Cryopreservation container

Abstract

To provide a cryopreservation container in which a moment load is hardly applied to a rotary shaft.SOLUTION: The cryopreservation vessel 10 comprises a vessel body 20 having an opening part 14a for taking in and out the object 30 to be cryopreserved, a rotary shaft 13 penetrating an upper wall 23 of the vessel body 20, and a rotary tray 11 for placing the object 30 to be cryopreserved in the vessel body 20, wherein the rotary shaft 13 is rotated to rotationally move the object 30 to be cryopreserved placed on the rotary tray 11, and the object 30 can be taken out and placed from the opening part 14a, and a lower end part of the rotary shaft 13 and the rotary tray 11 are connected via a universal joint mechanism 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cryopreservation container. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe cryopreservation containers in which a rotating tray is connected to a rotating shaft provided on the upper wall of the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-143873 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-37010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the items to be frozen are unevenly arranged on the rotating tray during use of the cryopreservation container, a moment load is applied to the rotating shaft so that the central axis of the rotating tray tilts toward the side with more frozen items. This increases the likelihood of problems such as damage to the rotating shaft, increased torque required for rotation, reduced positioning accuracy, and damage to the bushings.

[0005] Furthermore, during the manufacture of cryopreservation containers, it is difficult to precisely align the rotation axis of the top wall of the container with the central axis of the rotating tray. This results in eccentricity or misalignment at the portion of the top wall of the container where the rotation axis is inserted. As a result, it is difficult to install the rotation axis relative to the central axis of the rotating tray. If a moment load is applied to the rotation axis after installation, there is a high possibility of problems such as damage to the rotation axis, an increase in the torque required for rotation, a decrease in positioning accuracy, and damage to the bushing.

[0006] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and has an object to provide a cryopreservation container in which moment loads are less likely to be applied to the rotation shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means. [1] A cryopreservation container comprising a container body having an opening for inserting and removing frozen preserved items, a rotating shaft penetrating the upper wall of the container body, and a rotating tray for placing frozen preserved items inside the container body, wherein by rotating the rotating shaft, the frozen preserved items placed on the rotating tray can be rotated and moved, allowing them to be removed and placed through the opening, and the lower end of the rotating shaft and the rotating tray are connected via a universal joint mechanism. [2] The cryopreservation container described in [1], characterized in that the universal joint mechanism is made of a material that does not become brittle at low temperatures and does not require lubricating oil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cryopreservation container in which a moment load is hardly applied to the rotation shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a cryopreservation container. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a first example of a connecting portion between a rotating tray and a rotating shaft. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a key fastening structure for a rotary shaft. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a pin fastening structure for a rotating shaft. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a second example of a connecting portion between the rotary tray and the rotary shaft. [Figure 6] 10 is a front view illustrating a state of the universal joint mechanism when eccentricity occurs. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a front view illustrating a state of the universal joint mechanism when a deviation angle occurs. FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a universal joint mechanism having one joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, characteristic parts may be shown schematically for convenience in order to make the features easier to understand. The number of components and dimensional ratios may not necessarily be the same as in reality. Furthermore, the materials, dimensions, etc. exemplified in the following description are merely examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to them. Appropriate changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0011] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a cryopreservation container. The cryopreservation container 10 of this embodiment includes a rotating tray 11 on which an object to be cryopreserved 30 is placed inside a container body 20. The container body 20 has an opening 14a for inserting and removing the object to be cryopreserved 30.

[0012] A rotation shaft 13 penetrates the upper wall 23 of the container body 20. By rotating the rotation shaft 13, the frozen storage object 30 placed on the rotating tray 11 rotates and can be removed or placed through the opening 14a.

[0013] The container body 20 in the illustrated example is a heat-insulating container with a double-wall structure including an inner vessel 21 and an outer vessel 22. The space between the inner vessel 21 and the outer vessel 22 of the container body 20 is evacuated and filled with a heat-insulating material (not shown). The inner vessel 21 and the outer vessel 22 may each be constructed by joining a plurality of members by welding or the like.

[0014] When the cryopreservation container 10 is in use, a cryogenic liquefied gas such as liquefied nitrogen is stored in the inner tank 21. The liquid level of the cryogenic liquefied gas is maintained within a certain range during use. A level gauge (not shown) or the like can be used to maintain the liquid level of the cryogenic liquefied gas. The internal temperature of the cryopreservation container 10 when in use is not particularly limited, but a predetermined temperature range can be set, for example, below -150°C.

[0015] An upper wall 23 is provided on the top of the container body 20. A cylindrical portion 14 surrounding an opening 14a is arranged on the upper wall 23. The opening 14a can be opened and closed by attaching or detaching a cap (not shown) to the cylindrical portion 14. The cylindrical portion 14 may be joined to the inner tank 21 and the outer tank 22 by welding or the like.

[0016] A bottom wall 24 is provided at the bottom of the container body 20. In the illustrated example of the container body 20, a plurality of casters 26 are attached to the underside of the bottom wall 24. This makes it easy to move the cryopreservation container 10. The number of casters 26 is not particularly limited. The device for moving the cryopreservation container 10 is not limited to the casters 26, and sliders, rails, etc. can also be used.

[0017] A support pillar 25 for the rotating tray 11 is installed above the bottom wall 24. The support pillar 25 is fixed to the bottom wall 24. The rotating tray 11 has a central shaft 12 that is rotatably supported by the support pillar 25. The central shaft 12 of the rotating tray 11 is connected to the lower end of a rotation shaft 13.

[0018] The cryopreserved object 30 placed on the rotating tray 11 is not particularly limited, but may include biological materials such as cells and bacteria. Specific examples of the cryopreserved object include, but are not limited to, sperm, eggs, embryos, and blood. The biological materials may be samples used for testing, inspection, analysis, etc., or may be products or pharmaceuticals used for treatment, diagnosis, etc. The biological materials may be derived from humans or non-human organisms.

[0019] In the illustrated example, a storage case 31 capable of storing a container containing a biological material or the like to be cryopreserved is shown as the object to be cryopreserved 30. The container for storing the biological material or the like is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ampoules, bags, etc. The shape and structure of the storage case 31 are also not particularly limited, and specific examples thereof include a rack, a box, an envelope, etc.

[0020] A grip portion 32 is provided on the top of the storage case 31. By gripping the grip portion 32 with a predetermined tool, the storage case 31 can be easily removed from and placed in the opening 14a.

[0021] Although not specifically shown, in order to place multiple storage cases 31 in different compartments, partitions that separate the compartments, signs that identify the compartments, etc. can be provided on the rotating tray 11. Providing a support part such as a partition on the rotating tray 11 can prevent the frozen storage objects 30 placed on the rotating tray 11 from shifting sideways.

[0022] The rotation shaft 13 passes through the center of the upper wall 23 of the container body 20, and an opening 14a is opened at a position offset from the center. As a result, the diameter of the opening 14a is limited. Therefore, when removing or placing the frozen storage object 30 at a predetermined position on the rotating tray 11, the target frozen storage object 30 is moved to a position reachable from the opening 14a. Furthermore, by restricting the opening diameter of the opening 14a, fluctuations in the internal temperature of the container body 20 and loss of cryogenic liquefied gas are also suppressed.

[0023] In the cryopreservation container 10 of this embodiment, the lower end of the rotating shaft 13 and the rotating tray 11 are connected via a universal joint mechanism 15. The universal joint mechanism 15 is a joint that can freely change the angle between two members when connecting these two members. The universal joint mechanism 15 in the illustrated example connects the lower end of the rotating shaft 13 and the central axis 12 of the rotating tray 11.

[0024] By placing a universal joint mechanism 15 between the rotating shaft 13 and the rotating tray 11, even if the angle of the rotating tray 11 is tilted relative to the rotating shaft 13 when the cryopreservation container 10 is in use, the angle deviation is adjusted by the movement of the universal joint mechanism 15, and the moment load on the rotating shaft 13 can be suppressed.

[0025] For example, even if the rotating tray 11 is mounted concentrically with the rotation axis 13, the rotating tray 11 may tilt due to factors such as uneven load on the frozen storage objects 30, resulting in a misalignment after manufacture. Also, uneven load may occur when the frozen storage objects 30 are placed on the rotating tray 11, or the frozen storage objects 30 may become displaced during rotation. The universal joint mechanism 15 can flexibly displace even during rotation, so it can absorb eccentricity and misalignment without impeding smooth rotation.

[0026] Furthermore, even if eccentricity or a misalignment occurs between the rotating shaft 13 and the rotating tray 11 during the manufacture of the cryopreservation container 10, the movement of the universal joint mechanism 15 absorbs the eccentricity or misalignment, thereby suppressing the moment load on the rotating shaft 13. Even if eccentricity and a misalignment occur simultaneously, the eccentricity and misalignment are absorbed in a similar manner, and the moment load on the rotating shaft 13 is suppressed.

[0027] The manufacturing procedure for the cryopreservation container 10 is not particularly limited, but for example, with the rotating tray 11 housed inside the container body 20, operations such as attaching the top wall 23, inserting the rotating shaft 13, and attaching the rotating tray 11 are performed. One example is a procedure in which the top wall 23, which has a through-hole at the insertion position of the rotating shaft 13, is attached to the container body 20, and then the rotating shaft 13 and the rotating tray 11 are connected through the opening 14a. At this time, the insertion position of the rotating shaft 13 in the top wall 23 may be eccentric or angularly misaligned with respect to the central axis 12 of the rotating tray 11. Even so, the universal joint mechanism 15 absorbs variations in angle and position, thereby reducing the load on the rotating tray 11 and facilitating the connection operation.

[0028] If rotating shaft 13 and rotating tray 11 are rotated with eccentricity or angular misalignment between them, runout may occur during rotation. A certain degree of runout can be absorbed by sealing members such as bushings attached around rotating shaft 13 and by elastic deformation of rotating shaft 13, but depending on the degree of runout, there is a risk of damage or breakage to rotating shaft 13, bushings, etc., affecting the lifespan of the parts. By connecting rotating shaft 13 and rotating tray 11 via universal joint mechanism 15 in a deformable manner, universal joint mechanism 15 flexibly follows during rotation, absorbing fluctuations in angle and position and suppressing runout.

[0029] Using a material with high deformability, such as synthetic resin or rubber, also increases the ability to absorb eccentricity and angular misalignment. However, cryopreservation containers used at extremely low temperatures must be durable enough to withstand the extremely low temperature environment, and there are limitations on the materials that can be used. For this reason, the universal joint mechanism 15 is used, and the multiple components that make up the universal joint mechanism 15 can change their angles and positions relative to one another, thereby extending the life of the connecting structure between the rotating shaft 13 and the rotating tray 11 in an extremely low temperature environment.

[0030] By suppressing the moment load on the rotating shaft 13, both during use and during manufacture of the cryopreservation container 10, problems such as damage to the rotating shaft 13, an increase in the torque required to rotate the rotating tray 11, a decrease in positioning accuracy, and damage to the bushings can be suppressed.

[0031] When using the cryopreservation container 10, the rotating shaft 13 can be operated from outside the container body 20 to rotate the rotating shaft 13, thereby rotating the rotating tray 11 inside the container body 20.

[0032] A driving device (not shown) such as a motor can be used to operate the rotating shaft 13. A transmission mechanism (not shown) using a pulley, belt, or the like may be used between the driving device such as a motor and the rotating shaft 13. It is also possible to attach an operating tool such as a handle to the rotating shaft 13 and operate the rotating shaft 13 manually or by human power. When a driving device is used, it is also possible to operate the rotating shaft 13 remotely from a location away from the cryopreservation container 10.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first example of a connecting portion between a rotating tray and a rotating shaft, Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view showing an example of a key fastening structure for the rotating shaft, and Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a pin fastening structure for the rotating shaft.

[0034] The universal joint mechanism 15 in the illustrated example includes a joint 15d between the first member 15a or the second member 15b and the intermediate member 15c. The first member 15a is a member fixed to the rotating shaft 13. The second member 15b is a member fixed to the central shaft 12. The intermediate member 15c is a member disposed between the first member 15a and the second member 15b.

[0035] The joint 15d is a joint having a function of a universal joint. The number of joints 15d included in the universal joint mechanism 15 is not particularly limited, but may be one or more.

[0036] The vacuum bellows 41 is installed at the location where the rotating shaft 13 is inserted into the upper wall 23 of the container body 20. The lower end of the vacuum bellows 41 is fixed to the inner tank 21 via a fixed cylinder 42. A bushing 43 is provided between the fixed cylinder 42 and the first member 15a. Although not specifically shown, the upper end of the vacuum bellows 41 can also be fixed to the outer tank 22 via the fixed cylinder 42, and a bushing 43 can be disposed between the rotating shaft 13 and the fixed cylinder 42. The fixed cylinder 42 may be joined to the inner tank 21 or the outer tank 22 by welding or the like.

[0037] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13 are fastened together by a key fastening structure using a key 44. In the example shown in Figure 4, the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13 are fastened together by a pin fastening structure using a pin 45. The pin 45 is arranged in at least one direction intersecting with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13. It is preferable to arrange multiple pins 45 in directions intersecting with each other (non-parallel). Although not particularly shown, the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13 can also be fastened together by serrations, splines, bolts, etc.

[0038] The key 44, serrations, splines, etc. are examples of a fastening structure that allows axial sliding between the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13. These keys 44, serrations, splines, etc. are formed to extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 13. The pin 45, bolts, etc. are examples of a fastening structure that prevents axial sliding between the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13.

[0039] When a fastening structure that allows axial sliding between the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13 is used, the position can be adjusted by sliding the first member 15a and the rotating shaft 13 in the axial direction during manufacturing of the cryopreservation container 10. For example, during manufacturing, inspection, repair, etc. of the cryopreservation container 10, the positional relationship can be adjusted by sliding the universal joint mechanism 15 in the axial direction.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a second example of the connection portion between the rotating tray and the rotating shaft. In the first example shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the upper part of the first member 15a is inserted into the fixed barrel 42, but in the second example shown in Fig. 5, the lower end of the rotating shaft 13 extends to below the fixed barrel 42. Furthermore, a bushing 43 is disposed between the rotating shaft 13 and the fixed barrel 42. Fig. 5 shows an example in which a key 44, which is an example of a fastening structure that is slidable in the axial direction, is used, but other fastening structures can also be used in the second example.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a front view illustrating the state of the universal joint mechanism when eccentricity occurs. Fig. 7 is a front view illustrating the state of the universal joint mechanism when a declination angle occurs. When eccentricity occurs between the central axis 12 and the rotation shaft 13 of the rotating tray 11, the angle of each joint 15d of the universal joint mechanism 15 changes to absorb the eccentricity. When a declination angle occurs between the central axis 12 and the rotation shaft 13 of the rotating tray 11, the angle of at least one joint 15d of the universal joint mechanism 15 changes to absorb the declination.

[0042] 6, when there is eccentricity between the rotating shaft 13 and the central shaft 12, the first member 15a can be fixed concentrically with the rotating shaft 13, and the second member 15b can be fixed concentrically with the central shaft 12. The intermediate member 15c can be tilted so as to straddle the center position of the rotating shaft 13 and the center position of the central shaft 12. When the rotating shaft 13 is rotated while the center positions of the rotating shaft 13 and the central shaft 12 remain eccentric, the angle of the joint 15d changes so that the intermediate member 15c always connects the center position of the rotating shaft 13 and the center position of the central shaft 12, even though the center positions of the rotating shaft 13 and the central shaft 12 do not change.

[0043] 7, when there is an angle between the rotating shaft 13 and the central axis 12, the first member 15a can be fixed in a predetermined orientation relative to the rotating shaft 13, and the second member 15b can be fixed in a predetermined orientation relative to the central axis 12. The intermediate member 15c can connect the rotating shaft 13 and the central axis 12 at a predetermined angle depending on the axial distance between the central axis 12 and the rotating shaft 13. When the rotating shaft 13 is rotated, the angle of the joint 15d changes so that the intermediate member 15c always connects the rotating shaft 13 and the central axis 12, even though the angle between the rotating shaft 13 and the central axis 12 does not change.

[0044] 8 is a front view showing an example of a universal joint mechanism with one joint. As shown in the example, a mechanism in which universal joint mechanism 15 includes joint 15d between first member 15a and second member 15b can also be adopted. In this case, intermediate member 15c can be omitted.

[0045] The universal joint mechanism 15 is preferably made of a material that does not exhibit low-temperature brittleness and does not require lubricating oil. Examples of materials that do not exhibit low-temperature brittleness include metals such as austenitic stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and brass, and fluorine-based resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Among these, austenitic stainless steel and PTFE are preferred. The above-mentioned materials are also preferred because they have excellent slip properties, wear resistance, and self-lubrication properties, and do not require lubricating oil. Furthermore, the components of the universal joint mechanism 15 may include a configuration in which a resin material is coated on a metal material by painting or the like.

[0046] Since there is no need to supply lubricating oil to the sliding parts of the universal joint mechanism 15, it is easier to maintain the cryopreservation container 10 during use and it is also possible to prevent the possibility of lubricating oil contaminating the frozen storage object 30. Here, examples of the sliding parts of the universal joint mechanism 15 include the first member 15a, the second member 15b, the intermediate member 15c, the joint 15d, and the locations between these components where multiple members operate in contact with each other. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the use of grease, fluorine-based or inorganic lubricants, anti-wear agents, and the like other than lubricating oil.

[0047] The rotating tray 11, rotating shaft 13, container body 20, storage case 31, keys, pins, bolts, nuts, etc. can also be made of appropriate materials. It is preferable to select metals, resins, ceramics, etc. that have excellent low-temperature resistance. In particular, it is preferable that members exposed to extremely low temperatures be made of materials that do not become brittle at low temperatures. Furthermore, it is preferable that the sliding parts of the rotating tray 11, rotating shaft 13, etc. inside the container body 20 do not require lubricating oil, lubricants, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10... cryopreservation container, 11... rotating tray, 12... central axis, 13... rotating axis, 14... cylindrical portion, 14a... opening, 15... universal joint mechanism, 15a... first member, 15b... second member, 15c... intermediate member, 15d... joint, 20... container body, 21... inner tank, 22... outer tank, 23... upper wall, 24... lower wall, 25... support, 26... caster, 30... item to be cryopreserved, 31... storage case, 32... gripping portion, 41... vacuum bellows, 42... fixed cylinder, 43... bushing, 44... key, 45... pin.

Claims

1. A cryopreservation container comprising a container body having an opening for inserting and removing an object to be frozen, a rotating shaft penetrating an upper wall of the container body, and a rotating tray on which the object to be frozen is placed inside the container body, A cryopreservation container characterized in that by rotating the rotating shaft, the frozen storage item placed on the rotating tray can be rotated and moved, and the item can be removed and placed through the opening, and the lower end of the rotating shaft and the rotating tray are connected via a universal joint mechanism.

2. 2. The cryopreservation container according to claim 1, wherein the universal joint mechanism is made of a material that does not become brittle at low temperatures and does not require lubrication.

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