Liquid-based sample preparation device and splitting mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid-based sample preparation device and a splitting mechanism, wherein the splitting mechanism includes a conveying component, a first splitting component, and a second splitting component. After the sedimentation module is settled, the sedimentation module is set on the conveying component so that the sedimentation module is transported to the first splitting station through the conveying component. The first splitting component is used to clamp the sedimentation tube of the sedimentation module at the first splitting station to separate the sedimentation tube from the placement seat. The sedimentation module without the sedimentation tube is transported to the second splitting station through the conveying component. The second splitting component is used to clamp the glass slide of the sedimentation module at the second splitting station to separate the glass slide from the placement seat. Since the separation of the sedimentation tube and the glass slide is completed by different stations in the above-mentioned splitting mechanism, interference during the splitting process is avoided and the splitting efficiency can be effectively improved. The above-mentioned splitting mechanism avoids manual splitting, and further avoids damaging the glass slide during the splitting process, thereby ensuring the stability of the splitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, in particular to a liquid-based sample preparation device and a splitting mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Liquid-based cytology uses a liquid-based thin-layer cell detection system to detect cells and perform cytological classification and diagnosis. During the preparation of liquid-based sample slides, a sedimentation tube is generally placed on a glass slide, a gradient separation solution is added to the sedimentation tube, and the sample is added to the sedimentation tube with the gradient separation solution to allow the sample to settle on the glass slide. However, the traditional method generally requires manual removal of the sedimentation tube from the glass slide, which is not only inefficient, but also easily damages the sample on the glass slide during the sedimentation process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a liquid-based sample preparation device and splitting mechanism that improves the efficiency and stability of splitting in order to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] A splitting mechanism comprises a conveying component, a first splitting component and a second splitting component, wherein the conveying component is used to convey a sedimentation module, and a first splitting station and a second splitting station are defined along the conveying direction of the conveying component; wherein the sedimentation module comprises a placement seat, a glass slide mounted on the placement seat and a sedimentation tube; the first splitting component is used to clamp the sedimentation tube at the first splitting station to separate the sedimentation tube from the placement seat; the second splitting component is used to clamp the glass slide at the second splitting station to separate the glass slide from the placement seat.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first splitting component includes a first moving part and a first clamping part, the first clamping part is arranged on the first moving part, the first moving part is used to drive the first clamping part to move toward or away from the conveying component, and the first clamping part is used to clamp the sedimentation tube.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first splitting component also includes a first rotating member, and the first clamping member is arranged on the first rotating member; wherein, a limiting portion is provided on the outer wall of the sedimentation tube, a slot is provided on the placement seat, and a limiting groove is provided on the inner side wall of the slot, and the sedimentation tube can drive the limiting portion to rotate from the slot to the limiting groove; the first rotating member is used to drive the first clamping member to drive the sedimentation tube to rotate relative to the placement seat, so that the limiting portion is rotated out of the limiting groove.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first splitting component further includes a first displacement member, the first moving member is disposed on the first displacement member, and the first displacement member is used to drive the first moving member to drive the first clamping member to move between the first splitting station and the dyeing station.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second splitting component includes a second moving part and a second clamping part, the second clamping part is arranged on the second moving part, the second moving part is used to drive the second clamping part to move toward or away from the conveying component, and the second clamping part is used to clamp the slide.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second splitting assembly further includes a second rotating member, the second clamping member is disposed on the second rotating member, and the second rotating member is used to drive the second clamping member to drive the slide to rotate on a vertical plane; and / or

[0010] In one embodiment, the second splitting assembly further includes a loading member, which is located behind the second splitting station and is used to load the slides on the second clamping member into a slide basket.

[0011] In one embodiment, the splitting mechanism further includes a positioning component, which is disposed on one side of the conveying component and is used to clamp the placement seat on the conveying component.

[0012] In one embodiment, the positioning assembly further includes a second displacement member and a positioning member, the positioning member is arranged on the second displacement member, the second displacement member is used to drive the positioning member to move between the first splitting station and the second splitting station, and the positioning member is used to clamp the placement seat.

[0013] A liquid-based sample preparation device comprises the above-mentioned splitting mechanism.

[0014] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device further includes a natural sedimentation mechanism and a shaping mechanism, wherein the natural sedimentation mechanism is provided at the sedimentation station and is used for the sedimentation module to perform natural sedimentation, and the shaping mechanism is provided at the shaping station and is used for dehydrating and fixing the glass slide to form a sample substrate, wherein the sedimentation station is located behind the first splitting station, and the shaping station is located in front of the second splitting station;

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device further includes a staining mechanism, which is disposed at a staining station and is used to stain the glass slide. The staining station is located between the sedimentation station and the first splitting station.

[0016] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device further includes a preparation mechanism, which is disposed at a preparation station located behind the staining station, and is used to add the sample to the slide;

[0017] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device further includes an output mechanism, which is disposed at an output station located in front of the shaping station, and is used to output the sample substrate.

[0018] The above-mentioned liquid-based sample preparation device and splitting mechanism, after the sedimentation module has been settled, the sedimentation module is set on the conveying assembly, so that the sedimentation module is transported to the first splitting station through the conveying assembly. The first splitting assembly is used to clamp the sedimentation tube of the sedimentation module at the first splitting station to separate the sedimentation tube from the placement seat. The sedimentation module with the sedimentation tube removed is further transported to the second splitting station through the conveying assembly. The second splitting assembly is used to clamp the slide of the sedimentation module at the second splitting station to separate the slide from the placement seat, so as to facilitate subsequent processing operations on the split slide. Since the splitting of the sedimentation tube and the slide is completed by different stations in the above-mentioned splitting mechanism, interference during the splitting process is avoided and the splitting efficiency can be effectively improved. The above-mentioned splitting mechanism is used to avoid manual splitting, and then it can avoid damaging the slide during the splitting process, thereby ensuring the stability of the splitting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a sedimentation module in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the middle sedimentation module;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a substrate basket in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 For slide loading Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure inside the slide basket shown;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a liquid-based sample preparation device provided in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5The three-dimensional structure diagram of the liquid-based sample preparation device shown in another perspective;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A top view of the liquid-based sample preparation device shown;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Structural diagram of the loading and picking mechanism and the film-making mechanism;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the natural sedimentation mechanism, shaping mechanism, splitting mechanism and dyeing mechanism;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the natural settlement mechanism;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the splitting mechanism;

[0030] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of the first split component in FIG;

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the conveying component in FIG.

[0032] Figure 14 for Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of the second split component in FIG.

[0033] Figure 15 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the output mechanism;

[0034] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of the weighing component.

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] 100, sedimentation module, 110, slide, 120, sedimentation tube, 122, limiting portion, 130, placement seat, 131, slot, 132, insertion port, 133, limiting slot, 140, filter element, 142, filter portion, 144, support portion, 146, filter hole, 150, slide basket, 152, basket body, 154, handle, 156, slot, 160, output cylinder;

[0037] 20. Liquid-based sample preparation device, 202. Base frame, 200. Preparation mechanism, 210. Reagent addition module, 220. Sample aspirator pickup arm, 230. Sample storage rack, 240. Sample aspirator storage rack, 250. Sample rack, 260. Printing module, 300. Natural sedimentation mechanism, 310. Multi-layer sedimentation rack, 320. Sedimentation rack pickup arm, 400. Staining mechanism;

[0038] 500, splitting mechanism, 510, conveying assembly, 520, first splitting assembly, 521, first moving member, 522, first clamping member, 523, first rotating member, 524, first displacement member, 530, second splitting assembly, 531, second moving member, 532, second clamping member, 533, second rotating member, 534, loading member, 540, positioning assembly, 542, power member, 544, clamping arm;

[0039] 700. Shaping mechanism, 710. Slide basket picking arm, 720. Dehydration fixing rack, 800. Output mechanism, 810. Transport assembly, 812. Transport part, 820. Weighing assembly, 822. Weighing part, 824. Lifting part, 825. Guide part, 826. Mounting part, 827. Guide hole, 900. Loading and picking mechanism, 910. Sedimentation module storage rack, 920. Sedimentation module picking arm, 930. Sedimentation module transport part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more readily apparent, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth numerous specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0041] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the sedimentation module 100 includes a glass slide 110 and a sedimentation tube 120, which is placed on the glass slide 110. A gradient separation solution is added to the sedimentation tube 120, and a sample is added to the sedimentation tube 120 to sediment the sample on the glass slide 110.

[0042] Specifically, the sedimentation module 100 also includes a placement seat 130, on which the sedimentation tube 120 and the glass slide 110 are mounted. Furthermore, the placement seat 130 is provided with a slot 131 that extends through the top surface of the placement seat 130. The glass slide 110 is placed into the slot 131 from one side of the top surface of the placement seat 130. The slot 131 further extends through the side wall of the placement seat 130 to form an insertion port 132. The sedimentation tube 120 is placed on the glass slide 110 from the top surface of the placement seat 130.

[0043] Furthermore, a limiting portion 122 is provided on the outer wall of the sedimentation tube 120, and a limiting groove 133 is provided on the inner sidewall of the insertion slot 131. The sedimentation tube 120 can drive the limiting portion 122 to rotate from the insertion slot 131 into the limiting groove 133. In this embodiment, the limiting groove 133 is provided on the inner sidewall of the insertion opening 132. The sedimentation tube 120 drives the limiting groove 133 to rotate on the glass slide 110, allowing the limiting portion 122 to rotate into the limiting groove 133. The cooperation between the limiting portion 122 and the limiting groove 133 restricts the sedimentation tube 120 from moving away from the glass slide 110. When the sedimentation tube 120 is rotated on the glass slide 110, so that the limiting portion 122 rotates out of the limiting groove 133, the sedimentation tube 120 can be removed from the glass slide 110.

[0044] Optionally, there are at least two limiting portions 122, which are spaced apart circumferentially around the sedimentation tube 120. Limiting grooves 133 are defined on opposing inner sidewalls of the insertion opening 132. At least one limiting portion 122 can be inserted into one limiting groove 133, and at least another limiting portion 122 can be inserted into another limiting groove 133. The cooperation of the at least two limiting portions 122 and the limiting grooves 133 improves the stability of the sedimentation tube 120 in the upper position on the placement seat 130, thereby improving the stability of the sedimentation tube 120 placed on the slide 110.

[0045] In one embodiment, the sedimentation module 100 further includes a filter element 140, which can be placed in the sedimentation tube 120 on the side of the sedimentation tube 120 facing away from the glass slide 110. Specifically, the filter element 140 includes a filter portion 142 and a support portion 144. The support portion 144 is provided with a filter hole 146. The filter portion 142 is disposed on the support portion 144 and covers the filter hole 146. The support portion 144 can be placed on the end surface of the sedimentation tube 120 facing away from the glass slide 110. Optionally, the radial dimension of the support portion 144 along the sedimentation tube 120 is greater than the radial dimension of the sedimentation tube 120. By providing the filter element 140, the liquid injected into the sedimentation tube 120 can be filtered.

[0046] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the slide basket 150 is a fixture used during the slide preparation process. After the slide basket 150 is provided to the liquid-based sample preparation device, the corresponding mechanism in the liquid-based sample preparation device can load the prepared slides 110 into the slide basket 150. In one embodiment, the slide basket 150 includes a basket body 152 and a handle 154 provided on the basket body 152. The handle 154 can be grasped to facilitate the transfer of the slide basket 150. The basket body 152 is provided with a plurality of slots 156 for placing the slides 110. The number of slots 156 can be set according to actual needs.

[0047] It is understood that the above-mentioned slide basket 150 is only an example, and the carrying function of the slide basket 150 can be replaced by other similar fixtures, or the liquid-based sample preparation device can directly output the prepared slides 110.

[0048] See Figures 5 to 7 The liquid-based sample preparation device 20 in one embodiment includes a preparation mechanism 200, a natural sedimentation mechanism 300, a staining mechanism 400, a separation mechanism 500, a shaping mechanism 700, and an output mechanism 800. The preparation mechanism 200 is located at the preparation station and is used to add the sample to the glass slide 110; the natural sedimentation mechanism 300 is located at the sedimentation station and is used to cause the sedimentation module 100 to naturally sediment; the staining mechanism 400 is located at the staining station and is used to stain the glass slide 110; the separation mechanism 500 is located at the separation station and is used to separate the sedimentation tube 120 and the glass slide 110, and insert the separated glass slide 110 into the slide basket 150; and the shaping mechanism 700 is located at the shaping station and is used to dehydrate and fix the glass slide 110 to form a sample substrate. The output mechanism 800 is provided at the output station and is used to output the sample substrate. The slide preparation station, sedimentation station, staining station, splitting station, shaping station, and output station are sequentially arranged so that the slide 110 being processed passes through the corresponding mechanisms of these stations in sequence.

[0049] During use, the sedimentation module 100 is transferred to the slide preparation mechanism 200, which adds the sample to the slide 110. The natural sedimentation mechanism 300 allows the sedimentation module 100, after adding the sample, to naturally sediment. The staining mechanism 400 stains the slide 110 in the sedimentation module 100 after natural sedimentation. The separation mechanism 500 is used to remove the stained slide 110 from the sedimentation module 100 and load it into the slide basket 150. The shaping mechanism 700 dehydrates and fixes the slide 110 in the slide basket 150. Finally, the output mechanism 800 outputs the prepared sample substrate.

[0050] When in use, it is only necessary to place the assembled sedimentation module 100 at the preparation mechanism 200, and set a spare slide basket 150 between the shaping mechanism 700 and the splitting mechanism 500. Then, the other intermediate steps of the entire preparation, such as sample sampling, natural sedimentation, staining, collection of slides 110, dehydration and fixation, sample substrate output and other steps, can be automatically completed by the liquid-based sample preparation device 20 to obtain the prepared sample slides 110. The above-mentioned entire preparation process only requires the user to provide raw materials, consumables and jigs on the periphery, and all intermediate processes do not require manual intervention, so the degree of automation is high, which can greatly improve the preparation efficiency. At the same time, because the intervention of manual operation is reduced, the number of times that devices such as slides 110 need to be manually transferred is reduced, and they do not need to be exposed to the external environment, which also reduces the risk of these devices being contaminated in the external environment, so that the safety of preparation and the accuracy of the results can be improved.

[0051] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device 20 further includes a base frame 202 , on which the preparation mechanism 200 , the natural sedimentation mechanism 300 , the staining mechanism 400 , the separation mechanism 500 , the shaping mechanism 700 , and the output mechanism 800 are all disposed.

[0052] Specifically, the base frame 202 serves as a carrier for all other components within the liquid-based sample preparation device 20. The base frame 202 may be a plate-like structure. Alternatively, the base frame 202 may be a housing or frame structure including supporting members such as a support plate and support rods. Support legs or wheels may be mounted on the base frame 202 to facilitate installation and movement of the liquid-based sample preparation device 20. Unless otherwise specified, the specific components of each functional unit described below may be directly or indirectly secured to the base frame 202.

[0053] See Figure 8 In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation device 20 further includes a loading and picking mechanism 900, which includes a sedimentation module storage rack 910, a sedimentation module pickup arm 920, and a sedimentation module conveyor 930. The sedimentation module storage rack 910 is used to store spare sedimentation modules 100. Sedimentation modules 100 loaded with spare slides 110 are placed in the sedimentation module storage rack 910. The sedimentation module pickup arm 920 is used to transport the sedimentation modules 100 stored in the sedimentation module storage rack 910 to the sedimentation module conveyor 930. The sedimentation module conveyor 930 then transfers the sedimentation modules 100 to the preparation mechanism 200.

[0054] The terms used in this application include but are not limited to "pick-up arm", "output arm", "gripping part", and "loading part", which can be various types of multi-axis manipulators, such as a two-axis manipulator, a three-axis manipulator, a four-axis manipulator, etc. The degree of freedom of movement of the "arm" can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, four-dimensional, etc., and can be flexibly selected and matched according to the functions to be implemented. Unless otherwise specified below, they will not be repeated. For example, the sedimentation module picking arm 920 here can be a three-axis manipulator with a clamping claw at the end, which can move in the front, back, left, right, up and down directions of the base frame 202, and use the clamping claw to grab the sedimentation module 100 stored in the sedimentation module storage rack 910, and release the grabbed sedimentation module 100 at a suitable position on the sedimentation module conveyor 930.

[0055] The terms used in this application include but are not limited to "conveyor parts", "transporting parts", "moving parts" and "displacement parts", which can be a travel transmission structure formed by a transmission part with its own power source, such as a travel channel formed by a belt, chain, slide rail, etc.; it can also be a travel route formed by a virtual space delineated on a specific carrier, and the target object is moved in the travel route with the help of the force of external power parts such as push rods, push blocks, and clamps. The specific types of conveying, shipping or movement can be flexibly selected and matched according to the functions to be achieved and the components to be coordinated therewith, and will not be repeated below unless otherwise specified. For example, the sedimentation module conveyor part 930 here is a belt driven by a motor, and the sedimentation module conveyor part 930 can transport the sedimentation module 100 in the direction of the film-making mechanism 200.

[0056] See Figure 8 In one embodiment, the sedimentation module storage rack 910 is located on one side of the base frame 202, for example, the bottom side of the base frame 202. The sedimentation module picking arm 920 and the sedimentation module conveying member 930 are located on the other side of the base frame 202, for example, the top side of the base frame 202. The sedimentation module picking arm 920 passes through the base frame 202 to transport the sedimentation module 100 in the sedimentation module storage rack 910 to the sedimentation module conveying member 930. By reasonably arranging the position of the sedimentation module storage rack 910, the internal space of the liquid-based sample preparation device 20 can be fully utilized and the overall volume can be reduced. In addition, the sedimentation module storage rack 910 is arranged on the bottom side of the base frame 202, which is also convenient for users to add spare sedimentation modules 100 to the liquid-based sample preparation device 20, bringing convenience in operation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the base frame 202 has a through hole for the subsidence module pickup arm 920 to pass through. In other embodiments, the through hole can be replaced by a notch, or when the base frame 202 is a frame structure rather than a plate structure, the subsidence module pickup arm 920 can pass through the hollow frame structure, while other structures such as the subsidence module conveyor 930 can be fixed to the frame structure.

[0058] See Figure 8 In one embodiment, the film-making mechanism 200 includes a reagent adding module 210. The reagent adding module 210 is disposed on the base frame 202. The reagent adding module 210 is used to add a gradient separation solution to the sedimentation module 100 on the sedimentation module transport member 930. In other embodiments, this module can be used to add other reagents.

[0059] In one embodiment, the film-making mechanism 200 also includes a sample aspiration needle picking arm 220, a sample storage rack 230 and a sample aspiration needle storage rack 240. The sample aspiration needle picking arm 220 is used to pick up the sample aspiration needle in the sample aspiration needle storage rack 220, and use the sample aspiration needle to collect samples in the sample container of the sample storage rack 230 and then add them to the sedimentation module 100.

[0060] Specifically, the sedimentation module conveyor 930 can be extended to the length of the slab preparation mechanism 200. In this way, the sample aspirator pickup arm 220 and the sample storage rack 230 in the slab preparation mechanism 200 can be located on one side of the sedimentation module conveyor 930 to facilitate operations such as sample addition. The sedimentation module conveyor 930 can also be a structure with multiple conveyors connected in series, and the conveyor located on one side of the slab preparation mechanism 200 can also be considered as an integral part of the slab preparation mechanism 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that this arrangement does not differ in terms of functional implementation.

[0061] In one embodiment, the sample needle storage rack 210 can be located in the same position as the sedimentation module storage rack 910, both located on the bottom side of the base frame 202. Alternatively, the sample needle pickup arm 220 and the sample storage rack 230 can be located on the top side of the base frame 202. Alternatively, the specific structure and operating principle of the sample needle pickup arm 220 can refer to the sedimentation module pickup arm 920. The process of the sample needle pickup arm 220 picking up the sample needle 211 and then puncturing and sampling the container on the sample storage rack 230 can also be implemented by referring to existing structures and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sample rack 230 is disposed at the front end of the base frame 202 to facilitate user provision of sample racks 250. In some embodiments, the movement of sample racks 250 to and from the sample rack 230 can also be automated by providing corresponding mechanisms.

[0063] In one embodiment, the slide production mechanism 200 further includes a printing module 260. The printing module 260 is disposed on the base frame 202 and is configured to print an identification code on the glass slide 110 assembled within the sedimentation module 100 and mounted on the sedimentation module conveyor 930. The glass slide 110 printed with the identification code facilitates subsequent identification, tracking, and traceability management.

[0064] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the natural sedimentation mechanism 300 includes a multi-layer sedimentation frame 310 and a sedimentation frame picking arm 320. The multi-layer sedimentation frame 310 and the sedimentation frame picking arm 320 are both arranged on the base frame 202. The sedimentation frame picking arm 320 is used to transfer the sedimentation module 100 after the sample is loaded by the film-making mechanism 200 to the multi-layer sedimentation frame 310. Specifically, the sedimentation frame picking arm 320 transfers the sedimentation module 100 located on the sedimentation module conveying member 930 to the multi-layer sedimentation frame 310. Since the natural sedimentation time is relatively long, in order to increase redundant space, the multi-layer sedimentation frame 310 is provided with a storage position that can store multiple sedimentation modules 100.

[0065] Optionally, the sedimentation rack pickup arm 320 is also used to transfer the sedimentation modules 100 on the multi-layer sedimentation rack 310 after sedimentation to the dyeing mechanism 400, which dyes the glass slides 110 in the sedimentation modules 100. After dyeing by the dyeing mechanism 400, the sedimentation modules 100 are transferred to the disassembly mechanism 500 for disassembly and loading of consumables. It will be appreciated that a conveyor for transporting the sedimentation modules 100 is also provided between the dyeing mechanism 400 and the disassembly mechanism 500, but this is not detailed here.

[0066] See Figure 9 and Figure 11 In one embodiment, the splitting mechanism 500 includes a conveying assembly 510, a first splitting assembly 520, and a second splitting assembly 530. The conveying assembly 510 is used to transport the sedimentation module 100. A first splitting station and a second splitting station are defined along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 510. That is, the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 510 is from the first splitting station to the second splitting station. The first splitting assembly 520 is used to clamp the sedimentation tube 120 at the first splitting station to separate the sedimentation tube 120 from the placement seat 130. The second splitting assembly 530 is used to clamp the slide 110 at the second splitting station to separate the slide 110 from the placement seat 130. In this embodiment, the first splitting station is located behind the staining station, and the second splitting station is located between the first splitting station and the shaping station. The insertion port 132 of the placement seat 130 is arranged toward the second splitting assembly 530.

[0067] During splitting, the sedimentation module 100 is transported to the conveying assembly 510 by the dyeing mechanism 400 so that the sedimentation module 100 is transported to the first splitting station by the conveying assembly 510. The first splitting assembly 520 is utilized to clamp the sedimentation tube 120 of the sedimentation module 100 at the first splitting station so that the sedimentation tube 120 is separated from the placement seat 130, and then the sedimentation tube 120 is removed from the sedimentation module 100. The sedimentation module 100 with the sedimentation tube 120 removed is further transported to the second splitting station by the conveying assembly 510. The second splitting assembly 530 is utilized to clamp the slide glass 110 of the sedimentation module 100 at the second splitting station so that the slide glass 110 is separated from the placement seat 130 so that the slide glass 110 after splitting is subjected to subsequent processing operations. The above-mentioned splitting mechanism 500 is completed by different stations because the separation of the sedimentation tube 120 and the slide glass 110 is respectively completed, avoiding interference during the splitting process and effectively improving the splitting efficiency. The above-mentioned splitting mechanism 500 is used to avoid manual splitting, thereby preventing the slide glass 110 from being damaged during the splitting process, thereby ensuring the stability of the splitting.

[0068] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the first disassembly assembly 520 includes a first moving member 521 and a first clamping member 522. The first clamping member 522 is disposed on the first moving member 521. The first moving member 521 is used to drive the first clamping member 522 to move toward or away from the conveying assembly 510. The first clamping member 522 is used to clamp the sedimentation tube 120. The provision of the first clamping member 522 facilitates clamping of the sedimentation tube 120. The provision of the first moving member 521 facilitates the movement of the sedimentation tube 120 away from the slide 110 by the first clamping member 522, thereby enabling the disassembly of the sedimentation tube 120.

[0069] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the sedimentation module 100, because the support portion 144 of the filter element 140 has a larger radial dimension than the sedimentation tube 120, the first clamping member 522 can first clamp onto the support portion 144 of the filter element 140 before clamping the sedimentation tube 120, thereby removing the filter element 140 from the sedimentation tube 120. The first moving member 521 then drives the first clamping member 522 to clamp the sedimentation tube 120, thereby removing the sedimentation tube 120 from the glass slide 110.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first moving member 521 can be a cylinder, an electric push rod, or other components that can move the first clamping member 522. In other embodiments, the first moving member 521 can also be other components that can move the first clamping member 522, such as a gear rack transmission mechanism.

[0071] Specifically, the first splitting assembly 520 further includes a first rotating member 523, the first clamping member 522 is disposed on the first rotating member 523, and the first rotating member 523 is used to drive the first clamping member 522 to drive the sedimentation tube 120 to rotate relative to the placement seat 130. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Because the limiting portion 122 is provided on the outer wall of the sedimentation tube 120 and the limiting portion 122 can be screwed into the limiting groove 133 of the placement seat 130, when the sedimentation tube 120 is removed, the first clamping member 522 is used to clamp the sedimentation tube 120, and the first rotating member 523 is used to drive the first clamping member 522 to rotate the sedimentation tube 120, so that the limiting portion 122 is screwed out of the limiting groove 133 of the placement seat 130. After the limiting portion 122 and the limiting groove 133 are released, the first moving member 521 drives the first clamping member 522 to clamp the sedimentation tube 120 and move it away from the slide 110, and the sedimentation tube 120 is transferred to the recovery device, thereby achieving the reuse of the sedimentation tube 120. Furthermore, the first clamping member 522 is disposed on the first rotating member 523 via the first moving member 521 , and the first rotating member 523 can drive the first moving member 521 and the first clamping member 522 to rotate simultaneously.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first rotating member 523 is a rotating motor. In other embodiments, the first rotating member 523 can also be a transmission member driven by a motor, which drives the first clamping member 522 to rotate.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first splitting assembly 520 further includes a first displacement member 524, wherein the first moving member 521 is arranged on the first displacement member 524, and the first displacement member 524 is used to drive the first moving member 521 to drive the first clamping member 522 to move between the first splitting station and the dyeing station. After the dyeing of the sedimentation module 100 is completed, the first clamping member 522 can be clamped by the dyeing station to the sedimentation tube 120, and the entire sedimentation module 100 can be clamped by utilizing the cooperation of the limiting portion 122 on the sedimentation tube 120 and the limiting groove 133 of the placement seat 130. The first moving member 521 is moved on the first displacement member 524 so that the sedimentation module 100 is displaced onto the conveying assembly 510 and is located at the first splitting station. The first clamping member 522 is driven to rotate again by the first rotating member 523 so that the sedimentation tube 120 and the placement seat 130 are released from the limiting cooperation, thereby realizing the removal of the sedimentation tube 120.

[0074] In other embodiments, the first displacement member 524 is used to convey the sedimentation module 100, and the first splitting station and the dyeing station are defined respectively along the conveying direction of the first displacement member 524. The sedimentation module 100 is placed on the first displacement member 524, and the sedimentation module 100 after dyeing can be moved to the first splitting station by utilizing the first displacement member 524, so that the first splitting assembly 520 can split the sedimentation tube 120. In another embodiment, the first displacement member 524 can also be omitted. Perhaps, one end of the conveying assembly 510 can also further extend to the dyeing station, and the conveying direction of the conveying assembly 510 is from the dyeing station to the first splitting station, and from the first splitting station to the direction of the second splitting station. The sedimentation module 100 is placed on the conveying assembly 510, so that the sedimentation module 100 passes through the dyeing station, the first splitting station and the second splitting station successively.

[0075] See also Figure 11 and Figure 13 In one embodiment, the conveyor assembly 510 is a belt structure. In other embodiments, the conveyor assembly 510 may also be a roller conveyor structure or other conveyor structure. In another embodiment, the conveyor assembly 510 may be omitted, and the first and second disassembly assemblies 520 and 530 may be located on either side of the sedimentation module 100. The first disassembly assemblies 520 may first remove the sedimentation tube 120, and the second disassembly assemblies 530 may further disassemble the slides 110.

[0076] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism 500 further includes a positioning assembly 540 disposed on one side of the conveying assembly 510. The positioning assembly 540 is used to clamp the placement seat 130 on the conveying assembly 510. The positioning assembly 540 clamps the placement seat 130, thereby improving the efficiency of separating the sedimentation tube 120 and / or the slide 110 and preventing the placement seat 130 from moving synchronously during the removal of the sedimentation tube 120 and / or the slide 110, thereby affecting the stability of the separation.

[0077] In one embodiment, the positioning assembly 540 also includes a second displacement member and a positioning member, the positioning member is arranged on the second displacement member, the second displacement member is used to drive the positioning member to move between the first splitting station and the second splitting station, and the positioning member is used to clamp the placement seat 130 located at the first splitting station or the second splitting station.

[0078] In one embodiment, the positioning member includes a power member 542 and two opposing clamping arms 544. The power member 542 is used to drive the two clamping arms 544 to move relative to each other to clamp the placement seat 130 located between the two clamping arms 544. Specifically, the clamping arms 544 located between the second clamping member 532 and the conveying assembly 510 may further be provided with an escape groove. The size of the escape groove is larger than the size of the insertion port 132, thereby facilitating the second clamping member 532 to remove the slide 110 through the escape groove.

[0079] In other embodiments, two positioning assemblies 540 may be provided, wherein the two positioning assemblies 540 are respectively located at the first splitting station and the second splitting station. The positioning assembly 540 located at the first splitting station can clamp the placement seat 130 during the removal of the sedimentation tube 120, thereby improving the stability of the removal of the sedimentation tube 120. The positioning assembly 540 located at the second splitting station can clamp the placement seat 130 during the splitting of the slide glass 110, thereby improving the stability of the splitting of the slide glass 110.

[0080] In one embodiment, the other end of the conveying assembly 510 is positioned opposite a recycling device, and the disassembled placement seat 130 can be further transported by the conveying assembly 510 and dropped to the recycling device. During the disassembly of the sedimentation module 100 by the disassembly mechanism 500, the filter element 140, the sedimentation tube 120, and the placement seat 130 can all be transferred to the recycling device located at the bottom side of the base frame 202. These consumables can then be collected and processed for manual recycling or reuse.

[0081] See also Figure 11 and Figure 14 In one embodiment, the second splitting assembly 530 includes a second moving member 531 and a second clamping member 532. The second clamping member 532 is disposed on the second moving member 531. The second moving member 531 is used to drive the second clamping member 532 to move toward or away from the conveying assembly 510. The second clamping member 532 is used to clamp the glass slide 110. Specifically, since the insertion port 132 on the placement seat 130 is facing the second splitting assembly 530, the movement direction of the first moving member 521 is the direction in which the insertion port 132 is facing away from the slot 131. The second moving member 531 drives the second clamping member 532 to move toward the insertion port 132, and the second clamping member 532 is used to clamp the glass slide 110 from one side of the insertion port 132. Furthermore, the second moving member 531 drives the second clamping member 532 to clamp the glass slide 110 and move it in a direction away from the insertion port 132 , so that the glass slide 110 is pulled out of the slot 131 through the insertion port 132 , thereby separating the glass slide 110 from the placement seat 130 .

[0082] In one embodiment, the second splitting component 530 also includes a second rotating member 533, and the second clamping member 532 is arranged on the second rotating member 533. The second rotating member 533 is used to drive the second clamping member 532 to drive the glass slide 110 to rotate on a vertical plane. Since the glass slide 110 is horizontally placed in the slot 131 of the placement seat 130, when the second moving member 531 drives the second clamping member 532 to pull out the glass slide 110, the glass slide 110 is now set in a horizontal state. The second rotating member 533 drives the second clamping member 532 to drive the glass slide 110 to rotate on a vertical plane, so that the glass slide 110 is rotated from a horizontal setting state to a vertical setting state. This is to facilitate the subsequent installation of the glass slide 110 into the glass slide basket 150. For ease of understanding, Figure 9 The figure also shows the state of the second splitting component 530 extracting the slide 110 in a horizontal state, and in a vertical state after being rotated 90 degrees.

[0083] In this embodiment, the second rotating member 533 is a rotary motor. In other embodiments, the second rotating member 533 can also be a transmission member driven by a motor, which drives the second clamping member 532 to rotate.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the second splitting assembly 530 further includes a loading member 534, located behind the second splitting station. The loading member 534 is used to load the glass slide 110 from the second gripping member 532 into the glass slide basket 150. Specifically, the loading member 534 is located opposite the end of the second movable member 531 away from the conveying assembly 510. After the second movable member 531 drives the second gripping member 532 to extract the glass slide 110, the loading member 534 places the gripped glass slide 110 into the glass slide basket 150 to facilitate subsequent processing operations on the glass slide 110. Furthermore, the loading member 534 grips the glass slide 110 in a vertical position and places it into the glass slide basket 150.

[0085] During the preparation process, the sample slide 110 needs to be dehydrated and fixed using alcohol, xylene, etc., depending on the specific type of the sample slide 110 . This step is completed in the shaping mechanism 700 .

[0086] like Figure 9As shown, in one embodiment, the shaping mechanism 700 includes a slide basket pickup arm 710 and a dehydration rack 720. After the loading unit 600 loads the slides 110 into the slide basket 150, the slide basket pickup arm 710 transfers the slide basket 150 to the dehydration rack 720. The slides 110 in the slide basket 150 are dehydrated and fixed in the dehydration rack 720 to form sample substrates. The dehydration rack 720 can have multiple storage locations so that the dehydration and fixing operations can be performed in batches. The multiple storage locations on the dehydration rack 720 also facilitate the sequential processing of the slides 110 in the slide basket 150, such as soaking them in different concentrations of alcohol or xylene for different periods of time.

[0087] See Figure 1 and Figure 12 The dehydrated and fixed sample substrates are then output by the output mechanism 800. In one embodiment, the output mechanism 800 includes a transport assembly 810. The output cylinder 160 can be placed on the transport assembly 810, and the dehydrated and fixed slide basket 150 can be placed in the output cylinder 160. The transport assembly 810 transports the output cylinder 160 to a designated location.

[0088] In one embodiment, the output mechanism 800 further includes a weighing assembly 820. The transport assembly 810 includes at least two spaced apart transport members 812. The different transport members 812 have the same transport direction and are used to transport the output cylinder 160 on which the sample substrate is placed. The weighing assembly 820 is disposed between two adjacent transport members 812. The weighing assembly 820 includes a weighing member 822 and a lifting member 824. The weighing member 822 is disposed on the lifting member 824. The lifting member 824 is used to drive the weighing member 822 to rise and fall between two adjacent transport members 812.

[0089] The sample substrate is placed in the output cylinder 160, which is mounted on the transport assembly 810. During the output process, the weighing assembly 820 is positioned between two adjacent transport members 812. When the output cylinder 160 reaches a position corresponding to the weighing assembly 820, the lifting member 824 drives the weighing member 822 to rise and fall between the two adjacent transport members 812, lifting the output cylinder 160 from the transport members 812 and weighing it. After weighing is completed, the lifting member 824 drives the weighing member 822 down, placing the output cylinder 160 back on the transport member 812, which then continues to transport the output cylinder 160.

[0090] See Figure 12 and Figure 13In one embodiment, the weighing assembly 820 further includes a mounting member 826 and a guide member 825. The mounting member 826 is provided with a guide hole 827. The guide member 825 is inserted into the guide hole 827. The weighing member 822 is disposed on the mounting member 826. The lifting member 824 is used to drive the mounting member 826 to move up and down along the guide member 825. The cooperation between the guide member 825 and the guide hole 827 can improve the stability of the lifting of the weighing member 822.

[0091] In one embodiment, the output mechanism 800 further includes a detection member disposed on one side of the transport member 812 and aligned with the weighing member 822 at the same position in the transport direction. The transport member 812 and the lifting member 824 are electrically connected to the detection member, respectively. The detection member is configured to detect the output cylinder 160 on the transport member 812. Because the detection member and the weighing member 822 are aligned with the same position in the transport direction of the transport member 812, when the detection member detects the output cylinder 160, the transport member 812 is controlled to stop transport and the lifting member 824 is controlled to drive the weighing member 822 up and down to weigh the output cylinder 160, thereby improving weighing stability.

[0092] In one embodiment, the output mechanism 800 further includes a fluid replenishment assembly (not shown), which is disposed above the transport member 812 and is used to add replenishing fluid to the output cylinder 160. The weight measured by the weighing member 822 determines whether the volume of the fluid in the output cylinder 160 satisfies the requirement for soaking the sample substrate. If not, the fluid replenishment assembly is controlled to replenish the output cylinder 160 to ensure that the volume of the fluid in the output cylinder 160 satisfies the requirement for soaking the sample substrate.

[0093] Specifically, the fluid replenishing assembly is spaced apart from and opposite to the weighing element 822. Since the transporting element 812 stops during the weighing process, and since the fluid replenishing assembly is spaced apart from and opposite to the weighing element 822, it is easier for the fluid replenishing assembly to replenish fluid when the output cylinder 160 is aligned with the weighing element 822, thereby improving the stability of fluid replenishment.

[0094] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0096] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0097] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0098] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0099] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

Claims

1. A splitting mechanism, characterized in that: The splitting mechanism includes: A conveying assembly is provided for conveying a sedimentation module, and a first splitting station and a second splitting station are defined along the conveying direction of the conveying assembly; wherein the sedimentation module includes a placement seat, a glass slide mounted on the placement seat, and a sedimentation tube, a limiting portion is provided on the outer wall of the sedimentation tube, a slot is provided on the placement seat, the slot passes through the side wall of the placement seat to form an insertion port, a limiting groove is provided on the inner side wall of the slot, and the sedimentation tube can drive the limiting portion to rotate from the slot to the limiting groove; a first splitting assembly, the first splitting assembly being used to clamp the sedimentation tube at the first splitting station to separate the sedimentation tube from the placement seat, the first splitting assembly comprising a first clamping member and a first rotating member, the first clamping member being used to clamp the sedimentation tube, the first clamping member being disposed on the first rotating member, the first rotating member being used to drive the first clamping member to drive the sedimentation tube to rotate relative to the placement seat, so that the limiting portion rotates out of the limiting groove; a second splitting assembly, which is used to clamp the glass slide at the second splitting station to separate the glass slide from the placement seat, and the second splitting assembly includes a second clamping member and a second rotating member, the second clamping member is used to clamp the glass slide, the second clamping member is provided on the second rotating member, the second rotating member is used to drive the second clamping member to drive the glass slide to rotate on a vertical plane, and the second splitting assembly also includes a loading member, the loading member is located behind the second splitting station, the loading member clamps the glass slide in a vertical position and places it into a slide basket; and A positioning assembly is arranged on one side of the conveying assembly, and the positioning assembly includes a second displacement member and a positioning member, and the positioning member is arranged on the second displacement member. The positioning member includes a power member and two oppositely arranged clamping arms, and the power member is used to drive the two clamping arms to move relative to each other to clamp the placement seat located between the two clamping arms. An avoidance groove is provided on the clamping arm located between the second clamping member and the conveying assembly, and the size of the avoidance groove is larger than the size of the insertion port.

2. The splitting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first splitting component includes a first moving member, the first clamping member is arranged on the first moving member, and the first moving member is used to drive the first clamping member to move toward or away from the conveying component.

3. The splitting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first splitting component further includes a first displacement member, which is disposed on the first displacement member. The first displacement member is used to drive the first displacement member to drive the first clamping member to move between the first splitting station and the dyeing station.

4. The splitting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The second splitting component includes a second moving member, the second clamping member is arranged on the second moving member, and the second moving member is used to drive the second clamping member to move toward or away from the conveying component.

5. A liquid-based sample preparation device, characterized in that: The liquid-based sample preparation device includes the splitting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The liquid-based sample preparation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The machine further comprises a natural sedimentation mechanism and a shaping mechanism, wherein the natural sedimentation mechanism is provided at the sedimentation station and is used for the sedimentation module to naturally settle, and the shaping mechanism is provided at the shaping station and is used for dehydrating and fixing the glass slide to form a sample substrate, wherein the sedimentation station is located behind the first splitting station and the shaping station is located in front of the second splitting station; It also includes a dyeing mechanism, which is arranged at a dyeing station and is used to dye the slide, and the dyeing station is located between the sedimentation station and the first splitting station; It also includes a slide making mechanism, which is arranged at a slide making station, and the slide making station is located behind the staining station, and is used to add samples to the slide; It also includes an output mechanism, which is arranged at an output station. The output station is located in front of the shaping station, and is used to output the sample substrate.

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