Liquid-based sample analysis system and method of transporting a slide basket

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid-based sample analysis system and a conveying method of a slide basket. The liquid-based sample analysis system comprises a liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, a cover machine arranged adjacent to the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, and a slide reading machine arranged adjacent to the cover machine. The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine is used for carrying a sample onto a substrate. The cover machine is used for receiving the substrate carrying the sample and covering a cover glass on the substrate carrying the sample to form a cover. The slide reading machine is used for obtaining the cover from the cover machine and reading the cover. The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the cover machine convey the substrate through opposite sides. The cover machine and the slide reading machine convey the cover through opposite sides. The liquid-based sample analysis system can realize full automation of sample preparation, cover forming and scanning reading, and has a small space occupation size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biological and medical devices, and more particularly to a liquid-based sample analysis system and a method for transporting slide baskets. Background Technology

[0002] Mounted slides (also known as glass slide specimens) require a slide reader (such as a slide scanner or electron microscope) to obtain information about the sample. Depending on the preparation method, mounted slides can be divided into sections, smears, and mounts. Sections are made from thin slices cut from organisms; smears are made by spreading liquid biological material (such as bacterial culture medium or blood); and mounts are made from small amounts of material torn or picked from organisms. To obtain mounts that can be preserved for a long time, a coverslip must be placed on the substrate during the preparation process to protect the sample on the substrate from scratches.

[0003] Currently, the automation level of equipment used for slide preparation is relatively low, with many steps requiring manual intervention. Furthermore, the slide preparation machine, slide sealing machine, and slide reader are all standalone units. After slide preparation, the substrate needs to be manually transferred to the slide sealing machine, and after sealing, it needs to be manually taken to the slide reader for review. The entire process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. For example, Chinese patent CN212110871U discloses a highly efficient and stable intelligent slide sealing machine. This machine includes a housing, a base plate, and a slide support device on the base plate. The slide support device includes a linear guide rail, on which a support seat is slidably connected. The support seat is used to hold a slide holder with several slides, and the slide holder needs to be placed manually. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a highly automated liquid-based sample analysis system.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for conveying a glass slide basket.

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is achieved by the following technical solution: a liquid-based sample analysis system, comprising:

[0007] Liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine is used to mount samples onto substrates;

[0008] A mounting machine is disposed adjacent to the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine. The mounting machine receives a substrate containing a sample and places a coverslip on the substrate to form a sealed slide.

[0009] A film reader is disposed adjacent to the sealing machine for acquiring sealed films from the sealing machine and reading the sealed films;

[0010] The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine transport the substrate from opposite sides; the sealing machine and the reading machine transport the sealed slide from opposite sides.

[0011] As one implementation, the liquid-based sample analysis system further includes:

[0012] A first transfer arm is provided on the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine or the sealing machine. The first transfer arm is used to transport a slide basket loaded with substrate from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine to the sealing machine through the opposing sides of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine.

[0013] A second transfer arm is provided on the sealing machine or the reading machine. The second transfer arm is used to transport the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the sealing machine to the reading machine through the opposing sides of the sealing machine and the reading machine.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sealing machine includes a housing, the housing including a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a third sidewall respectively connected to two opposite edges of the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the third sidewall being disposed opposite to each other, the second sidewall having a first opening, and the third sidewall having a second opening;

[0015] The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine includes a material handling station arranged opposite to the first opening, and the first transfer arm is used to transport the glass slide basket loaded with substrate from the material handling station to a first bearing station located inside the sealing machine through the first opening.

[0016] The slide reader includes a receiving station opposite to the second opening, and the second transfer arm is used to transport a slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station in the sealing machine to the receiving station in the slide reader through the second opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first transfer arm includes a first support component, a second support component movably connected to the first support component, and a gripping component connected to the second support component, wherein the first support component is mounted on the housing;

[0018] The first bearing component is used to drive the second bearing component to move the gripping component through the first opening to reciprocate between the material picking station and the first bearing station.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sealing machine further includes a first conveying mechanism, on which a first bearing station is provided. The first conveying mechanism is used to move to the first bearing station to receive the slide basket loaded with the substrate.

[0020] In one embodiment, a second bearing station is provided on the movement trajectory of the first conveying mechanism, and the first conveying mechanism is used to receive the glass slide basket loaded with substrates that is manually placed at the second bearing station.

[0021] As one embodiment, the sealing machine further includes:

[0022] A slide transfer device is used to transfer a substrate from the slide basket on the first transport mechanism;

[0023] A cover glass cover sheet device is used to cover the substrate containing the sample after it has been removed, in order to form the cover sheet;

[0024] A slide loading device is used to load sealed slides into an empty slide basket and to transport the slide basket containing the sealed slides to a transfer station;

[0025] The second conveying mechanism is used to receive the glass slide basket loaded with sealing films at the transfer station and to convey the glass slide basket loaded with sealing films from the transfer station to the first discharge station.

[0026] In one embodiment, the clamping assembly is slidably connected to the second carrying assembly to transport the empty slide basket to the second conveying mechanism; the slide loading device includes a clamping assembly and a loading assembly, the clamping assembly is used to clamp the empty slide basket located on the second conveying mechanism, the loading assembly is used to load sealing slides into the empty slide basket, and the clamping assembly is also used to transport the slide basket carrying sealing slides to the transfer station.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second conveying mechanism includes a conveying track and a conveying component. The conveying component is used to convey the slide basket loaded with sealing films along the conveying track. The conveying track has a first notch on the side facing the second opening. The second transfer arm is used to convey the slide basket loaded with sealing films from the first discharge station sequentially through the first notch and the second opening to the receiving station in the slide reader.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second transfer arm is disposed inside the sealing machine.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second transfer arm includes a pushing component mounted on the housing, the pushing component being used to push the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station through the first notch and the second opening to the receiving station inside the slide reader.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first sidewall is located on the main operating side, and the first opening is formed at the end of the second sidewall away from the first sidewall; and / or, the second opening is formed at the end of the third sidewall near the first sidewall.

[0031] In one embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine includes a first detector, which is used to detect whether there is a slide basket carrying a substrate at the material handling station; and / or,

[0032] The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine also includes a second detector, which is used to detect whether the first transfer arm extends into the material handling station.

[0033] The second objective of this invention is achieved by the following technical solution: a method for conveying a slide basket, comprising the following steps:

[0034] The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine transports a slide basket loaded with substrates to the side of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine that faces the sealing machine;

[0035] The slide sealer receives a slide basket loaded with substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine from the side facing the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, and transports the slide basket loaded with the sealer to the side of the slide sealer facing the slide reader.

[0036] The slide reader receives the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the side facing the sealing machine.

[0037] In one embodiment, one of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine is provided with a first transfer arm. The sealing machine includes a housing with a first opening. The sealing machine receives a slide basket loaded with substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine from the side facing the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, including: controlling the first transfer arm to transport the slide basket loaded with substrates from the picking station in the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine through the first opening to the first carrying station in the sealing machine; and / or,

[0038] One of the sealing machine or the reading machine is provided with a second transfer arm. The sealing machine includes a housing with a second opening. The reading machine receives the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the sealing machine from the side facing the sealing machine, including controlling the second transfer arm to transport the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from a first discharge station in the sealing machine through the second opening to a receiving station in the reading machine.

[0039] The liquid-based sample analysis system and slide basket transport method provided by this invention utilize a liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine to mount the sample onto a substrate; a sealing machine to cover the substrate with a coverslip to form a sealed slide; and a slide reader to retrieve and read the sealed slide. Furthermore, the substrate is automatically transported to the sealing machine via the opposing sides of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, and the sealed slide is automatically transported to the slide reader via the opposing sides of the sealing machine and the slide reader. Therefore, the liquid-based sample analysis system provided by this invention can achieve full automation of sample preparation, sealing, and slide reading. Since the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine transport the substrate via opposing sides, and the sealing machine and the slide reader transport the sealed slide via opposing sides, the liquid-based sample analysis system occupies a small space. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from one perspective;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid-based sample analysis system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid-based sample analysis system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing machine for removing the housing from one perspective, as provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transfer arm that holds the glass slide basket according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first transfer arm, the first conveying mechanism, and the second conveying mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing machine for removing the housing from another perspective, as provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the slide loading device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which clamps a slide basket.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the second conveying mechanism and the second transfer arm provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transport component provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pushing component provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of the glass slide basket, the first detector, and the second detector provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] In the picture:

[0054] 100. Liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine; 101. First detector; 102. Second detector;

[0055] 200. Sealing machine;

[0056] 10. Shell; 11. First sidewall; 111. Third opening; 112. Fourth opening; 12. Second sidewall; 121. First opening; 13. Third sidewall; 131. Second opening;

[0057] 20. The primary transportation agency;

[0058] 30. First positioning mechanism;

[0059] 40. Slide transfer device;

[0060] 50. Dispensing and sealing device;

[0061] 60. Slide loading device; 61. Clamping assembly; 62. Loading assembly;

[0062] 70. Second conveying mechanism; 71. Conveying track; 711. First notch; 712. Conveying through hole; 72. Conveying component; 721. Paw; 7211. First paw part; 7212. Second paw part; 722. Fourth guide rail; 723. Fourth power component; 73. Second positioning mechanism;

[0063] 300, First transfer arm; 301, First load-bearing assembly; 3011, First power assembly; 3012, First guide rail; 302, Second load-bearing assembly; 3021, Second power assembly; 3022, Second guide rail; 303, Clamping assembly; 304, Third load-bearing assembly; 3041, Third power assembly; 3042, Third guide rail;

[0064] 400. Second transfer arm; 401. Pushing assembly; 4011. Pushing section; 4012. Fifth guide rail; 4013. Fifth power assembly;

[0065] 500, glass slide basket;

[0066] 600. Film reader. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0068] Example 1:

[0069] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a liquid-based sample analysis system, including a liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, a slide sealing machine 200 adjacent to the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, and a slide reader 600 adjacent to the slide sealing machine 200. The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 is used to mount samples onto a substrate; the slide sealing machine 200 is used to receive the substrate carrying the sample and cover it with a coverslip to form a slide; the slide reader 600 is used to retrieve the slide from the slide sealing machine 200 and read the slide; wherein, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the slide sealing machine 200 transport the substrate from opposite sides; the slide sealing machine 200 and the slide reader 600 transport the slide from opposite sides. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, "opposite sides" refers to the side where two adjacent devices face each other. Figures 1 to 3 In this design, the first side (not shown) of the liquid sample preparation and staining machine 100 near the material handling station and the second sidewall 12 of the sealing machine 200 with the first opening 121 are facing each other; the third sidewall 13 of the sealing machine 200 with the second opening 131 and the second side of the reading machine 600 near the receiving station are facing each other. The sealing machine 200 can also be referred to as a cover plate machine or a cover plate device.

[0070] In use, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 carries the sample onto the substrate. The substrate is transported to the sealing machine 200 through the opposing side between the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200. The sealing machine 200 covers the substrate with a coverslip to form a sealed slide. The sealed slide is transported to the reading machine 600 through the opposing side between the sealing machine 200 and the reading machine 600 for reading.

[0071] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 can be used to mount the sample onto the substrate without manual intervention; the sealing machine 200 can be used to cover the substrate with a coverslip to form a sealed slide without manual intervention; and the slide reader 600 can be used to retrieve and read the sealed slides from the sealing machine 200 without manual intervention. Furthermore, the substrate is automatically transported to the sealing machine 200 from the opposing sides of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200, and the sealed slide is automatically transported to the slide reader 600 from the opposing sides of the sealing machine 200 and the slide reader 600. Therefore, the liquid-based sample analysis system composed of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, the sealing machine 200, and the slide reader 600 occupies a small space. The liquid-based sample analysis system provided in this embodiment of the invention can complete the detection of substrate preparation and scanning of the sealed sample without human intervention, with a high degree of automation and small space occupation.

[0072] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The liquid-based sample analysis system also includes a first transfer arm 300 and a second transfer arm 400. The first transfer arm 300 is used to transport a slide basket 500 containing substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 to the sealing machine 200 via the opposing sides of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200. The second transfer arm 400 is used to transport a slide basket 500 containing sealed slides from the sealing machine 200 to the reading machine 600 via the opposing sides of the sealing machine 200 and the reading machine 600. By setting up the first transfer arm 300, substrates are transported from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 to the sealing machine 200; by setting up the second transfer arm 400, sealed slides are transported from the sealing machine 200 to the reading machine 600. In practical applications, transporting substrates and sealed slides by loading them into the slide basket 500 improves transportation efficiency. In addition to mounting substrates and slides, the slide basket 500 can also hold other carriers for holding samples. No restrictions are placed on the items that the slide basket 500 can hold. For details in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 5 Both the first transfer arm 300 and the second transfer arm 400 are located within the sealing machine 200. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first transfer arm 300 may also be located within the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, or between the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200; or the second transfer arm 400 may be located within the slide reader 600, or between the sealing machine 200 and the slide reader 600. For example, please refer to... Figure 4The first transfer arm 300 is located between the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200, and the second transfer arm 400 is located between the sealing machine 200 and the reading machine 600. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the placement of the first transfer arm 300 and the second transfer arm 400.

[0073] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 The sealing machine 200 includes a housing 10, which includes a first sidewall 11 and a second sidewall 12 and a third sidewall 13 connected to opposite edges of the first sidewall 11. The second sidewall 12 and the third sidewall 13 are arranged opposite to each other. The second sidewall 12 has a first opening 121, and the third sidewall 13 has a second opening 131. The liquid sample preparation and staining machine 100 includes a material picking station arranged opposite to the first opening 121. A first transfer arm 300 is used to transport a slide basket 500 loaded with substrates from the material picking station to a first carrying station located inside the sealing machine 200 through the first opening 121. The slide reader 600 includes a receiving station arranged opposite to the second opening 131. A second transfer arm 400 is used to transport a slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides from the first discharging station inside the sealing machine 200 to the receiving station inside the slide reader 600 through the second opening 131. With this arrangement, the first opening 121 and the second opening 131 are located on opposite sides of the housing 10, so that the slide basket 500 carrying the substrate and the slide basket 500 carrying the sealing slide are respectively transported on opposite sides of the sealing machine 200, without interfering with each other, and it also helps the overall layout of the liquid-based sample analysis system and reduces the space occupied by the liquid-based sample analysis system.

[0074] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 6 The first transfer arm 300 includes a first support component 301, a second support component 302 movably connected to the first support component 301, and a gripping component 303 connected to the second support component 302. The first support component 301 is mounted on the housing 10. The first support component 301 drives the second support component 302 to move the gripping component 303 through the first opening 121 to reciprocate between the material picking station and the first support station. By setting the gripping component 303, when the gripping component 303 moves to the material picking station, it grips the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates, and when it moves to the first support station, it releases the gripped slide basket 500 loaded with substrates, thereby realizing that the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates is transported from the material picking station in the liquid sample preparation and staining machine 100 to the first support station of the sealing machine 200.

[0075] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 7The sealing machine 200 also includes a first conveying mechanism 20, on which a first bearing station is set. The first conveying mechanism 20 is used to move to the first bearing station to receive the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates. By setting the first conveying mechanism 20, the first conveying mechanism 20 can move to the first bearing station, receive the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates at the first bearing station, and then transport the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates to the next station.

[0076] In one implementation, a second bearing station is also provided on the movement trajectory of the first conveying mechanism 20. The first conveying mechanism 20 is used to receive the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates that is manually placed at the second bearing station. By providing the second bearing station, when the first conveying mechanism 20 moves to the second bearing station, a person can place the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates onto the first conveying mechanism 20, realizing manual loading. Thus, the liquid-based sample analysis system provided in this embodiment of the invention can both automatically transport the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates and allow for manual placement of the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates.

[0077] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sealing machine 200 also includes a positioning mechanism adjacent to the first bearing station, which is used to initially position the first transport mechanism 20. For ease of description, this positioning mechanism is referred to as the first positioning mechanism 30. Since the distance between the initial position and the first bearing station, the second bearing station, and other stations on the running trajectory of the first transport mechanism 20 (such as the station where the first transport mechanism 20 is located when the slide transfer device 40 described below transfers the substrate from the slide basket 500 on the first transport mechanism 20) is fixed, by setting the first positioning mechanism 30 to accurately position the first transport mechanism 20 at the initial position, it is helpful for the first transport mechanism 20 to move accurately to other stations.

[0078] In one implementation, the first sidewall 11 is located on the main operating side, and the first sidewall 11 has a third opening 111. The third opening 111 is used for manually placing the slide basket 500 containing the substrate onto the first conveying mechanism 20 located at the second carrying station. Operators typically operate on the main operating side, and placing the third opening 111 on the main operating side facilitates manual loading. In practical applications, the main operating side is located on the front side of the sealing machine 200.

[0079] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The sealing machine 200 also includes a slide transfer device 40, a glue dispensing sealing device 50, a slide loading device 60, and a second conveying mechanism 70. The slide transfer device 40 is used to transfer the substrate from the slide basket 500 on the first conveying mechanism 20; the glue dispensing sealing device 50 is used to cover the transferred substrate containing the sample with a cover slide to form a sealed slide; the slide loading device 60 is used to load the sealed slide into the empty slide basket 500 and convey the slide basket 500 containing the sealed slide to the transfer station; the second conveying mechanism 70 is used to receive the slide basket 500 containing the sealed slide at the transfer station and convey the slide basket 500 containing the sealed slide from the transfer station to the first discharge station. With this setup, the process of removing the substrate from the slide basket 500, covering the substrate with a cover glass to form a sealing sheet, loading the sealing sheet into the slide basket 500, and conveying the slide basket 500 containing the sealing sheet to the first discharge station all require no manual intervention, resulting in a high degree of automation.

[0080] In one implementation, the gripping component 303 is slidably connected to the second supporting component 302 to transport the empty slide basket 500 to the second transport mechanism 70. This arrangement utilizes a two-stage linkage to transport the empty slide basket 500 to the second transport mechanism 70. Please refer to... Figure 6 In this embodiment, the first transfer arm 300 further includes a third bearing component 304, which is slidably mounted on the second bearing component 302. The clamping component 303 is mounted on the third bearing component 304, and the third bearing component 304 drives the clamping component 303 to move up and down. Specifically, the first bearing component 301 includes a first power component 3011 and a first guide rail 3012, the second bearing component 302 includes a second power component 3021 and a second guide rail 3022, and the third bearing component 304 includes a third power component 3041 and a third guide rail 3042. The first guide rail 3012 and the second guide rail 3022 extend horizontally, and the third guide rail 3042 extends vertically. The first power component 3011 drives the second bearing component 302 to slide the third bearing component 304 and the clamping component 303 along the first guide rail 3012, the second power component 3021 drives the third bearing component 304 to slide the clamping component 303 along the second guide rail 3022, and the third power component 3041 drives the clamping component 303 to slide along the third guide rail 3042.

[0081] In one embodiment, the second transport mechanism 70 is also used to transport the received empty slide basket 500 to the slide loading device 60, so that the slide loading device 60 can load the sealed slides into the empty slide basket 500.

[0082] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 9The slide loading device 60 includes a clamping assembly 61 and a loading assembly 62. The clamping assembly 61 is used to clamp an empty slide basket 500 located on the second conveying mechanism 70, and the loading assembly 62 is used to load sealed slides into the empty slide basket 500. The clamping assembly 61 is also used to transport the slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides to the transfer station. Through this arrangement, sealed slides are loaded into the empty slide basket 500.

[0083] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 The second conveying mechanism 70 includes a conveying track 71 and a conveying component 72. The conveying component 72 is used to convey a slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides along the conveying track 71. The conveying track 71 has a first notch 711 on the side facing the second opening 131. The second transfer arm 400 is used to convey the slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station sequentially through the first notch 711 and the second opening 131 to the receiving station in the slide reader 600. In this embodiment, the first notch 711 and the second transfer arm 400 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the conveying track 71, and the first notch 711, the first discharge station, the second opening 131, and the second transfer arm 400 are located on a straight line.

[0084] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The transport assembly 72 includes a pawl 721, a fourth guide rail 722, and a fourth power assembly 723 that drives the pawl 721 to slide along the fourth guide rail 722. The fourth guide rail 722 and the transport track 71 extend in the same direction. The pawl 721 includes a first pawl portion 7211 and a second pawl portion 7212, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the transport track 71. The slide basket 500 can be positioned between the first pawl portion 7211 and the second pawl portion 7212 and run along the transport track 71, or it can be positioned on the side of the first pawl portion 7211 opposite to the second pawl portion 7212 and run along the transport track 71 under the push of the first pawl portion 7211. The transport track 71 has a transport through hole 712, through which the pawl 721 passes and extends into the transport track 71.

[0085] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 11 The second conveying mechanism 70 also includes a second positioning mechanism 73, which is used to position whether the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing sheets is located at the first discharge station. By setting the second positioning mechanism 73, the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing sheets can be accurately positioned at the first discharge station.

[0086] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The second transfer arm 400 includes a pushing assembly 401 mounted on the housing 10. The pushing assembly 401 is used to push the slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station through the first notch 711 and the second opening 131 to the receiving station inside the slide reader 600. In this embodiment, the pushing assembly 401 includes a pushing part 4011, a fifth guide rail 4012, and a fifth power assembly 4013 that drives the pushing part 4011 to slide along the fifth guide rail 4012. The first notch 711, the first discharge station, the second opening 131, and the pushing part 4011 are located on a straight line. The extension direction of the fifth guide rail 4012 is parallel to the straight line containing the first notch 711, the first discharge station, the second opening 131, and the pushing part 4011.

[0087] In one implementation, the first sidewall 11 is located on the main operating side, and the first opening 121 is formed at the end of the second sidewall 12 away from the first sidewall 11; the second opening 131 is formed at the end of the third sidewall 13 near the first sidewall 11. It is understood that in other embodiments, it is also possible for the first opening 121 to be formed at the end of the second sidewall 12 near the first sidewall 11, or for the second opening 131 to be formed at the end of the third sidewall 13 away from the first sidewall 11.

[0088] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 The second conveying mechanism 70 also has a second discharge station on its movement trajectory. The first sidewall 11 has a fourth opening 112 corresponding to the second discharge station. The second conveying mechanism 70 is also used to transport the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing films from the second discharge station through the fourth opening 112 to the outside of the sealing machine 200 for manual removal. With this arrangement, the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing films can be automatically transported to the reading machine 600 by the second transfer arm 400, or it can be manually removed from the sealing machine 200. In practical applications, the second conveying mechanism 70 receives the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing films at the transfer station and transports it from the transfer station to the second discharge station. In this embodiment, the fourth opening 112 is formed on the first sidewall 11, which is located on the main operating side, facilitating manual removal.

[0089] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 13The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 includes a first detector 101, which is used to detect whether there is a slide basket 500 loaded with substrates at the material handling station. In practical applications, after the first detector 101 detects that there is a slide basket 500 loaded with substrates at the material handling station, the first transfer arm 300 extends into the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, picks up the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates from the material handling station, and transports it into the sealing machine 200.

[0090] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 13 The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 also includes a second detector 102, which is used to detect whether the first transfer arm 300 extends into the material picking station. By setting the second detector 102, it is ensured that when the first transfer arm 300 extends into the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, it is accurately positioned at the material picking station, thereby accurately picking up the glass slide basket 500 located at the material picking station.

[0091] Example 2:

[0092] This invention provides a method for conveying a glass slide basket 500, comprising the following steps:

[0093] Step S1: The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 transports the slide basket 500 containing the substrate to the side of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 facing the sealing machine 200.

[0094] Step S2-1, the slide sealer 200 receives a slide basket 500 loaded with substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 from the side facing the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100.

[0095] Step S2-2: The sealing machine 200 transports the slide basket 500 containing the sealed slides to the side of the sealing machine 200 facing the slide reader 600;

[0096] In step S3, the slide reader 600 receives a slide basket 500 containing sealed slides from the side facing the sealing machine 200.

[0097] In this embodiment, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 is the same as the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 described in Example 1, the sealing machine 200 is the same as the sealing machine 200 described in Example 1, and the slide reader 600 is the same as the slide reader 600 described in Example 1. In practical applications, the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100, the sealing machine 200, and the slide reader 600 are controlled by a controller (not shown in the figure) to perform their actions.

[0098] By adopting the above technical solution, the slide basket 500 loaded with substrate is automatically transported to the sealing machine 200 from the opposite side of the liquid sample preparation and staining machine 100 and the sealing machine 200, and the slide basket 500 loaded with sealing slides is automatically transported to the reading machine 600 from the opposite side of the sealing machine 200 and the reading machine 600, both of which can be completed without human intervention.

[0099] In one embodiment, a first transfer arm 300 is provided on either the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 or the sealing machine 200. The sealing machine 200 includes a housing 10 with a first opening 121. Step S2-1 includes controlling the first transfer arm 300 to transport a slide basket 500 loaded with substrates from the material handling station in the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 through the first opening 121 to a first bearing station in the sealing machine 200. This arrangement enables the slide basket 500 loaded with substrates to be transported from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine 100 to the sealing machine 200. In this embodiment, the first transfer arm 300 is located inside the sealing machine 200.

[0100] In one embodiment, either the sealing machine 200 or the reading machine 600 is provided with a second transfer arm 400. The sealing machine 200 includes a housing 10 with a second opening 131. Step S3 includes controlling the second transfer arm 400 to transport the slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station inside the sealing machine 200 through the second opening 131 to the receiving station inside the reading machine 600. This arrangement enables the slide basket 500 loaded with sealed slides to be transported from the sealing machine 200 to the reading machine 600. In this embodiment, the second transfer arm 400 is located inside the sealing machine 200.

[0101] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid-based sample analysis system, characterized in that, include: Liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine is used to mount samples onto substrates; A mounting machine is arranged adjacent to the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine. The mounting machine is used to receive a substrate carrying a sample and cover the substrate carrying the sample with a coverslip to form a mounting. A film reader is disposed adjacent to the sealing machine for acquiring sealed films from the sealing machine and reading the sealed films; A first transfer arm is provided on the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine or the sealing machine. The first transfer arm is used to transport a slide basket loaded with substrate from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine to the sealing machine through the opposing sides of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine. and A second transfer arm is provided on the sealing machine or the reading machine. The second transfer arm is used to transport the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the sealing machine to the reading machine through the opposing sides of the sealing machine and the reading machine. The sealing machine includes a housing, and the first transfer arm includes a first support component, a second support component movably connected to the first support component, and a clamping component connected to the second support component. The first support component is mounted on the housing. The sealing machine also includes a first conveying mechanism, and a first bearing station is provided on the movement trajectory of the first conveying mechanism. The first conveying mechanism is used to move to the first bearing station to receive the glass slide basket loaded with the substrate. The sealing machine also includes: A slide transfer device is used to transfer a substrate from the slide basket on the first transport mechanism; A cover glass cover sheet device is used to cover the substrate containing the sample after it has been removed, in order to form the cover sheet; A slide loading device is used to load sealed slides into an empty slide basket and to transport the slide basket containing the sealed slides to a transfer station; The second conveying mechanism is used to receive the glass slide basket loaded with sealing films at the transfer station and to convey the glass slide basket loaded with sealing films from the transfer station to the first discharge station. The clamping assembly is slidably connected to the second carrying assembly to transport the empty slide basket to the second conveying mechanism; the slide loading device includes a clamping assembly and a loading assembly, the clamping assembly is used to clamp the empty slide basket located on the second conveying mechanism, the loading assembly is used to load the sealing slide into the empty slide basket, and the clamping assembly is also used to transport the slide basket carrying the sealing slide to the transfer station; The second conveying mechanism is also used to convey the received empty slide basket to the slide loading device, so that the slide loading device can load the sealed slides into the empty slide basket.

2. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a third sidewall respectively connected to two opposite edges of the first sidewall. The second sidewall and the third sidewall are disposed opposite to each other. The second sidewall has a first opening and the third sidewall has a second opening. The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine includes a material handling station arranged opposite to the first opening, and the first transfer arm is used to transport the glass slide basket loaded with substrate from the material handling station to a first bearing station located inside the sealing machine through the first opening. The slide reader includes a receiving station opposite to the second opening, and the second transfer arm is used to transport a slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station in the sealing machine to the receiving station in the slide reader through the second opening.

3. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first bearing component is used to drive the second bearing component to move the gripping component through the first opening to reciprocate between the material picking station and the first bearing station.

4. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A second bearing station is also provided on the movement trajectory of the first conveying mechanism, and the first conveying mechanism is used to receive the glass slide basket loaded with substrates that is manually placed at the second bearing station.

5. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second conveying mechanism includes a conveying track and a conveying component. The conveying component is used to convey the slide basket loaded with sealing films along the conveying track. The conveying track has a first notch on the side facing the second opening. The second transfer arm is used to convey the slide basket loaded with sealing films from the first discharge station sequentially through the first notch and the second opening to the receiving station in the slide reader.

6. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second transfer arm is located inside the sealing machine.

7. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second transfer arm includes a pushing assembly mounted on the housing, the pushing assembly being used to push the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the first discharge station through the first notch and the second opening to the receiving station inside the slide reader.

8. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first sidewall is located on the main operating side, and the first opening is formed at the end of the second sidewall away from the first sidewall; and / or, the second opening is formed at the end of the third sidewall near the first sidewall.

9. The liquid-based sample analysis system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine includes a first detector, which is used to detect whether there is a slide basket carrying a substrate at the material handling station; and / or The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine also includes a second detector, which is used to detect whether the first transfer arm extends into the material handling station.

10. A method for conveying a glass slide basket, characterized in that, Applied to the liquid-based sample analysis system as described in any one of claims 1-9, the method comprises the following steps: The liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine transports a slide basket loaded with substrates to the side of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine that faces the sealing machine; The slide sealer receives a slide basket loaded with substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine from the side facing the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, and transports the slide basket loaded with the sealer to the side of the slide sealer facing the slide reader. The slide reader receives the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the side facing the sealing machine.

11. The method for conveying a slide basket as described in claim 10, characterized in that, One of the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine and the sealing machine is provided with a first transfer arm. The sealing machine includes a housing with a first opening. The sealing machine receives a slide basket loaded with substrates from the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine from the side facing the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine, including: controlling a first transfer arm to transport the slide basket loaded with substrates from a pick-up station in the liquid-based sample preparation and staining machine through a first opening to a first carrying station in the sealing machine; and / or, One of the sealing machine or the reading machine is provided with a second transfer arm. The sealing machine includes a housing with a second opening. The reading machine receives the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from the sealing machine from the side facing the sealing machine, including controlling the second transfer arm to transport the slide basket loaded with sealed slides from a first discharge station in the sealing machine through the second opening to a receiving station in the reading machine.

Images