JP2018194359A - Container and sample storage rack - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a container with a simple configuration from which samples can be easily put out by hands and which can contain samples in a good condition and can suppress increase of the consumption of a coolant.SOLUTION: A container 100 includes: a storage unit 114 for containing a plurality of sample storage racks 120; an exit port 110 in the upper part of the storage unit 114, of which cross section is smaller than that of the storage unit 114; and a holding member 111 in an edge of the exit port 110, with which the suspending members 122 of the sample storage racks 120 can be engaged, and the holding member 111 having a plurality of storage engaging parts 112 engageable with the suspending members 122 and a plurality of evacuation engaging parts 113.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a container for storing various samples and a sample storage rack, and more particularly, to a cryopreservation container and a sample storage rack for storing samples frozen.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent deterioration of the quality of a sample used in medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, etc., a container for storing the sample while keeping the internal temperature at a very low temperature using liquid nitrogen or the like is known.

For example, a container (liquid gas storage container 11) known in Patent Document 1 is a sample storage rack (canister) that includes a main body 12 and a rod-like suspension member (canister pattern portion 14) fixed to a side surface of the main body 12. The unit 13) is connected to the storage engagement protrusion (the collar portion 20) provided with an identification mark at the tip of the suspension member (canister pattern portion 14) and the outlet (opening) edge of the container (liquid gas storage container 11). The main body 12 is divided into a plurality of storage parts by a partition plate 21, and a sample storage box (inner box 16) containing a sample is stored in the storage part. ) Can be stored.
When taking out the sample storage box (inner box 16), the lid of the container (liquid gas storage container 11) is opened, and the storage engagement protrusion (hook part 20) attached to the tip of the handle is lifted. The storage rack (canister unit 13) is pulled up to the vicinity of the outlet (opening), the required sample storage box (inner box 16) is pulled out from the main body 12 using the inner box gripping tool 30, and the stored sample is taken out.
At this time, since the liquid nitrogen that has been immersed is accumulated in the storage portion of the sample storage rack (canister unit 13), the sample other than the target to be taken out is temporarily out of the container (liquid gas storage container 11). Even if the sample is taken out, the sample storage rack (canister unit 13) can be returned to the container (liquid gas storage container 11) again before undergoing a large temperature change, so that deterioration of the sample can be suppressed.

In addition, the container (the cryopreservation device 1) known in Patent Document 2 includes a holding frame 32 that can store a plurality of sample storage boxes (sample storage boxes 31), and a canister 33 that can contain the holding frame 32. The sample storage rack (sample storage case 3) is engaged with the peripheral part of the outlet (sample inlet / outlet port 22) of the container (cryopreservator 1) by the suspension member (hanging support rod 33b) provided on the canister 33. The holding frame 32 is configured to accommodate a plurality of sample storage boxes (sample storage boxes 31) at equal intervals in the vertical direction.
When taking out the sample storage box (sample storage box 31), the lid of the container (the cryopreservation device 1) is opened, and the storage engagement protrusion (engagement portion 33c) at the tip of the suspension member (hanging support rod 33b) is lifted. Thus, the sample storage rack (sample storage case 3) is pulled up to the outlet (sample inlet / outlet 22), and the sample storage box (sample storage box 31) is taken out.
At this time, a hook 32e is attached to the upper part of the holding frame 32, and after pulling up the sample storage rack (sample storage case 3) to the outlet (sample inlet / outlet 22), the sample to be taken out with the hook 32e. Since the holding frame 32 is pulled up until the storage box (sample storage box 31) is exposed to the outside of the container (the cryopreservation device 1), the canister 33 is outside the container (the cryopreservation device 1) except for the suspension member (the suspension support rod 33b). The temperature change in the container (the cryopreservation device 1) when taking out the sample can be suppressed.

JP 2005-156136 A JP2007-271279

However, the containers known in the above-mentioned patent documents have room for improvement.
That is, in the containers (liquid gas storage container 11 and cryopreservation device 1) known in the above-mentioned patent documents and the like, a plurality of sample storage boxes (inner box 16, Since the sample storage box 31) is stored, for example, the lower stage of the sample storage rack (canister unit 13, sample storage case 3) in which a plurality of sample storage boxes (inner box 16, sample storage box 31) are stored in the vertical direction. When a sample is to be taken out from the side sample storage box (inner box 16, sample storage box 31), the upper side sample storage box (inner box 16, sample storage box 31) is also a container (liquid gas storage container 11, freezing Preservation device 1) It is necessary to expose the sample once to the outside, and there is a possibility that a sample not to be taken out may be deteriorated due to a rapid temperature change.

  In addition, a plurality of sample storage boxes (inner box 16, sample storage box 31) arranged in the vertical direction in the container (liquid gas storage container 11, cryopreservation device 1) are combined into one sample storage rack (canister unit 13, sample storage). Since it is housed in the case 3), the sample storage rack (canister unit 13, sample storage case 3) containing the sample storage box (inner box 16, sample storage box 31) becomes heavier, so that manual removal work is difficult. There was a risk of difficulty.

Further, even when the refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen is accumulated in the sample storage box (the inner box 16 and the sample storage box 31), the refrigerant is exposed to the outside of the container (the liquid gas storage container 11, the cryopreservation device 1). Therefore, although the sample in the sample storage box (the inner box 16, the sample storage box 31) can maintain a low temperature, the consumption of the refrigerant may increase.
Further, in the containers known in Patent Document 1 (liquid gas storage container 11 and cryopreservation container 1), liquid nitrogen remains in the storage portion of the sample storage rack (canister unit 13, sample storage case 3), and the inner box Since the necessary sample storage boxes (inner box 16 and sample storage box 31) need to be pulled out from the main body 12 using the holding tool 30, the work is not suitable for work with bare hands.

  The present invention solves these problems, and with a simple configuration, it is easy to put in and take out a sample by hand, can suppress deterioration of a sample not to be taken out, and increase consumption of refrigerant and the like. It aims at providing the container which can be suppressed.

The container of the present invention has a storage portion that stores a plurality of sample storage racks, and an outlet that is provided at the top of the storage portion and has a smaller cross-sectional area than the storage portion. The container includes a holding member that can engage the hanging member of the rack, and the holding member includes a plurality of retracting engaging portions in addition to the plurality of storage engaging portions that can be engaged with the hanging member. By providing, the said subject is solved.
The sample storage rack of the present invention is a sample storage rack that can be accommodated in the container described above, which accommodates a sample storage box and is engaged with a storage engagement portion and a retraction engagement portion provided on a holding member of the container. The above-described problem is solved by having a suspendable member.

  In the container according to the first aspect, the holding member is provided with a plurality of retracting engaging portions in addition to the plurality of storage engaging portions that can be engaged with the suspension member. The sample storage rack with the interfering suspension member is temporarily stored even if the suspension member of the lower sample storage rack interferes with the loading and unloading of the upper sample storage rack. Since the suspension member is engaged with the retracting engagement portion, only the sample storage rack to be taken in and out can be moved out of the container without interference by the suspension member. The other sample storage rack having the hanging member to be exposed is not exposed to the outside of the container, and the deterioration of the sample due to the temperature change can be suppressed.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, since the storage engagement portion is arranged at a position facing the center of the take-out port of the retraction engagement portion, the sample storage that interferes with the sample storage rack to be taken in and out is provided. The rack can be moved by linear movement from the storage engagement portion to the retraction engagement portion, and the loading / unloading operation can be performed smoothly.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect, the container is configured to be capable of storing an odd number of sample storage racks at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the storage position at the same height of the storage portion. There is no storage space for the sample storage rack on the side facing the storage position of each sample storage rack, and the retracting engagement portion can be easily provided at a position facing the center of the outlet, Can be carried out more smoothly.

Since the sample storage rack according to claim 4 has a suspension member that accommodates the sample storage box and can be engaged with the storage engagement portion and the retraction engagement portion provided in the holding member of the container, When multiple sample storage boxes arranged in a vertical direction in a container are stored in independent sample storage racks, the volume of the sample storage rack storing the sample storage boxes to be taken out is small, so the sample storage rack can be taken in and out. As a result, the temperature change in the container can be reduced, and the consumption of refrigerant and energy for recooling the sample storage rack that is taken in and out can be suppressed.
Further, since the plurality of sample storage boxes are stored in independent sample storage racks, the sample storage rack is light and can be easily operated manually.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, since the suspension member extends upward from the center of the upper edge of the one side surface of the sample storage rack, the suspension member is engaged with the storage engagement portion on the same circumference. In this case, the sample storage rack stored in the storage position does not directly interfere with the suspension members connected to other sample storage racks, and creates an extra gap in the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the container. Therefore, the sample storage rack can be arranged efficiently.

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the storage engagement hook and the retraction engagement hook are provided on the upper portion of the suspension member, and the storage engagement hook extends from the upper portion of the suspension member to the sample storage rack side. The retraction engagement hook extends from the upper part of the suspension member to the opposite side of the storage engagement hook, and the front end is formed in a downward reed shape. When the storage engagement part is provided at a position facing the center of the outlet of the joint part, the suspension member is not rotated when the sample storage rack is moved to the retracting engagement part and the storage engagement part. It can be easily moved only by linear movement, and work can be performed more easily.

The permeation | transmission figure of the container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the sample storage rack 120 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the taking-out procedure of the sample storage rack 120 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which moved the sample storage rack 120d in the container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention directly under the exit 110. FIG. The top view showing the state where sample storage rack 120d in container 100 concerning one embodiment of the present invention was moved just under outlet 110. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which moved the sample storage rack 120c in the container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention directly under the exit 110. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which moved the sample storage rack 120b of the container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention directly under the extraction port 110. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which lifted the sample storage rack 120b of the container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention to the extraction port 110 vicinity.

Below, container 100 concerning one embodiment of the present invention is explained based on a drawing.
The container 100 cools and stores various samples. As shown in FIG. 1, a container 114 that houses a plurality of sample storage racks 120 and a cross-sectional area that is provided above the container 114 and is larger than the container 114. Has a small outlet 110.
A holding member 111 that can engage the suspension members 122 of the plurality of sample storage racks 120 is provided at the peripheral edge of the outlet 110, and the holding member 111 has a hole that can be engaged with the suspension member 122. The storage engagement portions 112 and the retraction engagement portions 113 are provided at seven locations on the same circumference so as to form a set of four.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample storage rack 120 includes a storage unit 121 that can store a sample storage box B (not shown), and a suspension that extends upward from the center of the upper edge of one side surface of the sample storage rack 120. Member 122.
The upper part of the suspension member 122 has a storage engagement hook 123 extending from the upper part of the suspension member 122 toward the sample storage rack 120 and having a distal end formed in a hook-like shape. A retracting engagement hook 124 extending to the opposite side of the mating hook 123 and having a tip formed in a downward-facing hook shape is provided, and the storage engagement hook 123 can be engaged with the storage engagement portion 112. The retracting engagement hook 124 can be engaged with the retracting engagement portion 113.

In addition, the sample storage rack 120 is provided with four types of suspension members 122 having different lengths. As shown in FIG. 3, each storage engagement hook 123 is attached to a continuous storage engagement portion 112. By engaging, the sample storage rack 120 can be stored at different height positions in the storage unit 114 without interfering with each other.
Further, since the plurality of sample storage boxes B (not shown) are stored in the independent sample storage racks 120, the sample storage rack 120 is light and can be easily operated manually.

Next, a procedure for taking out the sample storage rack 120b storing the sample storage box B (not shown) by the container 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
For the sake of explanation, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 to 8, the sample storage rack 120 displays only the sample storage racks 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

In order to take out the sample storage rack 120b, it is necessary to move the sample storage rack 120b directly below the outlet 110 and lift it, but the suspension members 122c and 122d of the sample storage racks 120c and 120d interfere with the sample storage rack 120b. Therefore, the sample storage rack 120b cannot be moved directly as it is.
Therefore, the sample storage racks 120c and 120d are moved first. If the sample storage racks 120c and 120d are taken out of the container 100, they are stored in the sample storage racks 120c and 120d exposed to the outside air. The sample storage racks 120c and 120d are moved directly below the outlet 110 because there is a possibility that a sample (not shown) is deteriorated and extra energy is required for re-cooling when the sample is returned to the container 100. By doing so, the interference between the suspension members 122c and 122d of the sample storage racks 120c and 120d and the suspension member 122b of the sample storage rack 120b is eliminated.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the sample storage rack 120d is moved from the storage engagement portion 112d to the retraction engagement portion 113d.
At this time, the storage engagement portion 112d to the retraction engagement portion 113d can be connected by a straight line passing through the center of the outlet 110, and the retraction engagement hook 124d connects the retraction engagement portion 113d to the storage engagement portion 112d. Since the sample storage rack 120d is on the connected straight line, the storage engagement hook 123d is simply removed from the storage engagement portion 112d and linearly moved to the retraction engagement portion 113d. The retracting engagement hook 124d can be engaged with the portion 113d, and the position of the sample storage rack 120d can be fixed immediately below the outlet 110.
Further, since the suspension member 122d extends upward from the center of the upper end edge of one side surface of the sample storage rack 120d, the sample storage rack 120d in which the retraction engagement hook 124d is fixed to the retraction engagement portion 113d is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, there is no interference with other stored sample storage racks 120.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the sample storage rack 120c is moved from the storage engagement portion 112c to the retraction engagement portion 113c.
At this time, the storage engagement portion 112c to the retraction engagement portion 113c can be connected by a straight line passing through the center of the outlet 110, and the retraction engagement hook 124c connects the retraction engagement portion 113c to the storage engagement portion 112c. Since the sample storage rack 120c is on the connected straight line, the storage engagement hook 123c is simply removed from the storage engagement portion 112c and linearly moved to the retraction engagement portion 113c. By engaging the retracting engagement hook 124 c with the portion 113 c, the position of the sample storage rack 120 c can be fixed immediately below the outlet 110.

Since the sample storage racks 120c and 120d are fixed at positions immediately below the outlet 110, the suspension member 122b of the sample storage rack 120b does not interfere with the suspension members 122 of the other sample storage racks 120 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, only the sample storage rack 120b can be lifted and exposed to the outside of the container 100, and the sample storage box B (not shown) can be taken out.
At this time, only the sample storage rack 120b is exposed to the outside of the container 100. Therefore, even if the sample storage rack 120b is returned to the container 100 after the sample storage box B is taken out, it is necessary to cool the sample storage rack 120b again. The amount of energy can be suppressed, and the amount of temperature change in the container 100 can be reduced.
The sample storage rack 120b from which the sample storage box B (not shown) is taken out is returned into the container 100, the storage engagement hook 123b is engaged with the storage engagement portion 112b and moved to the storage position, and then the storage engagement hook. 123c and 124d are sequentially engaged with the storage engaging portions 112c and 112d, and the sample storage racks 120c and 120d are moved to the storage position, whereby the storage operation of the sample storage rack 120 in the container 100 is completed.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various design change can be made without deviating from this invention described in the claim. Is possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the container is described as storing various samples in a cold state. However, the role of the container is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a container storing various samples at a high temperature. The container may be stored in a corrosive fluid.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of sample storage boxes are stored in independent sample storage racks. However, the number of sample storage boxes stored in one sample storage rack is limited to this. For example, a plurality of sample storage boxes may be stored in one sample storage rack, or only one sample may be stored in one sample storage rack.

  In the above-described embodiment, a holding member is provided at the peripheral edge of the outlet, and the holding member has a storage engagement portion and a retraction engagement portion that are holes that can be engaged with the suspension member. Although the description has been made assuming that seven places are provided on the same circumference so as to form a set of four, the number and combination of the storage engagement parts and the retraction engagement parts are not limited to this. The joint portions and the retracting engagement portions may be provided alternately one by one, and the number of retracting engagement portions that can retract other sample storage racks that interfere simultaneously when the sample storage rack stored in the container is taken out. May be provided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the storage engagement portion and the retraction engagement portion are described as being formed as holes that can be engaged with the suspension member. Is not limited to this, and may be formed, for example, as a hole penetrating the holding member, or may be formed in a rail shape capable of locking the storage engagement hook and the retracting engagement hook.

  In the above-described embodiment, the upper part of the suspension member has a storage engagement hook that extends from the upper part of the suspension member toward the sample storage rack and has a tip-shaped hook-like shape, and an upper part of the suspension member. The storage engagement hook and the retraction engagement hook have been described as being provided with a retraction engagement hook that extends to the opposite side of the storage engagement hook and that has a tip formed in a hook-like shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a clamp-like storage engagement hook and retraction engagement hook that sandwich the holding member in the vertical direction may be formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sample storage rack having four types of hanging members having different lengths is provided, and the sample storage racks are arranged in the order of the length of the hanging member in the container. However, the arrangement order of the sample storage racks is not limited to this. For example, the sample storage rack having the longest suspension member and the sample storage rack having the shortest suspension member are arranged side by side. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the storage engagement hook and the retraction engagement hook are provided from the upper part of the suspension member. However, the formation positions of the storage engagement hook and the retraction engagement hook are limited to this. For example, a handle may be provided at the upper end of the suspension member, and the storage engagement hook and the retraction engagement hook may be provided from the suspension member below the handle. The engagement hook may be configured to be rotatable about the axis of the suspension member, and may be engageable with both the storage engagement portion and the retracting engagement portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Container 110 ... Outlet 111 ... Holding member 112 ... Storage engagement part 113 ... Retraction engagement part 114 ... Storage part 120 ... Sample storage rack 121 ... Storage unit 122 ... Suspension member 123 ... Storage engagement hook 124 ... Retraction engagement hook B ... Sample storage box

Claims (6)

A storage section for storing a plurality of sample storage racks; and an outlet provided at an upper portion of the storage section and having a smaller cross-sectional area than the storage section. A container having a holding member capable of engaging the lower member,
The container, wherein the holding member is provided with a plurality of retracting engaging portions in addition to a plurality of storage engaging portions engageable with the suspension member.   2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the storage engagement portion is disposed at a position of the retracting engagement portion facing each other across the center of the outlet.   The container according to claim 2, wherein the container is configured to be capable of accommodating an odd number of the sample storage racks at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at a storage position at the same height of the storage unit. A sample storage rack that can be stored in the container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A sample storage rack comprising a suspension member that accommodates a sample storage box and is engageable with a storage engagement portion and a retraction engagement portion provided on the holding member of the container.   The sample storage rack according to claim 4, wherein the suspension member extends upward from the center of the upper edge of one side surface of the sample storage rack. On the upper part of the suspension member, a storage engagement hook and a retraction engagement hook are provided,
The storage engagement hook extends from the upper part of the suspension member to the sample storage rack side, and the tip is formed in a hook-like shape facing down,
6. The retracting engagement hook extends from the upper part of the suspension member to the opposite side of the storage engagement hook, and has a tip formed in a downward hook shape. The sample storage rack described.

Images