Liquid nitrogen flash freezer

Abstract

The utility model relates to biological medicine equipment technical field, concretely relates to a liquid nitrogen quick freezing device. The utility model provides a liquid nitrogen quick freezing device for freezing the sample stored in the cryopreservation tube, including jar body, pipe frame and support subassembly, the jar body has the accommodating cavity of one end opening, the accommodating cavity is equipped with the pipe frame and the support subassembly. The utility model in the quick freezing to sample, first pour liquid nitrogen into the accommodating cavity of jar body, hold the connecting rod spare with the support net connection, put the support net into the accommodating cavity, and the connecting rod spare is connected with the top end of jar body, and then the pipe frame with the cryopreservation tube in the storage hole is transferred to the accommodating cavity of jar body, ensures that the cryopreservation tube is submerged in liquid nitrogen, so as to the quick freezing to the sample in the cryopreservation tube. In the freezing process, if the cryopreservation tube is separated from the storage hole and falls, the support net below the pipe frame can support the falling cryopreservation tube, prevent the cryopreservation tube from falling to the bottom of jar body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical equipment technology, specifically to a liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional cryopreservation methods typically involve programmed freezing, placing cryovials in a 4°C container for 30 minutes, then transferring them to a -20°C container for 30 minutes, followed by a -80°C container for 16–18 hours, and finally storing them long-term in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen bath. In contrast, liquid nitrogen freezing takes only 5–20 minutes, 30–40 times faster than traditional freezing. It rapidly passes through the ice crystal formation zone (-1°C to -5°C), preventing large ice crystals from damaging cell structures. Therefore, small or regular-shaped materials (samples) are often placed in cryovials and directly immersed in liquid nitrogen for rapid freezing. This method is suitable for high-value biological samples such as cells, tissues, organs, and bacterial cultures.

[0003] Currently, in laboratories, liquid nitrogen tanks are generally large, including the tank body and the lid attached to the top of the tank. However, these liquid nitrogen tanks are not easy to use in many scenarios because they are large, inconvenient to move, and expensive. In addition, during the quick-freezing process, cryovials or samples are prone to falling to the bottom of the tank, increasing the difficulty of retrieving the cryovials. Utility Model Content This utility model provides a liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device for freezing and storing samples placed in cryopreservation tubes. It includes a tank, a tube rack, and a support assembly. It has the advantages of being easy to move and having a low cost. It can also effectively solve the problem that samples fall to the bottom of the tank and are difficult to remove during the quick-freezing process. The tank has a receiving cavity that is open at one end; The tube rack has a storage hole, and the cryopreservation tube is inserted into the storage hole; The support assembly includes interconnected support netting and connecting rods; When freezing samples, both the tray and the placement hole are located within the receiving cavity, with the tray positioned between the tube rack and the bottom wall of the tank.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting rod includes a concave rod, and the concave rod includes a first upright rod, a first horizontal rod, and a second upright rod connected in sequence; The end of the first upright pole furthest from the first horizontal bar is connected to the support net.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sides of the first upright and the second upright that are close to each other are in contact with the inner wall and the outer wall of the tank, respectively; A limiting structure is provided between the second upright and the tank body, the limiting structure being used to restrict the movement of the connecting rod relative to the tank body.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the limiting structure includes a limiting protrusion and a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion is fixed to the outer wall of the tank body, and the limiting groove is opened on the side of the second upright near the first upright.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a can lid is hinged to the top of the can body, and a clearance groove is provided at the top of the can body, with the first crossbar inserted into the clearance groove.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fixing component is provided at the bottom of the tank body, and the fixing component is used to fix the tank body.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component includes a suction cup and a connector, wherein the suction cup is detachably connected to the bottom of the can body via the connector.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a screw and a threaded groove. The top of the suction cup is connected to the screw, and the bottom of the can body is provided with the threaded groove. The screw is screwed into the threaded groove.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component further includes a ring, the diameter of the suction cup is larger than the diameter of the can body, the suction cup has a circular hole, one end of the ring is connected to the circular hole, and the other end is screwed with a sealing cap.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tube rack includes a storage tray and a hanging arm connected to each other; The storage tray has multiple storage holes, and the end of the hanging arm away from the storage tray is attached to the top of the tank.

[0013] The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device of this application has the advantages of small size, easy portability, low price, and applicability in multiple scenarios. When samples need to be quick-frozen, liquid nitrogen is first poured into the container cavity of the tank. Holding the connecting rod with the net attached, the net is placed into the container cavity, and the connecting rod is connected to the top of the tank. Then, the tube rack containing the cryopreservation tubes in the placement hole is transferred to the container cavity of the tank, ensuring that the cryopreservation tubes are submerged in liquid nitrogen, thereby quickly freezing the samples inside the cryopreservation tubes. During the freezing process, if the cryopreservation tubes detach from the placement hole and fall, the net located below the tube rack can support the fallen cryopreservation tubes, preventing them from falling to the bottom of the tank. The net can be removed by holding the connecting rod, thus facilitating the removal of the cryopreservation tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of the liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device provided in the embodiments of this utility model; Figure 2 A perspective exploded view of the liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device provided in the embodiments of this utility model; Figure 3 Provided for the embodiments of this utility model Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A; Figure 4 Provided for the embodiments of this utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B; Figure 5 A perspective view of the support components and pipe rack provided in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0016] Icons: 1. Tank body; 11. Clearance groove; 12. Screw rod; 13. Strip plate; 2. Support assembly; 21. Net support; 22. Connecting rod; 221. First upright; 222. First crossbar; 223. Second upright; 224. Second crossbar; 23. Edge guard; 3. Pipe rack; 31. Storage tray; 32. Hanging arm; 321. Third upright; 322. Limiting plate; 323. Strip hole; 33. Storage hole; 4. Fixing assembly; 41. Suction cup; 42. Screw; 43. Ring; 44. Sealing cap; 5. Limiting protrusion; 6. Tank lid; 61. Handle; 62. Notch. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0018] like Figures 1-5 As shown, one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device for rapidly freezing samples placed in cryopreservation tubes, including a tank body 1, a tube rack 3, and a support assembly 2; The tank body 1 has a receiving cavity that is open at one end; The tube rack 3 has a storage hole 33, and the cryopreservation tube is inserted into the storage hole 33; Support component 2 includes interconnected support net 21 and connecting rods 22; When freezing samples, both the support net 21 and the placement hole 33 are located inside the receiving cavity, with the support net 21 located between the tube rack 3 and the bottom wall of the tank body 1.

[0019] The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device of this application has the advantages of small size, easy mobility, low price, and applicability in multiple scenarios. When samples need to be quick-frozen, liquid nitrogen is first poured into the receiving cavity of the tank 1. Holding the connecting rod 22 connected to the support net 21, the support net 21 is placed into the receiving cavity, and the connecting rod 22 is connected to the top of the tank 1. Then, the tube rack 3, which contains cryopreservation tubes in the placement hole 33, is transferred to the receiving cavity of the tank 1, ensuring that the cryopreservation tubes are submerged in liquid nitrogen, thereby quick-freezing the samples inside the cryopreservation tubes. During the freezing process, if the cryopreservation tubes detach from the placement hole 33 and fall, the support net 21 located below the tube rack 3 can support the fallen cryopreservation tubes, preventing them from falling to the bottom of the tank 1. The support net 21 can be removed by holding the connecting rod 22, thus facilitating the removal of the cryopreservation tubes.

[0020] It should be noted that the cross-sectional area of ​​the support net 21 is slightly smaller than that of the containing cavity, and the gap between the support net 21 and the inner wall of the tank 1 is smaller than the diameter of the cryopreservation tube. This makes it easy to remove the support net 21 and to support any cryopreservation tube that falls from the tube rack 3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the storage tray 31 in the tube rack 3 is smaller than that of the containing cavity. When the storage tray 31 is placed or removed, it can be easily picked up or placed into the containing cavity even if the storage tray 31 is tilted.

[0021] In addition, since the support net 21 is set between the tube rack 3 and the bottom wall of the tank 1, that is, located on the lower side of the tube rack 3, the support net 21 does not affect the contact area between the cryopreservation tubes on the tube rack 3 and the liquid nitrogen, so that the sample in the cryopreservation tubes can be frozen more quickly.

[0022] The overall size of tank 1 can be designed to be 10-60cm in length, 10-60cm in width, and 20-100cm in height.

[0023] Preferably, it is a cylindrical container with a diameter of 10cm and a height of 20cm, but it can also be designed as a cubic container with a length of 10cm, a width of 10cm, and a height of 20cm. It requires little storage space and is easy to use.

[0024] Furthermore, tank 1 adopts an inner and outer double-layer insulated steel structure, which can extend the service life of liquid nitrogen.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tube rack 3 includes a storage tray 31 and a hanging arm 32 connected to each other; The storage tray 31 has multiple storage holes 33, and the end of the hanging arm 32 away from the storage tray 31 is attached to the top of the tank body 1.

[0026] The storage tray 31 includes a storage ring and a rubber plate; Preferably, the storage ring plate is a circular ring plate with an annular groove inside. The rubber plate is embedded in the annular groove, and when the rubber plate loses its elasticity after a period of use, it can be removed and replaced. Furthermore, rubber plates with different storage hole diameters 33 can be used depending on the size of the cryopreservation tube.

[0027] Another option involves fixing the rubber sheet and the storage ring plate together. This approach does not deviate from the design concept of this utility model and therefore should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0028] The rubber plate has multiple storage holes 33. Since the rubber plate is deformable, when the cryopreservation tube is inserted into the storage hole 33, the cryopreservation tube can be fixed in place. When the rubber plate is placed in the tank 1 for a long time, the rubber plate gradually loses its elasticity, which may exacerbate the situation where the cryopreservation tube falls out of the storage hole 33. The net 21 can catch the fallen cryopreservation tube.

[0029] The hanging arm 32 includes a third upright 321 and a limiting plate 322 that are connected to each other. The third upright 321 and the limiting plate 322 are perpendicular to each other. The third upright 321 is perpendicular to the storage tray 31. The length of the third upright 321 is 20-100cm. The lower end of the third upright 321 is connected to the storage tray 31. The limiting plate 322 can be placed on the tank body 1.

[0030] In some embodiments, a slotted hole 323 is provided on the limiting plate 322 for connection with a slotted plate 13 disposed on the top of the tank body 1. The slotted plate 13 is screwed to the top of the tank body 1 by a threaded rod 12. When placing the hanging arm 32, first adjust the direction of the slotted plate 13, then align the slotted hole 323 with the slotted plate 13 so that the slotted plate 13 passes through the slotted hole 323. Tighten the slotted plate 13 screwed to the tank body 1 to adjust the direction of the slotted plate 13. After adjustment, the upper and lower surfaces of the limiting plate 322 contact the lower surface of the slotted plate 13 and the upper surface of the tank body 1, respectively, thereby limiting the hanging arm 32. Preferably, the length of the slotted plate 13 is greater than the width of the notch 62, so the tank lid 6 can be closed first, and then the slotted plate 13 can be screwed on to limit the tank lid 6 as well. It should be noted that the thickness of the limiting plate 322 is the same as the thickness of the tank lid 6.

[0031] Furthermore, a handle 61 is provided on the lid 6 to facilitate opening the lid 6.

[0032] Because the air pressure inside and outside the tank 1 is different during liquid nitrogen quick-freezing, ventilation holes are opened on the side wall of the tank 1 to balance the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank 1 in order to prevent the tank 1 from exploding.

[0033] Preferably, each storage tray 31 has multiple storage holes 33, preferably 20 holes, and the quick-freezing time for each cryopreservation tube is 3-10 minutes.

[0034] The support net 21 is preferably made of steel wire mesh, and the mesh size of the support net 21 is 0.5-10cm. 2 .

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present utility model, the connecting rod 22 includes a concave rod and a second horizontal rod 224. The concave rod includes a first vertical rod 221, a first horizontal rod 222 and a second vertical rod 223 connected in sequence. The second horizontal rod 224 is connected to the second vertical rod 223. The end of the first upright post 221 furthest from the first horizontal post 222 is connected to the support net 21.

[0036] Preferably, two connecting rods 22 are provided symmetrically.

[0037] Since the connecting rod 22 is concave, it can be attached to the top of the tank 1.

[0038] Preferably, the distance between the first upright 221 and the second upright 223 is adapted to the wall thickness of the tank 1, that is, the sides of the first upright 221 and the second upright 223 that are close to each other are in contact with the inner wall and the outer wall of the tank 1, respectively. It should be noted that the connecting rod 22 can minimize its contact area with the inside of the tank 1 by adjusting its shape or its connection position with the net 21. Similarly, the hanging arm 32 can minimize its contact area with the inside of the tank 1 by adjusting its shape or its connection position with the storage tray 31.

[0039] Preferred, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first upright 221 in the connecting rod 22 is designed with first rod parts and second rod parts of different thicknesses that are connected to each other. After the net 21 is placed in, the side of the second rod part and the second upright 223 that are close to each other contact the inner wall and the outer wall of the tank 1 respectively. A gap is left between the first rod part and the inner wall of the tank 1 to reduce the contact area with the inner wall of the tank 1.

[0040] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided between the second upright 223 and the tank 1, which is used to restrict the movement of the connecting rod 22 relative to the tank 1.

[0041] Preferably, the limiting structure includes a limiting protrusion 5 and a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion 5 is fixed to the outer wall of the tank body 1, and the limiting groove is opened on the side of the second upright 223 near the first upright 221.

[0042] Because when placing or removing the tube rack 3, the storage tray 31 in the tube rack 3 may come into contact with the connecting rod 22, causing the connecting rod 22 to shift and the support net 21 to tilt, which in turn causes the cryopreservation tubes on the support net 21 to slip off the support net 21, rendering the support net 21 useless. Therefore, by setting a limiting protrusion 5 on the outer wall of the tank body 1, and opening a limiting groove that matches the limiting protrusion 5 on the side of the second upright 223 of the connecting rod 22 near the first upright 221, when the support net 21 is placed in place, the limiting protrusion 5 can be inserted into the limiting groove, which has a fixing effect on the connecting rod 22. It should be noted that the connecting rod 22 has a certain elastic deformation, which allows the limiting protrusion 5 to be inserted into the limiting groove.

[0043] Furthermore, the first upright 221, the first horizontal bar 222, the second upright 223, and the second horizontal bar 224 are integrally bent into shape. When it is necessary to pick up or put down the net 21, the second horizontal bar 224 can increase the contact area between the operator's fingers and the connecting rod 22, making it easier to apply force.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support net 21 is surrounded by a retaining edge 23, which prevents the cryopreservation tube from rolling off the support net 21. After the cryopreservation tube is inserted into the storage hole 33, the bottom end of the cryopreservation tube is higher than the upper surface of the retaining edge 23, so the retaining edge 23 does not reduce the contact area between the cryopreservation tube and the liquid nitrogen.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a can lid 6 is hinged to the top of the can body 1, and a relief groove 11 is provided at the top of the can body 1, with a first crossbar 222 inserted into the relief groove 11.

[0046] Furthermore, in order not to affect the closing of the can lid 6, a clearance groove 11 is opened on the can body 1. When the support net 21 is installed in place, the first crossbar 222 is inserted into the clearance groove 11 and does not protrude from the upper surface of the can body 1 (that is, the thickness of the first crossbar 222 is not greater than the depth of the clearance groove 11). At this time, the can lid 6 can be closed normally. When the thickness of the first crossbar 222 is the same as the thickness of the clearance groove 11, the can lid 6 can press down the first crossbar 222 after closing, which has a certain limiting effect on the support net 21.

[0047] Because the liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device is a small-scale device, when placed on a table or the ground, it may be accidentally touched by people, resulting in liquid nitrogen spillage, the cryopreservation tube falling out, or even frostbite.

[0048] Therefore, in one embodiment of this utility model, a fixing component 4 is provided at the bottom of the tank 1, which is used to fix the tank 1. By setting the fixing component 4, the liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device is fixed in a designated position, making it less likely for liquid nitrogen to spill, cryogenic tubes to fall out, or personnel to be frostbitten due to accidental contact by personnel.

[0049] Specifically, the fixing component 4 includes a suction cup 41 and a connector, wherein the suction cup 41 is detachably connected to the bottom of the tank 1 via the connector.

[0050] The suction cup 41 is used to attach the can 1 to the ground or tabletop, thus fixing the can 1 in place. Under normal circumstances, accidental bumps will not easily cause the can 1 to tilt.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a screw 42 and a threaded groove. The top of the suction cup 41 is connected to the screw 42, and the bottom of the can body 1 is provided with a threaded groove, in which the screw 42 is screwed.

[0052] The suction cup 41 can be disassembled or replaced as needed. It can be installed by screwing the screw 42 into the threaded groove at the bottom of the can 1. The suction cup 41 can be made of nitrile rubber.

[0053] Preferably, there is one suction cup 41, and the diameter of the suction cup 41 is larger than the diameter of the can body 1.

[0054] Optionally, multiple suction cups 41 are provided, and the multiple suction cups 41 are arranged around the circumference of the tank body 1.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component 4 further includes a ring 43, a circular hole is provided on the suction cup 41, the distance from the circular hole to the axis of the tank 1 is greater than the radius of the tank 1, one end of the ring 43 is connected to the circular hole, and the other end is screwed with a sealing cap 44.

[0056] When the can 1 needs to be moved, the sealing cap 44 is unscrewed, allowing external air to enter the suction cup 41 through the ring 43. This eliminates the negative pressure inside the suction cup 41, and the suction cup 41 ceases its suction function. This design facilitates the movement and securing of the can 1. Moreover, compared to the traditional method of lifting the lip of the suction cup 41 to deactivate it, this method avoids frequent pulling on the lip of the suction cup 41, thus preventing deformation of the lip and extending its service life.

[0057] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "connection" 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; and they can refer to the connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred 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 liquid nitrogen quick-freezing apparatus for cryopreserving samples contained in cryovials, characterized in that, Includes tank body (1), pipe rack (3) and support assembly (2); The tank (1) has a receiving cavity with one end open; The tube rack (3) has a storage hole (33) and the cryopreservation tube is inserted into the storage hole (33); The supporting component (2) includes an interconnected support net (21) and connecting rods (22). When freezing samples, the tray (21) and the placement hole (33) are both located in the receiving cavity, and the tray (21) is located between the tube rack (3) and the bottom wall of the tank (1).

2. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod (22) includes a concave rod, which includes a first upright rod (221), a first horizontal rod (222), and a second upright rod (223) connected in sequence. The end of the first upright (221) away from the first horizontal bar (222) is connected to the support net (21).

3. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sides of the first upright (221) and the second upright (223) that are close to each other are in contact with the inner wall and the outer wall of the tank (1), respectively; A limiting structure is provided between the second upright (223) and the tank (1), the limiting structure being used to restrict the movement of the connecting rod (22) relative to the tank (1).

4. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a limiting protrusion (5) and a limiting groove. The limiting protrusion (5) is fixed to the outer wall of the tank (1), and the limiting groove is opened on the side of the second upright (223) near the first upright (221).

5. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the tank (1) is hinged with a lid (6), and the top of the tank (1) is provided with a clearance groove (11), and the first crossbar (222) is inserted into the clearance groove (11).

6. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the tank (1) is provided with a fixing component (4), which is used to fix the tank (1).

7. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing component (4) includes a suction cup (41) and a connector, wherein the suction cup (41) is detachably connected to the bottom of the tank (1) via the connector.

8. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector includes a screw (42) and a threaded groove. The top of the suction cup (41) is connected to the screw (42), and the bottom of the tank (1) is provided with the threaded groove. The screw (42) is screwed into the threaded groove.

9. A liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing component (4) also includes a ring (43), the diameter of the suction cup (41) is larger than the diameter of the can body (1), the suction cup (41) has a circular hole, one end of the ring (43) is connected to the circular hole, and the other end is screwed with a sealing cap (44).

10. The liquid nitrogen quick-freezing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube rack (3) includes a storage tray (31) and a hanging arm (32) connected to each other. The storage tray (31) has multiple storage holes (33), and the end of the hanging arm (32) away from the storage tray (31) is attached to the top of the tank (1).

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