Identification imparting device for biological sample storage tube

Abstract

An identifier endowing device for a biological sample storage tube is characterized by comprising a tube taking part, a tube opening part, a tube opening part and a tube opening part, the tube taking part is used for grabbing the biological sample storage tube, and the biological sample storage tube is used for storing a biological sample; the driving part is connected with the pipe taking part, and the driving part is used for driving the pipe taking part to rotate so as to drive the biological sample pipe to rotate around a shaft in the height direction of the biological sample pipe; and the identifier endowing part is used for adding identifiers to the side surfaces of the biological sample storage tubes grabbed by the tube taking part. According to the identification endowing device for the biological sample storage tube, the biological sample storage tube can be driven to rotate after being grabbed, so that the area facing the side face of the identification endowing piece can be adjusted, and the identification endowing device enables the area, capable of being endowed with the identification, of the biological sample storage tube to be large.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of biological sample storage technology, and in particular to an identification device for biological sample storage tubes. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical industry, large-scale biobanks have emerged, and the storage capacity of biological samples is increasing. Biological samples can be stored in biobank storage tubes.

[0003] When using biological sample storage tubes, users need to assign labels (such as barcodes, QR codes, etc.) to the tubes. Some labeling devices already exist that can grasp the biological sample storage tubes and then assign labels to them using inkjet printing mechanisms or other labeling components. However, such labeling devices result in a small area on the biological sample storage tubes that can be labeled. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide an identification device for biological sample storage tubes that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] This application provides an identification device for a biological sample storage tube, comprising: a tube-grabbing component for grasping the biological sample storage tube for storing biological samples; a driving component connected to the tube-grabbing component for driving the tube-grabbing component to rotate, thereby driving the biological sample storage tube to rotate about an axis in the height direction of the biological sample storage tube; and an identification component for adding an identification mark to the side of the biological sample storage tube grasped by the tube-grabbing component.

[0006] Optionally, the marking device includes a plurality of tube-retrieving components, the plurality of tube-retrieving components are mounted on a connector, the drive component is connected to the connector, and the drive component drives the plurality of tube-retrieving components to rotate through the connector.

[0007] Optionally, the marking device includes a first mounting bracket, the drive component is mounted on the first mounting bracket, the first mounting bracket is connected to a transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism is used to move the first mounting bracket.

[0008] Optionally, the driving component includes a drive motor having an output shaft, the connecting component is fixedly connected to a fixing component having a fixed shaft, and the output shaft is connected to the fixed shaft via a coupling.

[0009] Optionally, the fastener is rotatably connected to the first mounting bracket via a bearing.

[0010] Optionally, the marking device includes a plurality of tube-retrieving components, which are mounted on the connector. The marking device also includes a plurality of driving components, which correspond one-to-one with the plurality of tube-retrieving components. The driving components are used to drive the corresponding tube-retrieving components to rotate.

[0011] Optionally, the plurality of drive components are mounted on the connector.

[0012] Optionally, the marking device includes a second mounting bracket, the connector is mounted on the second mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket is connected to a transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism is used to move the second mounting bracket.

[0013] Optionally, the marking device includes a limiting structure disposed on the drive member, the limiting structure being used to limit the rotation angle of the tube-taking member.

[0014] Optionally, the marking device includes at least one of an inkjet printer, a laser, and a ribbon transfer printer.

[0015] The labeling device for biological sample storage tubes provided in this application can rotate the biological sample storage tube after it is grasped, thereby adjusting the area facing the side of the labeling device. This labeling device allows for a larger area on the biological sample storage tube to be labeled. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of the application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an identifier assigning device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of region A shown;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tube-taking component and the driving component of the identification assigning device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged view of region B shown.

[0021] In the diagram, 100 is the tube-taking fitting, 200 is the driving component, 300 is the marking component, 400 is the connecting component, 510 is the first mounting bracket, 520 is the second mounting bracket, 600 is the coupling, 700 is the fixing component, and 800 is the bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only one embodiment of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0024] This embodiment provides a labeling device for biological sample storage tubes. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an identifier assigning device according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of region A shown; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tube-taking component 100 and the drive component 200 of the identification-assigning device according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged view of region B shown.

[0025] The labeling device includes a tube-grabbing member 100, a driving member 200, and a labeling member 300. The tube-grabbing member 100 is used to grasp the biological sample storage tube, which is used to store biological samples. The driving member 200 is connected to the tube-grabbing member 100 and is used to drive the tube-grabbing member 100 to rotate, thereby causing the biological sample storage tube to rotate about an axis in the height direction of the biological sample storage tube; the labeling member 300 is used to add a label to the side of the biological sample storage tube grasped by the tube-grabbing member 100.

[0026] A biological sample storage tube may specifically include a tube body and a cap. The tube body defines a storage cavity for storing biological samples. The tube body may include a bottom and a side portion, with the side portion extending upwards from the bottom edge. The inner wall surfaces of the bottom and side portions define the storage cavity, which has a top opening. The cap is used to open and close the top opening. The height direction of the biological sample storage tube can be the arrangement direction of the tube body and the cap. Specifically, the biological sample storage tube may be a cryopreservation tube.

[0027] The tube-grabbing mechanism can achieve the grasping of biological sample storage tubes in various ways. For example, the cap of the biological sample storage tube may have an opening, and the tube-grabbing component 100 may be a bit that can be inserted into the opening and pressurized to grasp the biological sample storage tube. In other embodiments, it can also be achieved by adsorption. For example, the tube-grabbing component 100 may be an electromagnet, and iron may be provided on the biological sample storage tube, thereby magnetically adsorbing the biological sample storage tube. In other embodiments, the tube-grabbing component 100 may be a gripper or a robotic arm, and the biological sample storage tube can be grasped by opening and closing the gripper (for example, including a first gripper and a second gripper, the first end of the first gripper and the first end of the second gripper are rotatably connected, and the output shaft of a motor is connected to the first end of the second gripper to drive the second gripper to rotate relative to the first gripper, so that the second ends of the first gripper and the second gripper can grasp the biological sample storage tube). Since the gripping component itself is known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here. The tube-grabbing component 100 may be movable or fixed. The gripping component may also be a flexible suction cup, a suction head, etc.

[0028] Specifically, the driving component 200 can be a drive motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the tube-taking component 100 to drive the tube-taking component 100 to rotate, thereby causing the biological sample storage tube to rotate about an axis in the height direction of the biological sample storage tube. Alternatively, the driving component 200 can be a cylinder, the extension rod of which is connected to a rack to drive the rack to translate. The rack meshes with a gear to drive the gear to rotate, and the gear is connected to the tube-taking component 100, thereby causing the biological sample storage tube to rotate about an axis in the height direction of the biological sample storage tube.

[0029] This allows for adjustment of the area facing the labeling element 300, resulting in a larger area of ​​the biological sample storage tube that can be labeled. For example, if the tube side is cylindrical, when the labeling element 300 is located on the left side of the biological sample storage tube, the labeling element 300 can label not only the left side of the tube side but also the right side of the tube side by rotation. If the tube side is prismatic, when the labeling element 300 is located on the left side of the biological sample storage tube, the labeling element 300 can label not only the left side of the tube side but also the front, rear, and right sides of the tube side by rotation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the labeling device includes a plurality of tube-grabbing components 100, which are mounted on a connector 400. A drive component 200 is connected to the connector 400, and the drive component 200 drives the plurality of tube-grabbing components 100 to rotate via the connector 400. The connector 400 can be a connecting plate, and the tube-grabbing components 100 can be installed on the connector 400 by various means such as threads or snap-fits. Thus, the labeling device becomes a high-throughput storage consumable labeling device, solving the current problem of low efficiency in consumable labeling, achieving automated and efficient operation, and marking ≥2 tubes per cycle. Currently, many scenarios involve high-throughput sample operations, often requiring batch labeling. However, labeling devices in related technologies mostly grasp a single tube at a time, complete the labeling, and then put it back. This embodiment can grasp ≥2 tubes at a time, complete the labeling, and then put them back. Compared to the single-tube grasping solution, efficiency is significantly improved. Furthermore, the number of samples grasped at a time is variable, adapting to various scenarios. In related technologies, the process of grabbing a single biological sample storage tube, marking it, and then putting it back is inefficient. The marking device provided in this embodiment can grab ≥2 tubes for marking simultaneously, making it highly suitable for high-throughput sample processing scenarios. The device automatically grabs tubes from the sample box (used to hold multiple biological sample storage tubes), marks them, and then puts them back, achieving fully automated marking.

[0031] In some embodiments, the identification device includes a first mounting bracket 510, the drive member 200 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 510, and the first mounting bracket 510 is connected to a transfer mechanism for moving the first mounting bracket 510. For example, the first mounting bracket 510 may be moved vertically to allow for the placement and removal of biological sample storage tubes. Specifically, for example, the first mounting bracket 510 may be connected to a gear that meshes with a vertically fixed rack. The gear may be connected to a motor that drives the gear to rotate, thereby achieving the vertical movement of the first mounting bracket 510. In other embodiments, the transfer mechanism may also achieve horizontal movement of the first mounting bracket 510.

[0032] In some embodiments, the drive component 200 includes a drive motor having an output shaft, the connector 400 is fixedly connected to the fixing component 700, the fixing component 700 has a fixed shaft, and the output shaft is connected to the fixed shaft via a coupling 600. Thus, the overall mechanism is simple and stable.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fastener 700 is rotatably connected to the first mounting bracket 510 via a bearing 800. This prevents wear and ensures smooth rotation.

[0034] Referring to the above, the marking device of this embodiment can be driven by a single drive member 200 to rotate multiple tube-taking members 100, thereby reducing costs and simplifying the structure.

[0035] In other embodiments, the labeling device includes a plurality of tube-retrieving components 100, which are mounted on a connector 400. The labeling device also includes a plurality of driving components 200, each corresponding one-to-one with a tube-retrieving component 100, and each driving component 200 is used to rotate its corresponding tube-retrieving component 100. The connector 400 can be a connecting plate. In this embodiment, the labeling device can use multiple driving components 200 to rotate multiple tube-retrieving components 100 independently, thus minimizing the space required for rotation and allowing independent control of the angle of each biological sample storage tube.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of drive members 200 are mounted on the connector 400. The drive members 200 may be mounted on the connector 400 by various means such as threads or snaps, and the drive members 200 are then rotatably connected to the tube-taking fitting 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, the identification device includes a second mounting bracket 520, the connector 400 is mounted on the second mounting bracket 520, and the second mounting bracket 520 is connected to a transfer mechanism for moving the second mounting bracket 520. For example, the transfer mechanism can move the second mounting bracket 520 vertically to pick up and place biological sample storage tubes. Specifically, for example, the second mounting bracket 520 is connected to a gear that meshes with a vertically fixed rack. The gear is connected to a motor, which drives the gear to rotate, thereby achieving vertical movement of the second mounting bracket 520. In other embodiments, the transfer mechanism can also achieve horizontal movement of the second mounting bracket 520.

[0038] In some embodiments, the marking device includes a limiting structure disposed on the drive member 200, which limits the rotation angle of the tube-taking member 100. For example, a limiting ring can be provided at the output shaft of the drive motor. Since the specific implementation method of achieving the rotation angle of the drive member 200 is well known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here. For example, the rotation can be limited to 180°, making the rotation angle more controllable.

[0039] In some embodiments, the marking applicator 300 includes at least one of an inkjet printer, a laser, and a ribbon transfer printer. The inkjet printer marks the mark in the form of inkjet printing, the laser marks the mark by laser engraving, and the ribbon transfer printer marks the mark by ribbon transfer.

[0040] Understandably, the device may also include a support plate to support and install the tube picker 100, the marking device 300, the drive device 200, etc., and the tube picker 100, the marking device 300, and the drive device 200 may be housed within the housing.

[0041] Currently, there are many scenarios involving high-throughput sample handling, often requiring batch labeling. Some users need to simultaneously label samples with Chinese characters, barcodes, letters, and other information. This embodiment can automatically batch (≥2 tubes) grab biological sample storage tubes and label them. After labeling, the biological sample storage tubes can be rotated 180° in batches, and labeling can continue in unlabeled areas on the side walls. After labeling is complete, the biological sample storage tubes can be rotated 180° again in batches and automatically returned. Through automated operation, the labelable area of ​​consumables is increased, the labelable information is increased, and information labeling is completed with high throughput and high efficiency. Related technologies can only label a portion of the biological sample storage tube, and the labelable content is limited. This embodiment can simultaneously label ≥2 non-connected areas of ≥2 tubes, achieving efficient large-scale information labeling. A single drive unit 200 can drive the entire tube to rotate 180°, creating two axisymmetric labeling areas on the tube. Alternatively, multiple drive units 200 can be used to create two axisymmetric labeling areas on the tube separately. This embodiment can stop and label at any angle, and can also label while rotating.

[0042] Regarding the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0043] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An identification imparting device for a biological sample storage tube, characterized by, The identification imparting device comprises: a tube taking member for grabbing the biological sample storage tube used for storing biological samples; a driving member connected with the tube taking member, the driving member being used to drive the tube taking member to rotate, so as to drive the biological sample storage tube to rotate around the axis in the height direction of the biological sample storage tube; an identification imparting member for adding an identification to the side of the biological sample storage tube grabbed by the tube taking member.

2. The identification imparting device according to claim 1, wherein the identification imparting device comprises a plurality of the tube taking members, the plurality of the tube taking members being mounted on a connecting member, the driving member being connected with the connecting member, the driving member driving the plurality of the tube taking members to rotate through the connecting member.

3. The identification imparting device according to claim 2, wherein the identification imparting device comprises a first mounting frame, the driving member being mounted on the first mounting frame, the first mounting frame being connected with a transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism being used to drive the first mounting frame to move.

4. The identification imparting device according to claim 3, wherein the driving member comprises a driving motor, the driving motor having an output shaft, the connecting member being fixedly connected with a fixing member, the fixing member having a fixing shaft, the output shaft being connected with the fixing shaft through a shaft coupling.

5. The identification imparting device according to claim 4, wherein the fixing member is rotatably connected with the first mounting frame through a bearing.

6. The identification imparting device according to claim 1, wherein the identification imparting device comprises a plurality of the tube taking members, the plurality of the tube taking members being mounted on a connecting member, the identification imparting device comprising a plurality of the driving members, the plurality of the driving members corresponding to the plurality of the tube taking members one by one, the driving member being used to drive the corresponding tube taking member to rotate.

7. The identification imparting device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of the driving members are mounted on the connecting member.

8. The identification imparting device according to claim 7, wherein the identification imparting device comprises a second mounting frame, the connecting member being mounted on the second mounting frame, the second mounting frame being connected with a transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism being used to drive the second mounting frame to move.

9. The identification imparting device according to claim 1, wherein the identification imparting device comprises a limiting structure, the limiting structure being arranged on the driving member, the limiting structure being used to limit the rotation angle of the tube taking member.

10. The identification imparting device according to claim 1, wherein the identification imparting member comprises at least one of an inkjet printer, a laser and a ribbon transfer printer.

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