Storage device, storage and mixing system, and method for storing and mixing substances

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure is a storage device capable of pre-loading a plurality of trace reagents. The device can realize co-mixing of trace liquids during use. This provides great convenience for quick operations such as rapid on-site testing, one-step reagent addition and detection range expansion during integrated sampling and testing. The storage device comprises a first storage component having a first chamber and a second storage component having a second chamber, and is configured such that the storage device transitions from a first storage state to a mixed state by means of moving a first end portion of the second storage component in a first direction toward the interior of the first chamber. In the first storage state, the first end portion of the second storage component is configured to be accommodated in a fitting end portion, and the first chamber is isolated from the second chamber; and in the mixed state, a first outlet on the first end portion of the second storage component extends into the first chamber, and the first chamber is in communication with the second chamber. Further provided are a storage and mixing system comprising the storage device, and a method for storing and mixing substances by using the storage device.

Description

Storage devices, storage and mixing systems, and methods for storing and mixing substances Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of detection, and more specifically to a storage device, a storage and mixing system including the storage device, and a method for storing and mixing substances. Background Technology

[0002] With the rise of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid detection technology, it has brought unprecedented impact to clinical diagnosis. As a more accurate method for identifying early-stage viruses and infectious diseases than traditional methods, PCR detection technology has been applied to clinical diagnosis and other fields of microbial detection, and is currently the most widely used nucleic acid detection technology.

[0003] PCR amplification requires a series of bioactive materials such as polymerases, primers, and buffer solutions. These materials sometimes need to be stored at -20°C and must be stored separately and prepared fresh before testing. This brings many inconveniences to actual use, such as cumbersome manual operation and the risk of aerosol contamination during solution preparation.

[0004] The current practice for existing pre-packaged reagent systems is to store different enzyme solutions in separate reagent tubes and prepare them on demand. This brings many problems to the application of the detection, such as: cumbersome operation, risk of aerosol contamination during solution preparation, and the need for professional personnel and facilities. This limits the application and popularization of related technologies at the grassroots level.

[0005] Due to the biological characteristics, the biological activity of bioactive materials, especially reverse transcriptase, will immediately decrease after being premixed in the same buffer solution, resulting in a significant decrease in shelf life, stability, and other properties, which will greatly affect the test results. Some existing solutions achieve reagent premixing by vacuum freeze drying; however, due to the stringent process conditions, low product qualification rate, and long process time, the testing cost increases significantly, and the difficulty and uncertainty of the process are increased.

[0006] Therefore, a high-performance device and / or system is needed to improve existing solutions, thereby enabling a new way of storage and mixing.

[0007] content

[0008] This disclosure pre-packages different substances such as polymerase, primers, and buffer solutions separately, and adapts them to universal detection cartridges. This disclosure also proposes a storage device capable of pre-loading multiple trace reagents, which allows for the mixing of trace liquids during use. This greatly facilitates rapid on-site testing with integrated collection and analysis, one-step reagent addition, and expanded detection range.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to at least address the shortcomings of the prior art. This disclosure proposes a storage device including a first storage component and a second storage component. The first storage component includes a sealing end, a mating end, and a first chamber for storing a first substance between the sealing end and the mating end. The second storage component includes a first end adjacent to the first chamber, a second end opposite to the first end in a first direction, a second chamber for storing a second substance, a first outlet located at the first end and communicating with the second chamber, and a second outlet located at the second end and communicating with the second chamber.

[0010] The storage device is configured such that by moving the first end of the second storage component toward the first chamber in a first direction, the storage device can transition from a first storage state to a first mixed state. In the first storage state, the first end of the second storage component is accommodated in the mating end, and the first outlet is isolated from the first chamber. In the first mixed state, the first outlet on the first end of the second storage component extends into the first chamber and communicates with the first chamber.

[0011] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second storage component further includes a first limiting portion located between the first end and the second end. The first limiting portion is configured to abut against and engage with the mating limiting portion located on the mating end in a first direction in the first storage state, so that the storage device is held in the first storage state.

[0012] Furthermore, when the force in the first direction that drives the first storage component toward the second end of the second storage component is greater than a threshold, the first limiting portion passes over the mating limiting portion to allow the storage device to transition from a first storage state to a first mixed state.

[0013] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second storage component further includes a second limiting portion between the first limiting portion and the second end, the second limiting portion being configured to abut against the mating end in a first direction in the first mixed state to restrict the first storage component from continuing to move toward the second end relative to the second storage component.

[0014] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second storage component further includes a strip-shaped intermediate limiting portion extending from the first limiting portion in the first direction to the second limiting portion, such that when the storage device is in the first mixed state, the mating end overlaps at least partially with the intermediate limiting portion, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion protrude laterally from the intermediate limiting portion in the first direction.

[0015] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the first storage component is provided with a first blocking portion, and the second storage component is provided with a second blocking portion. The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are configured to abut against each other in a first direction to prevent the first storage component from moving away from the second end of the second storage component in the storage position and disengaging from the second storage component.

[0016] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second blocking part is a hook portion disposed at the end of the first end, and the first blocking part is a protrusion portion extending into the hook portion transversely to the first direction.

[0017] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second storage component further includes a first seal, which is further away from the second end in a first direction than the first outlet. The first seal abuts against the inner wall of the mating end, so that when the storage device is in the first storage state, the first outlet and the first chamber are mutually sealed and isolated.

[0018] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second storage component further includes a second seal, which is located between the first outlet and the second end, and the second seal abuts against the inner wall of the mating end, so that the first outlet is sealed and isolated from the external environment of the storage device.

[0019] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the first storage component and the second storage component are tubular around a longitudinal axis parallel to the first direction, the first outlet is open transversely to the first direction, and the second outlet is disposed at the free end of the second end of the second storage component and is oriented parallel to the first direction.

[0020] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the second chamber is an elongated tube and is configured to retain the liquid second substance stored therein through capillary effect.

[0021] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the first substance and / or the second substance are solid reagents.

[0022] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the storage device further includes a third storage component, the third storage component including a third end near the second chamber; a fourth end opposite to the third end in a first direction; a third chamber for storing a third substance; a third outlet located at the third end and communicating with the third chamber; and a fourth outlet located at the fourth end and communicating with the third chamber.

[0023] The storage device is configured such that by moving the third end of the third storage component toward the second chamber in a first direction, the storage device can transition from a second storage state to a second mixed state. In the second storage state, the third end of the third storage component is accommodated in the second end and the third outlet is isolated from the second chamber. In the second mixed state, the third outlet on the third end of the third storage component extends into the second chamber and communicates with the second chamber.

[0024] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the storage device further includes one or more additional storage components.

[0025] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the storage device further includes a sealing cap, which is detachably engaged with the second end of the second storage component to seal and isolate the second outlet from the external environment of the storage device.

[0026] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the sealing cap has a flat portion at the end away from the second end.

[0027] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the sealing end of the sealing cap that mates with the second end is provided with an insertion part and a surrounding part. The insertion part can extend into the second outlet, and the surrounding part can surround the second end to achieve a double seal.

[0028] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the sealing end of the sealing cap that mates with the second end extends completely into the second end, and the sealing end has a shape that gradually tapers toward the end of the sealing cap that is away from the second end.

[0029] This disclosure also proposes a storage and mixing system comprising a storage device according to any one of the foregoing descriptions and a receiving box adapted to the storage device, wherein the receiving box has one or more receiving cavities for receiving the storage device.

[0030] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the container includes a suction port configured to draw the substance stored in the storage device from the storage device through an outlet of the storage device furthest from the first storage component.

[0031] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the storage component furthest from the first storage component further includes a third seal, and the receiving cavity is configured to fit airtightly with the third seal.

[0032] This disclosure also proposes a method for storing and mixing substances, comprising a storage step: providing a storage device according to any one of the foregoing descriptions, the storage device including a third seal located in a storage component furthest from the first storage component; storing different substances in chambers of a plurality of storage components of the storage device such that the storage device is maintained in a storage state in which the different substances are isolated from each other; and a mixing step: providing a receiving box adapted to the storage device, wherein the receiving box has a receiving cavity for receiving the storage device, the receiving cavity being hermetically fitted with the third seal; inserting the storage device into the receiving cavity; and moving at least two adjacent storage components of the plurality of storage components toward each other until the chambers of the at least two adjacent storage components are in communication with each other, thereby mixing the different substances in the chambers of the at least two adjacent storage components.

[0033] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the mixing step includes: pressing the first storage component of the storage device along a first direction, such that the storage component furthest from the first storage component abuts against the bottom of the receiving cavity, during which the air pressure in the sealed cavity formed between the bottom of the receiving cavity and the third seal increases due to the airtight fit between the receiving cavity and the third seal; and pressing further, such that the multiple storage components move relative to each other along the first direction until the chambers of all storage components are connected, and the different substances in the chambers of all storage components are driven by the variable atmospheric pressure in the sealed cavity to mix.

[0034] For example, according to some technical solutions of this disclosure, the container includes a suction port, through which the mixture of the different substances stored in the storage device is suctioned from the storage device via the outlet of the storage device furthest from the first storage component. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the storage device is in a storage state;

[0036] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first storage component of the storage device according to Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the second storage component of the storage device according to Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a partially enlarged plan view of the first and second abutting portions of the storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram and a plan view of a storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the container box that is compatible with the storage device shown in Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a storage and mixing system including a storage device according to the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the storage and mixing system according to Figure 7;

[0043] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a storage and mixing system including a storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage and mixing system according to Figure 9;

[0045] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a process of performing a mixing step using the storage and mixing system according to the present disclosure, wherein the storage device is in a storage state in Figure 11a and the storage device is in a mixing state in Figure 11b.

[0046] Figure 12a shows a plan view of a sealing cap according to one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 12b shows a plan view of the sealing cap according to another embodiment;

[0048] Figures 13a-13f show schematic diagrams of a three-section storage device according to the present disclosure, wherein Figure 13a shows a plan view of the storage device in a storage state, Figure 13b shows a cross-sectional view of the storage device in a storage state, Figure 13c shows a plan view of the second storage component and the third storage component of the storage device connected, Figure 13d shows a cross-sectional view of the second storage component and the third storage component of the storage device connected, Figure 13c shows a plan view of the first storage component, the second storage component and the third storage component of the storage device all connected, and Figure 13d shows a cross-sectional view of the first storage component, the second storage component and the third storage component of the storage device all connected;

[0049] Figures 14a and 14b show schematic diagrams of the internal structure of a receiving box including multiple receiving cavities according to the present disclosure, wherein Figure 14a shows the state without the storage device inserted and Figure 14b shows the state with the storage device inserted.

[0050] Figures 15a-15d show schematic diagrams of a storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 15a shows a perspective view of the storage device, Figure 15b shows a partial perspective view of a first storage component, with dashed lines indicating the internal structure of the first storage component, Figure 15c shows a perspective view of a second storage component, and Figure 15d shows a cross-sectional view of the mating point of the first and second storage components. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein have their ordinary meanings in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same parts.

[0052] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] For ease of description, the direction of relative movement between the first storage component and the second storage component is designated as the first direction.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1-3, the storage device may include a first storage component 1 and a second storage component 2, wherein the first storage component 1 is shown in Figure 2 and the second storage component 2 is shown in Figure 3. The first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 may, for example, be tubular components surrounding a longitudinal axis parallel to a first direction. The storage device formed by assembling the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 is shown in Figure 1, where Figure 1 shows the storage device in a first storage state (described in detail below). The materials of the main bodies of the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 may be selected depending on the substance being stored, and the materials used to manufacture the main bodies of both may be the same or different. For example, since the first storage component 1 can accommodate and seal the second storage component 2, it may need to have good internal elasticity, while the second storage component 2 may need to have a certain bottom pressure within the second chamber 23, thus requiring a certain degree of material rigidity. Therefore, for example, the first storage component 1 may be made of PP (e.g., LDPE) material, with an elastic modulus below 1 GPa; while the second storage component 2 may be made of PC (e.g., PS, ABS) material, with an elastic modulus above 2 GPa.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first storage component 1 according to this disclosure may include a sealing end 11 and a mating end 12, which are opposite each other in a first direction. In particular, the mating end 12 is used to mate with the second storage component 2. A first chamber 13 is provided between the sealing end 11 and the mating end 12. The first chamber 13 can store a first substance, which may be a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance (especially a freeze-dried substance), or a mixture or pure substance. The sealing end 11 may have a circular, square, or other suitable shape, and it can be sealed, for example, with sealing films, sealing caps, etc. commonly used in the art, especially by welding aluminum-plastic film or by a snap-fit ​​component. However, the material of the sealing component can be selected according to the substance stored, and this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation.

[0056] Furthermore, marking steps such as laser marking or printing can be performed on the surface of, for example, the sealing component, to add product information, batch information, and production information, thereby facilitating the identification, differentiation, and quality judgment of the substances inside the storage device. However, marking steps can also be performed in other places on the storage device, and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the marking steps.

[0057] The first storage component 1 may also be provided with a fastening part 15, as shown in FIG2. The fastening part 15 can be used for positioning and fixing the storage device.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second storage component 2 according to this disclosure may include a first end 21 and a second end 22, which are opposite each other in a first direction. Specifically, the first end 21 is the end closest to the first chamber 13 and is used to mate with a mating end 12. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the first end 21 extends into and is surrounded by the mating end 12. The second storage component 2 according to this disclosure also includes a second chamber 23, which can be used to store a second substance. The second substance may be, for example, a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance (especially a lyophilized substance), or a mixture or pure substance. In particular, the second substance may be different from the first substance. The second chamber 23 may be, for example, an elongated tubular chamber parallel to the first direction, and in particular, it can retain the liquid second substance stored therein through capillary effect. For example, the second chamber 23 can hold 1-10 μL of trace reagent through capillary effect, while the first chamber 13 can hold up to 200 μL of reagent.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the second chamber 23 can extend through the second end 22, and a second outlet 25 can be provided at the free end of the second end 22. The second outlet 25 communicates with the second chamber 23, allowing the material inside the second chamber 23 to flow out to the external environment through the second outlet 25. In particular, the second outlet 25 is oriented parallel to the first direction.

[0060] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of this disclosure as shown in FIG. 5, the storage device may further include a sealing cap 3 for sealing the second outlet 25. For example, the end of the sealing cap 3 may extend into the second outlet 25 to block it. In particular, the sealing cap 3 is detachably coupled to the second storage component 2 so that the seal of the sealing cap 3 can be released when needed. The sealing cap 3 ensures that when substances need to be stored in the storage device, the stored substances will not be contaminated by the external environment or leak into the external environment of the storage device.

[0061] In particular, according to this disclosure, various designs of the sealing cap 3 may be included. For example, as shown in FIG12a, the sealing end 32 of the sealing cap 3 that mates with the second end 22 may be configured to have a recess that allows the second end 22 to extend therein. The sealing end 32 may also have an insertion portion 321 and a surrounding portion 322 in the recess. The insertion portion extends from the bottom of the recess toward the opening of the recess, and the surrounding portion 322 is an annular rib provided in the recess. Thus, when the second end 22 mates with the sealing end 32, the insertion portion 321 can extend into the second outlet 25, and the surrounding portion 322 can surround the second end 22 to achieve a double seal. Advantageously, the sealing cap 3 may also include a flat portion 31 at the end away from the second end 22, which is conducive to being pinched by fingers, making it easy to remove the sealing cap 3 from the second storage member 2.

[0062] The sealing end 32 of the sealing cap 3, which mates with the second end 22, may also have an additional structure. For example, as shown in FIG12b, the sealing end 32 may be sized to fully extend into the second outlet 25 when mates with the second end 22. In particular, as shown in FIG12b, the sealing end 12 may have a shape that gradually tapers toward the end of the sealing cap 3 away from the second end 22, for example, having a tapered shape, thereby ensuring a seal to the second outlet 25. Furthermore, a notch may be provided in the sealing end 12, through which the sealing end 12 can be more fully deformed, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0063] In this embodiment, the sealing cap 3 is released by applying a force to its free end toward the second outlet 25, causing the entire sealing cap 3 to move toward the second outlet 25. Specifically, during use, the storage device is directly inserted into the receiving cavity 51 of the receiving box 5 described below, and the sealing is released by the bottom of the receiving cavity 51 abutting against the sealing cap 3, without the need for the additional step of removing the sealing cap 3.

[0064] Conversely, a first outlet 24 may be provided on the first end 21. The first outlet 24 is also connected to the second chamber 23, so that the material in the second chamber 23 can flow into the first chamber 13 through the first outlet 24. Similarly, the material in the first chamber 13 can flow into the second chamber 23 through the first outlet 24 and can further flow out into the external environment through the second outlet 25. That is, the first chamber 13 can be connected to the external environment in sequence through the first outlet 24, the second chamber 23 and the second outlet 25.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first outlet 24 opens laterally in the first direction and penetrates the second storage component 2. This orientation facilitates the isolation of the first outlet 24 from the first chamber 13.

[0066] The storage device disclosed herein is designed to store different substances in a first chamber 13 and a second chamber 23 respectively, such that these two different substances do not come into contact with each other under certain conditions, but can come into contact with each other and mix under other specific conditions. In particular, the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23 may also have different volumes; for example, the capacity of the first chamber 13 may be 30-120 μL for storing a mixing reagent, and the capacity of the second chamber 23 may be 1-10 μL for storing a core reagent. Specifically, the storage device of this disclosure can be configured to transition from a first storage state to a first mixing state by moving the first end 21 of the second storage member 2 along a first direction toward the first chamber 13.

[0067] The first storage state of the storage device is shown in Figure 1. In the first storage state, the first end 21 of the second storage component 2 is arranged to be accommodated in the mating end 12, and the first outlet 24 is isolated from the first chamber 13, so that the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23 are isolated from each other, and the substances stored in them respectively cannot come into contact with each other, thereby forming a state of pre-stored sealed substance that can be stably preserved and transported.

[0068] To enhance the sealing performance between the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2, a seal may be provided. In particular, the second storage component may include multiple seals, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, such as a first seal 281 and a second seal 282, to achieve different sealing effects.

[0069] Specifically, the mutual isolation between the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23 can be achieved by a first seal 281, which is disposed further away from the second end 2 in a first direction than the first outlet 11, for example, between the second blocking portion 27 and the first outlet 25, as shown in FIG3. The first seal 281 abuts against the inner wall of the mating end 12, so that when the storage device is in the first storage state, the first outlet 24 and the first chamber 13 are mutually sealed and isolated, that is, the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23 are mutually sealed and isolated.

[0070] Furthermore, it is necessary to isolate and seal the fit between the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23, particularly the fit between the mating end 12 and the first end 21, to prevent interference from the external environment and to prevent leakage of the stored material. Therefore, the storage device may also be provided with a second seal 2, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, which may be located between the first outlet 24 and the second end 22. The second seal 282 may abut against the inner wall of the mating end, thereby sealing and isolating the first outlet 24 from the external environment of the storage device.

[0071] In particular, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a third seal 283 may also be provided on the second storage component 2. The third seal 283 is located between the second outlet 25 and the second limiting portion 262 and is used to cooperate with the receiving cavity of the receiving box described below, which will be described in detail later.

[0072] The multiple sealing structures described above ensure that the storage device remains a sealed structure, whether stored alone or after reaction in a container, thus preventing aerosol contamination.

[0073] The aforementioned first seal 281, second seal 282, and third seal 283 may be components different from the first storage component 2 or the second storage component 2, and are assembled onto the first storage component 2 or the second storage component 2 through subsequent assembly steps. Alternatively, the first seal 281, second seal 282, and third seal 283 may be integrally molded with the first storage component 2 or the second storage component 2, for example, in the injection molding production of the first storage component 2 or the second storage component 2, such as by using overmolding injection molding process, two-color injection molding process, etc., to achieve the integral molding of these seals with the first storage component 2 or the second storage component 2.

[0074] To ensure that the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 are maintained in the aforementioned first storage state, the storage device according to this disclosure may further include a first limiting portion 261, for example, as shown in FIG3. The first limiting portion 261 is located between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22, and the first limiting portion 261 is configured to abut against a mating limiting portion 121 located on the mating end portion 12 in a first direction in the first storage state, so that the storage device is maintained in the first storage state. In particular, the first limiting portion 261 is a protrusion that protrudes transversely to the first direction, and the mating limiting portion 121 is located at the end of the mating end portion 12, such that when the first end portion 21 extends into the mating end portion 12 for assembly, the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 move relative to each other until the first limiting portion 261 and the mating limiting portion 121 abut against each other and are in place.

[0075] Furthermore, when the force driving the first storage component 1 toward the second end 22 of the second storage component 2 in the first direction exceeds a threshold, the first limiting part 261 passes over the cooperating limiting part 121 to allow the storage device to change from the first storage state to the first mixing state, as shown in FIG8. This first limiting part 261 also achieves an anti-misoperation function, that is, it prevents unintentional collisions or other situations from causing the first outlet to enter the first chamber and resulting in undesirable mixing.

[0076] The first mixing state of the storage device is shown in Figures 8 and 11b. In the first mixing state, the first outlet 24 on the first end 21 of the second storage component 2 extends into the first chamber 13 and communicates with the first chamber 13, so that the first substance in the first chamber 13 and the second substance in the second chamber 23 can come into contact with each other to achieve mixing.

[0077] To define the relative position between the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 in the first mixed state, the second storage component 2 may further include a second limiting portion 262 between the first limiting portion 261 and the second end portion 22. The second limiting portion 262 is configured to abut against the mating end portion 12 in a first direction in the first mixed state, for example, against the limiting mating portion 121 in the first direction. This restricts the first storage component 1 from continuing to move relative to the second storage component 2 toward the second end portion to an undesirable position in the first mixed state, such as the second storage component fully extending into the first storage component, or the seal of the sealing end of the first storage component being broken by the second storage component.

[0078] The second storage component 2 may further include a strip-shaped intermediate limiting portion 264 extending from the first limiting portion 261 in a first direction to the second limiting portion 262. In particular, the first limiting portion 261 and the second limiting portion 262 protrude laterally from the intermediate limiting portion 264 in the first direction. When the storage device is in a first mixed state, the mating end 12 at least partially overlaps with the intermediate limiting portion 264, thereby filling the space created by the deformation of the mating end 12 of the first storage component 1 by the first limiting portion 261, and providing a certain degree of protection against misoperation similar to that of the first limiting portion.

[0079] Furthermore, the first storage component 1 may also be provided with a first blocking portion 14, and correspondingly, the second storage component 2 may be provided with a second blocking portion 27. The first blocking portion 14 and the second blocking portion 27 are configured to abut against each other in a first direction to prevent the first storage component 1 from moving away from the second end portion 22 of the second storage component 2 and disengaging from the second storage component 2 during storage. In particular, the second blocking portion 27 may be a hook portion provided at the end of the first end portion 21, and the first blocking portion 14 is a protrusion extending transversely into the hook portion in the first direction, as shown in FIG4.

[0080] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the storage device may further include an end cap 4, as shown in FIG5. The end cap 4 is used to cooperate with the sealing end 11, which facilitates pressing the first storage component 1, facilitates the mixing operation described below, and facilitates cooperation with the receiving box 5 shown in FIG6, and provides protection.

[0081] This disclosure also proposes a storage and mixing system, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Specifically, it includes the aforementioned storage device and a receiving box 5 adapted to the storage device. The receiving box 5, for example, as shown in Figure 6, can be a rapid PCR reaction cartridge. The receiving box 5 may include a receiving cavity 51 for receiving the storage device. The contour of the receiving cavity 51 conforms to the shape of the storage device, particularly to the shape of the storage device in a first mixing state, such that the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 of the storage device in the first mixing state can be fully inserted into the receiving cavity 51, as shown in Figure 8. The receiving box 5 has a groove that mates with the end cap 4, facilitating the positioning of the storage device in the desired first mixing state. Further, the end cap 4 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 41 as shown in Figure 5, and the receiving box 5 includes a snap-fit ​​groove 53 that mates with it, allowing the storage device to be secured to the receiving box 5. In addition, the fastening portion 15 on the first storage component 1 can also mate with the receiving box 5, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, to further achieve the positioning and fixation of the storage device relative to the receiving box 5.

[0082] The receiving cavity 51 can also be configured to fit airtightly with the third seal 283, specifically by creating a sealed cavity between the third seal 238 and the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity 51. This allows the volume of the sealed cavity to decrease during insertion of the storage device into the receiving cavity 51, resulting in an internal pressure greater than the external atmospheric pressure. Consequently, when the storage device is in a first mixing state, this higher internal pressure can force the second substance (particularly liquid) from the second chamber 23 into the first chamber 13, achieving mixing. This allows a small volume of liquid in the second chamber to be forced into a large volume in the first chamber, reducing the loss of pre-stored trace amounts of liquid and enhancing the mixing effect.

[0083] The container 5 includes a suction port 52, as shown in FIG8, which is configured to draw the mixed substance stored in the storage device from the storage device through the second outlet 25 of the storage device for further uses such as detection.

[0084] The storage device disclosed herein offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility in the use of reagents and containers. The containers can pre-store reagents for sample processing only, and different storage devices can be used for single or multiple targets requiring detection. Operationally, the mixing and addition of reagents requires only one step: pressing the storage device to the bottom of the container.

[0085] According to this disclosure, the storage device can also isolate the contents placed in the container 5 from the outside world through the airtight fit between the receiving cavity 51 and the third sealing member 283. This ensures that after the contents of the storage device in the first mixing state are mixed in the receiving cavity 51, the receiving cavity 51 is isolated from the outside world to prevent contamination. Furthermore, the second end 22 of the second storage component 2 is tightly attached to the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity 51, thereby achieving a double sealing effect.

[0086] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a storage and mixing system including a storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the storage and mixing system according to Figure 9. According to this embodiment, another storage and mixing system is proposed, as shown in Figures 9-10, in which the storage device and the adapted receiving box 5 are longer along a first direction, capable of holding more material. The remaining structure is similar to the storage and mixing system according to the embodiment of Figures 1-8 and has the same function. Therefore, the receiving box and storage device of the present disclosure can have multiple sizes, which can vary according to the volume of material required for the actual application.

[0087] Furthermore, the container 5 according to this disclosure may have multiple receiving cavities 51, as shown in Figures 14a and 14b, so that one container 5 can accommodate multiple storage devices according to this disclosure, such as multiple identical or different storage devices. Each receiving cavity 51 may be equipped with a suction port 52 (not shown in Figures 14a and 14b), the suction port 52 being configured to draw the mixed material stored in the storage device from the storage device through, for example, a second outlet 25 of the storage device, so that the materials inside multiple storage devices are mixed, thereby mixing more materials and greatly improving the flexibility and adaptability of the storage and mixing system. It should be understood that although the container 5 may have multiple receiving cavities 51, not all receiving cavities 51 necessarily need to be used; only one or more, or all, may be selected depending on the specific application.

[0088] In addition to being applicable to the aforementioned container 5, the storage device according to this disclosure is also applicable to commonly available devices, especially some biological testing consumables, such as EP tubes, 8-tube arrays, and centrifuge tubes, which also have internal chambers (e.g., approximately conical internal chambers). The internal chambers of these devices can also be used with the storage device according to this disclosure to achieve the aforementioned one-step press-to-mix.

[0089] In particular, modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art can be made to the storage device in order to cooperate with these storage devices, such as changing the shape and size of the end cap of the storage device, changing the shape and size of the sealing end of the storage device, so that the storage device can cooperate with these devices with internal cavities, and in particular, so that the entire storage device can be accommodated in the internal cavity.

[0090] In addition to achieving mixing of substances in different chambers by utilizing the increased air pressure generated by the airtight fit between the third seal 283 and the inner cavity, the substances can also be thoroughly mixed using other centrifugal devices. Specifically, the aforementioned EP tubes, 8-port tubes, centrifuge tubes, etc., all have matching centrifugal devices. After the storage device completes the state switching (e.g., from the first storage state to the first mixing state) in these devices with inner chambers by pressing or other means, further centrifugation can be performed to further integrate the substances. In particular, without the third seal 283, sufficient contact and mixing of the substances in the first and second chambers can be achieved solely through centrifugation.

[0091] Furthermore, the storage device according to this disclosure may also include more storage components, such as three (as shown in Figures 13a-13f), four, five, etc. This disclosure will describe a three-section storage device in conjunction with Figures 13a-13f; the four-section and five-section structures will be similar and will be fully understood by those skilled in the art.

[0092] Based on the aforementioned two-end structure storage device, assembling a third storage component 6 in the second outlet 25 of the second storage component 2 forms a three-section storage device. The structures of the first storage component 1, the second storage component 2, and the cooperation relationship between the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 are similar to those described above and will not be repeated here. Therefore, the structure of the third storage component 6 and its cooperation relationship with the second storage component 2 will be mainly introduced. Similar to the structure of the second storage component 2, the third storage component 6 may include a third end 61 and a second end 62, which are opposite to each other in a first direction. In particular, the third end 61 is the end close to the second chamber 23 and is used to cooperate with the second end 22. For example, as shown in FIG13b, the third end 61 extends into the second end 22 and is surrounded by the second end 22. The third storage component 6 according to this disclosure also includes a third chamber 63, which can be used to store a third substance. The second substance may be a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance (especially a freeze-dried substance), or a mixture or a pure substance. In particular, the third substance may be different from the first and second substances. The third chamber 63 can be, for example, an elongated tubular chamber parallel to the first direction, and in particular, it can retain the liquid third substance stored therein through capillary effect. For example, the third chamber 63 can hold 1-10 μL of trace reagent through capillary effect, while the second chamber 23 can have a larger volume and hold more substance.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13b, the third chamber 63 can extend through the fourth end 62, and a fourth outlet 65 can be provided at the free end of the fourth end 62. This fourth outlet 65 communicates with the third chamber 63, allowing the material inside the third chamber 63 to flow out to the external environment through the fourth outlet 65. In particular, the fourth outlet 65 is oriented parallel to the first direction. Those skilled in the art will understand that the storage device communicates with the outside through the outlet furthest from the first storage component 1. In a two-stage storage device, the outlet communicating with the outside is the second outlet 25; in a three-stage storage device, the outlet communicating with the outside is the aforementioned fourth outlet 65, and the second outlet 25 is sealed due to the third end 61.

[0094] Conversely, a third outlet 64 may be provided at the third end 61. This third outlet 64 is also connected to the third chamber 63, allowing the material in the third chamber 63 to flow into the second chamber 23 through the third outlet 64. Similarly, the material in the second chamber 23 can flow into the third chamber 63 through the third outlet 64 and further flow out to the external environment through the fourth outlet 65. That is, the second chamber 63 can be connected to the external environment sequentially through the third outlet 24, the third chamber 63, and the fourth outlet 65, as shown in Figure 13d. Furthermore, when the second chamber 23 is also connected to the first chamber 13, the first chamber 13, the second chamber 63, the third chamber 63, and the outside are interconnected, as shown in Figure 13f.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13d and 13f, the third outlet 64 can open laterally in the first direction and penetrate the third storage component 6. This orientation is advantageous for isolating the third outlet 34 from the second chamber 23.

[0096] Furthermore, the storage device of this disclosure can be configured to transition from a second storage state to a second mixing state by moving the third end 61 of the third storage member 6 toward the second chamber 23 in a first direction.

[0097] The second storage state of the storage device is shown in Figure 13b. In this second storage state, the third end 61 of the third storage component 6 is housed within the second end 22, and the third outlet 64 is isolated from the second chamber 23. This isolates the third chamber 63 from the second chamber 23, preventing the substances stored in each chamber from coming into contact with each other, thus creating a state of pre-stored sealed material that can be stably preserved and transported. It should be understood that the first storage state refers to the relationship between the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2. This also applies to the three-section storage device, and the first and second storage states can be independent of each other. That is, the storage device can be in either the first or second storage state, or simultaneously in both states (as shown in Figure 13b).

[0098] The second storage state of the storage device is shown in Figure 13d. In this second mixed state, the third outlet 64 on the third end 61 of the third storage component 6 extends into and communicates with the second chamber 23, thereby allowing the second chamber 23 and the third chamber 63 to communicate with each other. It should be understood that the aforementioned first mixed state refers to the relationship between the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2, and this also applies to the three-section storage device. Furthermore, the first and second mixed states can be independent of each other; that is, the storage device can be in either the first or second mixed state, or simultaneously in both (as shown in Figure 13f).

[0099] To enhance the sealing performance between the third storage component 6 and the second storage component 2, a seal may also be provided. In particular, the third storage component 6 may include multiple seals, the structure and arrangement of which are similar to the first seal 281 and the second seal 282 described above, to achieve different sealing functions. Those skilled in the art will understand this clearly, and it will not be repeated here.

[0100] Similarly, the third storage component 6 may also be provided with a limiting structure similar to the first limiting part 261, the second limiting part 262, the intermediate limiting part 263, and the second blocking part 27 described above, in order to help the third storage component 6 maintain different states. Those skilled in the art will understand this clearly, and it will not be repeated here.

[0101] It should be understood that in a multi-stage storage device, the storage component farthest from the first storage component 1 is located near the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity 51, and engages with the suction port 52 via the outlet farthest from the first storage component 1 on the storage component farthest from the first storage component 1. The third seal 283 engages with the receiving cavity 51 in the receiving box 5; therefore, the third seal 283 must be installed on the storage component farthest from the first storage component 1. For example, in this three-stage storage device, the storage component farthest from the first storage component 1 is the third storage component 6, and the outlet farthest from the first storage component 1 is the fourth outlet 65. This allows for the storage of a wider variety of substances, and the mixing of these substances when needed, to meet more application scenarios.

[0102] This disclosure also specifically proposes a storage device that is advantageous for storing solid materials. For example, as shown in Figures 15a-15d, Figure 15a shows a perspective view of the storage device, Figure 15b shows a partial perspective view of the first storage component 1, with dashed lines indicating the internal structure of the first storage component 1, Figure 15c shows a perspective view of the second storage component 1, and Figure 15d shows a cross-sectional view of the mating point of the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2.

[0103] The main difference between the storage device shown in Figures 15a-15d and the storage device described in the embodiments in conjunction with Figures 1-5 is that the first storage component 1 further includes a spacer 16 and the second storage component includes a puncture portion 29. The spacer 16 can be disposed, for example, between the first chamber 13 and the mating end 12 to achieve isolation between the first chamber 13 and the mating end 12, thereby enabling the first chamber 13 to self-seal. That is, the first chamber 13 does not need to be sealed by the mating of the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2; instead, the first storage component 1 itself seals the first chamber 13. This arrangement is beneficial for the isolation and sealing of substances stored in the first and second chambers respectively, especially for the separation and sealing of solid and liquid substances. This arrangement also helps prevent solid substances from becoming damp, thus making it particularly suitable for storing solid substances (e.g., freeze-dried substances) in the first chamber 13 while liquid substances are stored in the second chamber 23.

[0104] In particular, the spacer may be a structure that is easily damaged by puncture, compression, or other means, such as a film or thin layer, as shown in Figure 15b. In particular, it may include a structure with local thinning (the cross structure in Figure 15b).

[0105] In order to achieve communication between the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23, the partition 16 needs to be able to be damaged (e.g., punctured, removed, peeled open, squeezed), particularly during the process of switching the storage device from the first storage state to the first mixing state, as described above. Therefore, a piercing portion 29 capable of piercing the partition 16 can be provided on the second storage device 2. This piercing portion 29 is provided on the first end 21 of the second storage member 2 and extends toward the partition 16. The piercing portion 29 has a sharp free end that is spaced apart from the partition 16 in the first storage state. During the process of switching the storage device from the first storage state to the first mixing state, that is, during the process of the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 moving toward each other, the piercing part 29 pierces the spacer 16, thereby allowing the first chamber 13 to communicate with the second chamber 23 through the first outlet 24 also provided on the first end 21 of the second storage component 2. As described above, when the substance stored in the second chamber (e.g., liquid substance) is under pressure (e.g., increased air pressure generated by the cooperation of the third seal 283 with the receiving cavity 51), it is transferred to the first chamber to achieve mixing with the substance in the first chamber. In particular, the substance stored in the second chamber (e.g., liquid) and the substance stored in the first chamber (e.g., solid) are miscible. After the solid substance dissolves in the liquid substance, it can be drawn out of the storage device together with the liquid substance from the suction port for further use.

[0106] In particular, the sealing cap of the structure shown in FIG12b is applicable to the storage device shown in FIG15a-FIG15d. Furthermore, the storage device shown in FIG15a-FIG15d can also be provided with the structures described above in conjunction with FIG1-FIG15d, including the first blocking part 14, the limiting mating part 121, the first limiting part 261, the second limiting part 262, the intermediate limiting part 263, the second blocking part 27, the first sealing member 281, the second sealing member 282, and the third sealing member 283.

[0107] This disclosure also proposes a storage and mixing method, including a storage step and a mixing step. The storage step includes providing the aforementioned storage device, storing a first substance, a second substance, a third substance (if present), and more substances (if present) respectively in a first chamber 13, a second chamber 23, a third chamber 63 (if present), and more chambers (if present) of the storage device, maintaining the storage device in a storage state in which the aforementioned different substances are isolated from each other. The mixing step includes providing the aforementioned receiving box 5 adapted to the storage device, the receiving cavity 51 of the receiving box 5 being airtightly fitted with a third seal 283 (mounted on the storage component furthest from the first storage component 1), inserting the storage device into the receiving cavity 5, and moving at least two adjacent storage components of the storage device (first storage component 1, second storage component 2, third storage component 6, if present) toward each other until the chambers of the at least two adjacent storage components are in communication with each other. The at least two adjacent storage components can be, for example, the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2, or the second storage component 2 and the third storage component 6, or the first storage component 1, the second storage component 2, and the third storage component 3, thereby mixing the substances contained in the at least two adjacent storage components. A single operation by pressing the storage device to the bottom of the receiving tank achieves the convenient and quick mixing and addition of multiple reagents.

[0108] Specifically, taking a two-stage storage device as an example, Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a schematic diagram of the mixing process using the storage and mixing system according to this disclosure. In Figure 11a, the storage device is in a first storage state, and in Figure 11b, the storage device is in a first mixing state. As shown in Figure 11a, the first storage component 1 of the storage device, inserted into the receiving cavity 51, is pressed along a first direction, causing the second end 22 to abut against the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity 51. During this process, the air pressure in the cavity formed between the bottom 511 and the third seal 283 increases due to the airtight fit between the receiving cavity 51 and the third seal 283. Further pressing causes the first storage component 1 and the second storage component 2 to move relative to each other along the first direction until the storage device changes to the first mixing state. As shown in Figure 11b, the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 23 are connected, and the second substance in the second chamber 23 is forced into the first chamber 13 by the increased atmospheric pressure in the cavity formed between the bottom 511 and the third seal 283, thereby achieving mixing.

[0109] The method also includes drawing a mixture of the first and second substances stored in the storage device from the storage device via the suction port 52 through the second outlet 25 of the storage device for further operation.

[0110] For multi-segment structures, a similar process will be followed. For example, the first storage component 1 of the storage device is pressed along the first direction, so that the storage component furthest from the first storage component 1 abuts against the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity 51. During this process, due to the airtight fit between the receiving cavity 51 and the third seal 283 installed on the storage component furthest from the first storage component 1, the air pressure in the sealed cavity formed between the bottom 511 of the receiving cavity and the third seal increases.

[0111] Further pressing causes the multiple storage components to move relative to each other along the first direction until the chambers of all storage components are connected, and the different substances in the chambers of all storage components are driven by the variable atmospheric pressure in the sealed cavity to mix.

[0112] Furthermore, when communicating with the chambers of at least two adjacent storage components, i.e., when one of the at least two adjacent storage components is the storage component furthest from the first storage component 1, a mixture of different substances stored in the storage device is drawn from the storage device via the suction port 52 through the outlet of the storage device furthest from the first storage component 1. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The functions or performance of the various elements or modules described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0113] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in which”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0114] Reference numerals: 1. First storage component; 11. Sealing end; 12. Mating end; 121. Limiting mating part; 13. First chamber; 14. First blocking part; 15. Fastening part; 16. Spacer part. 2. Second storage component; 21. First end; 22. Second end; 23. Second chamber; 24. First outlet; 25. Second outlet; 261. First limiting part; 262. Second limiting part; 263. Intermediate limiting part; 27. Second blocking part; 281. First seal; 282. Second seal; 283. Third seal; 29. ​​Puncture part; 3. Sealing cap; 31. Flat part; 32. Sealing end; 321. Insertion part; 322. Surrounding part; 4. End cap; 41. Snap-on part; 5. Receiving box; 51. Receiving cavity; 511. Cavity bottom; 52. Suction port; 53. Slot; 6. Third storage component; 61. Third end. 62 Fourth end, 63 Third chamber, 64 Third outlet, 65 Fourth outlet

Claims

1. A storage device, comprising: a first storage component comprising a closed end, a mating end, and a first chamber between the closed end and the mating end for storing a first substance, a second storage component comprising: a first end proximate to the first chamber, a second end opposite the first end in a first direction, a second chamber for storing a second substance, a first outlet at the first end and in communication with the second chamber, a second outlet at the second end and in communication with the second chamber, the storage device configured to transition from a first storage state to a first mixing state by moving the first end of the second storage component in the first direction toward the first chamber, in the first storage state, the first end of the second storage component disposed within the mating end, and the first outlet isolated from the first chamber, in the first mixing state, the first outlet on the first end of the second storage component protruding into and in communication with the first chamber.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein: the second storage component further comprises a first stop between the first end and the second end, the first stop configured to abut a mating stop on the mating end in the first direction in the first storage state such that the storage device is held in the first storage state, and the first stop passes over the mating stop to allow the storage device to transition from the first storage state to the first mixing state when a force in the first direction driving the first storage component toward the second end of the second storage component is greater than a threshold.

3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein: the second storage component further comprises a second stop between the first stop and the second end, the second stop configured to abut the mating end in the first direction in the first mixing state to limit the first storage component from continuing to move toward the second end relative to the second storage component.

4. The storage device of claim 3, wherein: the second storage component further comprises a strip-shaped intermediate stop extending from the first stop to the second stop in the first direction, such that the mating end at least partially overlaps the intermediate stop when the storage device is in the first mixing state, the first stop and the second stop protrude laterally from the intermediate stop in the first direction.

5. The storage device of claim 4, wherein: the first storage component is provided with a first blocking portion, and the second storage component is provided with a second blocking portion, the first and second blocking portions configured to abut in the first direction to prevent the first storage component from moving away from the second end of the second storage component and disengaging from the second storage component in the storage position.

6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein: The second blocking portion is a hook portion provided at a distal end of the first end portion, and the first blocking portion is a protrusion portion protruding into the hook portion transversely to the first direction.

7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein, The second storage component further comprises a first seal, the first seal being further away from the second end portion than the first outlet in the first direction, the first seal being in abutment with an inner wall of the mating end portion such that the first outlet is sealed from the first chamber when the storage device is in the first storage state.

8. The storage device of claim 7, wherein, The second storage component further comprises a second seal, the second seal being between the first outlet and the second end portion, the second seal being in abutment with an inner wall of the mating end portion such that the first outlet is sealed from an external environment of the storage device.

9. The storage device of claim 1, wherein, The first storage component and the second storage component are tubular about a longitudinal axis parallel to the first direction, the first outlet is open transversely to the first direction, and the second outlet is provided at a free distal end of the second end portion of the second storage component and is oriented parallel to the first direction.

10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein, The second chamber is elongated tubular and is configured to hold a second substance stored therein by capillary action.

11. The storage device of claim 1, wherein, The first substance and / or the second substance is a solid reagent.

12. The storage device of any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein, The storage device further comprises a third storage component, the third storage component comprising: a third end portion proximal to the second chamber, a fourth end portion opposite the third end portion in the first direction, a third chamber for storing a third substance, a third outlet at the third end portion and in communication with the third chamber, a fourth outlet at the fourth end portion and in communication with the third chamber, the storage device is configured to transition from the second storage state to a second mixing state by moving the third end portion of the third storage component in the first direction towards the second chamber, in the second storage state, the third end portion of the third storage component is disposed in the second end portion, and the third outlet is isolated from the second chamber, in the second mixing state, the third outlet on the third end portion of the third storage component protrudes into the second chamber and is in communication with the second chamber.

13. The storage device of claim 12, wherein, The storage device further comprises one or more additional storage components.

14. The storage device of any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein, The storage device further comprises a sealing cap removably mating with the second end portion of the second storage component to seal the second outlet from an external environment of the storage device.

15. The storage device of claim 14, wherein, The sealing cap is provided with a flat portion at an end away from the second end portion.

16. The storage device of claim 14, wherein, The sealing end of the sealing cap, which cooperates with the second end portion, is provided with a protruding portion, which can protrude into the second outlet, and a surrounding portion, which can surround the second end portion to achieve double sealing.

17. The storage device of claim 14, wherein, The sealing end of the sealing cap, which cooperates with the second end portion, completely protrudes into the second end portion, and the sealing end has a shape that gradually narrows towards an end of the sealing cap away from the second end portion.

18. The storage device of any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein, A spacing portion is provided between the first chamber and the cooperating end portion.

19. The storage device of claim 18, wherein, The first end portion of the second storage component is provided with a piercing portion extending towards the spacing portion, and the piercing portion has a sharp free end.

20. A storage and mixing system comprising the storage device of any one of claims 1-19 and a containing box adapted to the storage device, wherein, The containing box has one or more containing cavities containing the storage device.

21. The storage and mixing system of claim 20, The containing box comprises a suction port configured to suck the substances stored in the storage device through the outlet of the storage device farthest away from the first storage component.

22. The storage and mixing system of claim 20, The storage component farthest away from the first storage component further comprises a third sealing member, and the containing cavity is configured to airtightly cooperate with the third sealing member.

23. A method of storing and mixing substances, comprising: a storing step: providing the storage device of any one of claims 1-19, which comprises a third sealing member located at a storage component farthest away from the first storage component, storing different substances in the chambers of the plurality of storage components of the storage device respectively, so that the storage device is kept in a storage state in which the different substances are isolated from each other; a mixing step: providing a containing box adapted to the storage device, wherein the containing box has a containing cavity containing the storage device, and the containing cavity airtightly cooperates with the third sealing member, inserting the storage device into the containing cavity, so that at least two adjacent storage components of the plurality of storage components move towards each other to make the chambers of the at least two adjacent storage components communicate with each other, thereby mixing the different substances in the chambers of the at least two adjacent storage components.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The mixing step comprises pressing the first storage component of the storage device in a first direction so that the storage component farthest away from the first storage component abuts against the cavity bottom of the containing cavity, and in this process, the air pressure in the sealed cavity formed between the cavity bottom of the containing cavity and the third sealing member due to the airtight cooperation between the containing cavity and the third sealing member becomes larger. Further pressing causes the plurality of storage components to mutually generate a relative movement in the first direction until the chambers of all storage components are in communication and the different substances in the chambers of all storage components are driven by the increasing pressure in the sealed cavity to mix.

25. The method of any one of claims 23-24, wherein, the containment box comprises a suction port, sucking the mixture of the different substances stored in the storage device through the storage device via the suction port from an outlet of the storage device furthest away from the first storage component.

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