JP5658849B1 - Tube with stopper with push-pull structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stopper-equipped tube in which a lid attached by simply pushing the lid into the upper surface opening of a sample storage body can be firmly attached, and the lid attached arbitrarily cannot be removed. A sample storage body 120 includes a tube body 120 for storing a sample, and a structure for fixing a lid body 110 to an upper portion of the tube body 120. The lid 110 is provided with a plug portion 111 and a flange portion 112 that become plugs when pushed into the sample storage body. There is a slit part 125 for receiving and holding a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange 112 in a state where the lid part 110 is pushed in and the stopper part 111 is fitted into the tube body 121 and is in contact therewith. The lid 110 is fixed to the sample storage body 120 by being fitted into the slit portion 125. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a microtube used for storing and storing a large number of samples. The microtube has, for example, applications for storing and storing drug discovery samples in the drug discovery field, and for storing and storing samples and specimens that hold genetic information such as DNA in the medical field.

In research and development of pharmaceuticals, biochemistry and chemical products, it is widely practiced to store and store many samples in storage tubes. For example, a large number of samples whose conditions and composition are changed little by little for comparative control experiments are produced and stored and stored while managing them over a necessary period.
As described above, a large number of types of samples are stored and stored at the same time. In the conventional technology, a well plate type sample storage tube block type and a number of micro tube type sample storage tubes are arranged. Two types of sample storage systems are known which are microtube arrays arranged in storage racks.

The micro tube array type stores and stores small sample storage bodies called individual micro tubes arranged in an array on a storage rack. Microtubes are plastic storage tubes with a height of several centimeters. Each tube is independent, and can be used alone or as a sample storage body, or stored in an array on a storage rack. By doing so, it can also be used as a microtube array for storing and storing a large number of samples at the same time.
Microtubes are plastic storage tubes with a height of several centimeters. Each tube is independent, and can be used alone or as a sample storage body, or stored in an array on a storage rack. By doing so, it can also be used as a microtube array for storing and storing a large number of samples at the same time.

The microtube has a structure including an opening on the upper surface and a sample storage body that can store a sample therein, and a lid that firmly seals the upper surface opening of the sample storage body that stores the sample.
There are multiple ways to attach the lid.
One example is a threaded screw system. For example, a male screw is provided on the outer surface of the upper surface of the sample storage body, a female screw is provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the lid body, and both of them are screwed to open or close. There is a type in which a male screw is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface and the both are screwed to open and close.
Another example is a push-in plug system. For example, there is one provided with a plug portion serving as a plug with respect to the upper surface opening of the sample container and an operation unit for pushing the plug portion. The simple shape is a cylindrical stopper that is slightly tapered like a rubber stopper for a flask. A configuration example is known in which a flange is provided in the upper part of the lid so as to contact the edge of the upper surface opening of the sample storage body so that the stopper does not fall inside.

  In the case of a microtube array, since each microtube is an independent sample storage body, it is necessary to individually identify each storage body. Attention has been focused on a technique of writing a bar code or the like obtained by encoding various data and management information, and reading and managing the bar code or two-dimensional code in the management process.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a conventional push-plug microtube. A part of the structure of the internal microtube is also shown by a broken line for easy understanding of the mechanism.
The top opening of the microtube is sealed with a lid, but in the configuration example of FIG. 10, a stopper is provided at the bottom of the lid, and a flange that abuts the top of the sample container is provided at the top of the stopper. It has been.
After the sample is put into the sample container, the upper surface of the sample container can be tightly sealed with a stopper by the lid.

JP 2001-158450 A JP-A-11-113559

  As described in the above prior art, the conventional push-plug type microtube is widely used. However, since the lid is simply pushed into the top opening of the microtube from above, the lid is plugged. There is a problem that a problem may occur in which the body is unexpectedly detached from the top opening of the microtube.

  If it is screwed, the lid will not be unexpectedly removed from the top opening of the microtube unless the lid rotates. However, when attaching or removing the lid, it must be rotated while gripping the lid. . Even if the work is performed with a robot arm or the like, high work accuracy is required, and the attaching and detaching operations of the lid are costly and time consuming. Therefore, a push-type lid that can be attached simply by pushing from above is excellent in operability, but conversely, the push-in method is more likely to come off than the screw-in method.

  There may be various factors that cause the push-type lid to come off. One is that the sample is put into the microtube and then the push plug is pushed in. At that time, the internal pressure increases. The lid may be gradually pushed up and removed by the internal pressure. If the internal pressure is high, for example, slight vibration applied from the outside, external force applied inadvertently when attaching / detaching other microtubes, gas generated by the sample body, The lid may come off due to various factors such as changes in atmospheric pressure.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is attached by simply pushing the lid into the upper surface opening of the sample storage body while adopting a push-type lid that is easy to attach and remove. An object of the present invention is to provide a tube with a stopper to which the lid can be firmly attached and the lid in the attached state is not accidentally detached.

  In order to achieve the above object, the stopper-equipped tube of the present invention comprises a tube body that contains a sample body, a plug portion that is pushed into the tube body, and a flange portion that has a larger diameter than the plug portion. In the configuration provided, a slit portion that receives and holds a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange in a state in which the plug portion is fitted inside the tube body on a side surface near the upper surface of the tube body; and A locking portion through which the flange portion cannot pass any more is provided at the lower portion, a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange of the lid body is held by the slit portion, and the lid body can be fixed near the upper surface of the tube body. It is a tube with a stopper.

In the above configuration, an overhanging portion that protrudes inward so as to prevent passage of a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion is provided on the upper portion of the slit portion, and the flange portion protrudes from the upper side when the lid is pressed from above. The flange portion cannot pass upward if it can be passed over the portion but fits in the slit portion, and the projecting portion is in contact with the plug portion fitted into the tube body. It is preferable that the lid is braked up and down by the portion.
The projecting shape of the projecting part to the inside of the tube body includes various three-dimensional projecting planes, three-dimensional projecting curved surfaces, claw-shaped projections, polygonal projections, irregular projections, and combinations thereof. Shape is possible. In other words, the projecting shape may be a three-dimensional object that prevents passage of some flange inside the tube body.
In the above configuration, the slit width of the slit portion matches the thickness of the flange, and the flange fitted to the slit portion is fitted and clamped so as not to move in the vertical direction. It is preferable.

  With the above configuration, just by pushing the lid from the top opening of the tube body into the inside, the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion gets over the protruding portion, and further, a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange is in the slit portion below it. Since it fits in, once it fits in a slit part, it can clamp so that a flange part may not move to an up-down direction. As a result, the lid can be fixed so that it cannot be easily removed by simply pushing the lid into the upper surface opening of the tube body.

  Here, the material of the lid is preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. For example, plastic, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone and the like are preferable. With these materials, the flange portion can be deformed so as to pass through the overhanging portion without breaking, and the shape can be restored after passage and a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange can be fitted into the slit portion.

In addition, although it does not specifically limit about the number which provides the set of an overhang | projection part and a slit part in a tube body, For example, about 2 to 8 places are preferable. About the position to provide, it is preferable to provide uniformly on the circumference | surroundings of a tube body. For example, when four sets of the overhanging portion and the slit portion are provided, the tube body may be provided so as to be arranged on the circumference at intervals of 90 degrees.
Moreover, although it is the outer periphery shape of the tube body of the part in which the set of an overhang | projection part and a slit part is provided, it is not specifically limited, Any of circular, a polygon, a curve, or those combinations may be sufficient. While the overhanging portion is provided on the inner side, the outer shape can be variously designed.

Here, it is preferable to provide a recess on the upper surface of the lid. This is because if there is a dent, the robot arm can be easily used as a target for the arm when the lid is operated.
When the concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the lid, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a film sheet for sealing the upper surface of the concave portion of the lid is attached. If a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the lid and stored for a long period of time, foreign substances such as bacteria and fine dust may adhere to the inside. In normal outside air, foreign substances such as bacteria and fine dust are floating, and bacteria and fine dust may enter the recess depending on the storage state. Therefore, if there is a film sheet that seals the upper surface, foreign substances such as bacteria and dust can be prevented from adhering to the recess of the lid, and a clean state can be maintained.
When accessing the sample body, in the take-out operation of sucking the sample by piercing the inside of the tube body by pushing a syringe or the like from the top of the lid body without opening the lid body, It can also be used as a recess provided so that the needle can be pierced easily. If the film sheet is affixed, the state of the recess of the lid can be kept clean, and bacteria and fine dust can be prevented from being mixed when the injection needle is accessed.

  Furthermore, the stopper-equipped tube of the present invention may be provided with an information writing area where an identification code can be printed or pasted on either the side surface or the bottom surface of the tube body, or both. Further, an information writing area where an identification code can be printed or pasted can be provided on the upper surface of the lid. By giving an identification code to each tube with a stopper, the tube with a stopper can be individually recognized by reading the identification code.

  According to the tube with a stopper according to the present invention, the stopper portion of the sample storage body is simply inserted by pushing the cover body into the upper surface opening of the sample storage body while adopting a push-type cover body that is easy to attach and remove. While sealing the upper surface opening, the flange can get over the overhanging portion, and further, a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange can be fitted into the slit portion below it, so that the flange can be held vertically. As a result, the lid can be easily fixed without being removed simply by being pushed into the upper opening of the tube body of the sample storage body.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the tube with a stopper of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it goes without saying that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific application, shape, number, etc. shown in the following examples.

A tube with a stopper according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram simply showing the structure of a tube 100 with a stopper according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front view. Note that the rear view, right side view, and left side view are the same as the front view, and are not shown. 1 (b) is a side view rotated 45 degrees right around the central axis, FIG. 1 (c) is a plan view, FIG. 1 (d) is a bottom view, and FIG. 1 (e) is AA. A cross-sectional view is shown.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the sample storage body 120 extracted from the configuration of the tube 100 with stopper. FIG. 2A is a front view. Note that the rear view, right side view, and left side view are the same as the front view, and are not shown. 2B is a side view rotated 45 degrees right around the central axis, FIG. 2C is a plan view, FIG. 2D is a bottom view, and FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB. 2 (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC, and FIG. 2 (g) is a perspective view in which the three-dimensional structure can be seen from a bird's eye view.
FIG. 3 is a view showing the lid 110 taken out of the configuration of the tube 100 with a stopper. The top surface seal 114 is removed. FIG. 3A is a front view. Note that the rear view, right side view, and left side view are the same as the front view, and are not shown. 3B is a plan view, FIG. 3C is a bottom view, and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

The tube 100 with a stopper is configured to include a lid 110 and a tube body 120 for storing a sample.
Hereinafter, the lid 110 and the tube body 120 will be described in order.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 110 has a lid structure that opens and closes an opening on the upper surface of the sample storage body 120. The lid 110 is attached to the sample storage body 120 by a push-in method.
The material of the lid 110 is preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting material such as plastic, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or silicone. As will be described later, the lid body 110 needs to pass through the overhanging portion 124 due to the deformation of the flange portion 112, and after the passage, the shape is restored to the original shape and fitted into the slit body 125. Elasticity that spreads out is necessary.
As a member of the lid body 110, in this configuration example, a plug portion 111, a flange 112, and a recess portion 113 are provided.

The plug portion 111 has a cylindrical shape in this configuration example, and is a member that becomes a plug to be pushed into from the upper surface opening of the tube body 120. In FIG. 3, the outer diameter of the plug portion 111 is R4, and the outer diameter of the flange is R5.
The outer diameter R4 of the stopper 111 is slightly larger than the inner diameter R1 of the tube body 120. The stopper 111 functions as a kind of stopper when the stopper 111 fits inside the sample storage body 120, and the upper surface opening of the tube 121 is opened. It is a member that can be sealed. That is, the relationship of the following formula 1 is established.
[Equation 1]
R1 <R4 <R5

The flange 112 is a hook structure attached to the upper part of the plug part 111, and is a member that comes into contact with and engages with the upper surface edge of the tube body 121. In this configuration example, the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112 matches the inner diameter R2 of the cylinder 123 shown in FIG. 2 or is smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the cylinder 123. As will be described later, the flange 112 has the cylinder 123. The size can pass. Further, the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112 is larger than the inner diameter R1 of the tube body 121 of the sample storage body 120, and cannot enter the tube body 121 of the sample storage body 120, and the upper edge of the tube body 120 It is the size which contacts and is locked. That is, the relationship of the following formula 2 is established.
[Equation 2]
R4 <R5 ≦ R2

The recess 113 is a recess provided on the upper surface of the lid 110. Although it is not an essential configuration for the present invention, if there is a dent, it becomes a target for fitting the tip of the arm when operating the opening and closing of the lid 110 with the robot arm. In this configuration, the dent 113 is a cylindrical dent, but may be any shape that matches the tip of the robot arm.
By inserting the tip of the robot arm into the recess 113 and pushing the robot arm downward as it is, the lid 110 can be surely pushed down by the tip of the robot arm, as will be described later. Easier to push into body 120

Another application of the recess 113 is that the sample is stored in the sample storage body 120, sealed, stored, and then inspected after the sample is inspected. In a take-out operation in which a syringe is pushed up to pierce the inside of the sample storage body 120 and the sample is sucked, it can also be used as a dent provided so that the syringe needle can be pushed up and pierced easily. That is, since the bottom portion of the recess 113 is thin, it is easy to pierce the recess 113 by pushing the injection needle.
A method of attaching the lid 110 to the sample storage body 120 will be described later.

  The tube body 120 is a test tubular container having an upper surface opening on the upper surface and accommodating a sample. In this configuration example, the tube body 120 is an example of a test tubular cylindrical shape, but may have other shapes depending on the application. In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 2, a configuration example having a structure for fixing a test tubular tube portion and a lid 110 provided in the vicinity of the upper surface opening is provided.

The material of the tube body 120 is preferably made of glass or plastic which is a transparent or translucent material in order to visually check the storage state of the sample sealed inside.
The transparent plastic material for the tube body 120 may be plastic with high chemical resistance (for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, etc.), natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, or the like. A material obtained by selecting and blending a plurality of materials may be used as a raw material. That is, the transparent plastic material may be a polymer alloy composed of two or more kinds of resins.
In this embodiment, the transparent plastic material is polypropylene. Polypropylene is a chemically stable material, has high chemical resistance and high transparency, and is a suitable material as one member of the sample container.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tube body 120 has a shape like a so-called test tube, but has an opening at the upper end, a body portion of a small cylinder, and a bottom structure having a spindle shape.
In the structure shown in FIG. 2, the inner diameter of the sample storage portion of the tube body 120 is R1. As shown in the above [Equation 1], the outer diameter R4 of the plug portion 111 of the lid 110 is slightly larger than the inner diameter R1 of the tube body 120, and the plug portion 111 fits inside the tube body 120. By doing so, the upper surface opening of the tube body 120 is sealed.

  Moreover, although it is the height of the tube body 120, when storing in a storage rack, it is preferable to make it higher than the height of the lattice frame of a storage rack. Since the tube 100 with a stopper is repeatedly stored and taken out from the storage rack, if the tube 100 with the stopper protrudes from the lattice frame, it can be easily taken out by hand or a robot arm.

  Next, as a structure for fixing the lid body 110 provided in the vicinity of the upper surface opening, in this configuration example, the cylinder body 123, the overhanging portion 124, the slit portion 125, and the locking portion 129 are provided. Yes.

  The inner diameter R2 of the cylindrical body 123 is equal to the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112 or larger than the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112, and as shown in [Equation 2] above, the lid The flange 112 of the body 110 can easily pass through the cylindrical body 123.

Next, the projecting portion 124 is a structure provided on the inner peripheral wall surface side of the cylindrical body 123 and is a structure projecting inward so as to prevent passage of a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion 112.
The shape of the edge of the overhanging portion 124 is not particularly limited. It may be a straight line, an inwardly bulging curve, a knurled irregular shape, or the like. That is, there are various shapes such as a three-dimensional projecting plane, a three-dimensional projecting curved surface, a claw-shaped projection, a polygonal projection, an indeterminate projection, and a combination thereof. Things are possible. In this configuration example, a three-dimensional projecting plane having straight edges is formed. Although the contact area with the flange portion 112 varies depending on the shape of the overhanging portion 124, if the contact area with the flange portion 112 becomes too large, the flange portion 112 cannot pass through the overhanging portion 124, but as shown in FIG. If is linear, the contact area with the flange portion 112 is moderate.

Since the overhanging portion 124 protrudes inward, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), when the facing distance from the surface of the overhanging portion 124 to the facing surface is L1, first, the plug portion 111 passes through the tube body. Since the inside of 120 needs to be sealed, the facing distance L1 needs to be equal to or greater than the outer diameter R4 of the plug portion 111. However, since the projecting portion 124 is a structure projecting inward so as to prevent passage of a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion 112 when the lid 110 passes, the facing distance L1 is the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112. Must be smaller. That is, there is a relationship of the following formula 3.
[Equation 3]
R4 ≦ L1 <R5
When Equation 1, Equation 2, and Equation 3 derived above are combined, the relationship of Equation 4 can be derived.
[Equation 4]
R1 <R4 ≦ L1 <R5 ≦ R2

  If there is a relationship of [Equation 4] and the flange 112 is made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, the flange 112 of the lid 110 cannot easily pass through the overhanging portion 124, but strongly When pressed, the flange 112 is deformed and bent and can pass through the overhanging portion 124, and after passing through the overhanging portion 124, the shape is restored to its original shape again by the elastic force and fits in the slit portion 125.

The slit portion 125 is a slit provided on a side surface near the upper surface of the tube body 120 and has a structure for receiving and holding a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion 112.
Here, if the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 is equal to or slightly larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112, the flange 112 fitted to the slit portion 125 may be fitted and sandwiched so as to brake in the vertical direction. it can. If the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 is slightly larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112, the flange 112 is likely to be accommodated in the slit portion 125.
As shown in FIG. 1, even if the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 is larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112 and there is a margin that allows the flange 112 to move up and down a little, the plug portion 111 is not in the tube body. If the margin in the vertical direction is such that it does not escape from 120, the sealing property of the tube body 120 is maintained, and the storage state of the sample is not affected.

  The locking portion 129 is a structure that is provided below the slit portion 125 and stops the flange portion 112 from passing further. The engaging portion 129 may be a protruding structure, or may be a shoulder portion of the inner wall surface of the tube body 120. In this configuration example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (f) and 2 (g), the locking portion 129 is a shoulder portion of the inner wall surface of the tube body 120.

FIG. 4 is a diagram simply showing how the flange 112 of the lid 110 passes through the overhanging portion 124 and then fits into the slit portion 125.
FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section so that the relationship between the lid 110 and the overhanging portion 124 can be easily understood.
4 (a) to 4 (c) are diagrams showing the relationship between the cylindrical portion 123 where the overhanging portion 124 is not provided and the lid 110, and FIGS. 4 (d) to 4 (f) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the location in which the overhang | projection part 124 is provided, and the cover body 110. FIG.

  The cylindrical portion 123 not provided with the overhanging portion 124 has an opposing distance of L1, and is larger than the outer diameter R4 of the plug portion 111 of the lid 110 from the relationship of [Equation 4], and the plug portion 111 passes smoothly. Furthermore, since the inner diameter R2 of the cylindrical portion 123 is equal to or larger than the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112 of the lid body 110, the flange 112 passes smoothly, and the lower edge of the flange 112 is the tube body 120 as shown in FIG. It can approach to the position which contact | abuts to the latching | locking part 129 which is a shoulder of an inner wall.

On the other hand, at the place where the overhanging portion 124 is provided, as shown in FIG. 4D, the plug portion 111 at the lower part of the lid 110 has an outer diameter R4. The flange 112 at the top of the lid 110 becomes a bottleneck because the outer diameter R5 of the flange 112 is larger than the inner diameter R3 of the overhanging portion 124, and it is gripped.
However, if the flange 112 is an elastic material, the flange 112 of the lid 110 cannot easily pass through the overhanging portion 124. However, as shown in FIG. 124 can be passed. Note that the contact area with the flange portion 112 varies depending on the shape of the overhanging portion 124, and if the contact area with the flange portion 112 becomes too large, the flange portion 112 cannot pass through the overhanging portion 124. These edges are straight, and the contact area with the flange portion 112 becomes appropriate and can pass through.

  The flange 112 has an elastic force even if it is deformed once, and can be restored to its original shape when the external force disappears. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (f), the flange 112 loses the drag received from the overhanging portion 124 after passing through the overhanging portion 124, so that its shape is restored again by its own elastic force. In this configuration example, the slit portion 125 is provided immediately below the overhang portion 124. Therefore, when the shape of the flange 112 is restored as shown in FIG. For example, a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange 112 is fitted into the slit portion 125.

Here, since the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 matches or is slightly larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112, the flange 112 fitted to the slit portion 125 is fitted and sandwiched so as to brake in the vertical direction. If the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 is slightly larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112, the flange 112 is likely to be accommodated in the slit portion 125.
As shown in FIG. 1, even when the slit width D1 of the slit portion 125 is larger than the thickness D2 of the flange 112 and there is a margin that allows the flange 112 to move up and down slightly, the plug portion 111 is removed from the tube body 121. If the margin in the vertical direction is such that it does not come out, the sealability of the sample storage body 120 is maintained and the storage state of the sample is not affected.

  Further, in this configuration example, the lower edge of the slit portion 125 is a part of the locking body 129. That is, in a posture in which a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange 112 is fitted, the lid body 110 is in a state where the plug portion 111 is fitted into the tube body 120 and the upper surface of the tube body 120 is sealed, and the lid body is left as it is. If the posture of 110 is fixed, the tube body 120 is fitted and clamped so as not to move in the vertical direction with the lid 110 attached in a correct posture.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the stoppered tube 100 of the present invention with the lid 110 correctly attached is obtained. The tube body 120 of the sample storage body 120 is attached in a state where the tube body 120 is sealed by the stopper portion 111 of the lid body 100 and the flange 112 of the lid body 110 is firmly fitted to the slit portion 125, which is no longer easy. The lid 110 is fixed so as not to be removed.

Next, the number of sets and positions of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 will be described.
The number and position of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 are not limited. However, since the flange 112 of the lid 110 is fixedly held by the slit portion 125, the set of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 is evenly arranged with respect to the flange 112. It is preferable to arrange.

FIG. 5 shows a variation example of the number and position of the set of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125.
As shown in FIG. 5A, when the number of sets of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 is two, it is preferable to provide the sets 180 degrees in a circular shape of the cylindrical body 123.
In the example of FIG. 5B, when the number of sets of the projecting portions 124 and the slit portions 125 is three, it is preferable to provide the sets 120 degrees in a circular shape of the cylindrical body 123.
In the example of FIG. 5C, when the number of sets of the projecting portions 124 and the slit portions 125 is four, it is preferable to provide the sets 90 degrees in a circular shape of the cylindrical body 123.
In the example of FIG. 5D, when the number of sets of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 is six, it is preferable to provide the sets 60 degrees in a circular shape of the cylindrical body 123.
As the number of sets of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 increases, the length of the outer peripheral piece of the flange 112 captured by the slit portion 124 becomes smaller. Therefore, the force for fixing the flange 112 is weakened. A large number is preferred. For example, the number of sets may be about 2 to 8 and provided evenly around the cylinder 123.

Next, the identification code will be described with respect to printing or pasting.
When a large number of tubes with stoppers 100 are stored at the same time, each tube with a stopper is an independent sample storage body, and therefore it is necessary to identify each storage body individually. Therefore, a barcode or two-dimensional code in which various sample data and management information are coded is written on the side surface and bottom surface of the tube 100 with a stopper, and the barcode and the two-dimensional code are read and managed in the management process. Technology to do is necessary.

The point which gives the device which prints or affixes an identification code on either the side surface of the sample storage body 120, a bottom face, or both is demonstrated.
FIG. 6A shows a configuration example in which the color writing film that can be colored by laser marking is attached around the sample storage body 120 on the side surface of the tube body 121 to form the information writing area 127. Information can be written by changing the color of the coloring film by laser marking in the information writing area 127. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6B, a configuration in which an information writing area 128 of the color developing film is provided on the bottom surface 126 of the tube body 120 is also possible.
In this configuration example, a one-dimensional code is written in the information writing area 127 of the coloring film on the side surface of the sample body 120, and a two-dimensional code is written in the information writing area 128 of the coloring film on the bottom surface. It shows.

Next, an operation of taking out the sample after sealing the sample in a tube with a stopper will be described.
In general, the lid 110 is reversibly removed with respect to the mounting operation. Here, the lid 110 is fitted and clamped by the lid fixing portion 122, and only the small lid 110 is moved upward. It is necessary to pull it up with a strong force. Here, instead of pulling up only the small lid 110 with a strong force in the upward direction, when inspecting the sample, the sample holder is pushed up from the top of the lid 110 without opening the lid 110 and the sample storage body. An extraction operation is performed in which an injection needle is inserted into 120 and the sample is sucked.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram simply showing the state of the take-out operation in which the sample is sucked from the upper part of the lid 110 by pushing up the needle of the syringe without opening the lid 110. In FIG. 7, a sample 200 is stored inside the sample storage body 120. Here, the needle 200 or the like of the syringe is protruded from the upper surface to access the sample 200. As shown in FIG. 1, when the stoppered tube 100 is stored, a seal 114 may be attached to the upper surface thereof. However, when the injection needle 300 is accessed by pushing the lid 110, the seal 114 is peeled off. Or may be accessed with the seal 144 attached. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the film seal 114 attached to the upper surface in FIG. 7A is accessed as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (b), since the concave portion 113 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 110, the thickness of the portion is thin, so that it is easy to pierce by pushing the injection needle. ing. When the sample 200 can be accessed by the injection needle 300, the sample 200 can be aspirated. In addition, what is necessary is just to discard the tube 100 with a stopper which completed taking out the sample 200 as what fulfilled the use of sample preservation | save.

As Example 2, a device for providing a taper on one or both of the overhanging portion and the flange of the lid will be described.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the stopper-equipped tubes 100a and 100b according to the second embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner. Similar to FIG. 4 (d), the longitudinal section is a diagram in which a longitudinal section is taken at a place where the overhanging portion is provided.

8A to 8C, in the tube 100a with a stopper, the protruding portion 124a of the lid fixing portion 122a is provided with a taper. As shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, when the protruding portion 124a is tapered, the flange 112a of the lid body is easily guided downward, and the deformation of the flange 112a is assisted and the protruding portion is supported. It is easy to pass through the portion 124a and easily fit into the slit portion 125a as shown in FIG.
In addition, once it fits in the slit part 125a, since the point to which the upward movement of the flange 112a is braked can be exhibited similarly to FIG. 4 shown in the first embodiment, the lid body 110a by the lid body fixing part 122a. The effect of fixing is obtained.

  On the other hand, in the configuration examples of FIGS. 8D to 8F, in the tube with stopper 100b, the protruding portion 124b of the lid fixing portion 122b is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the taper is formed on the flange 112b side. Is provided. As shown in FIGS. 8D to 8F, when the flange 112b of the lid 110b is tapered, the flange 112b of the lid 110b is easily guided downward, and the flange 112b is also deformed. Assisted and easily passes through the overhanging portion 124b, and easily fits in the slit portion 125b as shown in FIG.

  Note that once the flange 112b fits into the slit portion 125b, the upward movement of the flange 112b can be braked in the same manner as in FIG. 4 shown in the first embodiment. The effect of fixing the lid 110b is obtained.

  Further, by combining the two, a taper is provided on the projecting portion 124 of the lid fixing portion 122 as in the configuration examples of FIGS. 8A to 8C, and FIGS. 8D to 8F. A combination in which the flange 112 of the lid 110 is also tapered as in the configuration example is possible. In the case of this combination as well, the point that the upward movement of the flange 112 is braked once the flange 112 fits into the slit portion 125 can be exhibited in the same manner as in FIG. The fixing effect of the lid 110 by the fixing part 122 is obtained.

As a third embodiment, a configuration example in which a structure of an overhang portion 124 and a slit portion 125 for fixing the lid body 110 is provided above the tube body 120 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the tube body 120c of the stopper-equipped tube 100c according to the third embodiment.

  In the configuration example of the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portion where the protruding portion 124 and the slit portion 125 that fix the lid 110 are provided is provided on the wall surface near the upper surface of the tube body 120. In the example of FIG. 9, the lid body 110 is fixed to the upper surface of the tube body 120c. Structures such as the overhanging portion 124c and the slit portion 125c are provided. Looking at the outer wall surface, it appears that an irregular outer wall surface is provided on the cylindrical surface of the tube body 120c.

  The difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 is only the difference in how far the tube body 120 is viewed, and is common in that the structure of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 for fixing the lid 110 is provided near the upper surface. There is no difference between essential and technical thought.

  As mentioned above, although the preferred example in the example of composition of the tube with a stopper of the present invention was illustrated and explained, it will be understood that various changes are possible without departing from the technical scope of the present invention. .

  The tube with a stopper of the present invention can be widely applied as long as it is a microtube for storing and managing a sample.

It is a figure which shows simply the structure of the tube 100 with a stopper of this invention. It is the figure which extracted and showed only the sample storage body 120 among the structures of the tube 100 with a stopper. It is the figure which extracted and showed the cover body 110 among the structures of the tube 100 with a stopper. It is a figure which shows simply a mode that the flange 112 of the cover body 110 passes the overhang | projection part 124 of the cover body fixing | fixed part 122 in a longitudinal cross-section. The variation example of the number and position of the set of the overhanging portion 124 and the slit portion 125 is shown. It is a figure which shows the structure which attached the color development film which can be colored with a laser marking to the circumference of the sample storage body 120 on the side surface of the tube body 121, and made it the information writing area | region 127. It is a figure which shows simply the mode of the taking-out operation | work which raises the needle | hook etc. of a syringe from the upper part of the cover body 110, and aspirates a sample, without opening the cover body 110 in a longitudinal cross section. It is sectional drawing which showed clearly the structure of the tube 100a, 100b with a stopper of Example 2 in the longitudinal cross-section. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the tube body 120c among the tubes 100c with a stopper of Example 3. FIG. It is the figure which showed the problem in the prior art microtube array and a prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Tube with stopper 110 Cover body 111 Plug part 112 Flange 113 Recessed part 114 Film seal 120 Sample storage body 121 Tube body 122 Cover body fixing part 123 Cylinder body 124 Overhang part 125 Slit part 126 Bottom part 127 Information writing area 128 Information writing area 200 Sample 300 Injection needle

Claims (12)

A tube body for storing a sample;
In a configuration comprising a lid provided with a plug portion to be pushed into the tube body and a flange portion having a diameter larger than the plug portion,
A slit portion that receives and holds a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange in a state where the plug portion is fitted inside the tube body on a side surface near the upper surface of the tube body, and the flange portion at a lower portion of the slit portion Is provided with a locking part that cannot pass any further,
A tube with a stopper capable of holding a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange of the lid body by the slit portion and fixing the lid body in the vicinity of the upper surface of the tube body. An overhanging portion that protrudes to the inside of the tube body so as to prevent passage of a part of the outer peripheral piece of the flange portion is provided at the upper portion of the slit portion. It can pass over the part, but if it fits in the slit part, the flange part cannot pass upward,
2. The tube with a stopper according to claim 1, wherein the lid body is braked up and down by the projecting portion in a state where the plug portion is fitted into the tube body and abuts.   The projecting shape of the projecting portion to the inside of the tube body is any one of a three-dimensional projecting plane, a three-dimensional projecting curved surface, a claw-shaped projection, a polygonal projection, an irregular projection, or a It is a combination, The tube with a stopper of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The slit width of the slit portion matches the thickness of the flange, and the flange fitted to the slit portion is fitted and clamped so as not to move in the vertical direction. Item 4. A tube with a stopper according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The material of the lid is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, and the flange can be deformed so as to pass through the overhanging portion without cracking, and its shape is restored after passing and the outer peripheral piece of the flange is inserted into the slit portion. The tube with a stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a part of the tube can be fitted.   The number and position where the set of the overhanging portion and the slit portion are provided are any one of 2 to 8, and are provided evenly on the circumference of the tube body. A tube with a stopper according to item 1.   The outer peripheral shape of the tube body at a portion where the set of the overhang portion and the slit portion is provided is any one of a circle, a polygon, a curve, or a combination thereof. The tube with a stopper as described in the item.   4. The structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the projecting portion and the slit portion are provided on the upper end surface of the tube body instead of the structure in which the projecting portion and the slit portion are provided near the upper surface of the tube body. Tube with stopper.   The stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a concave portion is provided on an upper surface of the lid, and the concave portion serves as a target of an arm when the lid is operated by a robot arm. tube.   The tube with a stopper according to claim 9, wherein a film sheet for sealing the upper surface of the recessed portion of the lid is pasted.   The tube with a stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein an information writing area where an identification code can be printed or pasted is provided on either or both of the side surface and the bottom surface of the tube body. .   The tube with a stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an information writing area on which an identification code can be printed or pasted is provided on the upper surface of the lid.

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