SAMPLE STORAGE TUBE AND AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR OPERATING OF THE SAME

Abstract

[Problem to be solved] A sample storage tube and an automation system for operating a sample storage tube are provided, which can operate a lid capping operation, a carrying operation and lid decapping operation by using a robot arm.

[Solution] A sample storage tube 100 comprises a tube body 120 and a lid 110. The lid 110 comprises a lid dent inner screw 112 accessible by a first lid access module 210 and a lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 accessible by a second lid access module. A capping operation and a carrying operation for the lid 110 against the tube body 120 is achieved by the rotation torque to the lid 110 given by the second lid access module via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. The pulling-up force by the rotation of the first lid access module via the lid dent inner screw 112 and the pushing-down force by the contacting of the second lid access module via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 at the same time, the lid is held firmly by pinching the both forces.

Claims

1. A sample storage tube comprising; a tube body for storing sample; a lid for closing the opening of the tube body by screwing to the tube body; a lid structure in the top surface of the lid, comprising a lid dent inner screw provided in a dent at the center of the lid top surface, wherein the lid dent inner screw can be accessed by a first lid access module that accesses as an external member; and a lid top recession and protrusion shape structure provided on the top edge of the lid, wherein the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure can be accessed by a second lid access module that accesses as an external member.

2. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, in which the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure is a gear shape structure provided on the top edge of the lid, and the gear shape structure can accept and fit to a corresponding gear shape provided on the second lid access module.

3. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, in which the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure is a single or a plurality of small dents or holes, and the dents or holes can accept and fit to a corresponding projection or pin provided on the second lid access module.

4. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube body comprises an inner screw provided on the inner side wall surface near the opening; the lid comprises an outer screw provided on the outer side wall surface corresponding to the inner screw of the tube body, wherein the lid can screw into the tube body as the lid, and the opening of the tube body can be closed.

5. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube body comprises an outer screw provided on the outer side wall surface near the opening; the lid comprises an inner screw provided on the inner side wall surface corresponding to the outer screw of the tube body, wherein the lid can screw into the tube body as the lid, and the opening of the tube body can be closed.

6. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein identification code information is carried onto either or both of the side outer surface or the bottom surface of the tube body by printing or adhesion.

7. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube body comprises a rotation preventing object provided on the side wall surface or the bottom surface the tube body, wherein the rotation preventing object contacts the structure of the rack to prevent the tube body from rotating, wherein the rotation of the tube body is prevented if rotation torque is applied to the tube body.

8. A sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein a screwing control and an opening control of the lid to the tube body by the rotation torque to the lid are operated by the second lid access module via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure; wherein a closing control of the lid to the tube body by the rotation torque to the lid is operated by the first lid access module via the lid dent inner screw; wherein a carrying control of the sample storage tube is operated by the combination of the first lid access module and the second lid access module by applying both a pull-up force applied by the first lid access module via the lid dent inner screw and a pull-down force applied by the second lid access module contacting the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure at the same time to pinch the sample storage tube in a stable state.

9. An automation system for operating a sample storage tube, which sample storage tube comprises a tube body for storing a sample and a lid for enclosing an opening of the tube body by screwing to the tube body, comprising; a robot arm comprising a first lid access module and a second lid access module for accessing the lid and operating the sample storage tube; wherein the lid comprises a lid dent inner screw provided in a dent at the center of the lid top surface, and the lid dent inner screw can be accessed by the first lid access module; and a lid top recession and protrusion shape structure installed on the top edge of the lid, and the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure can be accessed by the second lid access module, wherein the second lid access module can operate a screwing control and an opening control of the lid to the tube body by applying rotation torque to the lid via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure; wherein the first lid access module can operate an enclosing control of the lid to the tube body by the rotation torque to the lid via the lid dent inner screw; wherein the combination of the first lid access module and the second lid access module can operate a carrying control of the sample storage tube in a pinched stable state by applying both a pull-up force applied by the first lid access module via the lid dent inner screw and a pull-down force applied by the second lid access module contacting the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure at the same time.

10. An automation system for operating a sample storage tube according to claim 9, wherein the first lid access module accessing the lid dent inner screw is located in a center and the second lid access module accessing the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure is located in an outer portion around the first lid access module, wherein the first lid access module is a male screw bolt structure, and the second lid access module is a cylinder shape structure around the first lid access module.

11. An automation system for operating a sample storage tube according to claim 9, wherein the first lid access module accessing the lid dent inner screw is located in a center and the second lid access module accessing the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure is located in an outer portion around the first lid access module, the first lid access module and the second lid access module can rotate independently each other and can slide up and down independently.

12. An automation system for operating a sample storage tube according to claim 9, wherein the first lid access module is a male screw bolt structure, and the second lid access module is a cylinder shape structure around the first lid access module, wherein the recession and protrusion shape structure corresponding to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure is provided on the top edge of the cylinder shape structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube 100 (inner screw type).

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the lid access module 200 of the automation system for operating a sample storage tube.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the other structure of the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure installed on the top edge of the lid.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the lid capping operation step (1)

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the lid capping operation step (2)

[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the lid capping operation step (3)

[0054] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the carrying operation step (1)

[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the carrying operation step (2)

[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the lid decapping operation step (1)

[0057] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the lid decapping operation step (2)

[0058] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the lid decapping operation step (2)

[0059] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube 100 (outer screw type).

[0060] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the example which carries the identification code on the side wall surface and bottom surface.

[0061] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of micro tube array in the prior art and its problem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0062] Some embodiments of a sample storage tube and an automation system operating the sample storage tube according to the present invention are described below in reference to the relevant drawing. Needless to add, the claims of the present invention include but are not limited to the application, configuration, or quantity shown in the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0063] The sample storage tube 100 and an automation system operating the sample storage tube in embodiment 1 according to the present invention is described.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube 100. This is an inner screw type tube.

[0065] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the sample storage tube 100 of the inner screw type capped with the lid 110.

[0066] FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the lid 110.

[0067] FIG. 1(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view (A-A line cross-sectional view) showing the sample storage tube 100 capped with lid 110.

[0068] FIG. 1(d) is a vertical cross-sectional view (A-A line cross-sectional view) showing the sample storage tube 100 decapped the lid 110.

[0069] The sample storage tube 100 comprises a lid 110 and a tube body 120.

[0070] Hereinafter, the lid 110 and the tube body 120 are described.

[0071] As shown by FIG. 1, the lid 110 is an enclosing device for closing the opening of the tube body 120. In this example, the lid 110 and the tube 120 are combined by screwing.

[0072] The lid 110 is made of material having chemical resistance such as plastic resin.

[0073] The lid 110 comprises a lid body 111, a lid dent inner screw 112, a lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 and a male screw 114.

[0074] The lid body 111 has a cylindrical shape in this example, and its shape corresponds to the upper opening 122 shape of the tube body 120 to cap it. The outer diameter of the lid body 111 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the tube body.

[0075] The lid dent inner screw 112 is an inner screw provided to the inner side surface of a dent located in the center of the upper surface of the lid body 111. As shown later, it is installed by being accessed by the descending first lid access module from the upper direction. The first lid access module has a corresponding outer screw. The inner diameter of the lid dent inner screw 112 corresponds to the outer diameter of the first lid access module 210 they are engaged by screwing it. Therefore, the first lid access module 210 of the lid access module 200 is inserted to the lid dent inner screw 112, and the first lid access module 210 and the lid dent inner screw 112 are screwed and connected by rotation of the first lid access module 210.

[0076] In this example, the shape of the lid dent inner screw 112 is a cylindrical shape having the inner screw, it can be another shape corresponding to the shape of the tip of the robot arm.

[0077] The lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 is the shape installed to the upper edge of the lid body 111. In this example, the lid dent inner screw 112 is installed in the center of the upper surface of the lid body 111, and the recession and protrusion shapes are arrayed in a circle around the upper edge of the lid body 111. As shown later, the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 is installed as being accessible by the descending second lid access module 220 from the upper direction.

[0078] The lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 has a recession and protrusion shape corresponding to the recession and protrusion shape installed to the tip of the second lid access module 220. Therefore, the recession and protrusion shape installed to the tip of the second lid access module 220 can fit and connect to the recession and protrusion shape of the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. If the second lid access module 220 rotates, the rotation torque is transmitted via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113, the lid 110 rotates according to the rotation torque.

[0079] The example shape of the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 shown in FIG. 1 is a gear shape installed to the top edge of the lid 110. The example shape of the recession and protrusion shape of the tip of the second lid access module 220 is corresponding gear shape. Therefore, the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 accepts the accessing second lid access module 220, and these fit and are connected to each other.

[0080] Other recession and protrusion shapes can be employed as the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 if it corresponds to that of the accessing second lid access module 220.

[0081] For example, a single or plurality of dents or holes installed to the upper surface of the lid 110 may be employed as shown in FIG. 3(a). In this case, the shape of the tip of the robot arm has corresponding protrusions or pins, and the second lid access module 220 can be accepted by the lid 110. Other examples such as a notched shape shown in FIG. 3(b) and a polygonal dent shape shown in FIG. 3(c) can be employed if it corresponds to that of the second lid access module 220.

[0082] The male screw 114 is provided at the lower portion of the lid 110, which corresponds to the tube body 120. The lid 110 is capped with tube body via this male screw 114 and the opening 122 of the tube body 120 can be closed by the lid 110.

[0083] As shown later, the outer diameter of the male screw 114 corresponds to the inner diameter of the tube body, the opening 122 of the tube body 120 is closed by screwing the male screw 114 of the lid 110 to the female screw of the tube body 120.

[0084] Next, the tube body 120 is described.

[0085] The tube body 120 is a container for storing the sample. In this example, the tube body comprises a body 121, opening 122 in the upper portion of body 121 and a female screw 123 provided at the inner side surface near the upper opening.

[0086] The tube body 120 has opening 122 at the upper portion, and it can store the sample and serve as a test tube.

[0087] In this example, the tube body 120 has a cylindrical test tube shape, but it can be modified to another shape depending on the use. For example, it comprises a rotation preventing object at the side wall surface or the bottom surface the tube body contacting to the structure of the rack to block the rotation. For example, a plurality of wing shape protrusions are installed at the bottom of the tube body in a radial pattern. If a plurality of wing shape protrusions are installed to the rack, the wing shape protrusions engage each other to prevent the tube body from rotating even though the rotation torque is applied to the tube body. If the rotation of the tube body 120 can be blocked, the tube body 120 does not rotate even though the rotation torque is transmitted via the lid 110 by the lid access module 200. The capping operation and the decapping operation can be operated precisely.

[0088] It is preferable that the material of the tube body 120 is transparent or translucent glass or plastic resin to allow observation of the preserved state of the enclosed sample. The plastic resin has chemical resistance. For example, it is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate. The blend of a combination of several such plastic resins can be employed. It means that a polymer alloy of two kinds or more of plastic resins can be employed.

[0089] In this example, the material is polypropylene. Polypropylene is one of the preferable materials for the sample storage tube, which is chemical stable material and has high chemical resistance and high transparency.

[0090] The tube body 120 has what is called a test tube shape and comprises an upper opening, a cylindrical body and spindle shape bottom as shown in FIG. 1(c) and FIG. 1(d).

[0091] Regarding the height of the tube body 120, it is preferable that the tube body is higher than the grid plate of the rack. The sample storage tube 100 is inserted to and picked up from the rack repeatedly, if the upper portion of the tube body 120 is projecting from the rack top surface in the preserved state in rack, the sample storage tube body is easy to access with the robot arm.

[0092] The upper opening 122 is an opening of the tube body 120, which inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the male screw 114 of the lid 110.

[0093] The female screw 123 is the screw provided at the upper inside wall of the tube body 120, which inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the male screw 114 of the lid 110. Therefore, the opening of the 122 of the tube body can be closed by the lid 100 by screwing the male screw 114 into the female screw 123.

[0094] The configuration of the sample storage tube 100 is described as mentioned above.

[0095] Next, the lid access module 200 is described as follows.

[0096] The lid access module 200 is a tip of the robot arm for operating the sample storage tube 100. The lid access module 200 accesses to the lid 100 and operates it.

[0097] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the lid access module 200 of the automation system for operating a sample storage tube.

[0098] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing the lid access module 200 installed to the tip of the robot arm.

[0099] FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the lid access module 200.

[0100] FIG. 2(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view (B-B line cross-sectional view) showing the lid access module 200.

[0101] FIG. 2(d) is a schematic view showing the operation in which the first lid access module 210 descends independently from the second lid access module 220.

[0102] In this example, the robot arm comprises the first lid access module 210 and the second lid access module 220 as shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the first lid access module 210 for accessing the lid dent inner screw 112 is located in the center, and the second lid access module 220 for accessing the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 is located around the first lid access module 210.

[0103] The first lid access module 210 corresponds to the lid dent inner screw 112 in the center of the lid 110. In this example, the first lid access module 210 is a bolt structure having male screw around it. The first lid access module 210 can be inserted to the lid dent inner screw 112 in the center of the lid 110 by rotating and screwing.

[0104] The second lid access module 220 corresponds to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. In this example, a recession and protrusion shape is provided in a circle around the edge of the cylinder corresponding to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. The edge of the of the second lid access module 220 contacts the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 of the lid 110, and these are fit and connected to each other. By this connection, the rotation motion of the second lid access module 220 is transmitted to the lid 110 via the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. The rotation torque is applied to the lid, and the capping operation and the decapping operation of the lid against the tube body can be carried out.

[0105] In this example, the first lid access module 210 is located in the center and the second led access module 220 is located around the first lid access module 210. The rotation operation and the slide operation for the first lid access module 210 and the second lid access module 220 can be controlled independently as shown in FIG. 2(c) and FIG. 2(d). As shown above, the first lid access module 210 and the second lid access module 220 are combined and installed to the tip of the robot arm together. The capping operation for the lid 110 to the tube body 120, the carrying operation for the sample storage tube 100 and the decapping operation for the lid 110 from the tube body 120 can be controlled by switching the control for the first lid access module 210 between the static state and rotation state, and switching the control for the second lid access module 220 between the static state and rotation state. These operations can be operated by one robot arm.

[0106] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned operations for the sample storage tube 100 by the lid access module 200 are described.

[The Lid Capping Operation]

[0107] The lid is carried to the requested position above the upper opening 122 of the sample storage tube body by the lid access module 200 of the robot arm. The lid position is set precisely.

[0108] During the carrying operation, the lid is pinched by the first lid access module 210 and the second lid access module 220 by the same mechanism of the sample storage tube carrying operation. The lid 110 does not fall from the lid access module 200, because the first lid access module 210 of the lid access module 200 is inserted and screwed into the lid dent inner screw 112 of the lid 100, and the edge of the second lid access module 220 contacts and connected to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113, the lid 110 is pinched by these lid access modules.

[0109] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the lid 110 contacts the upper opening of the tube body 120 by the positioning control of the robot arm. The second lid access module 220 of the lid access module 200 rotates, and the rotation torque from the second lid access module 220 is transmitted to the lid 110 via the connection between the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 and the second lid access module 220 as shown in FIG. 5(a). If the lid 110 rotates as shown above, the male screw 114 is screwed into the female screw 123 of the tube body 120, and the lid 110 is capped to the tube body 120. When finishing screwing the lid 110 to the tube body 120, the rotation of the second lid access module 220 stops.

[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the first lid access module 210 starts rotating for unscrewed direction against the lid dent inner screw 112. The first lid access module 210 keeps on rotating, and the first lid access module 210 leaves the lid dent inner screw 112 as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0111] Lastly, the lid access module 200 detaches from the lid 110 as shown in FIG. 6(b). The lid 110 caps the tube body 120 in this stage, then the capping operation for the lid 110 is finished.

[0112] The above-mentioned flows are the automatic operation for the lid capping operation.

[The Carrying Operation for the Sample Storage Tube]

[0113] Next, the carrying operation for the sample storage tube 100 is described below.

[0114] When the carrying operation starts after the lid capping operation subsequently, the carrying operation starts from the FIG. 5(b) state. Hereinafter, the carrying operation starts from the state in which the sample storage tube 100 has already been capped by the lid 110 and inserted to the rack in the predetermined position.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the lid access module 200 is positioned above the target sample storage tube 100 precisely by the positioning control of the robot arm.

[0116] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the lid access module 200 descends to the upper surface of the sample storage tube 100 and contacts it. The first lid access module 210 facing the lid dent inner screw 112 and the second lid access module 220 contacts and connects to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113.

[0117] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the second lid access module 220 connecting to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 is kept on stopping, while the first lid access module 210 rotates and screws into the lid dent inner screw 112. When the first lid access module 210 is screwed into the lid dent inner screw 112, the sample storage tube 100 and the lid access module 200 reach the same state shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the second lid access module 220 contacts with the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 and is kept stopped, while the first lid access module 210 rotates and screws into the dent inner screw 112. The first lid access module 210 does not change its position. Therefore, the pulling-up force is applied to the lid 110 as the first lid access module 210 screws up the lid dent inner screw 112. At the same time, the second lid access module 220 does not change its position. Therefore, the pushing-down force is applied to the lid 110 as the second lid access module 220 contacts with the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113. The lid is pinched by those pulling-up force and the pushing-down force, and the lid is held firmly by the lid access module 200 of the robot arm.

[0119] Next, as shown from the state shown in FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(b), the sample storage tube 100, with the lid 110 and the tube body 120 together, can be carried in a stable state according to the robot arm motion.

[0120] The above-mentioned steps are the automatic operation for the carrying operation.

[The Lid Decapping Operation]

[0121] Next, the lid decapping operation is described below. The decapping operation for decapping the lid 110 from the tube body 210 starts after the carrying operation subsequently, the decapping operation starts from the FIG. 8(b) state. Hereinafter, the decapping operation starts from the state whose the sample storage tube 100 has already been capped by the lid 110 and inserted to the rack in the predetermined position.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 9(a), the lid access module 200 is positioned above the target sample storage tube 100 precisely by the positioning control of the robot arm.

[0123] Next, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the lid access module 200 descends to the upper surface of the sample storage tube 100 and contacts to it. The first lid access module 210 facing to the lid dent inner screw 112 and the second lid access module 220 contacts and connects to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113.

[0124] Next, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the second lid access module 220 connecting to the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 is kept stopped, while the first lid access module 210 rotates and screws into the lid dent inner screw 112. When the first lid access module 210 is screwed into the lid dent inner screw 112, the sample storage tube 100 and the lid access module 200 reach the same state shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the first lid access module 210 is kept stopped, while the second lid access module 220 rotates in the unscrewing direction for unscrewing the lid 110 and the tube body 120. The first lid access module 210 can rotate in the same direction as the second lid access module 220 rotates.

[0126] Then, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the rotation torque is transmitted to the lid 110 by the lid access module 200 via the connection between the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 and the second lid access module 220. As the lid 110 rotates while the tube body stays stopped in the rack, the male screw 114 of the lid 110 and the female screw 123 of the tube body 120 unscrew from each other, and the lid 110 is detached from the tube body 120.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the lid 110 is detached from the tube body 120 while the first lid access module 210 is remains connected to the lid dent inner screw 112, the lid 110 is held firmly by the lid access module 200 of the robot arm. This is the same state as FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 8(a).

[0128] The sample storage tube 100, which the lid 110 and the tube body 120 are jointed together, can be carried in a stable state according to the robot arm motion.

[0129] The above-mentioned flows are the automatic operation for the lid decapping operation.

Embodiment 2

[0130] The second sample storage tube 100a in embodiment 2 according to the present invention is described. In the second sample storage tube 100a shown in this embodiment 2, the lid 110a is an outer screw type lid.

[0131] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the structure of the sample storage tube 100 in which the lid 110a is an outer screw type lid.

[0132] FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view showing the sample storage tube 100a capping with the lid 110a.

[0133] FIG. 12(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the sample storage tube which the lid 110a is decapped state.

[0134] FIG. 12(c) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the sample storage tube which the lid 110a is capped state.

[0135] FIG. 12(d) is a schematic view showing the operation for contacting the lid access module 200 to the upper surface of the lid 110a.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the tube body 120a comprises a male screw 124 that is provided at the outer side surface near the upper opening as an outer screw, while the lid 110a comprises a female screw 115 that corresponds to the male screw 114 of the tube body 120.

[0137] Regarding the operation, as with embodiment 1, the first lid access module 210 can access the lid dent inner screw 112 and the second lid access module 220 can access the lid top recession and protrusion shape structure 113 as shown in FIG. 12(d).

Embodiment 3

[0138] Embodiment 3 shows the example of the carrying of the identification code written in the side surface or bottom of the tube body 120 by printing or sticking according to the present invention as described below.

[0139] When using a plurality of sample storage tube 100 at the same time, each sample storage tube should be recognized independently because each sample storage tube acts as independent storage. In order to recognize each sample storage, each sample storage carries the identification code information such as a barcode or two-dimensional code supporting the management information are provided on the side surface area and bottom surface of the sample storage tube 100. In order to manage each sample storage tube independently, the identification code information should be read and managed by the management system.

[0140] FIG. 13(a) is a schematic view of the example which carries the writable film around the tube body 120. The writable film can turn its color by laser marking as the identification code writable area 125. By installing this identification code writable area 125, the identification code can be written by turning its color by laser marking. As shown in FIG. 13(b), the identification code writable area 126 can be installed to the bottom of the lid 110.

[0141] In this example, barcode is written in the identification code writable area 125 on the side wall of the tube body 120b, two-dimensional code is written in the identification code writable area 126 on the bottom surface of the tube body 120b.

[0142] While some preferable embodiments of the sample storage according to the present invention are described above, it should be understood that various changes are possible, without deviating from the technical scope according to the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope according to the present invention is limited only by the claims attached.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0143] A sample storage tube according to the present invention can be employed as sample storage tube such as micro tube used extensively for storing a large number of samples.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0144] 100 Sample storage tube

[0145] 110 Lid

[0146] 111 Lid body

[0147] 112 Lid dent inner screw

[0148] 113 Lid top recession and protrusion shape structure

[0149] 114 Male screw

[0150] 115 female screw

[0151] 120 tube body

[0152] 121 Body

[0153] 122 Opening

[0154] 123 Male screw

[0155] 124 Female screw

[0156] 125 Identification code writable area

[0157] 126 Identification code writable area

[0158] 200 lid access module

[0159] 210 First lid access module

[0160] 220 Second lid access module