Automatic batch embedding equipment and embedding method for biological tissues

By designing automated biological tissue embedding equipment and using feeding, handling and embedding devices, the problems of high working intensity and low efficiency of the embedding machine caused by manual operation in the existing technology are solved, and automated embedding is realized and efficiency is improved. .

CN119178664AActive Publication Date: 2024-12-24CANCER CENT OF GUANGZHOU MEDICAL UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411692908.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2024-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing biological tissue embedding machines require manual assistance and cannot achieve full automation, resulting in huge work intensity of operators in large batches of embedding, which can easily lead to fatigue and work errors.

Method used

An automatic batch embedding equipment for biological tissues is designed, including a feeding device, a handling and transfer device and an embedding device. The embedding process is automatically completed through the clamping mechanism, a lid opening mechanism and a wax supply mechanism to realize the injection and wax of liquid paraffin. The formation and freezing of blocks automatically complete the embedding work.

Benefits of technology

It realizes automatic embedding, reduces the work intensity of operators, improves the embedding efficiency, and can automatically complete large-scale embedding work, saving time and effort.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses automatic batch biological tissue embedding equipment and an embedding method, and relates to the technical field of embedding. The equipment comprises a feeding device, a carrying and transferring device, an embedding device and a discharging device; the feeding device comprises a first feeding mechanism for feeding an embedding box and a second feeding mechanism for feeding a metal mold; the carrying and transferring device comprises a clamping mechanism, an uncovering mechanism and a carrying driving mechanism; the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping mechanism used for clamping the wax injection feeding box and the mold base, a second clamping mechanism used for clamping a sample and a third clamping mechanism used for clamping a box body; the discharging device comprises a first discharging mechanism and a second discharging mechanism, wherein the first discharging mechanism is used for discharging the cover body, the wax injection feeding box and the feeding bearing plate, and the second discharging mechanism is used for discharging the metal mold and the embedding combination body. According to the invention, large-batch embedding work can be automatically completed, time and labor are saved, and the embedding efficiency can be improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an embedding device and an embedding method, and in particular to an automatic batch embedding device and an embedding method for biological tissues. Background Art

[0002] Pathological diagnosis is a method of making a diagnosis by observing the tissue structure, cell morphology, color reaction, etc. of clinical samples. Pathological diagnosis is currently the most accurate diagnostic method and is usually used as the final diagnosis for most diseases, especially cancer. The preparation of pathological sections is an important part of pathological diagnosis. The preparation of pathological sections can be divided into several steps: sampling, fixation, dehydration, embedding, sectioning, and staining. During the embedding process, a biological tissue embedding machine is required. The biological tissue embedding machine is a device that embeds tissue wax blocks after dehydration and wax soaking of human or animal and plant specimens for histological diagnosis or research.

[0003] Although the existing biological tissue embedding machine can embed biological tissue after dehydration, the embedding process requires manual assistance. That is, during the embedding process, the biological tissue after dehydration is placed in the embedding box, and the operator first places the metal mold on the workbench of the embedding machine, and then injects a layer of paraffin liquid into the metal mold through the embedding machine. Then the operator opens the embedding box and uses tweezers to clamp the biological tissue into the metal mold so that the biological tissue is located above the paraffin liquid in the metal mold and in the middle of the metal mold; then the embedding machine injects the paraffin liquid into the metal mold; When the paraffin liquid reaches the predetermined liquid level line of the metal mold, the embedding machine stops discharging wax; the inspection personnel place the box body of the embedding cassette on top of the metal mold, and then the embedding machine injects paraffin liquid into the box body of the embedding cassette. Since the box body of the embedding cassette is a hollow structure, after the paraffin liquid in the metal mold solidifies, the box body will adhere to the wax block in the metal mold, facilitating subsequent demoulding; the operator then moves the metal mold together with the box body of the embedding cassette to a freezing table for rapid cooling, so that the paraffin liquid quickly solidifies; then demoulding is carried out, and the wax block after demoulding is connected to the box body of the embedding cassette, completing the embedding work.

[0004] However, the aforementioned biological tissue embedding machines and corresponding embedding methods are designed to assist operators in completing the embedding of biological tissues, that is, they are still primarily operator-dependent and cannot achieve full automation. Therefore, although the aforementioned biological tissue embedding machines can alleviate some of the operator's workload, when embedding large quantities of biological tissues is required, the operator's workload is still enormous. Under this enormous workload, the operator is easily physically and mentally exhausted, which affects work efficiency and may even lead to work errors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide an automatic batch embedding device for biological tissues, which can automatically complete large-scale embedding work, save time and labor, and help improve embedding efficiency.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for automatic batch embedding of biological tissues.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: An automatic batch embedding device for biological tissues, comprising a loading device, a transporting and transferring device, an embedding device, and a unloading device; The loading device includes a first loading mechanism for loading the embedding cassette and a second loading mechanism for loading the metal mold; the first loading mechanism includes a carrying assembly for carrying the embedding cassette and a first loading and conveying mechanism for conveying the carrying assembly; the carrying assembly includes a wax injection loading box and a loading support plate, the wax injection loading box is filled with liquid paraffin; a plurality of supporting avoidance holes are provided on the loading support plate; the embedding cassette is placed on the loading support plate, and the bottom of the box body of the embedding cassette passes downward through the supporting avoidance holes and contacts the liquid paraffin in the wax injection loading box; the second loading mechanism includes a mold base for carrying the metal mold and a second loading and conveying mechanism for conveying the mold base; a plurality of positioning grooves are provided on the mold base; The transport and transfer device includes a clamping mechanism, a cover opening mechanism, and a transport drive mechanism; the clamping mechanism includes a first clamping mechanism for clamping the wax injection loading box and the mold base, a second clamping mechanism for clamping the sample in the box body, and a third clamping mechanism for clamping the box body of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism is used to open the cover of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism and the clamping mechanism are arranged on the transport drive mechanism; The embedding device includes a workbench, a freezing table and a wax supply mechanism, wherein the wax supply mechanism includes a wax cylinder, a wax outlet pipe and a wax outlet nozzle; a plurality of wax outlet nozzles are provided and the layout is the same as that of the plurality of positioning slots; The unloading device comprises a first unloading mechanism for unloading the cover of the embedding box, the wax injection loading box and the loading support plate, and a second unloading mechanism for unloading the metal mold and the embedding assembly.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping mounting frame, a first clamping plate and a first clamping drive cylinder; two first clamping plates are provided and arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the first clamping drive cylinder is arranged on the first clamping mounting frame, and the first clamping drive cylinder is a double-rod cylinder and is respectively connected to the two first clamping plates.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the second clamping mechanism is provided with multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of the multiple supporting avoidance holes, each group of the second clamping mechanism includes a second clamping plate and a second clamping drive cylinder; each group of the second clamping plates is provided with two and are arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the second clamping drive cylinder is arranged on the second clamping mounting frame, and the second clamping drive cylinder is a finger cylinder and is respectively connected to the two second clamping plates of the same group.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover opening mechanism is provided in multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of the multiple supporting avoidance holes, and each group of the cover opening mechanism includes a cover opening cover, a downward pressing unlocking component, a cover lifting component and a cover opening vacuum suction cup; The cover opening cover is fixedly connected to the cover opening mounting frame; The push-down unlocking assembly is provided with two groups and is relatively arranged on two sides of the open cover, each group of push-down unlocking assemblies includes a push-down plate, a push-down spring and a push-down guide rod; the push-down guide rod is vertically fixedly connected to the open cover, and the bottom of the push-down guide rod is provided with a push-down limit nut; the push-down plate and the push-down spring are sleeved on the push-down guide rod, and the two ends of the push-down spring are respectively pressed against the push-down plate and the open cover; the two sides of the box body are provided with a pressure-receiving part that cooperates with the push-down plate; The lid-lifting assembly is provided in two groups and is relatively arranged on the other two sides of the lid-lifting cover. Each group of lid-lifting assemblies includes a lid-lifting mounting plate, a lid-lifting swinging member, and a lid-lifting torsion spring. The lid-lifting mounting plate is connected to the lid-lifting cover. The bottom of the lid-lifting mounting plate is provided with a lid-lifting mounting hole facing the embedding cassette. The lid-lifting swinging member is connected to the lid-lifting mounting hole for transverse rotation. The two ends of the lid-lifting swinging member are respectively a lid-lifting part and a transmission part, with the rotation center as the boundary. The lid-lifting torsion spring is connected between the lid-lifting swinging member and the lid-lifting mounting plate. The cover body and the box body are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure, which includes a snap-fit ​​hole and a snap-fit ​​hook, the snap-fit ​​hook is provided on the cover body, and the bottom of the snap-fit ​​hook is provided with an inclined pressure surface; the snap-fit ​​hole is provided on the box body, and the snap-fit ​​hook passes through the snap-fit ​​hole to fix the cover body and the box body together; the corresponding two side walls of the supporting avoidance hole of the loading support plate are provided with a pressing part for pressing the hook; when the embedding box is placed on the loading support plate, the snap-fit ​​hook is supported on the pressing part, and there is a downward space between the box body and the surface of the loading support plate; when the lower pressing plate presses the box body downward, the pressing part first acts on the hook to unlock it, and then acts on the cover-lifting swinging piece to lift the cover, and then the cover is adsorbed by the cover-opening vacuum suction cup.

[0011] Furthermore, a side surface of the cover body corresponding to the cover-lifting portion is provided with an anti-slip structure so that the cover-lifting portion of the cover-lifting swinging member can smoothly lift the cover body.

[0012] Furthermore, the cover opening vacuum suction cup is slidably connected to the cover opening cover vertically through a mounting rod, and a buffer spring is sleeved on the mounting rod.

[0013] Furthermore, the third clamping mechanism includes multiple groups arranged identically to the layout of the multiple support avoidance holes. Each group of third clamping mechanisms includes a third clamping plate and a clamping electromagnet. Each group of third clamping plates includes two, horizontally opposed, third clamping plates, each comprising the lid-lifting mounting plate. The lid-lifting mounting plate is connected to the lid-lifting cover via a horizontal sliding structure. Each group of clamping electromagnets includes two, horizontally opposed, third clamping plates on the lid-lifting cover, with telescopic rods of the clamping electromagnets connected to the corresponding third clamping plates. This structure allows the third clamping plates (lid-lifting mounting plates) to remain stationary during the lid-lifting operation, providing a secure mounting function. When clamping the box body, the clamping electromagnets drive the third clamping plates (lid-lifting mounting plates) to move, thereby completing the transfer of the box body. This is a very clever feature.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transport drive mechanism includes a horizontal transport drive mechanism and a vertical transport drive mechanism; The transverse transport drive mechanism includes a first transverse transport drive mechanism and a second transverse transport drive mechanism, wherein the driving direction of the first transverse transport drive mechanism is perpendicular to the driving direction of the second transverse transport drive mechanism; The second transverse transport drive mechanism is arranged on the first transverse transport drive mechanism; and the vertical transport drive mechanism is arranged on the second transverse transport drive mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the first transverse transport drive mechanism includes a first transverse moving plate, a first transverse transport drive motor and a first transverse transport transmission assembly, the first transverse transport transmission assembly includes a first transverse transport screw and a first transverse transport screw nut; the first transverse transport screw nut is connected to the second transverse transport drive mechanism through the first transverse moving plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the second transverse transport drive mechanism includes a second transverse moving plate, a second transverse transport drive motor and a second transverse transport transmission assembly, and the second transverse transport transmission assembly includes a second transverse transport screw and a second transverse transport screw nut; the second transverse transport screw nut is connected to the vertical transport drive mechanism through the second transverse moving plate.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the vertical transport drive mechanism includes a first vertical transport drive cylinder and a second vertical transport drive cylinder, the telescopic rod of the first vertical transport drive cylinder is connected to the first clamping mechanism; the telescopic rod of the second vertical transport drive cylinder is connected to the second clamping mechanism.

[0018] A method for automatic batch embedding of biological tissues, comprising the following steps: Liquid paraffin is injected into a wax injection loading box, and multiple embedding cassettes containing samples are placed one by one on the loading support plate of the wax injection loading box, so that the bottom of the embedding cassette body and the samples are immersed in the liquid paraffin in the wax injection loading box, and then the wax injection loading box is placed on the first loading conveyor mechanism, which transports the wax injection loading box toward the embedding station; Place multiple metal molds one by one on the corresponding positioning slots of the mold base, then place the mold base on the second loading and conveying mechanism, and the second loading and conveying mechanism transports the mold base toward the workbench of the embedding device; The transport drive mechanism drives the first clamping mechanism to approach the mold base, and the first clamping mechanism clamps the mold base. The transport drive mechanism then drives the mold base to move to the workbench of the embedding device. The first clamping mechanism releases the mold base, and the metal mold is now located directly below the corresponding wax outlet nozzle. The liquid paraffin is output into the metal mold through the wax supply mechanism; The transport drive mechanism drives the cover opening mechanism to approach the embedding cassette, the cover opening mechanism opens the cover of the embedding cassette, and places the cover onto the first unloading mechanism; the second clamping mechanism clamps the sample in the cassette, and the transport drive mechanism drives the second clamping mechanism to transfer the sample to the metal mold; The transport drive mechanism drives the third clamping mechanism to approach the cassette body, clamps the cassette body, and then drives the third clamping mechanism to transfer the cassette body to the corresponding metal mold on the workbench. The third clamping mechanism releases the cassette body and slightly presses the cassette body downward, so that the bottom of the cassette body is fully extended into the inner cavity of the metal mold. A large amount of liquid paraffin is output into the inner cavity of the metal mold through the wax supply mechanism, and the bottom of the box body is immersed in the liquid paraffin; The transport drive mechanism drives the first clamping mechanism to approach the mold base, the mold base is clamped by the first clamping mechanism, and then the transport drive mechanism drives the first clamping mechanism to transfer the mold base to the freezing table; After freezing, the box body and the metal mold form an embedding assembly; the embedding assembly is then transferred to the second unloading mechanism by the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism; before or after this, the wax injection loading box is transferred to the first unloading mechanism by the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism; This completes one round of embedding work.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The embedding device of the present invention can automatically complete a large number of embedding tasks, saving time and labor, and being conducive to improving embedding efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the automatic batch embedding device for biological tissues of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the carrier assembly and embedding cassette of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a schematic exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the metal mold and the mold base of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a side view of the first clamping mechanism, the third clamping mechanism and the cover opening mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first clamping mechanism, the third clamping mechanism and the cover opening mechanism of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cover opening mechanism of the present invention in the cover opening state.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover opening mechanism of the present invention in the cover opening state.

[0027] Figures 8-10 for Figure 7 Magnified views of several different states of X in .

[0028] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the second clamping mechanism of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the transport drive mechanism of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the embedding device of the present invention.

[0031] The numbers in the figure are: 100-box body, 200-cover body, 300-metal mold, 1-first feeding mechanism, 2-second feeding mechanism, 3-wax injection feeding box, 4-feeding support plate, 4-1-support avoidance hole, 4-2-top pressure part, 5-mold base, 5-1-positioning slot, 6-first clamping mounting frame, 7-first clamping plate, 8-first clamping drive cylinder, 9-second clamping plate, 10-second clamping drive cylinder, 11-second clamping mounting frame, 12-opening cover, 13-opening vacuum suction cup, 14-opening mounting frame, 15-lower pressure plate, 16-lower pressure spring , 18-pressing limit nut, 19-cover mounting plate, 19-1-cover mounting hole, 20-cover swinging member, 20-1-cover part, 20-2-transmission part, 21-clamping electromagnet, 22-first horizontal moving plate, 23-first horizontal transport drive motor, 24-second horizontal moving plate, 25-second horizontal transport drive motor, 26-first vertical transport drive cylinder, 27-second vertical transport drive cylinder, 28-workbench, 29-freezing table, 30-wax outlet nozzle, 31-first unloading mechanism, 32-second unloading mechanism, 33-wax cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0033] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 The automatic batch embedding equipment of biological tissue of this embodiment includes a loading device, a handling and transferring device, an embedding device and an unloading device; the loading device includes a first loading mechanism 1 for loading the embedding cassette and a second loading mechanism 2 for loading the metal mold 300; the first loading mechanism 1 includes a carrying component for carrying the embedding cassette and a first loading and conveying mechanism for conveying the carrying component; the carrying component includes a wax injection loading box 3 and a loading support plate 4, the wax injection loading box 3 is filled with liquid paraffin; the loading support plate 4 is provided with a plurality of supporting avoidance holes 4-1; the embedding cassette is placed on the loading support plate 4, and the bottom of the cassette body 100 of the embedding cassette passes downward through the supporting avoidance holes 4-1 and contacts the liquid paraffin in the wax injection loading box 3; the second loading mechanism 2 includes a mold base 5 for carrying the metal mold 300 and a second loading and conveying mechanism for conveying the mold base 5; the mold base 5 is provided with a plurality of positioning and placement grooves 5-1.

[0034] Furthermore, the first feeding mechanism 1 and the second feeding mechanism 2 are both conveyor belt mechanisms, and the details can be referred to the existing technology.

[0035] See also Figure 4-Figure 5 and Figure 11The transport and transfer device includes a clamping mechanism, a cover opening mechanism and a transport drive mechanism; the clamping mechanism includes a first clamping mechanism for clamping the wax injection loading box 3 and the mold base 5, a second clamping mechanism for clamping the sample in the box body 100, and a third clamping mechanism for clamping the box body 100 of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism is used to open the cover body 200 of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism and the clamping mechanism are arranged on the transport drive mechanism.

[0036] See also Figure 4-Figure 5 The first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping mounting frame 6, a first clamping plate 7 and a first clamping drive cylinder 8; there are two first clamping plates 7 and they are arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the first clamping drive cylinder 8 is arranged on the first clamping mounting frame 6, and the first clamping drive cylinder 8 is a double-rod cylinder and is respectively connected to the two first clamping plates 7.

[0037] See also Figure 11 The second clamping mechanism is provided with multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of the multiple supporting avoidance holes 4-1. Each group of the second clamping mechanism includes a second clamping plate 9 and a second clamping drive cylinder 10; each group of the second clamping plates 9 is provided with two and are arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the second clamping drive cylinder 10 is arranged on the second clamping mounting frame 11, and the second clamping drive cylinder 10 is a finger cylinder and is respectively connected to the two second clamping plates 9 of the same group.

[0038] See also Figures 4-10, the cover opening mechanism is provided with multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of the multiple supporting avoidance holes 4-1, each group of cover opening mechanism includes a cover opening cover 12, a downward pressing unlocking component, a cover lifting component and a cover opening vacuum suction cup 13; the cover opening cover 12 is fixedly connected to the cover opening mounting frame 14; the downward pressing unlocking component is provided with two groups and is relatively arranged on two sides of the cover opening cover 12, each group of downward pressing unlocking components includes a downward pressing plate 15, a downward pressing spring 16 and a downward pressing guide rod; the downward pressing guide rod is vertically fixedly connected to the cover opening cover 12, and a downward pressing limit nut 18 is provided at the bottom of the downward pressing guide rod; the downward pressing unlocking component is provided with a downward pressing limit nut 18 The pressure plate 15 and the downward pressure spring 16 are sleeved on the downward pressure guide rod, and the two ends of the downward pressure spring 16 are respectively pressed against the downward pressure plate 15 and the cover cover 12; the two sides of the box body 100 are provided with a pressure-bearing part that cooperates with the downward pressure plate 15; the cover-lifting assembly is provided with two groups and is relatively arranged on the other two sides of the cover cover 12, each group of cover-lifting assemblies includes a cover-lifting mounting plate 19, a cover-lifting swinging member 20 and a cover-lifting torsion spring (not shown in the figure), the cover-lifting mounting plate 19 is connected to the cover cover 12, and the bottom of the cover-lifting mounting plate 19 is provided with a cover-lifting mounting hole 19-1 facing the embedding box; the cover-lifting assembly The cover swing member 20 is connected to the cover mounting hole 19-1 by horizontal rotation, with the rotation center as the boundary, the two ends of the cover swing member 20 are respectively the cover portion 20-1 and the transmission portion 20-2; the cover torsion spring is connected between the cover swing member 20 and the cover mounting plate 19; the cover body 200 and the box body 100 are connected by a snap structure, which includes a snap hole and a snap hook, the snap hook is provided on the cover body 200, and the bottom of the snap hook is provided with an inclined pressure surface; the snap hole is provided on the box body 100, and the snap hook passes through the snap hole to connect the cover body 200 and the box body 1 00 are fixedly connected together; the corresponding two side walls of the supporting avoidance hole 4-1 of the loading support plate 4 are provided with a pressing part 4-2 for pressing the hook; when the embedding box is placed on the loading support plate 4, the hook is supported on the pressing part 4-2, and there is a downward space between the box body 100 and the surface of the loading support plate 4; when the lower pressing plate 15 presses the box body 100 downward, the pressing part 4-2 first acts on the hook to unlock it, and then acts on the cover-lifting swinging piece 20 to lift the cover, and then the cover-lifting vacuum suction cup 13 adsorbs the cover body 200.

[0039] Through the above structure, when the lid is ready to be opened, the entire lid opening mechanism moves to the top of the corresponding wax injection and loading box 3, and then moves downward close to the corresponding lid body 200; first, the lower pressure plate 15 is squeezed on the corresponding pressure-bearing part of the box body 100, causing the entire embedding box to move downward, and the downward pressure spring 16 at this time is deformed and stores energy; during this period, since the hook is supported on the top pressure part 4-2, the top pressure part 4-2 acts on the inclined pressure-bearing surface of the hook. As the lid body 200 moves downward, the top pressure part 4-2 first drives the hook horizontally, so that the hook returns to the extension direction of the card hole, thereby achieving unlocking; at the same time, the transmission part 20-2 of the lid-lifting swing member 20 also presses downward on the top pressure part 4-2, and the top pressure part 4-2 drives the lid-lifting swing member 20 to rotate, so that the lid-lifting part 20-1 of the lid-lifting swing member 20 approaches and presses on the side of the lid body 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 8-Figure 9 At this time, the cover torsion spring deforms and stores energy, and drives the cover swing member 20 to reset after the cover opening operation is completed; as the cover 12 continues to move downward, the cover swing member 20 continues to rotate upward under the support of the top pressure portion 4-2, thereby pushing the cover body 200 upward through the cover portion 20-1 (slight plastic deformation may occur during this period), such as Figure 10 , and then the cover body 200 is adsorbed by the cover opening vacuum suction cup 13; the entire cover opening mechanism is driven upward by the transport drive mechanism, and the cover opening vacuum suction cup 13 moves upward with the cover body 200; in this process, since there is still some pulling force between the cover body 200 and the box body 100, in order to prevent the box body 100 from moving upward with the cover body 200, in the initial upward stroke, the downward pressure spring 16 gradually recovers its deformation and releases potential energy, thereby pressing the lower pressure plate 15 downward. At this time, the lower pressure plate 15 and the box body 100 remain stationary, and the cover body 200 is completely separated from the box body 100 upward, and finally the lower pressure plate 15 moves upward, thereby completing the cover opening operation.

[0040] Furthermore, a side surface of the cover body 200 corresponding to the cover-lifting portion 20 - 1 is provided with an anti-slip structure so that the cover-lifting portion 20 - 1 of the cover-lifting swing member 20 can smoothly lift the cover body 200 .

[0041] Furthermore, the cover opening vacuum suction cup 13 is slidably connected to the cover opening cover 12 vertically via a mounting rod, and a buffer spring is sleeved on the mounting rod.

[0042] See also Figure 4-Figure 5The third clamping mechanism includes multiple groups arranged in the same layout as the multiple support avoidance holes 4-1. Each group of third clamping mechanisms includes a third clamping plate and a clamping electromagnet 21. Each group of third clamping plates has two, horizontally opposed plates. The third clamping plates are composed of the lid-lifting mounting plate 19. The lid-lifting mounting plate 19 is connected to the lid-lifting cover 12 via a horizontal sliding structure. Each group of clamping electromagnets 21 has two, horizontally opposed plates on the lid-lifting cover 12. The telescopic rods of the clamping electromagnets 21 are connected to the corresponding third clamping plates. Through this structure, during the lid-lifting operation, the third clamping plates (lid-lifting mounting plates 19) remain stationary, serving as a fixed installation. When clamping the box body 100, the clamping electromagnets 21 drive the third clamping plates (lid-lifting mounting plates 19) to move, thereby completing the transfer of the box body 100. This is very clever.

[0043] The transport drive mechanism includes a transverse transport drive mechanism and a vertical transport drive mechanism; the transverse transport drive mechanism includes a first transverse transport drive mechanism and a second transverse transport drive mechanism, the driving direction of the first transverse transport drive mechanism is perpendicular to the driving direction of the second transverse transport drive mechanism; the second transverse transport drive mechanism is arranged on the first transverse transport drive mechanism; the vertical transport drive mechanism is arranged on the second transverse transport drive mechanism.

[0044] See also Figure 12 The first transverse transport drive mechanism includes a first transverse transport plate 22, a first transverse transport drive motor 23 and a first transverse transport transmission assembly, and the first transverse transport transmission assembly includes a first transverse transport screw and a first transverse transport screw nut; the first transverse transport screw nut is connected to the second transverse transport drive mechanism through the first transverse transport plate 22.

[0045] See also Figure 12 The second transverse transport drive mechanism includes a second transverse moving plate 24, a second transverse transport drive motor 25 and a second transverse transport transmission assembly. The second transverse transport transmission assembly includes a second transverse transport screw and a second transverse transport screw nut; the second transverse transport screw nut is connected to the vertical transport drive mechanism through the second transverse moving plate 24.

[0046] See also Figure 12 The vertical transport drive mechanism includes a first vertical transport drive cylinder 26 and a second vertical transport drive cylinder 27. The telescopic rod of the first vertical transport drive cylinder 26 is connected to the first clamping mechanism; the telescopic rod of the second vertical transport drive cylinder 27 is connected to the second clamping mechanism.

[0047] See also Figure 1 and Figure 13The embedding device includes a workbench 28, a freezing table 29 and a wax supply mechanism, and the wax supply mechanism includes a wax cylinder 33, a wax outlet pipe and a wax outlet nozzle 30; the wax outlet nozzle 30 is provided in plurality and the layout is the same as the layout of the multiple positioning placement slots 5-1; specifically, the embedding device of this embodiment can refer to the existing technology.

[0048] The unloading device includes a first unloading mechanism 31 for unloading the cover 200 of the embedding cassette, the wax injection loading box 3 and the loading support plate 4, and a second unloading mechanism 32 for unloading the metal mold 300 and the embedding assembly.

[0049] Furthermore, the first unloading mechanism 31 and the second unloading mechanism 32 are both conveyor belt mechanisms, and the details can be referred to the existing technology.

[0050] See also Figures 1-13 The automatic batch embedding method of biological tissues of this embodiment includes the following steps: Liquid paraffin is injected into the wax injection loading box 3, and multiple embedding boxes containing samples are placed one by one on the loading support plate 4 of the wax injection loading box 3, so that the bottom of the box body 100 of the embedding box and the samples are immersed in the liquid paraffin in the wax injection loading box 3, and then the wax injection loading box 3 is placed on the first loading and conveying mechanism, which transports the wax injection loading box 3 toward the embedding station.

[0051] Multiple metal molds 300 are placed one by one on the corresponding positioning grooves 5-1 of the mold base 5, and then the mold base 5 is placed on the second loading and conveying mechanism, which transports the mold base 5 toward the workbench 28 of the embedding device.

[0052] The first clamping mechanism is driven by the transport drive mechanism to approach the mold base 5, and the mold base 5 is clamped by the first clamping mechanism. The mold base 5 is then driven by the transport drive mechanism to move to the workbench 28 of the embedding device. The first clamping mechanism releases the mold base 5. At this time, the metal mold 300 is located directly below the corresponding wax outlet nozzle 30.

[0053] A small amount of liquid paraffin is delivered into the metal mold 300 by the wax supply mechanism.

[0054] The transport drive mechanism drives the cover opening mechanism to approach the embedding cassette, opens the cover 200 of the embedding cassette, and places the cover 200 onto the first unloading mechanism 31; the second clamping mechanism clamps the sample in the cassette body 100, and the transport drive mechanism drives the second clamping mechanism to transfer the sample to the metal mold 300.

[0055] The transport drive mechanism drives the third clamping mechanism to approach the cassette body 100 of the embedding cassette, and the third clamping mechanism clamps the cassette body 100 of the embedding cassette. The transport drive mechanism then drives the third clamping mechanism to transfer the cassette body 100 to the corresponding metal mold 300 on the workbench 28. The third clamping mechanism releases the cassette body 100 and slightly presses the cassette body 100 downward, so that the bottom of the cassette body 100 is properly extended into the inner cavity of the metal mold 300.

[0056] The liquid paraffin is output into the inner cavity of the metal mold 300 through the wax supply mechanism. At this time, the bottom of the box body 100 is immersed in the liquid paraffin.

[0057] The transport driving mechanism drives the first clamping mechanism to approach the mold base 5 , and the mold base 5 is clamped by the first clamping mechanism. The transport driving mechanism then drives the first clamping mechanism to transfer the mold base 5 to the freezing table 29 .

[0058] After freezing, the box body 100 and the metal mold 300 form an embedding assembly; the embedding assembly is then transferred to the second unloading mechanism 32 through the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism 32; before or after this, the wax injection loading box 3 is transferred to the first unloading mechanism 31 through the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism 32.

[0059] This completes one round of embedding work.

[0060] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above content. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention should be considered as equivalent replacement methods and are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic batch embedding device for biological tissues, characterized in that Including loading device, handling and transfer device, embedding device and loading device; The feeding device comprises a first feeding mechanism for feeding the embedding box and a second feeding mechanism for feeding the metal mold; the first feeding mechanism comprises a bearing assembly for bearing the embedding box and a first feeding conveying mechanism for conveying the bearing assembly; the bearing assembly comprises a wax injection feeding box and a feeding supporting plate, wherein the wax injection feeding box is filled with liquid paraffin; a plurality of supporting avoidance holes are provided on the feeding supporting plate; the embedding box is placed on the feeding supporting plate, and the bottom of the box body of the embedding box passes downward through the supporting avoidance holes and contacts with the liquid paraffin in the wax injection feeding box; the second feeding mechanism comprises a mold base for bearing the metal mold and a second feeding conveying mechanism for conveying the mold base; a plurality of positioning and placing grooves are provided on the mold base; The transport and transfer device comprises a clamping mechanism, a cover opening mechanism and a transport driving mechanism; the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping mechanism for clamping the wax injection loading box and the mold base, a second clamping mechanism for clamping the sample in the box body and a third clamping mechanism for clamping the box body of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism is used to open the cover body of the embedding box; the cover opening mechanism and the clamping mechanism are arranged on the transport driving mechanism; The embedding device comprises a workbench, a freezing table and a wax supply mechanism, wherein the wax supply mechanism comprises a wax cylinder, a wax outlet pipe and a wax outlet nozzle; a plurality of wax outlet nozzles are provided and the layout is the same as that of the plurality of positioning and placing slots; The unloading device comprises a first unloading mechanism for unloading the cover body of the embedding box, the wax injection loading box and the loading support plate, and a second unloading mechanism for unloading the metal mold and the embedding assembly.

2. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping mechanism includes a first clamping mounting frame, a first clamping plate and a first clamping drive cylinder; the first clamping plates are provided with two and are arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the first clamping drive cylinder is arranged on the first clamping mounting frame, and the first clamping drive cylinder is a double-rod cylinder and is respectively connected to the two first clamping plates.

3. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 1, characterized in that The second clamping mechanism is provided with multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of multiple supporting avoidance holes, each group of the second clamping mechanism includes a second clamping plate and a second clamping drive cylinder; each group of second clamping plates is provided with two and are arranged horizontally opposite to each other; the second clamping drive cylinder is arranged on the second clamping mounting frame, and the second clamping drive cylinder is a finger cylinder and is respectively connected to the two second clamping plates of the same group.

4. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover opening mechanism is provided with multiple sets and the layout is the same as the layout of the support avoiding holes. Each set of cover opening mechanisms includes a cover opening cover, a press-down unlocking assembly, a cover opening assembly and an open vacuum suction cup; The open cover is fixedly connected to the open cover mounting frame; The push-down unlocking assembly is provided with two groups and is relatively arranged on two sides of the cover opening cover, each group of push-down unlocking assembly includes a push-down plate, a push-down spring and a push-down guide rod; the push-down guide rod is vertically fixedly connected to the cover opening cover, and a push-down limit nut is provided at the bottom of the push-down guide rod; the push-down plate and the push-down spring are sleeved on the push-down guide rod, and the two ends of the push-down spring are respectively pressed against the push-down plate and the cover opening cover; the two sides of the box body are provided with a pressure-receiving part cooperating with the push-down plate; The cover-lifting assembly is provided with two groups and is relatively arranged on the other two sides of the cover-lifting cover, each group of the cover-lifting assembly includes a cover-lifting mounting plate, a cover-lifting swinging member and a cover-lifting torsion spring, the cover-lifting mounting plate is connected to the cover-lifting cover, and the bottom of the cover-lifting mounting plate is provided with a cover-lifting mounting hole facing the embedding box; the cover-lifting swinging member is horizontally rotatably connected in the cover-lifting mounting hole, and the two ends of the cover-lifting swinging member are respectively a cover-lifting part and a transmission part with the rotation center as the boundary; the cover-lifting torsion spring is connected between the cover-lifting swinging member and the cover-lifting mounting plate; The cover body and the box body are connected by a buckle structure, which includes a buckle hole and a hook, the hook is arranged on the cover body, and the bottom of the hook is provided with an inclined pressure-bearing surface; the buckle hole is arranged on the box body, and the hook passes through the buckle hole to fix the cover body and the box body together; the corresponding two side walls of the supporting avoidance hole of the loading support plate are provided with a pressing part for pressing the hook; when the embedding box is placed on the loading support plate, the hook is supported on the pressing part, and there is a downward space between the box body and the surface of the loading support plate; when the lower pressing plate presses the box body downward, the pressing part first acts on the hook to unlock, and then acts on the cover-lifting swinging piece to lift the cover, and then the cover body is adsorbed by the cover-opening vacuum suction cup.

5. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side surface corresponding to the cover body and the cover portion are provided with an anti-slip structure.

6. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 4, characterized in that, The open cover vacuum suction cup is slidably connected vertically to the open cover by a mounting rod, and the mounting rod is provided with a buffer spring.

7. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third clamping mechanism includes multiple groups and the layout is the same as the layout of multiple supporting avoidance holes, each group of third clamping mechanisms includes a third clamping plate and a clamping electromagnet; each group of third clamping plates is provided with two and are horizontally oppositely arranged, and the third clamping plate is composed of the cover-lifting mounting plate; the cover-lifting mounting plate is connected to the cover-opening cover through a horizontal sliding structure; each group of clamping electromagnets is provided with two and are horizontally oppositely arranged on the cover-opening cover, and the telescopic rod of the clamping electromagnet is connected to the corresponding third clamping plate.

8. The automatic batch embedding device of biological tissue according to claim 1, characterized in that The transport driving mechanism includes a transverse transport driving mechanism and a vertical transport driving mechanism; The transverse transport drive mechanism comprises a first transverse transport drive mechanism and a second transverse transport drive mechanism, wherein the driving direction of the first transverse transport drive mechanism is perpendicular to the driving direction of the second transverse transport drive mechanism; The second transverse transport driving mechanism is arranged on the first transverse transport driving mechanism; the vertical transport driving mechanism is arranged on the second transverse transport driving mechanism.

9. The biological tissue automatic batch embedding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vertical transport drive mechanism includes a first vertical transport drive cylinder and a second vertical transport drive cylinder, the telescopic rod of the first vertical transport drive cylinder is connected to the first clamping mechanism; the telescopic rod of the second vertical transport drive cylinder is connected to the second clamping mechanism.

10. An embedding method applied to the bio-tissue automatic batch embedding device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The following steps are involved: Injecting liquid paraffin into a wax injection loading box, and placing a plurality of embedding boxes containing samples on a loading support plate of the wax injection loading box one by one, so that the bottom of the embedding box body and the samples are immersed in the liquid paraffin in the wax injection loading box, and then placing the wax injection loading box on a first loading conveying mechanism, and the first loading conveying mechanism conveys the wax injection loading box toward the embedding station; Placing a plurality of metal molds one by one on the positioning and placing grooves corresponding to the mold base, and then placing the mold base on the second loading and conveying mechanism, and the second loading and conveying mechanism conveys the mold base toward the working table of the embedding device; The first clamping mechanism is driven by the transport driving mechanism to approach the mold base, and the mold base is clamped by the first clamping mechanism. The mold base is then driven by the transport driving mechanism to move to the workbench of the embedding device, and the first clamping mechanism releases the mold base. At this time, the metal mold is located directly below the corresponding wax outlet nozzle. Liquid paraffin is exported to the metal mold through a wax supply mechanism; The cover opening mechanism is driven by the transport driving mechanism to approach the embedding box, the cover body of the embedding box is opened by the cover opening mechanism, and the cover body is placed on the first unloading mechanism; the sample in the box body is clamped by the second clamping mechanism, and the transport driving mechanism drives the second clamping mechanism to transfer the sample to the metal mold; The transport driving mechanism drives the third clamping mechanism to approach the cassette body of the embedding cassette, and the third clamping mechanism clamps the cassette body of the embedding cassette. The transport driving mechanism then drives the third clamping mechanism to transfer the cassette body to the corresponding metal mold on the workbench. The third clamping mechanism releases the cassette body and slightly presses the cassette body downward, so that the bottom of the cassette body extends into the inner cavity of the metal mold in place. The liquid paraffin is output to the inner cavity of the metal mold through a wax supply mechanism, and the bottom of the box is soaked in the liquid paraffin; The first clamping mechanism is driven by the transport driving mechanism to approach the mold base, the mold base is clamped by the first clamping mechanism, and then the first clamping mechanism is driven by the transport driving mechanism to transfer the mold base to the freezing table; After freezing, the box body and the metal mold form an embedding assembly; the embedding assembly is then transferred to the second unloading mechanism by the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism; before or after this, the wax injection loading box is transferred to the first unloading mechanism by the transport drive mechanism and the first clamping mechanism, and transported to the next station by the second unloading mechanism; This completes one round of embedding work.

Citation Information

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