit can be docked with the automatic access operation device.

[0015] Further, the moving unit is an AGV robot.

[0016] Further, the automatic access operation device includes: an open-can manipulator and a basket manipulator. The open-can manipulator is used to open the access port, and the basket manipulator is used to extend into the access port to access items.

[0017] Further, the liquid adding and charging device includes: a vacuum liquid adding pipe, a solenoid valve, and charging electrode plates; one end of the vacuum liquid adding pipe is connected to a liquid nitrogen pipeline, and the other end of the vacuum liquid adding pipe is telescopically arranged; the solenoid valve is arranged on the vacuum liquid adding pipe and is used to control the liquid nitrogen filling amount; the charging electrode plates are arranged below the vacuum liquid adding pipe and are used to charge the moving unit; an automatic liquid adding port is provided on the access port and is used to cooperate with the vacuum liquid adding pipe for liquid adding.

[0018] Further, the intelligent sample storage system further includes a storage rack for placing the storage device; a power contact piece is arranged at the bottom of the storage device, and a power contact point is arranged on the storage rack. When the power contact point contacts the power contact piece, the storage rack supplies power to the rotating motor of the storage device.

[0019] Further, both the storage device and the automatic access operation device are provided with UPS power supplies.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are mainly reflected in the following aspects: The present utility model proposes an intelligent sample storage system. Different from the integrated setting of the existing automatic access operation device and storage device, the automatic access operation device and storage device of the present utility model are independent of each other, saving production costs; The storage device can be moved to the lower part of the automatic access operation device through the moving unit, facilitating access; Also, when the liquid nitrogen in the storage device is insufficient, the storage device can be moved to the corresponding liquid addition position. A reasonable layout design is adopted to endow the storage tank with mobility. When a storage tank is full or in the case of long-term storage, a brand-new storage tank can be conveniently replaced. The system is applicable to diverse usage scenarios, whether it is small-scale storage or large-scale throughput storage. Users can start from an initial small-scale layout according to their own needs and gradually expand the system scale as the demand increases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the system in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage device in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the moving unit in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic access operation device in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the liquid addition and charging device structure in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the storage rack in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the automatic access operation device in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of the usage method of the intelligent sample storage system in Embodiment 2 of the present utility model.

[0029] In the figure, 1 is an automatic access operation device; 101 is a power distribution cabinet; 103 is a basket manipulator; 104 is a lid-opening manipulator; 105 is a barcode scanner; 106 is a plate rack gripper; 107 is a cryotube gripper; 108 is a truss manipulator; 109 is a low-temperature temporary storage area; 110 is a sample sorting platform; 111 is a display screen; 112 is a transfer manipulator; 113 is a transfer tank; 2 is a mobile unit; 21 is a lifting platform; 3 is a storage device; 30 is an access port; 31 is an automatic liquid addition port; 32 is a rotating shaft; 33 is a synchronous belt; 34 is a rotating motor; 35 is a power contact; 4 is a storage rack; 41 is a power contact point; 5 is a liquid addition and charging device; 51 is a charging electrode plate; 52 is a vacuum liquid addition tube; 53 is a solenoid valve; 6 is a UPS power supply. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] The following will describe in more detail an intelligent sample storage system of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the present invention described herein while still achieving the advantageous effects of the present invention. Therefore, the following description should be understood as a broad guidance for those skilled in the art and not as a limitation on the present invention.

[0031] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described more specifically by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will be clearer according to the following description. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this specification are only for the purpose of illustration. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise scales, and are only used to conveniently and clearly assist in explaining the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, this embodiment proposes an intelligent sample storage system, including: at least one storage device 3, in each of the storage devices 3, there is a liquid storage area for liquid nitrogen and biological materials, and each of the storage devices 3 is also provided with an access port 30 for accessing items; at least one automatic access operation device 1, which is used to open and close the storage device 3 and extend through the access port 30 into the mobile storage device 3 to access items; a mobile unit 2, which is used to drive the storage device 3 to move to a designated automatic access operation device 1; a liquid addition and charging device 5, which is used to fill liquid nitrogen into the storage device 3 and charge the mobile unit 2.

[0035] Through the above setting method, on the one hand, the storage device 3 and the automatic access operation device 1 can be separately arranged, avoiding the traditional configuration of one biological storage device 3 fixedly equipped with one automatic access operation device 1, and reducing the production cost; on the other hand, if all the equipment needs to be relocated due to factory relocation or other reasons, this structure can operate flexibly and cause less damage to biological materials.

[0036] Furthermore, the storage device 3 can be a storage tank.

[0037] In this example, the storage device 3 further includes a tank body, a tank cover, a storage rack, a rotating shaft 32, a synchronous belt 33, and a rotating motor 34;

[0038] The tank cover is eccentrically arranged at the top of the tank body. The position of the rotating shaft 32 coincides with the central axis of the tank body. The storage rack is arranged in the tank body and connected to the rotating shaft 32, and can rotate around the rotating shaft 32. The synchronous belt 33 is respectively wound around the top end of the rotating shaft 32 and the output end of the rotating motor 34 to drive the rotating shaft 32 to rotate.

[0039] As Figure 3 shown, a lifting platform 21 is provided on the surface of the moving unit 2. When the lifting platform 21 is in the low position, the moving unit 2 can extend into the bottom of the storage device 3; when the lifting platform 21 is in the high position, the storage device 3 on the moving unit 2 can be docked with the automatic access operation device 1.

[0040] Specifically, the moving unit 2 is an AGV robot.

[0041] As Figure 4 shown, the automatic access operation device 1 includes: an open - cover manipulator 104 and a basket manipulator 103. The open - cover manipulator is used to open the access port 30, and the basket manipulator 103 is used to extend into the access port 30 to access items.

[0042] Furthermore, the specific steps for the internal access of biological liquid in the automatic access device 1 are as follows: 1. Startup and initialization: The power distribution cabinet 101 supplies power, and the UPS power supply 6 ensures that the system continues to operate in case of unexpected power failure; the system is initialized to confirm the initial positions of all manipulators and grippers. 2. Reading sample information: The barcode scanner 105 reads the barcode or QR code on the storage container to confirm the sample information; based on the read information, the system determines the specific sample to be accessed. 3. Sample access: The basket manipulator 103 moves to the target position, the lid-opening manipulator 104 opens the lid of the target storage container, and the basket manipulator 103 extends into the access port 30 to grab or place the biological liquid. 4. Low-temperature treatment: If the sample requires low-temperature treatment, the cryotube gripper 107 moves the sample to the low-temperature temporary storage area 109, and the sample is temporarily stored in the low-temperature temporary storage area 109 to ensure that its temperature is not affected. 5. Sorting and storage: The sample sorting platform 110 is used to sort and classify samples to ensure their orderly management; the plate gripper 106 and the truss manipulator 108 work together to ensure that the samples are stably stored or moved to the designated position. 6. Completion of operation: After the operation is completed, the lid-opening manipulator 104 closes the lid of the storage container, and all manipulators and grippers return to their initial positions, and the system is ready for the next operation.

[0043] As Figure 5 shown, in this embodiment, the liquid adding and charging device 5 includes: a vacuum liquid adding tube 52, a solenoid valve 53, and a charging electrode plate 51; one end of the vacuum liquid adding tube 52 is connected to the liquid nitrogen pipeline, and the other end of the vacuum liquid adding tube 52 is telescopically arranged; the solenoid valve 53 is arranged on the vacuum liquid adding tube 52 to control the liquid nitrogen filling amount; the charging electrode plate 51 is arranged below the vacuum liquid adding tube 52 to charge the mobile unit 2; an automatic liquid adding port 31 is arranged on the access port 30 for cooperating with the vacuum liquid adding tube 52 to add liquid. When it is detected that the liquid nitrogen in the storage device 3 is lacking, the system automatically issues an alarm, and the mobile unit 2 moves the storage device 3 to the liquid adding and charging device 5, and the lifting platform 21 jacks up the storage device 3. At this time, the automatic liquid adding port 31 is docked with the vacuum liquid adding tube 52, and the automatic liquid adding port 31 is automatically pushed open during the rising process to realize the filling of liquid nitrogen; after completion, the lifting platform 21 descends, and the automatic liquid adding port 31 automatically closes.

[0044] As Figure 6 shown, the intelligent sample storage system of this embodiment further includes a storage rack 4 for placing the storage device 3; a power contact piece 35 is arranged at the bottom of the storage device 3, and a power contact point 41 is arranged on the storage rack 4. When the power contact point 41 contacts the power contact piece 35, the storage rack 4 supplies power to the rotation motor of the storage device 3.

[0045] In this example, in both the storage device 3 and the automatic access operation device 1, a UPS power supply 6 is provided to prevent unexpected power outages or other transfer requirements, so that power can be continuously supplied to maintain the storage environment of the biological liquid preparation.

[0046] As Figure 7 shown, it is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the automatic access operation device 1 in this embodiment. The display screen 111 is connected to the control system, and the control system is responsible for the operation logic of the entire access unit and the execution of user instructions. The display screen 111 provides real-time feedback and system status to the operator; the transfer manipulator 112 is connected to multiple components, including the sample storage area, the sample sorting platform 110, the transfer tank 113, etc. Its function is to automatically grab, transport, and place samples or sample containers according to the instructions of the control system; the transfer tank 113 is the direct operation object of the transfer manipulator 112. After the manipulator takes out the sample from the storage area, it is placed in the transfer tank 113, and then the transfer tank 113 is moved to a designated location, such as a laboratory or other storage equipment.

[0047] In summary, this embodiment provides an intelligent sample storage system. Different from the integrated setting of the existing automatic access operation device and storage device, the automatic access operation device and storage device of the present utility model are independent of each other, saving production costs; the storage device can be moved under the automatic access operation device through the mobile unit, facilitating access; it can also move the storage device to the corresponding liquid addition level when the liquid nitrogen in the storage device is insufficient. In terms of maintenance, different from traditional equipment, the component design of the automated storage tank is easy to observe, and maintenance can be carried out without disassembling the machine, improving the convenience of maintenance. The separate design of the host and the storage tank means that when maintaining or repairing the host, the safety of the samples in the storage tank will not be affected. A reasonable layout design endows the storage tank with mobility. When a storage tank is full or in the case of long-term storage, it can be easily replaced with a brand-new storage tank. The system is applicable to diverse usage scenarios, whether it is small-scale storage or large-scale throughput storage. Users can start from an initial small-scale layout according to their own needs and gradually expand the system scale as the demand increases.

[0048] Embodiment 2

[0049] As Figure 8 shown, in this embodiment, a usage method of an intelligent sample storage system is provided, including the following steps:

[0050] S100. The mobile unit 2 receives an access instruction and travels to the designated storage device 3;

[0051] S200. The mobile unit 2 transports the storage device 3 to the lower part of the designated automatic access operation device 1;

[0052] S300. The automatic access device 1 is positioned and docked with the storage device 3, and access is completed.

[0053] S400. After the access is completed, the mobile unit 2 transports the storage device 3 back to its original position.

[0054] Furthermore, the following steps are also included: when it is detected that the liquid nitrogen in the storage device 3 is insufficient, the mobile unit 2 transports the storage device 3 to the liquid filling and charging device 5. The lifting platform 21 of the mobile unit 2 jacks up the storage device 3, so that the automatic liquid filling port 31 on the storage device 3 is docked with the vacuum liquid filling pipe on the liquid filling and charging device 5 to achieve liquid nitrogen filling. After the filling is completed, the lifting platform 21 of the mobile unit 2 descends, so that the automatic liquid filling port 31 on the storage device 3 is disengaged from the vacuum liquid filling pipe 52 on the liquid filling and charging device 5. The mobile unit 2 transports the storage device 3 back to its original position.

[0055] In summary, the present embodiment provides a method for using an intelligent sample storage system, which realizes the efficient and precise operation of the intelligent sample storage system. Through the collaborative work of the mobile unit and the automatic access device, the sample access process is fully automated, reducing manual operations and improving work efficiency and accuracy. In addition, the mobile unit stays at the charging and liquid filling position, ensuring the continuous operation ability of the system. The overall process is simple and clear, ensuring the safety and controllability of the sample access process.

[0056] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and its equivalent technologies, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An intelligent sample storage system, characterized in that, Comprising: At least one storage device, in each of which there is a liquid storage area for liquid nitrogen, and on each of which there is also an access opening for accessing articles; At least one automatic access operation device for opening and closing the storage device and extending through the access opening into the storage device to access articles; A moving unit for driving the storage device to move to a designated automatic access operation device; A liquid filling and charging device for filling the storage device with liquid nitrogen and charging the moving unit.

2. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, wherein The storage device includes a tank body, a tank cover, a storage rack, a rotating shaft, a synchronous belt and a rotating motor; The tank cover is eccentrically arranged at the top of the tank body, the position of the rotating shaft coincides with the central axis of the tank body, the storage rack is arranged in the tank body and connected to the rotating shaft, and can rotate around the rotating shaft, and the synchronous belt is respectively wound around the top end of the rotating shaft and the output end of the rotating motor for driving the rotating shaft to rotate.

3. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, wherein A lifting platform is provided on the surface of the moving unit; When the lifting platform is in the low position, the moving unit can extend into the bottom of the storage device; When the lifting platform is in the high position, the storage device on the moving unit can be docked with the automatic access operation device.

4. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, wherein The moving unit is an AGV.

5. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic access operation device includes: an opening cover manipulator and a basket manipulator. The opening cover manipulator is used to open the access opening, and the basket manipulator is used to extend into the access opening to access articles.

6. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid filling and charging device includes: a vacuum liquid filling pipe, a solenoid valve and a charging electrode plate; one end of the vacuum liquid filling pipe is connected to a liquid nitrogen pipeline, and the other end of the vacuum liquid filling pipe is telescopically arranged; the solenoid valve is arranged on the vacuum liquid filling pipe for controlling the filling amount of liquid nitrogen; the charging electrode plate is arranged below the vacuum liquid filling pipe for charging the moving unit; an automatic liquid filling port is provided on the access opening for cooperating with the vacuum liquid filling pipe for liquid filling.

7. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes a storage rack for placing the storage device; a power contact piece is arranged at the bottom of the storage device, and a power contact point is arranged on the storage rack. When the power contact point contacts the power contact piece, the storage rack supplies power to the rotating motor of the storage device.

8. The intelligent sample storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that A UPS power supply is provided in both the storage device and the automatic access operation device.

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