Automated liquid-based cytology preparation machine

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of cell detection, in particular to an automatic liquid-based cell preparation machine which comprises a rack, a workbench arranged on the rack, a carrying assembly arranged on the workbench and capable of moving in a three-dimensional space, an electric claw assembly arranged on the carrying assembly, a vibrator arranged on the workbench and used for vibrating a sample bottle, a clamping device fixedly arranged on the workbench, a centrifuge arranged on the workbench, a pipetting assembly arranged on the carrying assembly and a de-preparation warehouse assembly arranged on the workbench. The automatic liquid-based cell preparation machine can realize automatic preparation work, ensure accurate pipetting and ensure preparation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell detection technology, and in particular to an automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine. Background Technology

[0002] In medical testing, cell samples are typically prepared and stained for better observation. Traditional centrifugation slide preparation is done manually, which is tedious and has the following problems: 1. Manual slide preparation is labor-intensive and can easily lead to worker fatigue; 2. The tedious slide preparation process makes it difficult to maintain consistent timing, and the quality of the slides depends on the operator's skill level, resulting in inconsistent slide quality; 3. It is difficult to precisely control the amount of liquid added manually.

[0003] Therefore, an automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine that can automate slide preparation, ensure accurate liquid transfer, and guarantee slide preparation results.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine, including:

[0007] A frame, on which a worktable is provided;

[0008] A transport assembly is disposed on the worktable and is capable of moving in three-dimensional space;

[0009] An electric gripper assembly, wherein the electric gripper assembly is disposed on the conveying assembly;

[0010] An oscillator, which is mounted on the worktable, is used to oscillate sample vials;

[0011] A clamping device is fixedly mounted on the worktable and can clamp the sample bottle. The electric gripper assembly can remove the bottle cap of the sample bottle.

[0012] A centrifuge, which is mounted on the workbench and has a tablet preparation chamber assembly on it;

[0013] A pipetting assembly, disposed on the transport assembly, is capable of transferring liquid from the sample vial into the slide preparation chamber assembly;

[0014] The slide removal assembly is mounted on the worktable. After centrifugation, the slide removal assembly can be fixed on the slide removal assembly. The slide removal assembly can empty the liquid in the slide removal assembly. The electric gripper assembly can remove the glass slides from the slide removal assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the electric gripper assembly includes a first motor, a second motor, and a first gripper assembly. The first motor is mounted on the conveying assembly. The first motor is driven by the second motor, and the second motor is driven by the first gripper assembly. The first motor can drive the first gripper assembly to rotate through the second motor, and the second motor can drive the first gripper assembly to perform opening or clamping actions.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamping device includes a first cylinder and a clamping claw. The first cylinder is fixedly mounted on the worktable, and the clamping claw is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder. The first cylinder can drive the clamping claw to perform clamping or releasing actions.

[0017] Furthermore, the pipetting assembly includes a pump assembly and a liquid dispensing assembly. The pump assembly is disposed on the worktable and is connected to the liquid dispensing assembly. The liquid dispensing assembly is disposed on the transport assembly. The pump assembly can transfer the sample in the sample bottle to the slide preparation chamber assembly through the liquid dispensing assembly and add buffer solution to the slide preparation chamber assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the pump assembly includes a pumping pump and an injection pump, and the liquid taking assembly includes a pipette, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The pipette is disposed on the transport assembly, and the first and second conduits are disposed in the pipette. One end of the first conduit is connected to the pumping pump, and one end of the second conduit is connected to the injection pump.

[0019] Furthermore, the transport assembly is provided with a lifting assembly, which is connected to the pipette in a driving manner, and the lifting assembly can drive the pipette to move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a guide assembly, which includes a slide rail, a slider, and a guide block. The slide rail is fixedly mounted on the transport assembly, the slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail, the pipette passes through the guide block, and the pipette is connected to the slider.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a support, on which a pipette tip is provided, and the pipette can be inserted into the pipette tip and drive the pipette tip to move.

[0022] Furthermore, the film removal chamber assembly includes a rotary motor, a drive motor, and a second gripper assembly. The rotary motor is mounted on the worktable and is driven by the drive motor. The drive motor is driven by the second gripper assembly. The rotary motor can drive the second gripper assembly to rotate through the drive motor, and the drive motor can drive the second gripper assembly to perform opening or clamping actions.

[0023] Furthermore, a waste inlet is provided on the workbench, and a waste bin communicating with the waste inlet is provided on the frame.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0025] This invention provides an automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine. The machine includes a transport assembly, a shaker, a clamping device, a slide removal chamber assembly, and a centrifuge on a worktable. An electric gripper assembly is mounted on the transport assembly. After the sample vials are shaken on the shaker, the transport assembly, via the electric gripper assembly, transfers the vials to the clamping device for clamping. The electric gripper assembly then removes the vial cap, and the pipetting assembly transfers the liquid from the vials into the slide removal chamber assembly placed in the centrifuge. The centrifuge then begins centrifugation. After centrifugation, the electric gripper assembly picks up the slide removal chamber assembly and moves it via the transport assembly to the slide removal chamber assembly. The slide removal chamber assembly emptys the liquid from the slide removal chamber assembly, and then the electric gripper assembly removes the slides and places them into a storage container. This process automates slide preparation, and the use of a pipetting assembly ensures accurate liquid transfer and guarantees effective slide preparation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipetting assembly and lifting assembly in an automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the slide preparation chamber assembly in an automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixation device in an automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Frame; 11. Workbench; 12. Waste bin; 2. Handling assembly; 21. First motion module; 22. Second motion module; 23. Third motion module; 24. Electric gripper assembly; 25. First gripper assembly; 3. Pipetting assembly; 31. Pump; 32. Pump; 33. Pipette; 34. Pulley motor; 35. Belt; 36. Guide block; 4. Shaker; 41. Sample bottle; 5. Support; 51. Pipette tip; 6. Centrifuge; 7. Clamping device; 71. First cylinder; 72. Gripping gripper; 8. Tablet preparation chamber assembly; 81. Rotary motor; 82. Drive motor; 9. Tablet preparation chamber assembly; 91. Glue cartridge; 92. Pallet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In medical testing, cell samples typically require slide preparation and staining for better observation. To automate cell slide preparation while ensuring accurate pipetting and optimal slide quality, [further steps are needed]. Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides an automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine. The automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine includes a frame 1, a transport assembly 2, an electric gripper assembly 24, a vibrator 4, a clamping device 7, a centrifuge 6, a pipetting assembly 3, and a slide preparation chamber assembly 8.

[0036] The machine includes a frame 1 with a worktable 11; a transport assembly 2 mounted on the worktable 11 and capable of moving in three-dimensional space; an electric gripper assembly 24 mounted on the transport assembly 2; a shaker 4 mounted on the worktable 11 for shaking sample vials 41; a clamping device 7 fixedly mounted on the worktable 11 for clamping sample vials 41, and the electric gripper assembly 24 for removing the caps from sample vials 41; a centrifuge 6 mounted on the worktable 11, and a slide preparation chamber assembly 9 mounted on the centrifuge 6; a pipetting assembly 3 mounted on the transport assembly 2 for transferring liquid from sample vials 41 into slide preparation chamber assembly 9; and a slide removal assembly 8 mounted on the worktable 11, where the centrifuged slide preparation chamber assembly 9 is fixed and the slide removal assembly 8 can empty the liquid from the slide preparation chamber assembly 9, and the electric gripper assembly 24 can remove the slides from the slide preparation chamber assembly 9.

[0037] After the sample vial 41 is vibrated on the shaker 4, the transport assembly 2 uses the electric gripper assembly 24 to transfer the sample vial 41 to the clamping device 7 for clamping. Then, the electric gripper assembly 24 removes the cap, and the pipetting assembly 3 transfers the liquid from the sample vial 41 into the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 placed in the centrifuge 6. The centrifuge 6 starts centrifugation. After the liquid has been centrifuged, the electric gripper assembly 24 picks up the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 and moves it to the slide preparation chamber assembly 8 via the transport assembly 2. The slide preparation chamber assembly 8 pours out the liquid from the slide preparation chamber assembly 9, and then the electric gripper assembly 24 removes the slide and places it into the material box. In this process, the slide preparation work is automated, and the use of the pipetting assembly 3 for automated pipetting ensures accurate pipetting volume and guarantees the slide preparation effect.

[0038] Furthermore, the handling assembly 2 is a three-axis motion structure, including a first motion module 21, a second motion module 22, and a third motion module 23. The first motion module 21 is mounted on the worktable 11, and the second motion module 22 is mounted on the first motion module 21, with the second motion module 22 being driveably connected to the first motion module 21. The first motion module 21 can drive the second motion module 22 to move along the X-axis. The third motion module 23 is mounted on the second motion module 22, with the third motion module 23 being driveably connected to the second motion module 22, with the second motion module 22 driving the third motion module 23 to move along the Y-axis. An electric gripper assembly 24 is mounted on the third motion module 23, and the electric gripper assembly 24 is driveably connected to the third motion module 23, with the third motion module 23 driving the electric gripper assembly 24 to move vertically along the Z-axis. Through the above configuration, the handling assembly 2 can drive the electric gripper assembly 24 to achieve three-dimensional spatial movement.

[0039] Furthermore, the electric gripper assembly 24 includes a first motor, a second motor, and a first gripper assembly 25. The first motor is mounted on the third motion module 23 of the conveying assembly 2. The first motor is driveably connected to the second motor, and the second motor is driveably connected to the first gripper assembly 25. The first motor can drive the first gripper assembly 25 to rotate via the second motor, and the second motor can drive the first gripper assembly 25 to perform opening or clamping actions. Specifically, the first gripper assembly 25 includes a first clamping member, a second clamping member, a first gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The first rack is connected to the first clamping member, the second rack is connected to the second clamping member, the first gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack, and the first gear is connected to the output shaft of the second motor. The second motor can drive the first gear to rotate, thereby enabling the first clamping member and the second clamping member to move closer or further apart. The first motor can drive the first gripper assembly 25 to rotate via the second motor, realizing a twisting action. By using motor transmission, the transmission accuracy can be guaranteed. In other embodiments, a lead screw and nut structure can be used instead of a gear and rack structure, and no further restrictions are imposed here.

[0040] Furthermore, the clamping device 7 includes a first cylinder 71 and a clamping claw 72. The first cylinder 71 is fixedly mounted on the worktable 11, and the clamping claw 72 is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder 71. The first cylinder 71 can drive the clamping claw 72 to perform clamping or releasing actions. By driving the clamping claw 72 with the first cylinder 71, the sampling bottle can be clamped or released.

[0041] Furthermore, the pipetting assembly 3 includes a pump assembly and a liquid-taking assembly. The pump assembly is fixedly mounted on the worktable 11 and is connected to the liquid-taking assembly. The liquid-taking assembly is mounted on the third motion module 23 of the transport assembly 2. The pump assembly can transfer the sample in the sample bottle 41 to the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 through the liquid-taking assembly, and add buffer solution to the slide preparation chamber assembly 9. Through the above settings, automated transfer of sample liquid can be achieved, and by controlling the pump assembly, accurate pipetting volume can be ensured.

[0042] Furthermore, the pump assembly includes a suction pump 31 and an injection pump 32. The liquid extraction assembly includes a pipette 33, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The pipette 33 is mounted on the transport assembly 2, and the first and second conduits are disposed within the pipette 33. One end of the first conduit is connected to the suction pump 31, and one end of the second conduit is connected to the injection pump 32. The suction pump 31 transfers the sample to the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 via the first conduit, and the injection pump 32 injects the buffer solution into the corresponding slide preparation chamber assembly 9. This method enables sample transfer.

[0043] Furthermore, the transport assembly 2 is equipped with a lifting assembly, which is connected to the pipette 33 for transmission. The lifting assembly can drive the pipette 33 to move vertically. By setting up the lifting assembly, the pipette 33 can be moved, thereby further expanding the lifting range of the pipette 33 to meet the requirements of pipetting. Specifically, in this embodiment, a pulley motor 34 is fixedly installed on the transport assembly 2. The pulley motor 34 drives the belt 35 transmission assembly to move. The pipette 33 is connected to the belt 35 in the belt 35 transmission assembly. The lifting movement of the pipette 33 is achieved by the pulley motor 34 driving the belt 35. In other embodiments, a lifting cylinder can also be used, and the piston rod of the lifting cylinder can drive the pipette 33 to move. No further restrictions are placed on the lifting assembly here.

[0044] Furthermore, the automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine also includes a guiding assembly, which comprises a slide rail, a slider, and a guide block 36. The slide rail is fixedly mounted on the transport assembly 2, the slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail, and the pipette 33 passes through the guide block 36 and is connected to the slider. By setting up the guiding assembly, the movement of the pipette 33 can be guided, thereby ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the movement of the pipette 33 and enabling the successful completion of pipetting operations.

[0045] Furthermore, the automated liquid-based cell slide preparation machine also includes a support 5, on which a pipette tip 51 is mounted. A pipette 33 can be inserted into the pipette tip 51 and move the pipette tip 51. Specifically, during each pipetting process, the pipette 33 inserts a disposable pipette tip 51, the aspiration pump 31 draws sample liquid into the pipette tip 51 through a first conduit, and then pipettes it into the slide preparation chamber assembly 9. The injection pump 32 injects buffer solution through a second conduit, and the lifting assembly moves the pipette 33 upward, causing the pipette tip 51 to collide with the guide block 36 and detach.

[0046] Further, the slide preparation chamber assembly 8 includes a rotary motor 81, a drive motor 82, and a second gripper assembly. The rotary motor 81 is mounted on the worktable 11 and is driven by the drive motor 82. The drive motor 82 is also driven by the second gripper assembly. The rotary motor 81 can drive the second gripper assembly to rotate via the drive motor 82, and the drive motor 82 can drive the second gripper assembly to open or clamp. Specifically, the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 includes a tray 92, a glass slide, and a glue tube 91. The glass slide is fixed to the tray 92 via the glue tube 91, which is threadedly connected to the tray 92. After centrifugation, the electric gripper assembly 24 transports the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 to the second gripper assembly via the transport assembly 2. The second gripper assembly clamps the tray 92 under the drive of the drive motor 82. Then, the rotary motor 81 drives the second gripper assembly to rotate, emptying the liquid in the glue tube 91. Finally, the electric gripper assembly 24 unscrews the glue tube 91 and grips the glass slide. In this embodiment, the second gripper assembly has the same structure as the first gripper assembly 25, and will not be described in detail here.

[0047] Furthermore, in order to ensure the cleanliness of the slide preparation chamber assembly 9 and avoid residual sample liquid on the slide, the pump assembly also includes a cleaning pump. A third conduit is provided in the pipette 33, and the cleaning pump is connected to the third conduit. After the liquid in the glue cartridge 91 is poured out, the cleaning pump injects clean water into the glue cartridge 91 through the third conduit for cleaning, and then pours it out, thereby ensuring the cleanliness of the slide.

[0048] Furthermore, a waste inlet is provided on the workbench 11, and a waste bin 12 connected to the waste inlet is provided on the frame 1. Specifically, the waste inlet is directly opposite the second gripper assembly, which facilitates the pouring of waste liquid and the recycling of disposable pipette tips 51.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine, characterized in that, include: A frame (1) is provided with a worktable (11); A transport component (2) is disposed on the worktable (11) and is capable of moving in three-dimensional space; An electric gripper assembly (24) is disposed on the conveying assembly (2); A shaker (4) is provided on the worktable (11) for shaking the sample bottle (41); The clamping device (7) is fixedly mounted on the workbench (11) and can clamp the sample bottle (41). The electric gripper assembly (24) can remove the cap of the sample bottle (41). Centrifuge (6), the centrifuge (6) is set on the workbench (11), and the centrifuge (6) is provided with a tablet preparation chamber assembly (9); A pipetting assembly (3) is disposed on the transport assembly (2) and is capable of transferring liquid from the sample vial (41) into the slide preparation chamber assembly (9). The slide removal chamber assembly (8) is set on the worktable (11). The slide removal chamber assembly (9) after centrifugation can be fixed on the slide removal chamber assembly (8). The slide removal chamber assembly (8) can empty the liquid in the slide removal chamber assembly (9). The electric gripper assembly (24) can remove the glass slides from the slide removal chamber assembly (9). The de-film chamber assembly (8) includes a rotary motor (81), a drive motor (82), and a second gripper assembly. The rotary motor (81) is mounted on the worktable (11) and is driven by the drive motor (82). The drive motor (82) is driven by the second gripper assembly. The rotary motor (81) can drive the second gripper assembly to rotate through the drive motor (82). The drive motor (82) can drive the second gripper assembly to open or clamp.

2. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric gripper assembly (24) includes a first motor, a second motor and a first gripper assembly (25). The first motor is mounted on the conveying assembly (2). The first motor is connected to the second motor in a transmission connection. The second motor is connected to the first gripper assembly (25) in a transmission connection. The first motor can drive the first gripper assembly (25) to rotate through the second motor. The second motor can drive the first gripper assembly (25) to open or clamp.

3. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device (7) includes a first cylinder (71) and a clamping claw (72). The first cylinder (71) is fixedly mounted on the worktable (11). The clamping claw (72) is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder (71). The first cylinder (71) can drive the clamping claw (72) to perform clamping or releasing actions.

4. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipetting assembly (3) includes a pump assembly and a liquid taking assembly. The pump assembly is disposed on the worktable (11) and is connected to the liquid taking assembly. The liquid taking assembly is disposed on the transport assembly (2). The pump assembly can transfer the sample in the sample bottle (41) to the slide preparation chamber assembly (9) through the liquid taking assembly and add buffer solution to the slide preparation chamber assembly (9).

5. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pump assembly includes a pump (31) for drawing liquid and a pump (32) for injecting liquid. The liquid taking assembly includes a pipette (33), a first conduit and a second conduit. The pipette (33) is disposed on the transport assembly (2). The first conduit and the second conduit are disposed in the pipette (33). One end of the first conduit is connected to the pump (31), and one end of the second conduit is connected to the pump (32).

6. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transport assembly (2) is provided with a lifting assembly, which is connected to the pipette (33) in a transmission manner. The lifting assembly can drive the pipette (33) to move up and down in the vertical direction.

7. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a guide assembly, which includes a slide rail, a slider and a guide block (36). The slide rail is fixedly mounted on the transport assembly (2), the slider is slidably mounted on the slide rail, the pipette (33) passes through the guide block (36) and is connected to the slider.

8. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support (5), on which a pipette tip (51) is provided, and the pipette (33) can be inserted into the pipette tip (51) and drive the pipette tip (51) to move.

9. The automatic liquid-based cell slide preparation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench (11) is provided with a waste inlet, and the frame (1) is provided with a waste bin (12) that communicates with the waste inlet.

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