Specimen container with reduced unintentional liquid transfer

Abstract

A sample container is provided in which the phenomenon of liquid and / or sample unintentionally flowing into the container cap is suppressed or mitigated. The sample container comprises: a container body; a container cap configured to be coupled at the top of the container body, including a cap side wall; and a flow path controlling member configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the container cap, wherein the bottom of the flow path controlling member has a width smaller than the bottom of the container cap.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample container. More specifically, a sample container is provided in which the phenomenon of unintentional flow of liquid and / or sample inside the container body into the container cap is suppressed or mitigated. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid-based cytology has also been developed to replace the conventional Pap smear (Papanicolaou), in which collected cell specimens are stored in a preservation solution and then placed on a slide for examination after the monolayer of preserved cells is uniformly dispersed. Compared to the conventional Pap smear, liquid-based cytology offers superior specificity and sensitivity due to improved cell fixation and minimized obscure factors.

[0003] Meanwhile, cell tissues collected from a patient's lesion or similar site are transported to a location equipped with diagnostic equipment for the accurate diagnosis of the disease. In this case, the collected cell tissues need to be preserved for a considerable period during transport; therefore, they are stored in a preservation solution (or fixative). The preservation solution functions to maintain and preserve the state of cells or tissues shed from humans at the time of collection, preventing them from dying, decomposing, denaturing, or changing shape. This ensures they remain in a suitable condition for observing the structure of the cell tissue, analyzing it, or preparing specimens. Typically, a mixed solution containing formaldehyde is used as the preservation solution. However, formalin (formaldehyde solution) is highly toxic to the human body and is volatile, requiring caution during handling. For this reason, various attempts are being made to seal the preservation solution. Prior art literature

[0004] KR 10-1934819 B1 (Patent Document 2) KR 20-0490307 Y1 (Patent Document 3) KR 10-2056068 B1 (Patent Document 4) KR 10-2436698 B1 (Patent Document 5) KR 20-0490214 Y1 (Patent Document 6) KR 10-2020-0134132 A (Patent Document 7) KR 10-2020-0134133 A (Patent Document 8) KR 10-2020-0134134 A The problem to be solved

[0005] According to prior art literature, the structure has such that the preservation solution is sealed, and only after a specimen is placed inside the container body and the container cap and container body are joined, and the sealing sheet is broken, does the preservation solution pour out. Therefore, exposure of the preservation solution to the air can be prevented.

[0006] Meanwhile, while facilities equipped for tissue biopsy, such as university hospitals, can perform the test immediately after sample collection, general hospitals and public health centers do not possess such equipment. Therefore, when collecting a sample at a general hospital or similar facility, the sample is placed in a specimen container and immersed in a preservation solution, after which the container containing the sealed sample is transported to a university hospital or research institute equipped with testing facilities.

[0007] When the volume of sample analysis is sufficiently large, multiple sample containers collected over one to two days are placed in a tray and transported at once, allowing for stable transport without the sealed containers being overturned.

[0008] On the other hand, when the volume of sample analysis is small, the few sample containers are transported individually using logistics services such as courier services. During this process, the containers may overturn or shake uncontrollably. In such cases, the sample fails to remain fully immersed in the preservation solution within the container body, and the sample and solution may leak into the container cap through a damaged seal sheet.

[0009] Even when the specimen container is shaken violently, the specimen may not remain fully immersed in the preservation solution, and may remain attached to the inside of the container cap or to the inside of the container body for a long time without being immersed in the solution. In this case, the specimen may undergo deterioration, which can be a factor in reducing the reliability of the test results.

[0010] Accordingly, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a sample container with a structure that can prevent or minimize the leakage of liquid, i.e., preservation solution and / or sample, stored inside the container body into the container cap even if the sample container is shaken or inverted.

[0011] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a flow path controlling member for a sample container used in the above sample container.

[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A sample container according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a container body; a container cap configured to be coupled at the top of the container body, including a cap side wall portion; and a flow path controlling member configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to the container cap, wherein the bottom of the flow path controlling member may have a width smaller than the bottom of the container cap.

[0014] The shortest vertical distance between the bottom of the above-mentioned Euro control member and the bottom of the above-mentioned container body is, (Here, r is the inner radius of the container body at the bottom of the container body) can be larger than

[0015] In addition, when the container cap and the container body are combined so that they are as close as possible, the distance between the bottom part of the container body and the lowest part of the container cap wall is, (Here, r is the inner radius of the container body at the bottom of the container body) can be larger than

[0016] The above container body may include a bottom portion of the body and one or more bars protruding upward from the bottom portion of the body.

[0017] At this time, the shortest vertical distance between the bottom of the Euro control member and the bottom of the container body may be in the range of 40% to 70% of the vertical length of the bar.

[0018] In addition, the ratio of the inner diameter of the lowest opening of the flow control member to the inner diameter of the wall portion of the container body may be in the range of 5% to 30%.

[0019] The above container body may include a bottom portion of the container body, a wall portion of the container body protruding upward from the bottom portion of the container body, and a support portion protruding upward from the bottom portion of the container body.

[0020] Additionally, the above-mentioned Euro adjustment member may have a locking groove into which the support member is inserted during the rotation process.

[0021] The above-mentioned Euro control member may include, at any cross-sectional point, a first wall portion and a second wall portion located below the first wall portion and forming an inner diameter that is at least partially narrower than that of the first wall portion.

[0022] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the Euro control member may include a first wall portion and an inclined portion located at the bottom of the first wall portion and having a width that narrows toward the bottom.

[0023] In addition, the Euro control member may include a wall portion and a filtering plate disposed within the wall portion.

[0024] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, a flow path controlling member shaped like a funnel is placed at the bottom of the container cap to prevent the liquid inside the container body, i.e., the preservation solution or the sample, from flowing into the container cap even when the sample container is inverted or shaken.

[0026] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded bottom view of the sample container of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container body of Figure 1. Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the container cap of Fig. 1. Figures 5a and 5b are a perspective view and a plan view of a sealing plug, respectively. FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are perspective views illustrating the direction and rotational direction of the second stopper of the sealing plug. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of Fig. 1. FIGS. 9 to 12 are cross-sectional perspective views showing the state of using a sample container, respectively. FIGS. 13 to 16 are cross-sectional views showing the state of using a sample container in the state of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively. FIGS. 17 to 20 are perspective views showing the arrangement of the container cap and the sealing stopper in the state of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively. FIGS. 21 to 24 are side projections showing the arrangement of the container cap and seal stopper in the state of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 26 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the sample container of Fig. 25. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the Euro control member of FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the Euro control member of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 25. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the sample container of Fig. 25. FIGS. 31 to 35 are schematic diagrams showing the state of the preservation solution according to the state of the sample container of FIG. 30. FIG. 36 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of Fig. 36. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the Euro control member of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 40 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the sample container of Fig. 39. Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of Fig. 39. Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the sample container of Fig. 39. FIG. 43 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of Fig. 43. FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of the flow control member of the sample container of FIG. 43. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the flow control member of the sample container of FIG. 47. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flow control member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flow control member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0029] Furthermore, the scope of patent claims is not a matter describing the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather a matter indicating what scope is claimed as a right based on the technical configuration disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is somewhat inevitable that the scope of patent claims is composed of abstract higher-level concepts that include the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and if a person skilled in the art can understand the technical configuration, combination, and functional effects belonging to the scope of patent claims through the entire specification, then the scope of patent claims should be considered to be supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0030] That is, various modifications may be made to the embodiments presented in the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the forms of practice and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions thereof.

[0031] If any term described in this specification is to be used with a specific meaning, such meaning may be defined and used, and it should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0032] In this specification, "and / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more. Also, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. A numerical range indicated by "to" indicates a numerical range that includes the values ​​listed before and after it as a lower and upper limit, respectively. "Approximately" or "about" means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range listed after it.

[0033] In this specification, when referring to components, ordinal modifiers such as 'first component,' 'second component,' and 'first-1 component' are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, it goes without saying that what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0034] The first direction (X) refers to any direction within the plane, and the second direction (Y) refers to another direction within the plane that intersects or is perpendicular to the first direction (X). The third direction (Z) refers to yet another direction that intersects or is perpendicular to the plane.

[0035] The size, thickness, width, length, etc., of the components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, so the present invention is not limited to the depicted form.

[0036] Spatially relative terms such as 'above,' 'upper,' 'on,' 'below,' 'beneath,' and 'lower' may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or component and another, as illustrated in the drawings. When used in addition to the directions depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms should be understood as encompassing different orientations of the elements. For example, if an element depicted in a drawing is flipped, an element described as being 'below' or 'beneath' another element may be placed 'above' of that other element. Therefore, the exemplary term 'below' may encompass both the downward and upward directions.

[0037] As used in this specification, "most adjacent" means the closest or most adjacent among a plurality of components that are repeatedly arranged in at least one direction. For example, if there is no component between adjacent components that can be referred to or classified as substantially identical to said component, said plurality of components may be understood as being most adjacent to one another.

[0038] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container body of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the container cap of FIG. 1. FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of a sealing stopper. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are perspective views for explaining the direction and rotational direction of the second stopper of the sealing stopper. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the sealing stopper of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 1, showing a cross-section in the direction where the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) intersect.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the sample container (10) according to the present embodiment may include a container body (100), a container cap (200), and a sealing stopper (300). Here, the stopper (300) functions as a stopper for the container cap (200), so that the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) can form a sealed internal space together depending on the degree of rotation relative to each other. Also, as described below, the sealing stopper (300) is located within a path through which a liquid substance, i.e., a preservation liquid, flows from the container cap (200) to the container body (100), and the liquid substance flowing out can flow through the hole (310H) of the sealing stopper (300). Although not depicted in the drawings, the sealed internal space may contain a preservation liquid (or fixative) for preserving or fixing cell tissue, which may or may not contain formaldehyde.

[0041] The container body (100) (or sample receiving portion) may be a roughly cylindrical container with an open top. The container body (100) may include a main body bottom portion (110) and a main body wall portion (130) protruding upward from the edge of the main body bottom portion (110), and may further include a first stopper (170) (or stopper bar, or stopper projection, or support bar, or post, or projection) disposed in the space surrounded by the main body wall portion (130) in the main body bottom portion (110), and a first coupling portion (190) (or, first screw thread, or main body screw thread, or main body coupling member, or first coupling means, or first coupling structure, or first coupling element) disposed on the upper outer surface of the main body wall portion (130).

[0042] Here, the first stopper (170) may refer to a configuration that limits the relative degree of rotation between the container body (100) and the cap (300) together with the second stopper (370) to be described later. The first stopper (170) may be fixed in position inside the container body (100), specifically on the bottom part (110) of the container body. Also, the first coupling part (190) may refer to a configuration that forms a reversible coupling between the container body (100) and the container cap (200) together with the second coupling part (290) to be described later.

[0043] The bottom portion (110) of the main body may be approximately circular in shape. The bottom portion (110) of the main body may provide a bottom space for accommodating objects contained within the container body (100), such as tissue to be examined (specimen) or preservation solution. The bottom portion (110) of the main body may provide a planar space to which the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) belong, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the center of the planar portion of the main body (110) may be relatively high and may become lower toward the edge. In yet another embodiment, the center of the planar portion of the main body (110) may be relatively low and may become higher toward the edge.

[0044] The main body wall section (130) may be approximately in the shape of a circular column. The lower end of the main body wall section (130) may be closed by the main body bottom section (110). The main body wall section (130) together with the main body bottom section (110) forms a concave receiving space, and the aforementioned tissue to be inspected or preservation liquid may be received in said receiving space. The upper end of the main body wall section (130) may have an open shape and function as an entrance to the container body (100).

[0045] A first coupling part (190) may be disposed on the upper outer surface of the main body wall part (130). The first coupling part (190) includes screw threads, and the first coupling part (190) may enable thermal coupling and release between the container main body (100) and the container cap (200). The coupling and release may be achieved by screw-tightening coupling. The screw-tightening coupling may be a coupling in which the vertical distance between the components changes according to or in proportion to the relative rotation between the plurality of components. That is, it differs from a snap-fit ​​coupling or a press-fit coupling in that rotation and linear movement are dependent on the inclination of the pre-designed screw threads.

[0046] A first stopper (170) may be disposed on the bottom portion (110) of the main body. Specifically, the first stopper (170) may be disposed on the bottom portion (110) of the main body in a space surrounded by the main body wall portion (130). The first stopper (170) may come into contact with the main body wall portion (130). In an exemplary embodiment, the first stopper (170) may be in the shape of a bar extending in a third direction (Z) and protruding inward from the main body wall portion (130). As a non-limiting example, four first stoppers (170) may be provided in a rotational or circular arrangement at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the center of the plane of the bottom portion (110) of the main body. The first stopper (170) may function as a stopper by utilizing a predetermined height in the third direction (Z), for example, near its upper end. The first stopper (170) can provide a third direction (Z) downward limit and / or rotational limit of the stopper (300) relative to the container body (100). The operation of the first stopper (170) will be described later.

[0047] The above-described main body bottom part (110), main body wall part (130), first connecting part (190) and first stopper (170) may be formed integrally without physical boundaries with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] The container cap (200) (or the preservation liquid receiving portion, or the container stopper, or the container lid) may have a shape with an open bottom. The container cap (200) may be configured to cover the upper opening formed by the main body wall portion (130) of the container body (100) to seal the internal space of the sample container (10). That is, the container cap (200) functions as a container with a sealed interior together with the container body (100), and at the same time, can optionally seal the interior and contain the preservation liquid together with the stopper (300) to be described later.

[0049] The container cap (200) includes a cap ceiling portion (210), a cap wall portion (230) protruding downward from the cap ceiling portion (210), and a blocking projection portion (250) protruding further downward from the cap wall portion (230), and may further include a fastening body portion (280) protruding downward from the edge of the cap ceiling portion (210) and a second coupling portion (290) disposed on the inner surface of the fastening body portion (280) (or a second screw thread, or a cap screw thread, or a cap coupling member, or a second coupling means, or a second coupling structure, or a second coupling element).

[0050] The cap ceiling (210) may form the upper surface of the sample container (10). The cap ceiling (210) may be approximately circular in shape. Additionally, the cap wall (230) may be approximately cylindrical in shape. The top of the cap wall (230) may be closed by the cap ceiling (210). The cap wall (230) may form a concave receiving space together with the cap ceiling (210). A liquid substance, such as a preservation solution, may be contained within the space enclosed by the cap wall (230) and the cap ceiling (210). The bottom of the cap wall (230) may have an open shape. And as described below, the bottom of the cap wall portion (230) is combined with the stopper (300), and a preservation liquid can be sealed and contained in the space surrounded by the cap ceiling portion (210), the cap wall portion (230), and the stopper (300).

[0051] In some embodiments, the width of the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230) (e.g., outer diameter) is smaller than the width of the inner surface of the main body wall portion (130) (e.g., inner diameter), and the cap wall portion (230) can be inserted into the main body (100) when the main body (100) and the main body (200) are combined.

[0052] The fastening body portion (280) may have a roughly circular column shape. The fastening body portion (280) may be configured to provide a space in which a second coupling portion (290) for coupling with the container body (100) is placed. The fastening body portion (280) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the edge of the cap ceiling portion (210). Accordingly, from a planar viewpoint, the fastening body portion (280) may have a shape that surrounds the cap wall portion (230). The length of the fastening body portion (280) protruding downward from the cap ceiling portion (210) may be smaller than the length of the cap wall portion (230) protruding downward. That is, the third direction (Z) length of the fastening body portion (280) may be smaller than the third direction (Z) length of the cap wall portion (230). The fastening body portion (280) and the cap wall portion (230) may be spaced apart in the horizontal direction. When the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are at least partially joined, the body wall portion (130) of the container body (100) can be inserted into the horizontal space between the fastening body portion (280) and the cap wall portion (230).

[0053] A second coupling part (290) may be disposed on the inner surface, i.e., the inner circumference, of the fastening body part (280). The second coupling part (290) may include screw threads and may have an inclination that allows for coupling with the first coupling part (190). That is, the second coupling part (290) may be provided as a pair with a shape corresponding to that of the first coupling part (190). Through the aforementioned structure, the first coupling part (190) protruding outward from the main body wall part (130) and the second coupling part (290) protruding inward from the fastening body part (280) may face each other to form a screw-tightening coupling structure.

[0054] One or more or multiple blocking protrusions (250) (or shielding portions, or passage shielding portions, or passage shielding protrusions) may be disposed at the bottom of the cap wall portion (230). The blocking protrusions (250) may be configured to seal or open the third passage opening (350p) of the plug partition portion (350) of the plug (300) to be described later. The bottom surface or lower surface of the cap wall portion (230) may have a planar ring shape, and the blocking protrusions (250) may protrude downward from the lower surface of the cap wall portion (230). The blocking protrusions (250) may have a planar shape of approximately an arc. As a non-limiting example, four blocking protrusions (250) may be provided, arranged in a rotational or circular arrangement at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the planar center of the cap ceiling portion (210).

[0055] When multiple blocking protrusions (250) are provided, a second passage opening (250p) (or a spaced-out space, or a spaced-out section, or a passage section) may be formed between the closest blocking protrusions (250). When four blocking protrusions (250) are provided, four second passage openings (250p) may also be defined. In another embodiment, when only one blocking protrusion (250) is provided, one side and the other side of the blocking protrusion (250), which has a planar arc (right arc) shape, are spaced apart from each other, and a second passage opening may be defined between the one side and the other side. In this case, there may be only one second passage opening.

[0056] As previously explained, the blocking projection (250) and the second passage opening (250p) formed or defined by the blocking projection (250) can provide a path or passage for the preservation liquid to flow, or seal it, depending on the alignment state with the stopper partition (350) of the stopper (300) to be described later and the third passage opening (350p). That is, the internal space can be sealed or opened depending on the relative degree of rotation between the container cap (200) and the stopper (300). To this end, the blocking projection (250) and the second passage opening (250p) must have an appropriate shape and size to seal or open the third passage opening (350p).

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal length (L250) of the blocking projection (250) may be greater than the length (L350p) of the third passage opening (350p) of the plug (300). For example, the lower limit of the length (L250) of the blocking projection (250) may be about 45° or more, or about 50° or more, or about 60° or more, or about 70° or more. In this specification, the lengths of components such as the blocking projection (250), the second passage opening (250p), and the third passage opening (350p) may be described as the central angle based on the center of the plane when they are arranged in a circular shape and have the shape of a circle or an arc. This is because when a component has the shape of a circle or an arc, the actual length in the circumferential direction is proportional to the central angle of the circle or arc. In other words, the length of a circularly arranged or arc-shaped component can be expressed as a central angle and understood as the length in the circumferential direction, unless otherwise defined.

[0058] The upper limit of the length (L250) of the blocking protrusion (250) may be determined according to the number of blocking protrusions (250), etc. The upper limit of the length (L250) of the blocking protrusion (250) is not specifically limited, but it may be approximately 340° when one blocking protrusion (250) is provided. Or, it may be approximately 160° when two blocking protrusions (250) are provided. Or, it may be approximately 100° when three blocking protrusions (250) are provided. Or, as shown in the drawing, when four blocking protrusions (250) are provided, it may be approximately 80° or approximately 75°.

[0059] Meanwhile, the lower limit of the horizontal length (L250p) of the second passage opening (250p) may be about 15° or more, or about 18° or more, or about 20° or more. For example, the length (L250p) of the second passage opening (250p) may be smaller than the length (L250) of the blocking projection (250). The upper limit of the length (L250p) of the second passage opening (250p) is not specifically limited, but may be about 30° or less, or about 25° or less. As a non-limiting example, the length of the second passage opening (250p) may be substantially the same as the length of the third passage opening (350p), or within a range of about ±10%, or within a range of about ±5%. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the length (L350p) of the third passage opening (350p) may be greater than the length (L250p) of the second passage opening (250p).

[0060] The aforementioned cap ceiling portion (210), cap wall portion (230), fastening body portion (280), second coupling portion (290), and blocking projection portion (250) may be formed integrally without physical boundaries with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] The stopper (300) (or sealing cap, or preservation liquid sealing means, or preservation liquid stopper means) may have a shape with an open top. The stopper (300) may be configured to cover the lower opening formed by the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (200) to seal or open the space in which the preservation liquid is contained.

[0062] The plug (300) (or Euro control member) may include a plug bottom portion (310), a plug wall portion (330) protruding upward from the edge of the plug bottom portion (310), and a plug partition portion (350) protruding upward from the plug bottom portion (310).

[0063] The bottom portion of the stopper (310) may be approximately circular in shape. The bottom portion of the stopper (310) may be spaced apart from the cap ceiling portion (210) in a third direction (Z). The bottom portion of the stopper (310) may have a hole (310h). The hole (310h) may be approximately arc-shaped in a planar shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The maximum circumferential length of the hole (310h) may be smaller than the length (L250) of the blocking projection (250). The hole (310h) may function as a fluid path through which the preservation liquid contained in the internal space formed by the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) flows down and enters the container body (100). As a non-limiting example, four holes (310h) may be provided, arranged in a rotational or circular arrangement at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the center of the planar portion of the stopper (310).

[0064] The stopper wall portion (330) may be approximately in the shape of a circular column. The bottom of the stopper wall portion (330) may be closed by the stopper bottom portion (310). The stopper wall portion (330) may form a coupling structure with the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (200). For example, the stopper wall portion (330) may be forcibly coupled with the cap wall portion (230), such that the cap wall portion (230) is inserted into the stopper wall portion (330), and the inner surface of the stopper wall portion (330) is in close contact with the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230) and can be forcibly coupled. To this end, the inner diameter of the stopper wall portion (330) may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the cap wall portion (230), but the present invention is not limited thereto and may have an appropriate inner diameter such that forcibly coupling is possible.

[0065] Unlike the screw-tightening connection described above, the interlocking connection formed by the stopper wall portion (330) and the cap wall portion (230) allows the relative degree of rotation between the stopper (300) and the container cap (200) and the distance in the third direction (Z) (up and down direction) between the stopper (300) and the container cap (200) to be independent and free from each other. In other words, the relative rotation and linear movement of the stopper (300) and the container cap (200) may not be mutually dependent. As a non-limiting example to explain the interlocking connection, with the rotation of the stopper (300) fixed, the cap (200) may maintain its height without moving in the up and down direction, and only the cap (200) may rotate. As another non-limiting example, with the height of the stopper (300) fixed, the cap (200) may not rotate, and only the cap (200) may move in the up and down direction. In another non-limiting example, with the rotation of the stopper (300) fixed, the cap (200) may rotate by a first rotation (e.g., 180°) and move downward by a first distance, or the cap (200) may rotate by a second rotation (e.g., 270°) and move downward by the first distance.

[0066] Although not shown in the drawing, an assisting fitting structure such as a groove and a protrusion may be formed on the outer surface of the cap wall (230) and the inner surface of the stopper wall (330) to stably maintain the mutual fitting state and the initial distance in the third direction (Z) accordingly.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, a third direction (Z), such as an up-and-down direction maintaining structure, which can come into contact with or interfere with each other, may be provided on the outer surface and / or inner surface of each of the cap wall portion (230) and the stopper wall portion (330). It may be configured so that the third direction (Z) distance between the cap (200) and the stopper (300) is maintained, that is, so that the relative third direction (Z) position of the cap (200) and the stopper (300) is maintained, without a strong external force or rotation being provided through contact, interference, etc., between the first up-and-down direction maintaining structure provided on the cap wall portion (230) and the second up-and-down direction maintaining structure provided on the stopper wall portion (330). As a non-limiting example, a first support groove or a first support rib is provided on the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230), and a member forming a connection with the cap wall portion (230), such as a plug (300), may be provided with a second support groove or a second support rib that interferes with or contacts the first support groove or the first support rib.

[0068] When the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are combined, and the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) are combined, the stopper (300) may be located in the internal space of the container body (100). At this time, the outer diameter of the stopper wall portion (330) of the stopper (300) is smaller than the inner diameter of the main body wall portion (130) of the container body (100), and the outer surface of the stopper wall portion (330) may be spaced horizontally apart from the inner surface of the main body wall portion (130).

[0069] Additionally, a second stopper (370) may be formed on the outer surface of the stopper wall portion (330). The second stopper (370) may be configured to cause interference with the first stopper (170) of the aforementioned container body (100), thereby limiting the degree of rotation of the stopper (300) relative to the container body (100) and the degree of downward movement of the stopper (300) in the third direction (Z). Although the drawing illustrates a case where the second stopper (370) is in the form of a groove formed on the outer surface of the stopper wall portion (330), the present invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art may, within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, form the first stopper in the form of a groove and configure the second stopper in the form of a protrusion, or modify it in another form that causes physical interference between the stopper (300) and the container body (100).

[0070] The second stopper (370) (or catch groove) according to the present embodiment is formed at the bottom of the stopper wall portion (330) and may include a structure in which the depth in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves in one direction, and the stopper surface (370s) is exposed. The second stopper (370) is formed at the bottom of the outer circumference of the stopper wall portion (330) and may be a groove that is indented inward in the planar direction of the stopper (300) and upward in the third direction (Z) from the bottom. The groove recessed from the outer circumference of the stopper wall portion (330) may provide an inclined surface (370a) which is a step located on the third direction (Z) side and a stopper surface (370s) which is a step located on the side side and provides a planar space to which the third direction (Z) belongs. FIG. 5, etc., illustrates a case in which four second stoppers (370) are provided and arranged adjacent to each other. That is, the planar shape of the second stopper (370) is approximately an arc shape, and the center angle of the arc may be approximately 90°, for example, within the range of approximately 90°±5%.

[0071] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a state where the bottom portion of the stopper (310) is arranged to face downward, that is, in a state where the stopper (300) is positioned to be coupled with the container cap (200), the catch groove (370) may have a shape that becomes deeper in a counter-clockwise direction from a planar perspective. Here, clockwise and counter-clockwise directions are based on the state where the bottom portion of the stopper (310) is arranged to face downward, and as shown in FIG. 7, when the stopper (300) is inverted so that the bottom portion of the stopper (310) faces upward, the clockwise direction in the planar view can be understood as the counter-clockwise direction in the correct arrangement state.

[0072] That is, when the container body (100) is fixed and the bottom portion (310) of the stopper (300) is positioned facing downward and the stopper (300) is rotated clockwise, the first stopper (170) (i.e., stopper projection) is inserted into the second stopper (370) (or catch groove, or stopper groove), and the first stopper (170) can advance along the depth change of the second stopper (370). Then, after rotating to a predetermined degree, the side of the first stopper (170) comes into close contact with the stopper surface (370s) of the second stopper (370), and further rotation can be restricted.

[0073] In other words, when the stopper (300) is press-fitted to the container cap (200) and the container cap (200) and the container body (100) are screw-fastened, the stopper (300) and the container body (100) may have a predetermined arrangement state according to the screw-fastening state.

[0074] At this time, when the container cap (200) and the container body (100) are sufficiently screw-fastened together, the first stopper (170) (i.e., post) of the container body (100) may be at least partially inserted into one of the second stoppers (370) (i.e., locking groove) of the stopper (300). If the first stopper (170) is inserted at a position where the depth of the second stopper (370) is small, the upper surface of the first stopper (170) (i.e., post) and the inclined surface (370a) of the second stopper (370) come into contact, and the upper surface of the first stopper (170) and the inclined surface of the second stopper (370) can function as a stopper that prevents the downward movement of the stopper (300) in the third direction (Z) (e.g., first state).

[0075] And when the container cap (200) is rotated further clockwise relative to the container body (100), the stopper (300) which is press-fitted with the container cap (200) can rotate clockwise together with the container cap (200) relative to the container body (100). At this time, if the container body (100) is understood to be in a fixed state, that is, if the position of the first stopper (170) is understood to be fixed, the second stopper (370) is understood to rotate clockwise. Conversely, regarding the relative position between the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (370), the first stopper (170) inserted into the second stopper (370) can be understood to move counterclockwise. That is, the side of the first stopper (170) can gradually come closer to the stopper surface (370s) of the second stopper (370) structure.

[0076] Furthermore, as the second stopper (370) has a shape in which the depth of indentation in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves counterclockwise in the plane, the depth of insertion of the first stopper (170) (i.e., post) into the second stopper (370) (i.e., catch groove) can be increased. Therefore, compared to the first state above, the third direction (Z) position of the container body (100) and the first stopper (170) is fixed, but because the second stopper (370) has a shape in which the depth in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves counterclockwise, the stopper (300) can be moved further downward compared to the first state. That is, in this state (second state), the first stopper (170) is inserted more than in the first state, and the length of the horizontal overlap between the stopper (300) and the first stopper (170) can be greater.

[0077] And when the container cap (200) is rotated further clockwise relative to the container body (100), the side of the first stopper (170) comes into contact with the stopper surface (370s) of the second stopper (370), and further rotation of the stopper (300) can be restricted through interference between the side of the first stopper (170) and the stopper surface (370s). In other words, even if the container cap (200) is rotated further relative to the container body (100), the stopper (300) may not rotate further relative to the container body (100), and thus, in the coupling relationship between the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) in a forced-fit state, only the container cap (200) can rotate relative to the stopper (300).

[0078] By means of the second stopper (370) structure having a roughly wedge shape as described above and the first stopper (170) of the container body (100) interfering with it, even when the user rotates only the container cap (200) relative to the container body (100), the rotational relationship between the container body (100), the container cap (200), and the stopper (300) can be varied, and regardless of the rotational state of the container cap (200), the third direction (Z) height of the stopper (300) according to the degree of rotation between the container body (100) and the stopper (300), that is, the relative position in the third direction (Z) between the container body (100) and the stopper (300) can be adjusted.

[0079] Meanwhile, the plug partition (350) (or plug protrusion) may be approximately in the shape of a circular column. The plug partition (350) may be shaped to protrude upward from the bottom of the plug (310) and be surrounded by the planar plug wall (330). Accordingly, the inner surface of the plug wall (330) and the outer surface of the plug partition (350) may be spaced apart and facing each other in the horizontal direction.

[0080] When the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) are combined, the cap wall portion (230) and the blocking projection portion (250) of the container cap (200) can be inserted into the gap between the stopper wall portion (330) and the stopper partition portion (350) of the stopper (300) and combined. As previously described, the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) may be a press-fit combination in which the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (200) is in close contact with the inner surface of the stopper wall portion (330). Furthermore, the stopper partition portion (350) can be inserted into the cap wall portion (230), and the inner surface of the cap wall portion (230) can be in close contact with the outer surface of the stopper partition portion (350) and combined by a press-fit combination. To this end, the inner diameter of the cap wall portion (230) may be larger than the outer diameter of the plug partition portion (350), but the present invention is not limited thereto and may have an appropriate inner diameter such that a press-fit connection is possible.

[0081] Additionally, the hole (310h) of the aforementioned plug bottom portion (310) may be located only in the space between the plug bulkhead portion (350) and the plug wall portion (330), and may not exist in the inner space of the plug bulkhead portion (350) surrounded by the plug bulkhead portion (350). The space of the plug bottom portion (310) surrounded by the plug bulkhead portion (350) may not have any space for fluid to pass through. The maximum protrusion length of the plug bulkhead portion (350) in the third direction (Z) may be smaller than the protrusion length of the plug wall portion (330) in the third direction (Z). That is, the height of the top of the plug bulkhead portion (350) may be lower than the height of the top of the plug wall portion (330).

[0082] As described above, the plug partition (350) has a shape that is approximately circular, but its upper surface has a shape with varying heights, that is, the upper surface of the plug partition (350), which is approximately circular in shape in a planar view, may have a shape that is partially indented or sunken downward in the third direction (Z). The indented portion may be defined as a third passage opening (350p). The shape of the plug partition (350) may be understood as a shape in which a protrusion further protrudes above the shape of a complete circular column, or as a shape in which a first partition (351) (or first part, or first protrusion) and a second partition (352) (or second part, or second protrusion) having different heights are alternately arranged in a circular pattern.

[0083] For example, the plug partition (350) may include a first partition (351) (or first part) having a first height (H1) and a second partition (352) (or second part) having a second height (H2) smaller than the first height (H1). The first partition (351) and the second partition (352) may be arranged alternately in a circular arrangement and may be in close contact with each other. As a non-limiting example, the first partition (351) and the second partition (352) may each be provided in four units, arranged in a rotational or circular arrangement at an angle of about 90° with respect to the center of the plane of the plug bottom (310).

[0084] When multiple first partition sections (351) are provided, a third passage opening (350p) (or a spaced-out area, or a spaced-out area, or a passage) may be formed between the first partition sections (351) closest to each other. When four first partition sections (351) are provided, four third passage openings (350p) and four second partition sections (352) may also be defined. A roughly 'C'-shaped space surrounded by the sides of two first partition sections (351) closest to each other and the top surface of one second partition section (352) may be defined as the third passage opening (350p). In another embodiment, the first partition (351) may be provided as only one, in which case one side and the other side of the first partition (351), which is in the shape of a planar arc (right arc), are spaced apart from each other, and a third passage opening may be defined by the space between the one side and the other side. In this case, the second partition (352) and the third passage opening may be one. As a non-limiting example, as described below, the third passage opening (350p) and the hole (310h) may be aligned in a predetermined relationship, and the number of the third passage opening (350p) (i.e., the second partition (352)) and the hole (310h) may be provided equally.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the length (L350p) of the third passage opening (350p) (or the length of the second partition (352)) may be smaller than the length (L250) of the blocking projection (250). For example, the upper limit of the length (L350p) of the third passage opening (350p) may be less than about 70°, or less than about 60°, or less than about 50°, or less than about 45°, or less than about 40°, or less than about 35°. The lower limit of the length (L350p) of the third passage opening (350p) is not particularly limited, but may be greater than about 15°, or greater than about 18°, or greater than about 20° for smooth flow of preservation liquid.

[0086] Meanwhile, the lower limit of the length (L351) of the first bulkhead (351) may be approximately 45° or more, or approximately 50° or more, or approximately 60° or more, or approximately 70° or more. The upper limit of the length (L351) of the first bulkhead (351) may be determined according to the number of the first bulkhead (351) and the second bulkhead (352), etc. The upper limit of the length (L351) of the first bulkhead (351) is not specifically limited, but may be approximately 340° when the first bulkhead (351) is provided as one. Or may be approximately 160° when the first bulkhead (351) is provided as two. Or may be approximately 100° when the first bulkhead (351) is provided as three. Alternatively, as shown in the drawing, if the first partition (351) is provided in four parts, it may be about 80° or about 75°. Meanwhile, the number of third passage openings (350p) of the stopper (300) may be greater than or equal to the number of second passage openings (250p) of the container cap (200).

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the difference between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) of the first partition (351) and the second partition (352), that is, the third direction (Z) length of the third passage opening (350p), may have a predetermined relationship with the protrusion length (H250) of the blocking projection (250) in the third direction (Z). The difference between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) may be smaller than or substantially equal to the protrusion length (H250) of the blocking projection (250).

[0088] Additionally, from a planar viewpoint, the second partition (352) (or the third passage opening (350p)) may be aligned radially with the hole (310h). That is, from a planar viewpoint, a virtual reference line extending radially from the center of the plug bottom (310) and passing through the second partition (352) (or the third passage opening (350p)) may pass through the hole (310h) at least partially.

[0089] The distance between the closest holes (310h) among the holes (310h) formed in the bottom portion (310) of the stopper may be substantially the same as or greater than the length (L250) of the blocking projection (250) of the container cap (200).

[0090] The present invention is not limited thereto, but if, unlike the present embodiment, the stopper partition (350) has a third passage opening, and is composed only of first partitions spaced apart from each other without a second partition of a relatively small second height (H2), and the space between the first partitions is defined as the third passage opening, that is, if the bottom of the third passage opening is defined by the stopper bottom (310), then the liquid preservation liquid cannot be completely sealed due to the fine gap formed between the blocking projection (250) and the stopper bottom (310), despite the alignment between the first partition and the blocking projection (250). Also, as described below, in the initial state, the bottom of the container cap (200) that is coupled to seal the preservation liquid receiving space, such as the bottom of the blocking projection (250), and the stopper bottom (310) of the stopper (300) must be spaced apart by a predetermined distance (D). However, if the second partition (352) is omitted, the preservation liquid cannot be completely sealed by the above separation. In other words, the second partition may be necessary to secure the above separation distance.

[0091] Hereinafter, the effects of use of the sample container (10) according to the present embodiment and the arrangement and placement of the components will be described.

[0092] FIGS. 9 to 12 are cross-sectional perspective views illustrating the state of using a sample container. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an initial state (first state (10a)) in which the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are disassembled to introduce a sample (not shown) into the container body (100), and the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) are combined. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a second state (10b) in which the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are at least partially combined by the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290). FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a point in time (third state (10c)) in which the combination by the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290) is further advanced compared to FIG. 10, and interference by the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (370) occurs. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a fourth state (10d) in which the connection by the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290) is further advanced compared to FIG. 11 and the space for receiving the preservation liquid is opened.

[0093] Also, FIGS. 13 to 16 are cross-sectional views showing the state of using the sample container in the first state (10a) to the fourth state (10d) of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively. FIGS. 17 to 20 are perspective views showing the arrangement of the container cap and the sealing stopper in the states of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively. FIGS. 21 to 24 are side projection views showing the arrangement of the container cap and the sealing stopper in the states of FIGS. 9 to 12, respectively.

[0094] In FIGS. 9 to 20, the container body (100) remains in a fixed state without rotating, and only the container cap (200) and / or stopper (300) is shown in a rotated state. In FIGS. 21 to 24, the container cap (200) is shown rotated while the stopper (300) remains fixed.

[0095] First, referring further to FIG. 9, in the first state (10a), the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290) of the container body (100) and the container cap (200) do not form a mutual connection, and the container body (100) and the container cap (200) can be disassembled. The sample collected in the first state (10a) can be introduced into the container body (100).

[0096] Additionally, in the first state (10a), the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) may be in a state where a coupling, that is, a fitting coupling, is formed. As described above, the cap wall portion (230) and the blocking projection portion (250) of the container cap (200) may be in close contact with at least partially the inner surface of the stopper wall portion (330) and the outer surface of the stopper partition portion (350) of the stopper (300), and may have a state where they are inserted between them.

[0097] At this time, the lowest end of the container cap (200), for example, the lowest end of the blocking projection (250), is inserted between the stopper wall part (330) and the stopper partition part (350), but is not in contact with the upper surface of the base surface, for example, the stopper bottom part (310), and may be spaced apart in the third direction (Z) by a predetermined distance (D). Here, the predetermined distance (D) may be smaller than the difference between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) (i.e., the third direction (Z) length of the third passage opening (350p)) and / or the third direction (Z) protrusion length (H250) of the blocking projection (250). When the predetermined distance (D), the third passage opening (350p), and the third direction (Z) of the blocking projection (250) are in the above relationship, it may be possible to transform from the third state (10c) to the fourth state (10d) described later.

[0098] Additionally, in the first state (10a), the blocking projection (250) may be aligned to overlap radially with the third passage opening (350p). That is, the inner surface of the blocking projection (250) may be in contact with a portion of the horizontal edge of the outer surface of the first partition (351) and a portion of the upper surface of the outer surface of the second partition (352), so that the blocking projection (250) can seal the third passage opening (350p). Also, a portion of the lower inner surface of the cap wall (230) may be in contact with a portion of the upper outer surface of the first partition (351). In other words, by utilizing the alignment of the third passage opening (350p) of the stopper partition (350) and the blocking projection (250) of the container cap (200), the stopper (300) and the container cap (200) can be configured to form a sealed internal space together and to have a state in which a preservation liquid (not shown) is sealed and contained. Also, in the first state (10a), the blocking projection (250) may overlap at least partially or completely with the hole (310h) in the third direction (Z).

[0099] Referring further to FIG. 10, etc., after a sample is placed into the container body (100) in the first state (10a), the container cap (200) and the container body (100) can be joined at least partially by screwing. That is, the second state (10b) may refer to a point in time when at least a partial connection is formed between the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290) before rotation and downward restriction by the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (370) occurs.

[0100] While the coupling from the first state (10a) to the second state (10b) is being carried out using the first coupling part (190) and the second coupling part (290), the mutually coupled container cap (200) and stopper (300) can rotate together clockwise on the horizontal plane and move downward together in the third direction (Z) with respect to the container body (100).

[0101] Referring further to FIG. 11, in the second state (10b), the screw-tightening connection between the container cap (200) and the container body (100) is further advanced, and at some point, a third state (10c) may be formed. The third state (10c) may refer to a point in time when the rotation and downward movement of the stopper (300) relative to the container body (100) are restricted by the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (370) while at least partially connected between the first connecting part (190) and the second connecting part (290). In other words, while changing from the second state (10b) to the third state (10c), the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) can rotate together clockwise relative to the container body (100) and move downward in the third direction (Z). In other words, from the first state (10a) to the third state (10c), the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) can maintain their relative positions, such as the degree of rotation and the third direction (Z) position, without changing their mutually coupled state.

[0102] As previously described, while changing from the second state (10b) to the third state (10c), the first stopper (170), which has a protrusion shape protruding inward from the main body wall portion (130) of the container body (100), is inserted into the second stopper (370), which has a groove shape formed on the outer surface of the stopper wall portion (330) of the stopper (300), and at some point (i.e., the third state (10c)), the side of the first stopper (170) physically interferes with the stopper surface (370s) of the second stopper (370), thereby restricting further rotation and downward movement in the third direction (Z) of the stopper (300).

[0103] Referring further to FIG. 12, etc., screw-tightening coupling between the container cap (200) and the container body (100) can be further advanced in the third state (10c). In the third state (10c) described above, interference occurs between the first stopper (170) of the container body (100) and the second stopper (370) of the stopper (300), and additional rotation and lowering of the stopper (300) can be achieved after the third state (10c).

[0104] On the other hand, with respect to the container body (100), the container cap (200) may continue to rotate clockwise on the horizontal plane and undergo additional downward movement in the third direction (Z). Accordingly, during the transition from the third state (10c) to the fourth state (10d), the relative degree of rotation between the container cap (200) and the stopper (300) may change, and the relative distance in the third direction (Z) may change. In other words, after the position of the stopper (300) is fixed in the third state (10c), the container cap (200) may rotate further and move downward. Here, the distance the container cap (200) moves additionally downward in the third direction (Z) from the third state (10c) to the fourth state (10d) may correspond approximately to the aforementioned predetermined separation distance (D). And through this, unlike in the first state (10a) to the third state (10c), the alignment between the blocking projection (250) and the third passage opening (350p) is misaligned, and at least a portion of the blocked third passage opening (350p) can be opened without being shielded or blocked by the blocking projection (250). That is, the second passage opening (250p) formed by the blocking projection (250) of the container cap (200) and the third passage opening (350p) of the stopper partition (350) of the stopper (300) can be connected by being at least partially aligned in a radial direction or overlapping. And the preservation liquid can flow out through the open gap formed by connecting the second passage opening (250p) and the third passage opening (350p), and can flow down toward the container body (100) through the hole (310h) of the stopper bottom part (310).

[0105] In some embodiments, in the fourth state (10d), the lower end of the blocking projection (250) may at least partially contact the upper surface of the bottom portion (310) of the plug (300). Additionally, the blocking projection (250) may at least partially not overlap with the hole (310h) of the plug (300) in the third direction (Z), or the blocking projection (250) may not completely overlap with the hole (310h) in the third direction (Z).

[0106] According to the present embodiment, the sealing sheet may be omitted. If the sealing sheet is bonded to the container cap, the adhesive components may leach into the preservation solution or the preservation solution may penetrate the adhesive and leak out over time after the container is produced. However, according to the present embodiment, even without the sealing sheet, the preservation solution can be configured to pour out to the container body in an easy manner while maintaining excellent sealing characteristics against the preservation solution.

[0107] Hereinafter, a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical to or have extremely similar functional effects to the configurations described above will be omitted, as they will be easily understood by a person skilled in the art from the attached drawings.

[0108] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a flow path controlling member of FIG. 25. FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of a flow path controlling member of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 25. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the sample container of FIG. 25.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 30, the sample container (11) according to the present embodiment includes a container body (100) and a container cap (200), but differs from the sample container according to the previously described embodiment in that it further includes a flow path controlling member (400), a sealing sheet (800), and a blocking ring (900).

[0110] The container body (100) (or sample receiving portion) may be a roughly cylindrical container with an open top. The container body (100) may include a main body bottom portion (110) and a main body wall portion (130) protruding upward from the edge of the main body bottom portion (110), and may further include a first stopper (170) (or stopper bar, or stopper projection, or support bar, or post, or projection) disposed in the space surrounded by the main body wall portion (130) in the main body bottom portion (110), and a first coupling portion (190) (or, first screw thread, or main body screw thread, or main body coupling member, or first coupling means, or first coupling structure, or first coupling element) disposed on the upper outer surface of the main body wall portion (130).

[0111] The container body (100) can provide a space for accommodating a tissue or cell (specimen) to be examined. Since the container body (100) has been described previously in conjunction with embodiments such as FIG. 1, a redundant description is omitted.

[0112] The container cap (200) (or the preservation liquid receiving portion, or the container stopper, or the container lid) may have a shape with an open bottom. A sealing sheet (800) may be placed in the lower opening of the container cap (200). An adhesive may be used to bond the container cap (200) and the sealing sheet (800), but the present invention is not limited thereto. A preservation liquid (FA) may be contained in the internal sealed space formed by the container cap (200) and the sealing sheet (800). The material of the sealing sheet (800) is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, aluminum.

[0113] The container cap (200) may further include a cap ceiling portion (210), a cap wall portion (230) protruding downward from the cap ceiling portion (210), a fastening body portion (280) protruding downward from the edge of the cap ceiling portion (210), and a second coupling portion (290) (or a second screw thread, or a cap screw thread, or a cap coupling member, or a second coupling means, or a second coupling structure, or a second coupling element) disposed on the inner surface of the fastening body portion (280). The second coupling portion (290) may have a shape corresponding to the first coupling portion (190), that is, provided as a pair, so that the first coupling portion (190) protruding outward from the main body wall portion (130) and the second coupling portion (290) protruding inward from the fastening body portion (280) may form a coupling structure, such as a screw-tightening coupling structure. As the cap ceiling part (210), cap wall part (230) and fastening body part (280) have been described together with embodiments such as FIG. 1, a redundant description is omitted.

[0114] Unlike the embodiments of FIG. 1, the sample container (11) according to this embodiment may not include a blocking projection.

[0115] The blocking ring (900) may be a ring member (or ring column member) having a roughly circular shape in a planar plane. The blocking ring (900) may have a predetermined length in a third direction (Z). In its initial state, the blocking ring (900) may be positioned between the container cap (200) and the container body (100) to prevent downward movement of the container cap (200). For example, it may be inserted between the fastening body portion (280) of the container cap (200) and the ring support portion protruding outwardly from the container body (100). The distance and connection state of the container body (100) and the container cap (200) may be fixed through a partial screw-tightening connection between the first connecting portion (190) and the second connecting portion (290). In some embodiments, in its initial state, the blocking ring (900) may overlap the first connecting portion (190) in a horizontal direction. As described below, if a user wishes to destroy the sealing sheet (800), the container cap (200) and the container body (100) can be separated, the blocking ring (900) removed, and the container cap (200) and the container body (100) can be reassembled. In this case, since the blocking ring (900) that prevented the downward movement of the container cap (200) is absent, the container cap (200) moves further downward compared to the initial state, and accordingly, the sealing sheet (800) can be destroyed.

[0116] The Euro control member (400) (or flow control member, or backflow prevention member) may be positioned in the path of the preservation liquid (FA) as it is poured into the space provided by the container body (100) while the preservation liquid (FA) that was sealed in the space surrounded by the container cap (200) and the sealing sheet (800) is poured into the space provided by the container body (100).

[0117] The Euro control member (400) may include a control member bottom portion (410), a control member wall portion (430) protruding from the edge of the control member bottom portion (410), and a control member protrusion portion (420) (or cut portion) protruding upward from the control member bottom portion (410).

[0118] The bottom portion (410) of the adjustment member may be approximately circular in shape. The bottom portion (410) of the adjustment member may include an inner bottom portion (412) having a plurality of openings (or holes) defined therein and an outer bottom portion (411) surrounding the inner bottom portion (412). The inner bottom portion (412) is defined as a portion having a plurality of openings, and the outer bottom portion (411) may be defined as a portion that is approximately circular in shape in a planar form but has no openings. There may be no physical boundary between the inner bottom portion (412) and the outer bottom portion (411).

[0119] The openings may be arranged in a matrix by being aligned in a first direction (X) and a second direction (Y). The shape of each opening may be approximately square or circular. For example, the openings may be formed like a mesh. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the openings may be provided in the form of slits.

[0120] The adjustment member protrusion (420) may be disposed on the adjustment member bottom portion (410). Specifically, the adjustment member protrusion (420) may include a central protrusion (422) (or a first protrusion, or a radial protrusion) and / or an edge protrusion (421) (or a second protrusion, or a circumferential protrusion).

[0121] The central protrusion (422) may be positioned relatively inward compared to the edge protrusion (421). The central protrusion (422) may include multiple parts, each part may be arranged to extend approximately radially in a plane. FIG. 27, etc., exemplifies a case where the central protrusion (422) is arranged approximately in a '+' shape in a plane. The central protrusion (422) may be provided with a tip, said tip may be located near the center of the bottom part (410) of the adjustment member.

[0122] The edge protrusions (421) may be arranged to surround the central protrusion (422) in a planar plane. Multiple edge protrusions (421) may be provided, and each edge protrusion (421) may be approximately arc-shaped in a planar plane. Fig. 27, etc., illustrates a case where four edge protrusions (421) are provided and arranged in a circular pattern. Each edge protrusion (421) may have a tip. Each edge protrusion (421) may be approximately triangular in shape. The edge protrusions (421) may be positioned between the inner bottom portion (412) and the outer bottom portion (411) to define their boundary. In other words, the openings of the adjustment member bottom portion (410) may be provided only in the area surrounded by the edge protrusions (421) and may not be provided in the outer area of ​​the adjustment member bottom portions (410).

[0123] The control member wall section (430) may include a first wall section (431), a second wall section (432), and a third wall section (433).

[0124] The first wall section (431) (or the first vertical wall section) may be approximately circular in shape. The first wall section (431) may protrude upward from the edge of the bottom section (410) of the adjusting member, specifically from the edge of the outer bottom section (411). For example, the first wall section (431) may be a vertical wall section protruding in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the planar space provided by the upper or lower surface of the outer bottom section (411).

[0125] The first wall section (431) can form a direct connection structure with the cap wall section (230) of the container cap (200). For example, the first wall section (431) may be press-fit connected to the cap wall section (230), such that the cap wall section (230) is inserted into the first wall section (431), and the inner surface of the first wall section (431) is in close contact with the outer surface of the cap wall section (230) to be press-fit connected. To this end, the inner diameter (ID) of the first wall section (431) 431The inner diameter may be larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the cap wall portion (230), but the present invention is not limited thereto and may have an appropriate inner diameter such that a press-fit connection is possible. As previously explained, unlike the screw-tightening connection between the first connecting portion (190) and the second connecting portion (290), the degree of relative rotation and the distance in the third direction (Z) between the flow path adjusting member (400) and the container cap (200) may be independent and free from each other. Since this has been previously described, a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0126] In another embodiment, the first wall portion (431) and the cap wall portion (230) may be joined by screw fastening.

[0127] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, an up-and-down direction maintaining structure capable of mutual contact or interference may be provided on the outer surface and / or inner surface of each of the cap wall portion (230) and the first wall portion (431). The up-and-down direction maintaining structure may include a protrusion, a groove, or a rib. The container cap (200) and the flow path regulating member (400) may be configured to maintain a third direction (Z) distance without a strong external force or rotation being applied through contact, interference, etc., between the first up-and-down direction maintaining structure provided on the cap wall portion (230) and the second up-and-down direction maintaining structure provided on the first wall portion (431).

[0128] The second wall section (432) (or inclined wall section) may protrude downward from the edge of the bottom section (410) of the regulating member, specifically the edge of the outer bottom section (411). Additionally, the second wall section (432) may protrude downward with an incline formed on at least its inner surface. Specifically, with the container body (100) located at the bottom and the container cap (200) located at the top, and the flow regulating member (400) attached to the bottom of the container cap (200), the second wall section (432) may form an incline such that its inner diameter narrows as it goes downward. FIG. 26, etc., exemplifies a case where the second wall section (432) has a constant thickness and is inclined so that both the outer surface and the inner surface become narrower in width.

[0129] The third wall section (433) (or the second vertical wall section) may be approximately circular in shape. The third wall section (433) may protrude further downward from the bottom of the second wall section (432). The third wall section (433) may be a vertical wall section protruding in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the planar space provided by the upper or lower surface of the bottom of the adjustment member (410).

[0130] As explained above, since the second wall section (432) has a shape that narrows as it goes downward, the third wall section (433) may have a narrower width than the first wall section (431). For example, the inner diameter (e.g., maximum inner diameter) of the third wall section (433) may be smaller than the inner diameter (e.g., maximum inner diameter) of the first wall section (431). As a specific example, the outer diameter (D) of the third wall section (433) 433 )(e.g., maximum inner diameter) may be smaller than the inner diameter of the first wall section (431).

[0131] As a non-limiting example, the width (or maximum width) of the first wall section (431), or the outer surface or outer diameter (OD) 431)(or maximum outer diameter) forms the maximum width of the Euro control member (400), and the width (or maximum width) of the third wall part (433), or the outer surface or outer diameter (D 433 )(or maximum outer diameter) can form the minimum width of the Euro control member (400).

[0132] The control member wall portion (430) forming the width in the horizontal direction (e.g., the first direction (X) or the second direction (Y)) of the flow control member (400) includes a first wall portion (431) to a third wall portion (433), and their slopes may differ partially. Accordingly, the flow control member (400) may have a shape in which the width (outer diameter or inner diameter) at the top and the width (outer diameter or inner diameter) at the bottom are different. For example, the flow control member (400) may have a shape roughly like a funnel. The effects of operation resulting from the sample container (11) according to the present embodiment including the flow control member (400) will be described later.

[0133] The aforementioned first wall section (431) to third wall section (433) may all be formed integrally without physical boundaries, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, although the flow control member (400) according to the present embodiment has been described by distinguishing the first wall section (431) to the third wall section (433) based on the direction in which the part of the control member wall section (430) is tilted and the width accordingly, it is obvious that additional parts that can be described differently from the first wall section (431) and the third wall section (433) may be provided between them.

[0134] Alternatively, the third wall section (433) (or the lowest wall section) may not have a shape that extends in the vertical direction, but rather a shape that narrows in width toward the bottom. In this case, the third wall section (433) and the second wall section (432) may have the same or different angles of inclination. Alternatively, the third wall section may be omitted, and the second wall section (432) forming the incline may be defined as the lowest wall section.

[0135] In some embodiments, the flow control member (400) may have a second stopper (470) formed on its outer surface. The second stopper (470) may be configured to cause interference with the first stopper (170) of the aforementioned container body (100), thereby limiting the degree of rotation of the flow control member (400) relative to the container body (100) and the degree of descent of the flow control member (400) in the third direction (Z).

[0136] Specifically, the second stopper (470) may be in the form of a groove formed on the outer surface of the first wall portion (431). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a person skilled in the art may, within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, modify the first stopper by forming it in the form of a groove and the second stopper by configuring it in the form of a protrusion, or modify it in another form that causes physical interference between the flow control member (400) and the container body (100).

[0137] The second stopper (470) (or catch groove) according to the present embodiment is formed at the bottom of the first wall section (431) and may include a structure in which the depth in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves in one direction, and the stopper surface (470a) is exposed. The second stopper (470) is formed at the bottom of the outer surface of the first wall section (431) and may be a groove that is indented inward in the planar direction of the first wall section (431) which is in the shape of a circular column, and inward toward the upper side of the third direction (Z) from the bottom. The groove that is recessed from the outer surface of the first wall section (431) may provide an inclined surface (470a) (or downward limiting surface, or downward degree adjustment surface) which is a step located on the third direction (Z) side, and a stopper surface (470s) (or rotation limiting surface) which is a step located on the side side and provides a planar space to which the third direction (Z) belongs. FIG. 28, etc., illustrates a case where four second stoppers (470) are provided and arranged adjacent to each other. That is, the planar shape of the second stopper (470) is approximately an arc shape, and the center angle of the arc may be approximately 90°, for example, within the range of approximately 90° ± 5%.

[0138] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the first wall section (431) is arranged so that it faces upward and the third wall section (433) faces downward, that is, the flow control member (400) is positioned so that it can be combined with the container cap (200) (e.g., correct arrangement), and from a planar view, the second stopper (470) may have a shape in which the depth increases as it moves counterclockwise. Here, the clockwise and counterclockwise directions are based on the previously described state (e.g., correct arrangement), and when the flow control member (400) is inverted as in FIG. 28, the clockwise direction in the planar view can be understood as the counterclockwise direction in the correct arrangement state.

[0139] That is, when the container body (100) is fixed and the first wall portion (431) of the flow control member (400) is positioned above the third wall portion (433) and the flow control member (400) is rotated clockwise, the first stopper (170) (i.e., stopper projection) is inserted into the second stopper (470) (or catch groove, or stopper groove), and the first stopper (170) can advance along the depth change of the second stopper (470). Then, after rotating to a predetermined degree, the side of the first stopper (170) comes into close contact with the stopper surface (470s) of the second stopper (470), and further rotation can be restricted.

[0140] In other words, when the blocking ring (900) is removed, the flow control member (400) is press-fitted with the container cap (200), and the container cap (200) and the container body (100) are screw-fastened, the flow control member (400) and the container body (100) may have a predetermined arrangement state according to the screw-fastening state.

[0141] At this time, when the container cap (200) and the container body (100) are sufficiently screw-fastened together, the first stopper (170) (i.e., post) of the container body (100) may be at least partially inserted into one of the second stoppers (470) (i.e., locking groove) of the flow path adjusting member (400). If the first stopper (170) is inserted at a position where the depth of the second stopper (470) is small, the upper surface of the first stopper (170) and the inclined surface (470a) of the second stopper (470) come into contact, and the upper surface of the first stopper (170) and the inclined surface of the second stopper (470) can function as a stopper that prevents the third direction (Z) downward movement of the flow path adjusting member (400) (e.g., first state).

[0142] And when the container cap (200) is rotated further clockwise relative to the container body (100), the Euro control member (400) fitted together with the container cap (200) can rotate clockwise together with the container cap (200) relative to the container body (100). At this time, if the container body (100) is understood to be in a fixed state, that is, if the position of the first stopper (170) is understood to be fixed, the second stopper (470) is understood to rotate clockwise, whereas, regarding the relative position between the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (470), the first stopper (170) inserted into the second stopper (470) can be understood to move counterclockwise. That is, the side of the first stopper (170) can gradually come closer to the stopper surface (470s) of the second stopper (470) structure.

[0143] Furthermore, as the second stopper (470) has a shape in which the depth of indentation in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves clockwise in the plane, the insertion depth of the first stopper (170) into the second stopper (470) can be increased. Therefore, compared to the first state above, the third direction (Z) position of the container body (100) and the first stopper (170) is fixed, but because the second stopper (470) has a shape in which the depth in the third direction (Z) increases as it moves counterclockwise, the flow path adjusting member (400) can move further downward compared to the first state. That is, in this state (second state), the first stopper (170) is inserted more than in the first state, and the length of the horizontal overlap between the flow path adjusting member (400) and the first stopper (170) can be greater.

[0144] And when the container cap (200) is further rotated clockwise relative to the container body (100), the side of the first stopper (170) comes into contact with the stopper surface (470s) of the second stopper (470), and further rotation of the flow control member (400) can be restricted through interference between the side of the first stopper (170) and the stopper surface (470s). In other words, even if the container cap (200) is further rotated relative to the container body (100), the flow control member (400) may not rotate further relative to the container body (100), and thus, in the coupling relationship between the container cap (200) and the flow control member (400) in a press-fit state, only the container cap (200) can rotate relative to the flow control member (400).

[0145] By means of the second stopper (470) structure having a roughly wedge shape as described above and the first stopper (170) of the container body (100) that interferes with it, even when a user holds the container body (100) and the container cap (200) with respect to the container body (100) and rotates only the container cap (200), the rotational relationship between the container body (100), the container cap (200), and the flow control member (400) can be varied, and regardless of the rotational state of the container cap (200), the height of the third direction (Z) of the flow control member (400) according to the degree of rotation between the container body (100) and the flow control member (400), that is, the relative position in the third direction (Z) between the container body (100) and the flow control member (400) can be adjusted.

[0146] Meanwhile, when the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are combined and the container cap (200) and the flow control member (400) are combined, the flow control member (400) may be located in the internal space of the container body (100). At this time, the outer diameter of the first wall portion (431) of the flow control member (400) is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the main body wall portion (130) of the container body (100), and the outer surface of the first wall portion (431) may be spaced apart horizontally from or in close contact with the inner surface of the main body wall portion (130).

[0147] Hereinafter, the effects of the sample container (11) according to the present embodiment will be explained with further reference to FIGS. 31 to 35.

[0148] First, referring further to FIG. 31, a user, such as a person who has collected a sample, can separate the container cap (200) and the blocking ring (900) from the container body (100) and introduce the sample (SP) into the internal space (S1) provided by the container body (100). Then, excluding the blocking ring (900), the container cap (200) can be reattached to the container body (100). At this time, it goes without saying that the flow control member (400) is fitted and connected to the bottom of the container cap (200).

[0149] With the blocking ring (900) that maintained the third direction (Z) separation distance between the container cap (200) and the container body (100) removed, the container cap (200) and the container body (100) are screw-fastened together, so that the container cap (200) can be screw-fastened further down compared to the initial state. In that process, as described above, the flow control member (400) rotates clockwise and moves downward together with the container cap (200), but due to interference between the first stopper (170) and the second stopper (470), the downward movement and rotation of the flow control member (400) are restricted, and only the container cap (200) rotates clockwise further and moves downward. Accordingly, the third direction (Z) separation distance between the container cap (200) and the flow control member (400), specifically the separation distance between the cap ceiling portion (210) and the control member bottom portion (410), or the separation distance between the sealing sheet (800) and the control member protrusion (420), is gradually reduced, and the sealing sheet (800) can be destroyed or cut by the tip of the control member protrusion (420). Then, the preservation liquid (FA) that was sealed in the space (S2) between the container body (100) and the sealing sheet (800) is poured into the space (S1) provided by the container body (100) through the internal space of the flow control member (400) and the bottom opening (400b), and the specimen (SP) can be immersed in the preservation liquid (FA).

[0150] Through the above process, the preservation solution (FA) is prevented from being exposed to the air, and the collected specimen (SP) can be immersed in the preservation solution (FA) to fix the tissue state. Additionally, the specimen container (11) containing the specimen (SP) can be transported over a long distance while the specimen (SP) is preserved. During the transport process, the specimen container (11) may be violently shaken, tilted, or even overturned.

[0151] In conventional specimen containers, the specimen and the preservation solution may flow together into the internal space of the container cap. In particular, because the sealing sheet tears and takes on an irregular shape, it is not easy to locate the specimen, which is very small and translucent, if it adheres to the upper surface of the sealing sheet or near the torn edge. Pathologists and others who wish to perform tests using the preserved specimen must disassemble the container cap to locate the specimen, which is not only cumbersome but also causes a problem in that a large amount of preservation solution vapor is released into the air during the process.

[0152] Alternatively, during the transportation of the sample container, the sample container (11) may be shaken violently, and the viscous sample, especially the sticky sample immersed in the preservation solution, may become attached to somewhere inside the container, while the liquid preservation solution continues to shake, and the sample may remain in a state where it is not immersed in the preservation solution.

[0153] However, the specimen container (11) according to the present embodiment may minimize the flow or movement of the specimen (SP) and / or specimen (SP) from the space intended to be stored, i.e., the space inside the container body (100) (S1), into another space above it, such as the space inside the container cap (200) (S2), by placing a flow control member (400) with a narrow bottom width between the space where the specimen (SP) and the preservation liquid (FA) are accommodated, i.e., the space inside the container body (100) (S1), and another space above it.

[0154] That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 32 to 35, even if the sample container (11) is tilted or even inverted, the preservation liquid (FA) and the sample (SP) can remain in the space (S1) defined inside the container body (100). That is, in the flow path connecting the space (S1) inside the container body (100) and the space (S2) inside the container cap (200), by configuring the flow path so that it is connected only through the lower opening (400b) of the flow path regulating member (400), and by forming a small flow path so that the preservation liquid (FA) does not flow in through the lower opening (400b) even if the sample container (11) is tilted or inverted, the possibility of the preservation liquid (FA) and the sample (SP) remaining in the space (S1) inside the container body (100) can be increased.

[0155] To this end, the flow area at any upper part (e.g., top) of the flow control member (400) according to the present embodiment may be larger than the flow area at any lower part (e.g., bottom). Specifically, when the control member wall part (430) of the flow control member (400) includes an upper first wall part (431) and a lower third wall part (433), the flow area at any position of the first wall part (431) may be larger than the flow area at any position of the third wall part (433).

[0156] More specifically, at the cross-sectional view, the third wall section (433) may have a smaller width than the first wall section (431). More specifically, the outer diameter (D) of the third wall section (433) 433 )(or maximum width) is the outer diameter (OD) of the first wall section (431). 431 )(or maximum width) or inner diameter (ID) 431 It may be smaller than )(or maximum inner diameter). Also, the inner diameter (or maximum inner diameter) of the third wall section (433) is smaller than the outer diameter (OD) of the first wall section (431). 431 ) or inner diameter (ID 431) may be smaller than. Or, more specifically, the inner diameter at the lowest part of the third wall section (433), or the inner diameter of the lower opening (400b), may be smaller than the outer diameter (OD) of the first wall section (431). 431 ) or inner diameter (ID 431 It can be smaller than )

[0157] Alternatively, the flow path cross-sectional area formed by the first wall section (431) extending approximately in the third direction (Z) may be larger than the flow path cross-sectional area formed by the third wall section (433). If the planar shape of the wall section is approximately circular and the wall section is approximately circular column-shaped, the flow path cross-sectional area formed by the wall section can be understood as the value obtained by multiplying the square of the inner radius of the wall section by pi. For example, if the inner radius of a wall section is r, the flow path cross-sectional area formed by the wall section is πr 2 ±5%, or πr 2 ±3%, or πr 2 ±1%, or πr 2 It can be understood as.

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter of the third wall section (433) or the inner diameter of the bottom opening (400b) is the inner diameter (ID) of the first wall section (431). 431 It may be in the range of about 5% to 50%, or about 5% to 40%, or about 5% to 35%, or about 5% to 30%, or about 5% to 25%, or about 5% to 20%, or about 5% to 18%, or about 5% to 15%, or about 5% to 10%.

[0159] Alternatively, the inner diameter of the third wall section (433) or the inner diameter of the bottom opening (400b) may be in the range of about 5% to 50%, or about 5% to 40%, or about 5% to 35%, or about 5% to 30%, or about 5% to 25%, or about 5% to 20%, or about 5% to 18%, or about 5% to 15%, or about 5% to 10% of the inner diameter (or maximum inner diameter of the main body wall section (130) of the main body (100).

[0160] As a non-limiting example, the maximum inner diameter of the main body wall portion (130) of the container body (100) may be in the range of about 2.5 cm to 4 cm, or about 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm, or about 2.5 cm to 3 cm, and the minimum inner diameter of the flow control member (400), for example, the inner diameter (diameter) of the lowest part of the third wall portion (433), may be in the range of about 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm, or about 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, or about 0.3 cm to 0.8 cm, or about 0.3 cm to 0.5 cm.

[0161] Fig. 31, etc., shows the lower opening (400b) forming the minimum inner diameter of the flow control member (400) relatively large for clarity of explanation, but the lower opening (400b) can have a sufficiently small width so that it functions as a flow path through which the preservation liquid (FA) stored in the container cap (200) is smoothly poured out while satisfying the aforementioned numerical range, and so that the preservation liquid (FA) inside the container body (100) does not flow back into the container cap (200) even if the sample container (10) is overturned or shaken.

[0162] Of course, the center of the third wall section (433) of the Euro control member (400) roughly coincides with the center of the bottom section (110) of the main body of the container (100).

[0163] In addition, as previously explained, the third direction (Z) of the lowest opening (400b) of the flow path control member (400) can be an important factor in preventing the preservation liquid (FA), etc. from flowing into the container cap (200) even if the sample container (11) is tilted.

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, with the flow control member (400) placed on the first stopper (170) of the container body (100), the shortest separation distance between the bottom portion (110) of the container body (100) and the flow control member (400), for example, the separation distance (L1) in the third direction (Z) between the bottom portion (110) and the bottom end of the flow control member (400), may be in the range of about 40% to 70%, or about 40% to 60%, or about 45% to 55%, or about 47% to 53% of the length in the third direction (Z) of the first stopper (170).

[0165] Alternatively, the spacing distance (L1) between the bottom portion (110) of the main body and the bottom of the flow control member (400), for example, the spacing distance (L1) between the bottom portion (110) of the main body and the bottom of the third wall portion (433) (or the bottom of the flow control member (400)), may have a predetermined relationship with the inner diameter of the main body wall portion (130) of the container main body (100). For example, if the inner diameter radius of the main body wall portion (130) (e.g., the inner diameter radius at the bottom portion (110) of the main body) is defined as r, the shortest spacing distance (L1) between the bottom of the flow control member (400) and the bottom portion (110) of the main body is Larger than, or It can be bigger.

[0166] Also, the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are combined, and the container cap (200) and the flow control member (400) are combined, and as shown in FIG. 31, the third direction (Z) distance between the container body (100) and the container cap (200) is as close as possible, for example, the third direction (Z) separation distance between the bottom part (110) of the container body and the ceiling part (210) of the container body (200) (excluding the fastening body part (280)) and the bottom of the third wall part (433), the third direction (Z) vertical distance between the container cap (200) (excluding the fastening body part (280)) and the bottom of the third wall part (433), for example, the difference (L2) between the height of the bottom of the cap wall part (230) and the height of the bottom of the third wall part (433) (or the bottom of the flow control member (400)) may have a predetermined relationship with the inner diameter of the main body wall part (130) of the container body (100). For example, if the inner diameter radius of the main body wall portion (130) (e.g., the inner diameter radius at the main body bottom portion (110)) is defined as r, the third direction (Z) shortest distance (L2) between the bottom of the flow control member (400) and the bottom of the cap wall portion (230) is Larger than, or It can be bigger.

[0167] Alternatively, the container body (100) and the container cap (200) are combined, and the container cap (200) and the flow control member (400) are combined, and as shown in FIG. 31, the third direction (Z) distance between the container body (100) and the container cap (200) is as close as possible, for example, the third direction (Z) separation distance between the bottom part (110) of the container body (100) and the top part (210) of the cap is as close as possible, and the shortest separation distance between the bottom part (110) of the container body (100) and the container cap (200) (excluding the fastening body part (280)), for example, the third direction (Z) separation distance (L1+L2) between the bottom part (110) of the container body (100) and the bottom end of the cap wall part (230) may have a predetermined relationship with the inner diameter of the main body wall part (130) of the container body (100). For example, if the inner diameter radius of the main body wall portion (130) (e.g., the inner diameter radius at the main body bottom portion (110)) is defined as r, the shortest separation distance (L1+L2) between the bottom of the cap wall portion (230) and the main body bottom portion (110) is It can be bigger.

[0168] The shape, size, end position, and connection relationship of the container cap (200), container body (100), and flow control member (400) can be designed to satisfy the aforementioned conditions so that the preservation liquid (FA) does not come into contact with the lower opening (400b) of the flow control member (400) even when the sample container (11) is tilted.

[0169] The upper limit of the aforementioned separation distance (L1) and / or separation distance (L2) is not specifically limited, but, for example It could be.

[0170] The design elements described above can be likewise understood in the sample containers according to the embodiments to be described later.

[0171] FIG. 36 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a flow path controlling member of FIG. 36.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 36 to 38, the sample container (12) according to the present embodiment includes a container body (100), a container cap (200), a sealing sheet (800), a blocking ring (900), and a first flow path regulating member (402), but differs from the sample container according to the embodiment of FIG. 25, etc., in that it further includes a second flow path regulating member (500). Since the container body (100), container cap (200), and sealing sheet (800) have been described above, a redundant description is omitted.

[0173] The first flow control member (402) may include a first wall section (431), a second wall section (432), and a third wall section (433). The first wall section (431) to the third wall section (433) may form different angles of inclination in parts, and accordingly may form different widths (outer diameter or inner diameter). Since the first wall section (431) to the third wall section (433) of the first flow control member (402) has been described together with the flow control member according to the embodiment of FIG. 25, etc., a redundant description is omitted.

[0174] The second Euro control member (500) may include a filtering plate (510) (or a second control member bottom portion), a second control member wall portion (530) protruding from the edge of the filtering plate (510), and a second control member protrusion (520) (or an incision portion) protruding upward from the filtering plate (510).

[0175] The filtering plate (510) may be approximately circular in shape. The filtering plate (510) may include an inner bottom portion (511) having a plurality of openings (or holes) defined therein and an outer bottom portion (512) surrounding the inner bottom portion (511). The inner bottom portion (511) is defined as a portion having a plurality of openings, and the outer bottom portion (512) may be defined as a portion having an approximately circular shape in a planar form but without openings.

[0176] The second adjustment member protrusion (520) may be disposed on the filtering plate (510). Specifically, the second adjustment member protrusion (520) may include a central protrusion and / or an edge protrusion. Additionally, the second adjustment member wall portion (530) may surround the second adjustment member protrusion (520) and protrude upward from the edge of the filtering plate (510).

[0177] That is, the sample container (12) according to the present embodiment is different from the sample container according to the embodiment of FIG. 25, etc. in that the first flow path controlling member (402) and the second flow path controlling member (500) are physically separated and have a structure that can be reversibly combined and released.

[0178] Specifically, the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (200) can be in close contact with the inner surface of the second control member wall portion (530) of the second flow path control member (500) and can be forcibly fitted. In addition, the inner surface of the first wall portion (431) of the first flow path control member (402) can be in close contact with the outer surface of the second control member wall portion (530) of the second flow path control member (500) and can be forcibly fitted. That is, in the sample container (12) according to the present embodiment, the container cap (200) and the first flow path control member (402) can be indirectly coupled with the second flow path control member (500) interposed therein.

[0179] As previously explained, the container cap (200) based on the container body (100), the rotation of the flow control members (402, 500), the cutting of the sealing sheet (800) and the flow of the preservation liquid (not shown) and the prevention of unintended movement of the preservation liquid and the sample when the sample container (12) is tilted or overturned have been explained, so a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0180] FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 40 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 39. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the sample container of FIG. 39.

[0181] Referring to FIGS. 39 to 42, the sample container (13) according to the present embodiment includes a container body (100), a container cap (203), a sealing sheet (800), a first flow path regulating member (403), and a second flow path regulating member (503). The difference from the sample container according to FIG. 36, etc., is that the container cap (203) includes a cutting bar (220) (or cutting member), so the sealing sheet (800) is not cut from the lower side to the upper side by relative rotation between the container body (100) and the container cap (203), but rather the sealing sheet (800) is cut by being folded from the upper side to the lower side by the downward movement of the cutting bar (220).

[0182] The cap ceiling portion (210) of the container cap (203) may be made of a partially elastic material. Additionally, an incision bar (220) may extend downward from approximately the center of the cap ceiling portion (210). When a user presses the upper surface of the cap ceiling portion (210), the incision bar (220) moves downward and pressurizes and breaks the sealing sheet (800), thereby allowing the preservation liquid sealed in the space enclosed by the sealing sheet (800) and the container cap (203) to be poured downward.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second control member wall portion (530) of the second Euro control member (503) may include a first wall portion (531) and a second wall portion (532). The first wall portion (531) may protrude upward from the edge of the filtering plate (510), and the second wall portion (532) may protrude further from the upper surface of the first wall portion (531). The thickness of the first wall portion (531) is greater than the thickness of the second wall portion (532), so that the upper surface of the first wall portion (531) is partially exposed and may form a stepped surface.

[0184] When the container cap (203) and the sealing sheet (800) are combined, and when the container cap (203) and the second flow path regulating member (503) are combined, the outer surface of the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (203) and the inner surface of the second wall portion (532) of the second regulating member wall portion (530) can be in close contact and forced-fit combined. Additionally, when the container cap (203) and the sealing sheet (800) are combined, and when the container cap (203) and the second flow path regulating member (503) are combined, the sealing sheet (800) can come into contact with the exposed upper surface of the first wall portion (531), i.e., the stepped surface.

[0185] FIG. 43 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sample container of FIG. 43. FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of a flow path controlling member of the sample container of FIG. 43.

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 43 to 45, the sample container (14) according to the present embodiment differs from the sample container according to FIG. 39, etc., in that the first flow path controlling member (404) includes a first wall section (431), a second wall section (432), and a third wall section (433), and further includes a fourth wall section (434).

[0187] The first Euro control member (404) may include a first wall section (431) having an outer surface and / or an inner surface extended in an approximately vertical direction, i.e., a third direction (Z); a second wall section (432) extending downward from the bottom of the first wall section (431) and forming a slope in which the width (inner diameter and / or outer diameter) decreases as it goes downward; and a third wall section (433) extending further downward from the bottom of the second wall section (432) and having an outer surface and / or an inner surface extended in an approximately third direction (Z).

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, the first Euro control member (404) may further include a fourth wall section (434) (or extension) that extends downward from the bottom of the first wall section (431), surrounds the second wall section (432) at a planar viewpoint, and overlaps the second wall section (432) at least partially in a horizontal direction. Hereinafter, the first wall section (431) and the fourth wall section (434) are referred to separately, but it is understood that the fourth wall section (434) may be understood as a part of the first wall section by protruding further downward from the first wall section (431). That is, based on the top of the second wall section (432), the part protruding upward is referred to as the first wall section (431), and the part protruding downward is referred to as the fourth wall section (434).

[0189] The fourth wall section (434) may have an outer surface and / or an inner surface extending approximately in the third direction (Z). For example, the first wall section (431) and the fourth wall section (434) may have substantially the same inner diameter (or maximum inner diameter) and outer diameter (or maximum outer diameter). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the fourth wall section (434) may be spaced apart horizontally from the second wall section (432), but in other embodiments, the fourth wall section (434) and the second wall section (432) may be connected horizontally.

[0190] That is, the first flow path adjusting member (404) according to the present embodiment includes a portion forming a vertical outer surface (i.e., the first wall portion (431) and the fourth wall portion (434)), and the technical concept is that an inclined inner surface may exist at any position in the third direction (Z) of the portion forming the vertical outer surface. In other words, this means that the inclined inner surface may start at a position higher than the bottom of the portion forming the maximum width of the first flow path adjusting member (404) (i.e., the bottom of the fourth wall portion (434)).

[0191] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, a second stopper (470a, 470s) (or catch groove) that causes interference with the first stopper (170) of the container body (100) to prevent downward movement and rotation of the first flow control member (404) may be provided on the lower outer surface of the fourth wall part (434) rather than the first wall part (431).

[0192] As previously explained, in a cross-section where the container body (100) is located on the lower side and the container cap (203) is located on the upper side, the portion forming the maximum width of the first flow path regulating member (404) (e.g., the fourth wall portion (434)) and the portion forming the inclined inner surface (e.g., the second wall portion (432)) are configured to overlap in a horizontal direction (e.g., the first direction (X) or the second direction (Y)), thereby increasing the design freedom, such as the length element of the sample container (14).

[0193] It goes without saying that the first flow control member (404), including the fourth wall portion (434) as in this embodiment, can be applied to a sample container according to other embodiments described above.

[0194] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 46, the sample container (15) according to the present embodiment differs from the sample container according to the embodiment of FIG. 43, etc., in that the container cap (203) and the flow control member (404) (e.g., the first flow control member) are directly connected. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 43, etc., the second flow control member is omitted, and the first wall portion (431) of the flow control member (404) can be directly fitted and connected to the cap wall portion (230) of the container cap (203).

[0196] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sample container according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flow path controlling member of the sample container of FIG. 47.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the sample container (16) according to the present embodiment includes a container body (100), a container cap (203), a sealing sheet (800), and a flow path controlling member (406), but differs from the sample container according to FIG. 46 in that the flow path controlling member (406) includes a filtering plate (410).

[0198] The Euro control member (406) may include a first wall section (431) to a fourth wall section (434). Additionally, the filtering plate (410) may be disposed in the internal space formed by the second wall section (432), which is defined as having an inclined inner surface. That is, the second wall section (432) and the filtering plate (410) may overlap in a horizontal direction. The second wall section (432) and the filtering plate (410) may or may not have a physical boundary. As previously described, the filtering plate (410) has a plurality of openings or holes.

[0199] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flow control member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 49, the flow control member (407) according to the present embodiment includes a filtering plate (410), but the filtering plate (410) is defined as having an approximately vertical inner surface, or is defined as a bottom wall section, or is defined as a wall section forming the minimum inner diameter of the flow control member (407), and is disposed in an internal space formed by a third wall section (433), which is defined as a wall section forming the minimum inner diameter of the flow control member (407), which is different from the flow control member according to FIG. 47 and the like.

[0201] Although not depicted in the drawing, a sample container including a Euro control member (407) according to the present embodiment will also be easily understood.

[0202] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flow control member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 50, the flow control member (408) according to the present embodiment includes a filtering plate (410), but differs from the flow control member according to FIG. 47, etc., in that the filtering plate (410) is positioned on the bottom of a third wall section (433) defined as the bottom wall section. The filtering plate (410) may or may not have a physical boundary with the third wall section (433). Alternatively, the filtering plate (410) may be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the third wall section (433).

[0204] Although not depicted in the drawing, a sample container including a Euro control member (408) according to the present embodiment will also be easily understood.

[0205] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the invention.

[0206] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the technical concept exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with modifications. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A sample container comprising: a container body; a container cap including a cap side wall portion and configured to be coupled to the container body; a flow control member configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to the container cap; and a liquid contained within the container body, wherein the flow control member includes a first wall portion extending in a third direction and at least partially surrounding the cap side wall portion, a third wall portion extending in a third direction and having an end opening, and a second wall portion connecting the first wall portion and the third wall portion, wherein the inner diameter of the end opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the first wall portion and the inner diameter of the cap side wall portion, and when the third wall portion is positioned lower than the first wall portion, the liquid does not come into contact with the flow control member, and when the container is inverted so that the first wall portion is positioned lower than the third wall portion, the liquid comes into contact with the second wall portion, but at least a portion of the third wall portion does not come into contact with the liquid. Claim 2 A sample container according to claim 1, further comprising a filtering plate having a plurality of openings, wherein the filtering plate is located lower than the cap side wall and higher than the third wall. Claim 3 A sample container according to claim 1, wherein the maximum inner diameter of the main body wall portion of the container body is in the range of 2.5 cm to 4 cm, and the inner diameter of the end opening is in the range of 0.3 cm to 1.2 cm. Claim 4 In claim 1, the state in which the third wall portion is located lower than the first wall portion is defined as a forward state, and the state in which the first wall portion is located lower than the third wall portion is defined as an inverted state, and in the inverted state, the liquid is located at least partially between the flow control member and the main wall portion of the container body, and while the sample container is tilted from the forward state to become an inverted state, the end of the third wall portion defining the end opening remains exposed without contacting the liquid, thereby suppressing the liquid from flowing into the interior of the third wall portion. Claim 5 In claim 1, the container body comprises a bottom portion of the container body and one or more bars protruding in a third direction from the bottom portion of the container body, wherein the ratio of the inner diameter of the end opening to the inner diameter of the wall portion of the container body is in the range of 5% to 30%, and the shortest distance in the third direction between the end of the third wall portion of the flow path regulating member and the bottom portion of the container body is in the range of 40% to 70% of the third-direction length of the bar. Claim 6 A sample container according to claim 1, wherein the container body comprises a bottom portion of the container body, a wall portion of the container body protruding from the bottom portion of the container body, and a post protruding from the bottom portion of the container body, and the flow path regulating member has a locking groove into which the post is inserted during a rotation process, wherein in any state in which the container cap is rotated relative to the container body, the post is at least partially inserted into the locking groove, and the rotation of the container cap relative to the container body is restricted by interference between the post and the locking groove. Claim 7 In claim 6, the above-mentioned catch groove is formed on the lower outer surface of the third direction of the first wall portion, and the above-mentioned catch groove is structured such that the depth in the third direction increases as it extends toward the circumferential direction of the outer surface, in a sample container. Claim 8 A sample container comprising: a container body; a container cap configured to be coupled at the top of the container body, including a cap side wall portion; and a backflow prevention member configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to the container cap at the bottom of the container cap, wherein the backflow prevention member comprises a first wall portion extending in the vertical direction and at least partially surrounding the cap side wall portion; a third wall portion extending in the vertical direction and having an end opening; and a second wall portion connecting the first wall portion and the third wall portion and having an inclined surface, wherein the inner diameter of the end opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the first wall portion and the inner diameter of the cap side wall portion.

Images