Self-locking type liquid nitrogen tank sealing and heat preservation device and liquid nitrogen tank

Abstract

The utility model provides a self-locking type liquid nitrogen tank sealing and heat preservation device and a liquid nitrogen tank, and belongs to the field of monitoring equipment of an assisted reproduction laboratory. Comprising an annular connecting piece and a tank cover assembly, a first lock catch is arranged on the end face of one side of the annular connecting piece, a lock hole is formed in the first lock catch, and a mounting groove used for being matched with an opening in the top of the liquid nitrogen tank is formed in the other side of the annular connecting piece. The tank cover assembly comprises a cover plate, an electric control main board and a heat preservation material column, the heat preservation material column is arranged on one side face of the cover plate, the outer diameter of the heat preservation material column is matched with the inner diameter of the annular connecting piece, the electric control main board is arranged on the other side face of the cover plate, and a spring bolt which can stretch outwards in the radial direction is arranged on one side of the cover plate. And the lock tongue is matched with the lock hole and is electrically connected with the electric control mainboard. The technical problems that in the prior art, due to the defects of a traditional liquid nitrogen tank sealing and locking mode, the occupied space is large, and the use and maintenance efficiency of the liquid nitrogen tank is affected can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of monitoring equipment for assisted reproductive laboratories, and in particular to a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device and a liquid nitrogen tank. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid nitrogen is the liquid form of nitrogen gas at low temperatures. It can generate very low temperatures and is non-toxic, colorless, odorless, non-flammable, non-explosive, and chemically stable. In recent years, it has been widely used in reproductive research projects as a method for cryopreservation of biological samples such as embryos. Liquid nitrogen is usually stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. During storage, liquid nitrogen is consumed due to evaporation and heat conduction with the outside air. Therefore, the openings need to be insulated and sealed to reduce and avoid consumption.

[0003] In related technologies, the main methods for sealing and insulating liquid nitrogen tanks include adding external locking strips to press down on the outer lid or adding traditional mechanical locks to the original latches for additional locking. However, using external locking strips is cumbersome and space-consuming, requiring the installation of the strips and intelligent electronic control devices on both sides of the liquid nitrogen tank opening, which is inconvenient for transporting and moving the tanks. Furthermore, adding traditional mechanical locks lacks intelligence, and when there are many liquid nitrogen tanks, staff need to use keys to unlock and retrieve them one by one, resulting in low efficiency in use and maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device and a liquid nitrogen tank, which can solve the technical problem in related technologies where traditional liquid nitrogen tank sealing and locking methods occupy a large space due to their inherent defects, affecting the efficiency of liquid nitrogen tank use and maintenance. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device, including an annular connector and a tank cover assembly.

[0006] The annular connector has a first latch on one side end face, the first latch has a locking hole, and the other side of the annular connector has an installation groove for engaging with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0007] The can lid assembly includes a lid plate, an electronic control main board, and a heat-insulating material column. The heat-insulating material column is disposed on one side of the lid plate, and the outer diameter of the heat-insulating material column matches the inner diameter of the annular connector. The electronic control main board is disposed on the other side of the lid plate. A locking tongue is provided on one side of the lid plate and is radially retractable. The locking tongue matches the locking hole and is electrically connected to the electronic control main board.

[0008] Optionally, the edge of the cover plate below the latch is provided with a positioning notch that matches the first latch.

[0009] Optionally, the first latch is detachably connected to the annular connector.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of sample mounting grooves are provided at equal angular intervals along one side end face of the annular connector, and the sample mounting grooves are connected to the inner ring of the annular connector.

[0011] Optionally, the outer wall of the thermal insulation material column is provided with a radially arranged clearance groove that matches the sample mounting groove.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a sensor assembly disposed on the side of the insulation material column away from the cover plate, the sensor assembly including at least a temperature sensor and a liquid level sensor that are communicatively connected to the electronic control motherboard.

[0013] Optionally, the outer edge of the annular connector is provided with a second latch.

[0014] Optionally, the outer edge of the annular connector is provided with a buckle, and the buckle and the second lock are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the annular connector.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model embodiment also provides a liquid nitrogen tank, including the self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device described in the first aspect, and also includes a tank body. The annular connector is installed at the top opening of the tank body through the mounting groove. The cover plate is placed on one end face of the annular connector. The insulation material column passes through the inner ring of the annular connector and extends into the interior of the tank body.

[0016] Optionally, the annular connector is detachably connected to the tank body.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following:

[0018] After being installed and properly closed with the liquid nitrogen tank, the cover completely seals the inner opening of the annular connector. Insulation material columns pass through the inner ring of the connector and extend into the tank, filling the opening and inner sidewalls of the liquid nitrogen tank neck. This provides insulation between the inside of the liquid nitrogen tank and the outside of the cover, and ensures a tight seal. An electronic control board and a lock assembly controlled by the board are mounted on the top surface of the cover. Once closed, the latch connected to the lock assembly aligns with the lock hole on the first latch on the side. The electronic control board also integrates a fingerprint module, charging module, circuitry, display screen, and buttons. Users can send remote commands to the electronic control board via external terminals such as mobile phones or remote controls, or control the latch to extend outwards and engage in the lock hole through touch fingerprint recognition or button operation. This, combined with the filling and engagement between the insulation material columns and the liquid nitrogen tank opening, ensures a secure lock between the cover and the top surface of the annular connector, as well as allowing for reverse opening. There is no need to use external locking strips to press down the liquid nitrogen tank cover or to add traditional mechanical locks to the original lock for additional locking and fixation. The locking and unlocking methods are diverse, simple and convenient, and highly intelligent. In addition to the aforementioned tank cover components, there is no need to set up other locking devices on the liquid nitrogen tank. It can effectively solve the technical problems of traditional liquid nitrogen tank sealing and locking methods, which occupy a lot of space and affect the efficiency of liquid nitrogen tank use and maintenance due to their own defects. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device and the tank body provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of one side of the annular connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the annular connector provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the can lid assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first latch provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1-ring connector; 2-can lid assembly; 3-first latch; 4-sensor assembly; 5-can body; 11-mounting groove; 12-sample mounting groove; 13-second latch; 14-ring; 15-bolt connection hole; 21-cover plate; 22-electric control main board; 23-insulation material column; 24-locking tongue; 31-locking hole; 41-temperature sensor; 42-liquid level sensor; 211-positioning notch; 231-avoidance groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device and the tank body provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of one side of the annular connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the annular connector provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the can lid assembly provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first latch provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device, including an annular connector 1 and a tank cover assembly 2.

[0028] The annular connector 1 has a first latch 3 on one end face, and a locking hole 31 on the first latch 3. The other side of the annular connector 1 has an installation groove 11 for engaging with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0029] The can lid assembly 2 includes a lid plate 21, an electrical control main board 22, and an insulation material column 23. The insulation material column 23 is located on one side of the lid plate 21, and its outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the annular connector 1. The electrical control main board 22 is located on the other side of the lid plate 21. One side of the lid plate 21 is provided with a locking tongue 24 that is radially retractable. The locking tongue 24 matches the locking hole 31 and is electrically connected to the electrical control main board 22.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the annular connector 1 of the self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device is an annular structure machined for the corresponding top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. During use, by aligning the mounting groove 11 on its bottom end face with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank, it can be fully fitted and installed at the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. The cover plate 21 of the tank lid assembly 2 replaces the traditional top cover of the liquid nitrogen tank. After the biological sample is placed inside the liquid nitrogen tank, the side of the cover plate 21 with the insulating material column 23 faces the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. After the cover is in place, the cover plate 21 completely covers the inner ring opening of the annular connector 1 to achieve a seal. The insulating material column 23 passes through the inner ring of the annular connector 1 and extends into the tank body 5. The insulating material column 23 is a foam plug column, which fills the opening of the liquid nitrogen tank and the side wall inside the neck. Utilizing the small, poorly sized space of the foam plastic containing gas, it achieves the functions of heat insulation and sealing of the liquid nitrogen tank interior and the outside of the cover. The top surface of the cover plate 21 is equipped with an electronic control main board 22 and a lock body assembly controlled by the electronic control main board 22. After the cover is closed, the bolt 24 connected to the lock body assembly will face the lock hole 31 on the first latch 3 on the side. The electronic control main board 22 also integrates a fingerprint module, a charging module, circuits, a display screen, and buttons. Users can send remote commands to the electronic control main board 22 through external terminals, such as mobile phones or related remote controls, and control the bolt 24 to extend outward and lock into the lock hole 31 through various methods such as touch fingerprint recognition or button operation. With the filling cooperation between the insulation material column 23 and the liquid nitrogen tank opening, the cover plate 21 and the top surface of the annular connector 1 are firmly locked, and the cover plate can be opened in reverse. There is no need to use external locking strips to press down the liquid nitrogen tank cover or to add traditional mechanical locks to the original lock for additional locking. The locking and unlocking methods are diverse, simple and convenient, and highly intelligent. Apart from the tank cover component 2 mentioned above, there is no need to set up other locking devices on the liquid nitrogen tank. It can effectively solve the technical problems of traditional liquid nitrogen tank sealing and locking methods, which occupy a lot of space and affect the efficiency of liquid nitrogen tank use and maintenance due to their own defects.

[0031] Optionally, the edge of the cover plate 21 below the latch 24 is provided with a positioning notch 211 that matches the first latch 3. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, by providing an inwardly recessed positioning notch 211 at the position corresponding to the latch 24 on the cover plate 21, during the covering process, the positioning notch 211 can be aligned with the first latch 3 extending radially into the inner ring of the annular connector 1, that is, the end of the segment covered by the cover plate 21. This allows the user to directly cover the cover plate 21 from top to bottom. After the cover is in place, the first latch 3 can cooperate with the side wall of the positioning notch 211 to achieve axial locking of the cover plate 21, preventing axial rotation and ensuring covering stability. Simultaneously, it ensures that after the cover is in place, the latch 24 is directly aligned with the lock hole 31 on the first latch 3, ensuring installation stability and convenience.

[0032] Optionally, the first latch 3 is detachably connected to the annular connector 1. For example, in this embodiment of the invention, the first latch 3 is connected to the upper surface of the annular connector 1 by applying adhesive or screws, and can be disassembled using relevant tools for easy maintenance and replacement.

[0033] Optionally, a plurality of sample mounting grooves 12 are provided at equal angular intervals along one side end face of the annular connector 1, and the sample mounting grooves 12 communicate with the inner ring of the annular connector 1. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, a ring of sample mounting grooves 12 is provided at equal angular intervals along the axial direction on the top end face of the annular connector 1 for contacting the cover plate 21. After a basket containing biological samples is inserted into the liquid nitrogen tank, the hook above the basket is hung in the sample mounting groove along its opening communicating with the annular connector 1, thus storing the biological samples. Finally, the cover plate 21 is placed over the annular connector 1 to achieve a seal. Further, the outer wall of the insulation material column 23 is provided with radially arranged clearance grooves 231 that match the sample mounting grooves 12. When sealing the lid assembly 2 after the basket is placed in, the basket should be aligned with the sample mounting groove 12 before insertion to prevent the insulation column 23 from rubbing against the basket during insertion, which could cause the biological samples stored inside to shake and fall off. Simultaneously, after installation, the basket can be laterally secured by the clearance groove 231, ensuring the stability of the basket and the biological samples it supports within the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0034] Optionally, a sensor assembly 4 is also included. The sensor assembly 4 is disposed on the side of the insulation material column 23 away from the cover plate 21. The sensor assembly 4 includes at least a temperature sensor 41 and a liquid level sensor 42 that are communicatively connected to the electronic control motherboard 22. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor 41 and the liquid level sensor 42 are disposed on the side of the insulation material column 23 away from the cover plate 21 and are communicatively connected to the electronic control motherboard 22 (in this solution, a cable passes through a wire hole in the middle of the insulation material column 23 for electrical connection). After the tank cover assembly 2 is in place, both the liquid level sensor 42 and the temperature sensor 41 extend into the liquid nitrogen tank and contact the stored liquid nitrogen. This allows for real-time detection of the internal liquid level and temperature values ​​even when the liquid nitrogen tank is not opened. The numerical signals are then fed back to the electronic control motherboard 22 via relevant wiring harnesses. Operators can then monitor and obtain the remaining liquid nitrogen and real-time temperature information inside the liquid nitrogen tank based on the display screen on the electronic control motherboard 22, without needing to open the liquid nitrogen tank, further improving practicality and intelligence.

[0035] Optionally, the outer edge of the annular connector 1 is provided with a second latch 13. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the present invention, in addition to aligning the annular connector 1 with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank through the mounting groove 11 and fitting it in an interference fit, the annular connector 1 can also be provided with a plurality of second latches 13 (the second latches 13 can be common standard latch parts on the market) on its edge. After the fitting is in place, it can be adjusted to overlap and engage with the edge of the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank to further improve assembly stability.

[0036] Optionally, a retaining ring 14 is provided on the outer edge of the annular connector 1, and the retaining ring 14 and the second latch 13 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the annular connector 1. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the present invention, by adding a retaining ring 14 to the side edge of the annular connector 1, it can be reserved as an additional part of the latch structure. When needed, the user can adaptively add a traditional mechanical lock to cooperate with the retaining ring 14 to achieve further locking and sealing of the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment also provides a liquid nitrogen tank, including as follows: Figures 2 to 5 The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device shown also includes a tank body 5, an annular connector 1 is installed at the top opening of the tank body 5 through an installation groove 11, a cover plate 21 is placed on one side end face of the annular connector 1, and an insulation material column 23 passes through the inner ring of the annular connector 1 and extends into the interior of the tank body 5.

[0038] The liquid nitrogen tank provided in this embodiment replaces the traditional cover with a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device designed for the liquid nitrogen tank body. The annular connector 1 is an annular structure machined for the corresponding top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. In use, by aligning the mounting groove 11 on its bottom end face with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank, it can be fully fitted and installed at the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. The cover plate 21 of the tank cover assembly 2 is used to replace the traditional top cover of the liquid nitrogen tank. After the biological sample is placed inside the liquid nitrogen tank, the interface closes the cover plate 21 with the side of the cover plate 21 with the insulation material column 23 facing the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. After the cover is in place, the cover plate 21 will completely cover the inner ring opening of the annular connector 1 to achieve a seal, while the insulation material column 23 will pass through the inner ring of the annular connector 1 and extend into the tank body 5. The insulation material column 23 is a foam plug column, which will fill the opening of the liquid nitrogen tank and the side wall inside the neck. Taking advantage of the small space and poor spatial characteristics of the gas contained in the foam plastic, it can achieve the function of heat insulation and sealing of the liquid nitrogen tank and the outside of the cover. The top surface of the cover plate 21 is equipped with an electronic control main board 22 and a lock body assembly controlled by the electronic control main board 22. After the cover is closed, the bolt 24 connected to the lock body assembly will face the lock hole 31 on the first latch 3 on the side. The electronic control main board 22 also integrates a fingerprint module, a charging module, circuits, a display screen, and buttons. Users can send remote commands to the electronic control main board 22 through external terminals, such as mobile phones or related remote controls, and control the bolt 24 to extend outward and lock into the lock hole 31 through various methods such as touch fingerprint recognition or button operation. With the filling cooperation between the insulation material column 23 and the liquid nitrogen tank opening, the cover plate 21 and the top surface of the annular connector 1 are firmly locked, and the cover plate can be opened in reverse. There is no need to use external locking strips to press down the liquid nitrogen tank cover or to add traditional mechanical locks to the original lock for additional locking. The locking and unlocking methods are diverse, simple and convenient, and highly intelligent. Apart from the tank cover component 2 mentioned above, there is no need to set up other locking devices on the liquid nitrogen tank. It can effectively solve the technical problems of traditional liquid nitrogen tank sealing and locking methods, which occupy a lot of space and affect the efficiency of liquid nitrogen tank use and maintenance due to their own defects.

[0039] Optionally, the annular connector 1 is detachably connected to the tank body 5. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, the annular connector 1 has multiple bolt holes 15 on its end face. After the annular connector 1 is embedded in the top opening of the tank body 5, screws are screwed into the four bolt holes 15 to achieve a further threaded connection between the annular connector 1 and the tank body 5. This design is simple, easy to install, and further improves connection stability.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0041] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device, characterized in that, include: Annular connector (1) and can lid assembly (2). The annular connector (1) has a first latch (3) on one side end face, and a locking hole (31) on the first latch (3). The other side of the annular connector (1) has an installation groove (11) for engaging with the top opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. The can lid assembly (2) includes a cover plate (21), an electronic control main board (22), and a heat-insulating material column (23). The heat-insulating material column (23) is disposed on one side of the cover plate (21), and the outer diameter of the heat-insulating material column (23) matches the inner diameter of the annular connector (1). The electronic control main board (22) is disposed on the other side of the cover plate (21). A locking tongue (24) is provided on one side of the cover plate (21) and is retractable in a radial direction. The locking tongue (24) matches the locking hole (31) and is electrically connected to the electronic control main board (22).

2. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the cover plate (21) below the latch (24) is provided with a positioning notch (211) that matches the first latch (3).

3. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first latch (3) is detachably connected to the annular connector (1).

4. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular connector (1) has multiple sample mounting grooves (12) spaced at equal angles along the axial direction on one side end face, and the sample mounting grooves (12) are connected to the inner ring of the annular connector (1).

5. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the thermal insulation material column (23) is provided with a radially arranged clearance groove (231) that matches the sample mounting groove (12).

6. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sensor assembly (4), which is located on the side of the insulation material column (23) away from the cover plate (21). The sensor assembly (4) includes at least a temperature sensor (41) and a liquid level sensor (42) that are communicatively connected to the electronic control motherboard (22).

7. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer edge of the annular connector (1) is provided with a second latch (13).

8. The self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer edge of the annular connector (1) is provided with a buckle (14), and the buckle (14) and the second lock (13) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the annular connector (1).

9. A liquid nitrogen tank, comprising a self-locking liquid nitrogen tank sealing and insulation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a tank body (5), the annular connector (1) is installed at the top opening of the tank body (5) through the mounting groove (11), the cover plate (21) is placed on one side end face of the annular connector (1), and the heat insulation material column (23) passes through the inner ring of the annular connector (1) and extends into the interior of the tank body (5).

10. The liquid nitrogen tank according to claim 9, characterized in that, The annular connector (1) is detachably connected to the tank body (5).

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