sample repository

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of biological sample storage technology, specifically providing a sample storage bank designed to address the problem of temperature fluctuations in existing storage banks affecting the sample storage environment. To this end, the sample storage bank of this invention includes a first region and a second region. The first region is a low-temperature zone, and the second region is a room-temperature zone. A first transfer port is provided between the first and second regions. A sealing device is provided within the first region, and a sealing and transfer device is provided within the second region. The sealing device is configured to seal the first transfer port, and the sealing and transfer device is configured to enable the transfer of the cryopreservation box containing the sample between the first and second regions and to seal the first transfer port. This invention ensures that the first transfer port remains sealed at all times, thus mitigating temperature fluctuations caused by air exchange between the first and second regions and ensuring a safe sample storage environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological sample storage technology, and specifically provides a sample storage bank. Background Technology

[0002] In the biomedical industry, automated cryopreservation equipment is required for storing biological samples. Existing cryopreservation boxes maintain an open transfer window between the cryopreservation chamber and the outside environment during loading and unloading until the operation is complete. Because the cryopreservation chamber operates at a low temperature, the open transfer window allows air exchange between the cryopreservation chamber and the ambient temperature outside, causing temperature fluctuations and potentially affecting the sample storage environment.

[0003] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem that the temperature inside the storage warehouse fluctuates due to the constant opening of the transfer window caused by the inbound and outbound operations, which in turn affects the sample storage environment.

[0005] This utility model provides a sample storage device, which includes a first region and a second region. The first region is a low-temperature zone, and the second region is a room-temperature zone. A first transfer port is provided between the first region and the second region. A sealing device is provided in the first region, and a sealing transfer device is provided in the second region. The sealing device is configured to seal the first transfer port, and the sealing transfer device is configured to realize the transfer operation of the cryopreservation box storing the sample between the first region and the second region and to seal the first transfer port. When one of the sealing device and the sealing transfer device does not seal the first transfer port, the other of the sealing device and the sealing transfer device seals the first transfer port.

[0006] In a specific implementation of the above sample storage repository, the first area is located above the second area, and a second transfer port for docking with the outside of the repository is provided on the side of the second area.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage device, the sealing device includes a first moving mechanism and a first door body. The driving end of the first moving mechanism is connected to the first door body so as to drive the first door body to move toward the first transfer port and perform sealing.

[0008] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage device, the first moving mechanism includes a support frame, a first linear drive assembly, a second linear drive assembly, a first connecting frame, and a second connecting frame. The support frame is fixedly disposed in the first area. The first linear drive assembly is disposed on the support frame. The drive end of the first linear drive assembly is connected to the first connecting frame to drive the first connecting frame to move horizontally. The second linear drive assembly is fixedly disposed on the first connecting frame. The drive end of the second linear drive assembly is connected to the second connecting frame to drive the second connecting frame to move vertically. The second connecting frame is connected to the first door body.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage device, the sealing and transfer device includes a second moving mechanism and a second door. The second door is configured to place the cryopreservation box. The driving end of the second moving mechanism is connected to the second door so as to drive the second door to move toward the first transfer port and perform sealing, and to move toward the first transfer port or the second transfer port to perform a transfer operation on the cryopreservation box.

[0010] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage repository, the second moving mechanism includes a third linear drive component, a fourth linear drive component, a slide, and a support platform. The slide is slidably disposed in the second area. The drive end of the third linear drive component is connected to the slide to drive the slide to move horizontally. The fourth linear drive component is disposed on the slide. The support platform is slidably disposed on the slide. The drive end of the fourth linear drive component is connected to the support platform to drive the support platform to move vertically. The second door is disposed on the support platform.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage repository, a container platform is provided on the second door to place the cryopreservation container.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage device, the sealed transfer device further includes a barcode scanning mechanism and a support plate. The barcode scanning mechanism is disposed on the support plate, and the support plate is disposed on the slide. The barcode scanning mechanism is configured to perform a barcode scanning operation on the cryopreservation box placed on the second door.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage device, the support plate is provided with a first adjustment hole and a second adjustment hole. The first adjustment hole is configured to adjust the installation position of the support plate on the slide, and the second adjustment hole is configured to adjust the installation position of the barcode scanning mechanism on the support plate.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned sample storage warehouse, the first door and the second door are provided with multiple layers of seals connected in sequence.

[0015] When the above technical solution is adopted, by setting up a sealing device and a sealing transfer device, when one of the sealing device and the sealing transfer device does not seal the first transfer port, the other of the sealing device and the sealing transfer device seals the first transfer port to ensure that the first transfer port is always in a sealed state. To a certain extent, this can avoid temperature fluctuations caused by air exchange between the first region and the second region, and ensure the storage environment of the sample.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealed transport device integrates the sealing and transport structures, possessing the functions of both, occupying little space, and operating flexibly. The sealed transport device can scan and identify cryopreservation boxes at room temperature before storage, enabling timely detection of anomalies before storage, saving anomaly handling time. It also avoids frequent removal of samples after anomalies are detected, preventing air exchange between the room temperature and low-temperature zones and thus preventing temperature fluctuations in the low-temperature zone that could affect the sample storage environment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sample storage repository of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device of this utility model in the first direction;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing device of this utility model in the second direction;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing and transferring device of this utility model in the first direction;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing and transferring device of this utility model in the second direction;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a third-dimensional structural diagram of the sealing and transfer device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the sealing and transferring device of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the support plate in the sealing and transferring device of this utility model;

[0026] in:

[0027] 1. First area; 11. First transfer point;

[0028] 2. Second area; 21. Second transfer port;

[0029] 3. Sealing device; 31. First moving mechanism; 311. Support frame; 312. First linear drive assembly; 313. Second linear drive assembly; 314. First connecting frame; 315. Second connecting frame; 32. First door body;

[0030] 4. Sealed transfer device; 41. Second moving mechanism; 411. Third linear drive assembly; 4111. Third drive component; 4112. Gear; 4113. Rack; 412. Fourth linear drive assembly; 4121. Fourth drive component; 4122. First transmission wheel; 4123. Second transmission wheel; 4124. Transmission belt; 4125. Lead screw; 4126. Mounting base; 413. Slide block; 4131. First sliding plate; 4132. Second sliding plate; 414. Support platform; 42. Second door; 43. Carrying platform; 44. Scanning mechanism; 45. Support plate; 451. First adjustment hole; 452. Second adjustment hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "inner" and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or elements must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the sample storage container includes a first area 1 and a second area 2. The first area 1 is a low-temperature zone with a temperature of -30℃, and the second area 2 is a room-temperature zone. The first area 1 is located above the second area 2. A first transfer port 11 is provided between the first area 1 and the second area 2, and a second transfer port 21 connecting to the outside of the storage container is provided on the side of the second area 2. A sealing device 3 is provided in the first area 1, and a sealing transfer device 4 is provided in the second area 2. The sealing device 3 is configured to seal the first transfer port 11, and the sealing transfer device 4 is configured to realize the transfer operation of the cryopreservation box storing the sample between the first area 1 and the second area 2, as well as to seal the first transfer port 11. Specifically, when one of the sealing device 3 and the sealing transfer device 4 does not seal the first transfer port 11, the other sealing device 3 and the sealing transfer device 4 seals the first transfer port 11 to ensure that the first transfer port 11 is always in a sealed state. This can, to a certain extent, avoid temperature fluctuations caused by air exchange between the first area 1 and the second area 2, and ensure the sample storage environment.

[0035] It should be noted that although the above description is based on "a second transfer port 21 is provided on the side of the second area 2", this is not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can also set the second transfer port 21 in other positions of the second area 2 as needed, as long as the second transfer port 21 can enable the second area 2 to communicate with the outside of the warehouse. This utility model does not impose any restrictions on the setting position and number of the second transfer port 21.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sealing device 3 includes a first moving mechanism 31 and a first door 32. The driving end of the first moving mechanism 31 is connected to the first door 32, so as to drive the first door 32 to move toward the first transfer port 11 and perform sealing. The first moving mechanism 31 includes a support frame 311, a first linear drive assembly 312, a second linear drive assembly 313, a first connecting frame 314, and a second connecting frame 315. The support frame 311 is fixedly disposed in the first region 1. The first linear drive assembly 312 is disposed on the support frame 311. The driving end of the first linear drive assembly 312 is connected to the first connecting frame 314, so as to drive the first connecting frame 314 to move horizontally. The second linear drive assembly 313 is fixedly disposed on the first connecting frame 314. The driving end of the second linear drive assembly 313 is connected to the second connecting frame 315, so as to drive the second connecting frame 315 to move vertically. The second connecting frame 315 is connected to the first door 32.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first linear drive assembly 312 and the second linear drive assembly 313 are configured as electric cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, lead screws, hydraulic cylinders, linear motors, etc.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the first transfer port 11 is located on the right side of the first region 1. The first linear drive assembly 312 drives the second linear drive assembly 313 to move left and right through the first connecting frame 314, thereby causing the first door body 32 to move left and right within the first region 1. The second linear drive assembly 313 drives the second connecting frame 315 to move up and down, thereby causing the first door body 32 to move up and down within the first region 1. When the sealing device 3 seals the first transfer port 11, the first door body 32, driven by the first linear drive assembly 312 and the second linear drive assembly 313 respectively, first moves to the right to be directly above the first transfer port 11, and then moves down to the first transfer port 11, thereby sealing the first transfer port 11.

[0039] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the sealing and transfer device 4 includes a second moving mechanism 41 and a second door 42. The second door 42 is configured to hold a cryopreservation box. The driving end of the second moving mechanism 41 is connected to the second door 42, enabling the second door 42 to move towards the first transfer port 11 for sealing and to move towards the first transfer port 11 or the second transfer port 21 for transfer of the cryopreservation box. The second moving mechanism 41 includes a third linear drive assembly 411, a fourth linear drive assembly 412, a slide 413, and a support platform 414. The slide 413 is slidably disposed within the second region 2. The driving end of the third linear drive assembly 411 is connected to the slide 413, enabling the slide 413 to move horizontally. The fourth linear drive assembly 412 is disposed on the slide 413. The support platform 414 is slidably disposed on the slide 413. The driving end of the fourth linear drive assembly 412 is connected to the support platform 414, enabling the support platform 414 to move vertically. The second door 42 is disposed on the support platform 414.

[0040] In some embodiments, the slide block 413 includes a first slide block 4131 and a second slide block 4132, the first slide block 4131 being slidably disposed within the second region 2, and the second slide block 4132 being vertically disposed on the first slide block 4131.

[0041] In some embodiments, the third linear drive assembly 411 includes a third drive member 4111 (a geared motor, stepper motor, servo motor, etc.), a gear 4112, and a rack 4113. The third drive member 4111 is fixedly mounted on the first slide plate 4131. The drive end of the third drive member 4111 is connected to the gear 4112, which is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the slide 413. The gear 4112 meshes with the rack 4113, which is fixedly mounted within the second region 2. The third drive member 4111 drives the gear 4112 to rotate, and the gear 4112 transmits power to the rack 4113, causing the slide 413 to move back and forth.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fourth linear drive assembly 412 includes a fourth drive member 4121 (stepper motor, servo motor, etc.), a first drive wheel 4122, a second drive wheel 4123, a drive belt 4124, a lead screw 4125, and a mounting base 4126. The fourth drive member 4121 is fixedly mounted on the second slide plate 4132. The drive end of the fourth drive member 4121 is connected to the first drive wheel 4122. The second drive wheel 4123 is rotatably mounted on the slide block 413 and connected to the lead screw 4125. The lead screw 4125 is rotatably mounted vertically on the second slide plate 4132. The mounting base 4126 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 4125. The support platform 414 is connected to the mounting base 4126. The fourth drive member 4121 drives the first drive wheel 4122, and the drive belt 4124 transmits power to the second drive wheel 4123 to drive the lead screw 4125 to rotate, thereby driving the support platform 414 to move up and down.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figures 4-6As shown, when the cryopreservation box is being stored, the second door 42 extends out of the second transfer port 21 under the driving action of the third linear drive assembly 411 and the fourth linear drive assembly 412. After the cryopreservation box to be stored is placed on the second door 42, the third linear drive assembly 411 drives the second door 42 to move backward to directly below the first transfer port 11, and the fourth linear drive assembly 412 drives the second door 42 to move upward to the first transfer port 11. This seals the first transfer port 11 while the cryopreservation box is transferred to the first area 1, thus completing the storage operation. When the second door 42 moves upward and approaches the first transfer port 11 under the driving action of the fourth linear drive assembly 412, the first moving mechanism 31 drives the first door 32 to move away from the first transfer port 11, ensuring the normal operation. When the second gate 42 moves downward away from the first transfer port 11 under the driving action of the fourth linear drive assembly 412, the first moving mechanism 31 drives the first gate 32 to approach the first transfer port 11, so that the first gate 32 seals the first transfer port 11, ensuring that the first transfer port 11 is always in a sealed state. To a certain extent, this can avoid temperature fluctuations caused by air exchange between the first region 1 and the second region 2, thus ensuring the storage environment of the sample.

[0044] like Figures 4-6 As shown, a container platform 43 is provided on the second door 42 to hold cryopreservation boxes.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the sealing and transfer device 4 also includes a barcode scanning mechanism 44, which is mounted on the slide block 413 to scan the cryopreservation boxes placed on the second door 42. A support plate 45 is provided on the second slide block 4132 on one side opposite the support platform 414. The barcode scanning mechanism 44 is mounted on the support plate 45, and a barcode scanning port is provided on the second slide block 4132, allowing the barcode scanning mechanism 44 to scan the cryopreservation boxes through the port. Obviously, this invention does not limit the size or location of the barcode scanning port; those skilled in the art can adjust it according to actual needs, as long as the barcode scanning mechanism 44 can scan the cryopreservation boxes through the scanning port.

[0046] In some embodiments, the scanning mechanism 44 is configured as a scanning camera, a barcode scanner, etc.

[0047] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the support plate 45 is provided with a first adjustment hole 451 and a second adjustment hole 452. The first adjustment hole 451 is configured to adjust the mounting position of the support plate 45 on the second slide plate 4132, and the second adjustment hole 452 is configured to adjust the mounting position of the barcode scanning mechanism 44 on the support plate 45. The first adjustment hole 451 is an elongated hole, and the second adjustment hole 452 is an arc-shaped hole. A first mounting hole (not shown in the figure) is correspondingly provided on the second slide plate 4132, and a second mounting hole (not shown in the figure) is correspondingly provided on the bottom of the barcode scanning mechanism 44. After determining the mounting positions of the first adjustment hole 451 and the first mounting hole, they are fixed with bolts. During installation, the barcode scanning mechanism 44 is fixed with bolts after determining the mounting position between the second mounting hole and the second adjustment hole 452.

[0048] Specifically, when the cryopreservation boxes are put into storage, after the cryopreservation boxes to be put into storage are placed on the box carrier 43, the barcode scanning mechanism 44 will scan the barcode of the cryopreservation boxes. After the barcode is scanned, the second moving mechanism 41 will drive the second door 42 to transport the cryopreservation boxes to the first area 1, thereby completing the storage operation.

[0049] In the above structure, the sealed transfer device 4 integrates the sealing and transfer structures, possessing the functions of both, occupying little space, and operating flexibly. The sealed transfer device 4 can scan and identify the cryopreservation box at room temperature before the storage operation, which can detect abnormalities in time before storage, saving abnormality handling time. It can also avoid the air exchange between the room temperature zone and the low temperature zone caused by frequent removal after abnormalities are discovered after storage, which can cause temperature fluctuations in the low temperature zone and affect the sample storage environment.

[0050] A multi-layered sealing element (not shown in the figure) is provided on the first transfer port 11 to ensure the sealing effect of the first door body 32 and the second door body 42 at the first transfer port 11.

[0051] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sample repository, characterized by, The sample storage container includes a first region (1) and a second region (2). The first region (1) is a low-temperature zone, and the second region (2) is a room-temperature zone. A first transfer port (11) is provided between the first region (1) and the second region (2). A sealing device (3) is provided in the first region (1), and a sealing transfer device (4) is provided in the second region (2). The sealing device (3) is configured to seal the first transfer port (11), and the sealing transfer device (4) is configured to realize the transfer operation of the cryopreservation box storing the sample between the first region (1) and the second region (2) and to seal the first transfer port (11). When one of the sealing device (3) and the sealing transfer device (4) does not seal the first transfer port (11), the other of the sealing device (3) and the sealing transfer device (4) seals the first transfer port (11).

2. The sample storage library of claim 1, wherein, The first region (1) is located above the second region (2), and a second transfer port (21) connecting to the outside of the warehouse is provided on the side of the second region (2).

3. The sample storage library of claim 2, wherein, The sealing device (3) includes a first moving mechanism (31) and a first door (32). The driving end of the first moving mechanism (31) is connected to the first door (32) so as to drive the first door (32) to move toward the first transfer port (11) and seal.

4. The sample storage library of claim 3, wherein, The first moving mechanism (31) includes a support frame (311), a first linear drive assembly (312), a second linear drive assembly (313), a first connecting frame (314), and a second connecting frame (315). The support frame (311) is fixedly disposed in the first region (1). The first linear drive assembly (312) is disposed on the support frame (311). The drive end of the first linear drive assembly (312) is connected to the first connecting frame (314) so ​​as to drive the first connecting frame (314) to move horizontally. The second linear drive assembly (313) is fixedly disposed on the first connecting frame (314). The drive end of the second linear drive assembly (313) is connected to the second connecting frame (315) so as to drive the second connecting frame (315) to move vertically. The second connecting frame (315) is connected to the first door body (32).

5. The sample storage library of claim 3, wherein, The sealing and transfer device (4) includes a second moving mechanism (41) and a second door (42). The second door (42) is configured to hold the cryopreservation box. The driving end of the second moving mechanism (41) is connected to the second door (42) so as to drive the second door (42) to move toward the first transfer port (11) and seal it, and to move toward the first transfer port (11) or the second transfer port (21) to transfer the cryopreservation box.

6. The sample storage library of claim 5, wherein, The second moving mechanism (41) includes a third linear drive assembly (411), a fourth linear drive assembly (412), a slide (413), and a support platform (414). The slide (413) is slidably disposed in the second region (2). The drive end of the third linear drive assembly (411) is connected to the slide (413) to drive the slide (413) to move horizontally. The fourth linear drive assembly (412) is disposed on the slide (413). The support platform (414) is slidably disposed on the slide (413). The drive end of the fourth linear drive assembly (412) is connected to the support platform (414) to drive the support platform (414) to move vertically. The second door body (42) is disposed on the support platform (414).

7. The sample storage library of claim 5, wherein, The second door (42) is provided with a box carrier (43) for placing the cryopreservation box.

8. The sample storage library of claim 6, wherein, The sealed transfer device (4) further includes a barcode scanning mechanism (44) and a support plate (45). The barcode scanning mechanism (44) is disposed on the support plate (45), and the support plate (45) is disposed on the slide (413). The barcode scanning mechanism (44) is configured to perform barcode scanning on the cryopreservation box placed on the second door (42).

9. The sample storage library of claim 8, wherein, The support plate (45) is provided with a first adjustment hole (451) and a second adjustment hole (452). The first adjustment hole (451) is configured to adjust the installation position of the support plate (45) on the slide (413), and the second adjustment hole (452) is configured to adjust the installation position of the barcode scanning mechanism (44) on the support plate (45).

10. The sample storage library of claim 5, wherein, The first door body (32) and the second door body (42) are provided with multiple layers of seals connected in sequence.

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