Slice feeding mechanism and automatic slice scanning equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a slice feeding mechanism and automatic slice scanning equipment, the slice feeding mechanism comprises a slice feeding bin and a slice clip input mechanism, at least one stack of slice clips can be placed in the slice feeding bin, and the slice clip input mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the slice feeding bin; the slice clip input mechanism comprises a slice separating part with a first bearing surface, a slice placing part with a second bearing surface and a driving mechanism, the slice separating part and the slice placing part are respectively driven by the driving mechanism so as to catch or place down the slice clip through lateral movement, and the first bearing surface of the slice separating part is higher than the second bearing surface of the slice placing part; and the movement state of the slicing component is opposite to that of the slice placing component, so that when the slice placing component places the slice clip at the lowest position to a preset third bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the slicing component can receive the other slice clips. The problems that an existing slice automatic scanning device is low in efficiency and limited in capacity, and a slice feeding mechanism is unreasonable and poor in stability can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of slice scanning, and in particular to a slice feeding mechanism and a slice automatic scanning device. Background Art

[0002] Slices are thin slices made by cutting tissues and other samples with special knives and using corresponding preparation methods. They can be used to observe and study tissues and other samples. Optical microscopes are important tools for slice scanning. In the development of microscope technology, microelectronics technology and information technology have been comprehensively applied to optical microscopes, enabling optical microscopes to complete imaging digital signal acquisition and the continuous development of digital slice technology. How to realize the automatic entry and exit of medium-throughput slices, reduce manual participation, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of slice scanners, and how to realize automated scanning imaging and data acquisition and storage have become the development direction of pathology slice optical microscope scanning systems.

[0003] In the prior art, there are generally two ways to achieve the feeding and unloading of slices. The first one is that the slice feeding system and the slice collection system realize the purpose of automatic feeding and unloading through the inclined surface and the weight of the slice holder, and the scanning feeding mechanism is the only slice driving structure to complete the operation of feeding, unloading and reciprocating scanning in the feeding direction. The second one is that the base drives the YZ axis movement of the microscope and is separated from the X axis movement of the slide rack. The scanning process is automatically carried out by manually placing and removing the slide rack.

[0004] The first prior art has the following problems: the automatic slide feeding process is based on the self-weight of the slice holder to achieve the automatic drop of the stacked slice rack. The sudden force during the drop process will not only impact the slice rack, but also affect the stability of the slice clamping. The design is unreasonable, and the scanning feeding mechanism is used as the only drive. It is difficult to reduce the time taken by the slide feeding and retracting during the scanning process, which reduces the scanning efficiency; the equipment is not flexible enough, the scanning accuracy is not high, and the scanning slice capacity is limited. The second prior art has the following problems: the slide rack is manually installed and the placement of the slide is limited, so the slice scanning efficiency is low and the stability is poor. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims at the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides a slice feeding mechanism and a slice automatic scanning device, which can improve the problems of low efficiency, limited capacity, unreasonable slice feeding mechanism and poor stability of the existing slice automatic scanning device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is: a slice feeding mechanism, comprising a slice feeding bin capable of accommodating at least one stack of slice clips and a slice clip input mechanism, wherein the slice clip input mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the slice feeding bin; the slice clip input mechanism comprises a slice dividing component provided with a first bearing surface, a slice placing component provided with a second bearing surface, and a driving mechanism, wherein the slice dividing component and the slice placing component are respectively driven by the driving mechanism to receive or put down the slice clips through lateral movement, and the first bearing surface of the slice dividing component is higher than the second bearing surface of the slice placing component, and the movement states of the slice dividing component and the slice placing component are opposite, so that when the slice placing component lowers the lowest slice clip to a preset third bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the slice dividing component can receive the remaining slice clips.

[0007] Furthermore, the slicing component includes two first support members arranged opposite to each other, and the two first support members are respectively provided with a first bearing surface. The driving mechanism drives the two first support members to move relatively inward or relatively outward so that the two first support members can receive or put down the slicing film clamp; the slicing component includes two second support members arranged opposite to each other, and the two second support members are respectively provided with a second bearing surface. The driving mechanism drives the two second support members to move relatively inward or relatively outward so that the two second support members can receive or put down the slicing film clamp.

[0008] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a motor and a transmission assembly, and the motor is transmission-connected to the two first supporting members and the two second supporting members via the transmission assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmission assembly includes a first gear, a second gear, two first racks and two second racks, the two first racks are respectively arranged on the two first support members and extend along the moving direction of the first support members, and the two second racks are respectively arranged on the two second support members and extend along the moving direction of the second support members; the motor drives the first gear to rotate, the first gear is meshed with the second gear, one of the two first racks and one of the two second racks are respectively meshed with the first gear, and the movement states are opposite, the other of the two first racks and the other of the two second racks are respectively meshed with the second gear, and the movement states are opposite.

[0010] Furthermore, the two first support members are respectively provided with a plurality of first support columns distributed in parallel, and the top surface of each first support column forms a first bearing surface; the two second support members are respectively provided with a plurality of second support columns distributed in parallel, and the top surface of each second support column forms a second bearing surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the film clip input mechanism also includes a base, the two second support members are respectively slidably connected to the base, and the two first support members are respectively slidably connected to the two second support members.

[0012] Furthermore, the first bearing surface of the slice component is provided with a first inclined surface at the position where the slice clip is lowered, and the second bearing surface of the slice component is provided with a second inclined surface at the position where the slice clip is lowered; the first bearing surface of the slice component is rotatably connected to the first bearing assembly at the position where the slice clip is lowered, and the second bearing surface of the slice component is rotatably connected to the second bearing assembly at the position where the slice clip is lowered.

[0013] The present invention further provides an automatic slice scanning device, comprising a slice transport mechanism, a scanning mechanism and a slice ejection mechanism, and also comprising a slice feeding mechanism as any of the above-mentioned ones; the slice transport mechanism is provided with a third bearing surface at one end in its transport direction, and a fourth bearing surface at the other end, and the slice ejection mechanism is installed at the other end of the slice transport mechanism, and the scanning mechanism is arranged between the slice ejection mechanism and the slice ejection mechanism; after the slice transport mechanism transports the slice clamp from the third bearing surface to the scanning mechanism for scanning, the slice clamp is transported to the fourth bearing surface and ejected through the slice ejection mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the slice transport mechanism includes a fixed seat, a screw rod, a driving motor and a slider. The screw rod is rotatably connected to the fixed seat and extends along the transport direction. The screw rod is driven by the driving motor, and the screw rod drives the slider to move along the transport direction. A positioning piece is provided on the slider, and a corresponding positioning groove is provided on the slice clamp. The positioning piece cooperates with the positioning groove. As the slider moves along the transport direction, the positioning piece drives the slice clamp to move along the transport direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the scanning mechanism includes a stage assembly, a scanner bracket and a scanner, the scanner bracket is installed on one side of the slice transport mechanism, the stage assembly is arranged at the bottom of the scanner bracket, and the film clamp support seat of the stage assembly extends out and is located above the slice transport mechanism, and the scanner is installed on the scanner bracket and is located above the film clamp support seat.

[0016] Furthermore, an X-direction adjustment component is provided between the scanner support and the scanner to control the movement of the scanner in the transport direction; and a Z-direction adjustment component is provided between the scanner support and the scanner to adjust the horizontality of the scanner.

[0017] Furthermore, the slice ejection mechanism includes a slice ejection bin, a slice clamp lifting assembly and a slice clamp placing assembly. The slice ejection bin is located above the slice clamp placing assembly, the slice clamp lifting assembly is located in the middle of the slice clamp placing assembly, and a fifth bearing surface is provided on the slice clamp placing assembly. When ejecting the film, the slice clamp is lifted from the fourth bearing surface to the fifth bearing surface by the slice clamp lifting assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the slice holder includes a slice frame and a slice, the slice is installed in the installation groove of the slice frame, and the bottom of the slice frame on both sides along the Y-axis direction is provided with oblique grooves; the bottom of the slice frame is also provided with a card slot extending along the X-axis direction, the third bearing surface is provided with a first convex portion corresponding to the card slot, the slice holder support seat is provided with a second convex portion corresponding to the card slot, and the fourth bearing surface is provided with a third convex portion corresponding to the card slot, so as to limit the movement of the slice holder along the Y-axis direction when the slice transport mechanism transports the slice holder.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. A slice feeding mechanism of the present invention can accommodate a large number of slice clips through a slice feeding bin, realize multi-clip loading of the slice feeding bin, improve scanning efficiency, reduce manual workload, and can also continuously replenish the slice feeding bin during scanning to realize continuous scanning, and realize smooth slice feeding of the slice clip through a slice dividing component and a slice placing component to avoid impact when the slice clip falls and affect the stability of slice clamping; when transporting the slice clip, it is only necessary to push the slice clip located on the third bearing surface, thereby reducing the difficulty of moving the slice clip and reducing the required energy consumption, thereby achieving energy-saving effect.

[0021] 2. A slice feeding mechanism of the present invention comprises a driving mechanism including a motor and a transmission assembly. The motor is connected to the two first supporting members and the two second supporting members through the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly comprises a first gear, a second gear, two first racks and two second racks, so that one motor can simultaneously drive the two first supporting members and the two second supporting members to move, thereby reducing the use of motors and lowering costs.

[0022] 3. A slice feeding mechanism of the present invention can reduce the movement resistance through the first inclined surface and the first bearing assembly of the slice dividing component, the second inclined surface and the second bearing assembly of the slice placing component, so that the slice frame can fall by relying on the inclined surface and the bearing assembly, thereby further improving the stability of the slice clamp when feeding the slice.

[0023] 4. In an automatic slice scanning device of the present invention, an X-axis adjustment component is provided between the scanner bracket and the scanner, and a Z-axis adjustment component is provided between the scanner bracket and the scanner, which can reduce the workload required for adjusting the coaxiality between the scanner objective lens axis and the condenser lens group axis, reduce the adjustment difficulty, improve the installation efficiency of the scanning device, and also improve the stability and accuracy of the scanning.

[0024] 5. In an automatic slice scanning device of the present invention, the bottom of the slice frame on both sides along the Y-axis direction is provided with oblique grooves, thereby reducing the resistance encountered by the slice clamp when falling in the slice feeder input structure, and the bottom of the slice frame is also provided with a card slot extending along the X-axis direction, and the third bearing surface, the slice clamp support seat and the fifth bearing surface are respectively provided with corresponding convex parts to limit the movement of the slice clamp along the Y-axis direction when the slice clamp is transported by the X-axis transport mechanism, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of scanning.

[0025] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments; however, the slice feeding mechanism and slice automatic scanning device of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the film clip input mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the film clip input mechanism of the present invention (rotated at an angle);

[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of the film clip input mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of the transmission components of the film clamp input mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the automatic slice scanning device of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is a top view of the automatic slice scanning device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of the slice transport mechanism, the slice unloading mechanism and the slice feeding mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified schematic diagram of point A;

[0034] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of point B;

[0035] Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the stage assembly of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the scanner bracket of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the Z-direction adjustment assembly of the present invention;

[0038] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the slice holder of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.14 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the microtome holder of the present invention (bottom side facing upward);

[0040] Fig.15 is a side view of the microtome holder of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.16 It is a front view of the slice holder of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.17 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the base plate of the present invention;

[0043] In the figure: 1, film feed bin; 2, film clamp input mechanism; 20, base; 21, first bearing surface; 22, second bearing surface; 23 / 24, first support member; 231 / 241, first support column; 2311 / 2411, first inclined surface; 2312 / 2412, first bearing assembly; 232 / 242, first rack; 25 / 26, second support member; 251 / 252, second support column; 2511 / 2611, first inclined surface Two inclined planes; 2512 / 2612, first bearing assembly; 252 / 262, second rack; 27, motor; 28, first gear; 271 / 281, bevel gear; 29, second gear; 3, slice holder; 31, slice rack; 311, mounting slot; 312, slot; 313, positioning slot; 314, oblique slot; 32, slice; 33, toggle block; 34, spring; 4, slice transport mechanism; 41, fixed seat; 4 11. third bearing surface; 4111. first convex portion; 412. fourth bearing surface; 4121. second convex portion; 42. lead screw; 43. drive motor; 44. slider; 441. positioning plate; 5. stage assembly; 51. X-axis moving assembly; 52. Y-axis moving assembly; 53. sheet clamp support seat; 531. third convex portion; 532. small magnet; 54. horizontal adjustment assembly; 6. scanner bracket; 61. frame; 62. mounting plate; 63. Connecting plate; 64. X-axis adjustment assembly; 641. Fixing block; 642. First adjustment screw; 65. Z-axis adjustment assembly; 651. Second adjustment screw; 652. Adjusting gasket; 653. Nut; 7. Scanner; 8. Slice ejection mechanism; 81. Film ejection bin; 82. Swinging assembly; 83. Third support member; 831. Third support column; 832. Fifth bearing surface; 833. Stopper; 9. Bottom plate; 91. Socket connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the present invention, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", etc. are only used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description, the directions or positional relationships indicated by "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention, rather than indicating or implying that the referred mechanism must have a specific direction, be constructed and operate in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "provided with", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection between the insides of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] See also Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, a slice feeding mechanism of the present invention comprises a slice feeding chamber 1 capable of placing at least one stack of slice clips 3 and a clip input mechanism 2, wherein the clip input mechanism 2 is arranged at the bottom of the slice feeding chamber 1. The clip input mechanism 2 comprises a slice separating component provided with a first bearing surface 21, a slice placing component provided with a second bearing surface 22, and a driving mechanism, wherein the slice separating component and the slice placing component are respectively driven by the driving mechanism to receive or place down the slice clip 3 by lateral movement, and the first bearing surface 21 of the slice separating component is higher than the second bearing surface 22 of the slice placing component, and the movement states of the slice separating component and the slice placing component are opposite, so that when the slice placing component places the lowest slice clip 3 to the preset third bearing surface 411, the first bearing surface 21 of the slice separating component can receive the remaining slice clips.

[0047] The slice component includes two first support members 23 and 24 arranged opposite to each other, and the two first support members 23 and 24 are respectively provided with a first bearing surface 21. The driving mechanism drives the two first support members 23 and 24 to move relatively inward or relatively outward, so that the two first support members 23 and 24 can receive or put down the slice clip. The slice placing component includes two second support members 25 and 26 arranged opposite to each other, and the two second support members 25 and 26 are respectively provided with a second bearing surface 22. The driving mechanism drives the two second support members 25 and 26 to move relatively inward or relatively outward, so that the two second support members 25 and 26 can receive or put down the slice clip 3. In other embodiments, the slice component can also include one first support member or three first support members, and the slice placing component can also include one second support member or three second support members, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The driving mechanism includes a motor 27 and a transmission assembly, and the motor 27 is connected to the two first support members 23 and 24 and the two second support members 25 and 26 through the transmission assembly. In other embodiments, the driving mechanism can also be a cylinder or an electric push rod.

[0049] The transmission assembly includes a first gear 28, a second gear 29, two first racks 231, 241 and two second racks 251, 261. The two first racks 231, 241 are respectively arranged on the two first supports 23, 24 and extend respectively along the moving direction of the first supports. The two second racks 251, 261 are respectively arranged on the two second supports 25, 26 and extend respectively along the moving direction of the second supports. The motor 27 drives the first gear 28 to rotate. The first gear 28 is meshed with the second gear 29. The first rack 242 and the second rack 262 are respectively meshed with the first gear 28, and the motion states are opposite. The first rack 232 and the second rack 252 are respectively meshed with the second gear 29, and the motion states are opposite. Specifically, the output end of the motor 27 is connected to a bevel gear 271, and the top of the first gear 28 is connected to a bevel gear 281. Through the meshing of the bevel gear 271 and the bevel gear 281, the motor 27 drives the first gear 28 to rotate.

[0050] The two first support members 23 and 24 are respectively provided with two first support columns 231 and 241 arranged in parallel, and the top surface of each first support column forms the first bearing surface 21. The two second support members 25 and 26 are respectively provided with two second support columns 251 and 261 arranged in parallel, and the top surface of each second support column forms the second bearing surface 22.

[0051] The film clip input mechanism 2 further includes a base 20 , two second support members 25 , 26 are respectively slidably connected to the base 20 , the first support member 23 is slidably connected to the second support member 25 , and the first support member 24 is slidably connected to the second support member 26 .

[0052] The first bearing surfaces 21 of the first support columns 231 and 241 are provided with first inclined surfaces 2311 and 2411 at the position where the slice clip 3 is put down, and the second bearing surfaces 22 of the second support columns 251 and 261 are provided with second inclined surfaces 2511 and 2611 at the position where the slice clip 3 is put down. The first bearing surfaces 21 of the first support columns 231 and 241 are rotatably connected to the first bearing assemblies 2312 and 2412 at the position where the slice clip 3 is put down, and the second bearing surfaces 22 of the second support columns 251 and 261 are rotatably connected to the second bearing assemblies 2512 and 2612 at the position where the slice clip 3 is put down.

[0053] See also Figure 1-Figure 17 As shown, an automatic slice scanning device of the present invention includes a slice transport mechanism 4, a scanning mechanism and a slice ejecting mechanism 8, and also includes the above-mentioned slice feeding mechanism. The slice transport mechanism 4, the scanning mechanism, the slice ejecting mechanism 8 and the slice feeding mechanism are respectively installed on a base plate 9, and a socket connector 91 that can power the present invention is provided on the base plate 9. The slice transport mechanism 4 is provided with a third bearing surface 411 at one end in its transport direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), and a fourth bearing surface 412 at the other end, and the slice ejecting mechanism 8 is installed at the other end of the slice transport mechanism 4, and the scanning mechanism is arranged between the slice feeding mechanism and the slice ejecting mechanism 8. After the slice transport mechanism 4 transports the slice clip 3 from the third bearing surface 411 to the scanning mechanism for scanning, the slice clip 3 is transported to the fourth bearing surface 412 and ejected through the slice ejecting mechanism 8. Specifically, the coordinate direction reference Figure 5 shown.

[0054] The slice transport mechanism 4 includes a fixed seat 41, a screw rod 42, a driving motor 43 and a slider 44. The screw rod 42 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 41 and extends along the transport direction. The two ends of the fixed seat 41 are respectively provided with a third bearing surface 411 and a fourth bearing surface 412. The screw rod 42 is driven by the driving motor 43, and the screw rod 42 drives the slider 44 to move along the transport direction. A positioning piece 441 is provided on the slider 44, and a positioning groove 313 corresponding thereto is provided on the slice clip 3. The positioning piece 441 cooperates with the positioning groove 313. As the slider 44 moves along the transport direction, the positioning piece 441 drives the slice clip 3 to move along the transport direction.

[0055] The scanning mechanism includes a stage assembly 5, a scanner bracket 6 and a scanner 7. The scanner bracket 6 is installed on one side of the slice transport mechanism 4. The stage assembly 5 is arranged at the bottom of the scanner bracket 6, and the film clamp support seat 53 of the stage assembly 5 extends out and is located above the slice transport mechanism 4. The scanner 7 is installed on the scanner bracket 6 and is located above the film clamp support seat 53.

[0056] The stage assembly 5 includes an X-moving assembly 51, a Y-moving assembly 52 and the above-mentioned film clip support seat 53. The X-moving assembly 51 is installed below the scanner bracket 6, the Y-moving assembly 52 is slidably connected to the X-moving assembly 51, and the film clip support seat 53 is slidably connected to the Y-moving assembly 52. ​​The stage assembly 5 also includes a horizontal adjustment assembly 54 to adjust the horizontality of the film clip support seat 53. The film clip support seat 53 also has a plurality of small magnets 532, which can adsorb and fix the slice film clip 3.

[0057] An X-direction adjustment component 64 is provided between the scanner support 6 and the scanner 7 to control the movement of the scanner 7 in the transport direction. A Z-direction adjustment component 65 is provided between the scanner support 6 and the scanner 7 to adjust the horizontality of the scanner 7.

[0058] Specifically, the scanner bracket 6 includes a frame 61, a mounting plate 62 and a connecting plate 63, the connecting plate 63 is mounted on the frame 61, the mounting plate 62 is mounted on the connecting plate 63, and the scanner 7 is mounted on the mounting plate 62. The frame 61 and one side of the connecting plate 63 are further provided with the above-mentioned X-direction adjustment component 64, and four above-mentioned Z-direction adjustment components 65 are further provided between the connecting plate 63 and the mounting plate 62.

[0059] The X-axis adjustment assembly 64 includes a fixed block 641 and two first adjustment screws 642 . The fixed block 641 is mounted on the frame 61 and located on one side of the connecting plate 63 . The first adjustment screws 642 are threadedly connected to the fixed block 641 and their tails abut against one side of the connecting plate 63 . The Z-axis adjustment component 65 includes a second adjusting screw 651, an adjusting washer 652 and a nut 653. The tail of the second adjusting screw 651 is threadedly connected to the connecting plate 63. The nut 653 is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw 651 and is located between the head of the second adjusting screw 651 and the connecting plate 63. The adjusting washer 652 is located between the head of the second adjusting screw 651 and the mounting plate 62. The mounting plate 62, the adjusting washer 652 and the second adjusting screw 651 are connected by a locking screw. The horizontality of the mounting plate 62 is adjusted by lifting and lowering multiple second adjusting screws 651. Since the second adjusting screw 651 and the adjusting washer 652 are spherically connected, the horizontality of the mounting plate 62 can be well adjusted.

[0060] The slice ejecting mechanism 8 includes a slice ejecting bin 81, a slice clamp lifting assembly and a slice clamp placing assembly. The slice ejecting bin 81 is located above the slice clamp placing assembly, the slice clamp lifting assembly is located in the middle of the slice clamp placing assembly, and a fifth bearing surface 832 is provided on the slice clamp placing assembly. When ejecting the slice, the slice clamp 3 is lifted from the fourth bearing surface 412 to the fifth bearing surface 832 by the slice clamp lifting assembly.

[0061] The film clip placement assembly includes two third support members 83 arranged opposite to each other, and the two third support members 83 are respectively provided with two third support columns 831 arranged in parallel, and a stopper 833 is swingably arranged at the top of each third support column 831 and located at the opposite side of the two third support members 83, and a reset member is matched between the stopper 833 and the third support column 831, and the top surface of each stopper 833 forms a fifth bearing surface 832. The film clip lifting assembly includes a driving member and two swinging assemblies 82, and the two swinging assemblies 82 are driven by the driving member and are respectively located between the two sides of the fourth bearing surface 412 and the two third support members 83.

[0062] The slice holder 3 includes a slice frame 31 and a slice 32. The slice 32 is installed in the installation groove 311 of the slice frame 31. The number of slices 32 and the installation groove 311 is one or more, and they correspond one to one. The bottom of the slice frame 31 on both sides along the Y-axis direction is provided with oblique grooves 314 to reduce the resistance of the slice holder 3 falling in the slice holder input mechanism 2. The bottom of the slice frame 31 is also provided with a slot 312 extending along the X-axis direction, the third bearing surface 411 is provided with a first convex portion 4111 corresponding to the slot 312, the slice holder support seat 53 is provided with a second convex portion 531 corresponding to the slot 312, and the fourth bearing surface 412 is provided with a third convex portion 4121 corresponding to the slot 312, so as to limit the movement of the slice holder 3 along the Y-axis direction when the slice transport mechanism 4 transports the slice holder 3.

[0063] The slice holder 3 also includes a toggle block 33 and a spring 34. The toggle block 33 is movably installed at one of the side walls of the mounting groove 311 and cooperates with the slice holder 31 with a torsion spring to loosen or clamp the slice 32 placed in the mounting groove 311. The spring 34 is installed in the mounting groove 311 and at the side wall opposite to the side wall where the toggle block 33 is located. When the slice 32 is installed in the mounting groove 311, one end is clamped in the spring 34 and the other end is elastically fixed by the toggle block 33.

[0064] The automatic slice scanning device of the present invention has the following scanning process:

[0065] Film feed: Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the slice clip 3 is stacked when placed in the slice feeder 1 and is located on the second bearing surface 22. The first gear 28 is meshed with the second gear 29. When the first gear 28 rotates forward, it drives the two second support members 25 and 26 to open, and the bottom slice clip falls onto the third bearing surface 411. At the same time, the two first support members 23 and 24 are closed. When the bottom slice clip 3 falls, the remaining slice clips 3 are pushed upward to the first bearing surface 21 by relying on the first inclined surface. When the positioning piece 441 on the slider 44 of the slice transport mechanism 4 drives the bottom slice clip 3 to move out of the third bearing surface 411, the first gear 28 is reversed, the two first support members 23 and 24 are opened, the two second support members 25 and 26 are closed, and the remaining slice clips 3 fall onto the second bearing surface 22. After that, the above-mentioned action process begins to be circulated.

[0066] Scanning: The slice holder 3 moves out of the third bearing surface 411 and enters the slice holder support seat 53, and the slice holder support seat 53 is moved by the X-axis moving component 51 and the Y-axis moving component 52 so that the slice is located directly under the scanner 7 for scanning. After all the slices are scanned, the slice holder support seat 53 moves to the side of the slice ejection mechanism 8.

[0067] Film ejection: The positioning piece 441 on the slider 44 drives the slice holder 3 to move out of the slice holder support seat 53 and enter the fourth bearing surface 412. The driving member drives the two swinging assemblies 82 to move the slice holder 3 to the fifth bearing surface 832 of the stopper 833 to eject the film. Then the slider 44 returns to the slice feeding mechanism. The above-mentioned actions are circulated.

[0068] The automatic slice scanning device of the present invention can realize the loading of multiple slices and slice clips 3 in the slice feed bin 1, improve the scanning efficiency, reduce the manual workload, and can also continuously replenish the slice feed bin 1 during the scanning process to realize continuous scanning. It also reduces the difficulty of working from the slice feed bin 1 to the slice clip support seat 53, improves the work efficiency, and reduces the required energy consumption, achieving the effects of energy saving, efficiency improvement, stability and precision. At the same time, it can reduce the workload required for adjusting the coaxiality of the axis of the objective lens of the scanner 7 camera and the axis of the condenser group, reduce the difficulty of adjustment, improve the installation efficiency of the present invention, and also improve the stability and accuracy of scanning.

[0069] Regarding the structure and working principle of the slice feeding mechanism of the slice automatic scanning device of the present invention, please refer to the above description part thereof, which will not be repeated here.

[0070] The slice feeding mechanism and slice automatic scanning device of the present invention, the unrelated parts are the same as the prior art or can be implemented by using the prior art.

[0071] The above embodiments are only used to further illustrate a slice feeding mechanism and a slice automatic scanning device of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slice feeding mechanism, comprising a slice feeding bin capable of holding at least one stack of slice clips and a clip input mechanism, wherein the clip input mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the slice feeding bin; characterized in that: The film clip input mechanism includes a slicing component with a first bearing surface, a film placing component with a second bearing surface, and a driving mechanism. The slicing component and the film placing component are respectively driven by the driving mechanism to receive or put down the slicing film clip through lateral movement. The first bearing surface of the slicing component is higher than the second bearing surface of the film placing component. The movement states of the slicing component and the film placing component are opposite, so that when the film placing component lowers the lowest slicing film clip to the preset third bearing surface, the first bearing surface of the slicing component can receive the remaining slicing film clips.

2. The slice feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slicing component includes two first support members arranged opposite to each other, and the two first support members are respectively provided with the first bearing surface. The driving mechanism drives the two first support members to move relatively inward or relatively outward so that the two first support members receive or put down the slicing film clamp; the film placing component includes two second support members arranged opposite to each other, and the two second support members are respectively provided with the second bearing surface. The driving mechanism drives the two second support members to move relatively inward or relatively outward so that the two second support members receive or put down the slicing film clamp.

3. The slice feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises a motor and a transmission assembly, and the motor is transmission-connected to the two first supporting members and the two second supporting members via the transmission assembly.

4. The slice feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmission assembly includes a first gear, a second gear, two first racks and two second racks, the two first racks are respectively arranged on the two first support members and extend along the moving direction of the first support members, and the two second racks are respectively arranged on the two second support members and extend along the moving direction of the second support members; the motor drives the first gear to rotate, the first gear is meshed with the second gear, one of the two first racks and one of the two second racks are respectively meshed with the first gear, and the movement states are opposite, the other of the two first racks and the other of the two second racks are respectively meshed with the second gear, and the movement states are opposite.

5. The slice feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two first support members are respectively provided with a plurality of first support columns distributed in parallel, and the top surface of each first support column forms the first bearing surface; the two second support members are respectively provided with a plurality of second support columns distributed in parallel, and the top surface of each second support column forms the second bearing surface.

6. The slice feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The film clip input mechanism also includes a base, the two second support members are respectively slidably connected to the base, and the two first support members are respectively slidably connected to the two second support members.

7. The slice feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first bearing surface of the slice component is provided with a first inclined surface at the position where the slice clip is lowered, and the second bearing surface of the slice placing component is provided with a second inclined surface at the position where the slice clip is lowered; the first bearing surface of the slice component is rotatably connected to a first bearing assembly at the position where the slice clip is lowered, and the second bearing surface of the slice placing component is rotatably connected to a second bearing assembly at the position where the slice clip is lowered.

8. A slice automatic scanning device, comprising a slice transport mechanism, a scanning mechanism and a slice ejection mechanism, characterized in that: It also includes a slice feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; the slice transport mechanism is provided with the third bearing surface at one end in the transport direction and the fourth bearing surface at the other end, and the slice ejecting mechanism is installed at the other end of the slice transport mechanism, and the scanning mechanism is arranged between the slice feeding mechanism and the slice ejecting mechanism; after the slice transport mechanism transports the slice clamp from the third bearing surface to the scanning mechanism for scanning, the slice clamp is transported to the fourth bearing surface and ejected through the slice ejecting mechanism.

9. The automatic slice scanning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The slice transport mechanism includes a fixed seat, a screw rod, a driving motor and a slider. The screw rod is rotatably connected to the fixed seat and extends along the transport direction. The screw rod is driven by the driving motor, and the screw rod drives the slider to move along the transport direction. A positioning piece is provided on the slider, and a corresponding positioning groove is provided on the slice clamp. The positioning piece cooperates with the positioning groove. As the slider moves along the transport direction, the positioning piece drives the slice clamp to move along the transport direction.

10. The automatic slice scanning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The scanning mechanism includes a stage assembly, a scanner bracket and a scanner. The scanner bracket is installed on one side of the slice transport mechanism, the stage assembly is arranged at the bottom of the scanner bracket, and the film clamp support seat of the stage assembly extends out and is located above the slice transport mechanism, and the scanner is installed on the scanner bracket and is located above the film clamp support seat.

11. The automatic slice scanning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: An X-direction adjustment component is provided between the scanner support and the scanner to control the movement of the scanner in the transport direction; and a Z-direction adjustment component is provided between the scanner support and the scanner to adjust the horizontality of the scanner.

12. The automatic slice scanning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The slice ejection mechanism includes a slice ejection bin, a slice clamp lifting assembly and a slice clamp placing assembly, the slice ejection bin is located above the slice clamp placing assembly, the slice clamp lifting assembly is located in the middle of the slice clamp placing assembly, a fifth bearing surface is provided on the slice clamp placing assembly, and when ejecting the slice, the slice clamp is lifted from the fourth bearing surface to the fifth bearing surface by the slice clamp lifting assembly.

13. The automatic slice scanning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The slice holder comprises a slice frame and a slice, the slice being mounted in a mounting groove of the slice frame, and oblique grooves are provided at the bottom of both sides of the slice frame along the Y-axis direction; the bottom of the slice frame is also provided with a card slot extending along the X-axis direction, the third bearing surface is provided with a first convex portion corresponding to the card slot, the slice holder support seat is provided with a second convex portion corresponding to the card slot, and the fourth bearing surface is provided with a third convex portion corresponding to the card slot, so as to limit the movement of the slice holder along the Y-axis direction when the slice transport mechanism transports the slice holder.

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