Tissue slice dyeing machine

Abstract

The tissue slice dyeing machine comprises a rack, a plurality of dyeing units and a transfer mechanical arm, a slide rack input area, a slide rack output area and a dyeing area are arranged on the upper end face of the rack, and the slide rack input area and the slide rack output area are used for storing slide racks; the dyeing unit comprises a dyeing bin, a reagent bottle and a liquid conveying assembly, the dyeing bin is arranged in the dyeing area, the liquid conveying assembly is provided with a conveying pump and a liquid conveying pipe, the first end of the liquid conveying pipe is communicated with the dyeing bin, the second end of the liquid conveying pipe is communicated with the reagent bottle, and the conveying pump is arranged on the liquid conveying pipe and can achieve forward liquid conveying and reverse liquid conveying. The tissue slice dyeing machine solves the problem that the usage amount of the manually added dyeing reagent is not accurate, the dyeing reagent is automatically recovered, the dyeing reagent is favorably stored, the operation is simplified, and mixed loading and waste of the manually recovered dyeing reagent are eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical equipment, and in particular to a tissue section staining machine. Background Art

[0002] HE staining is a commonly used tissue section staining technique in pathology, mainly used to observe and diagnose the morphological structure, cell morphology and pathological process of diseased tissues. This technology can help doctors diagnose, guide treatment, and provide important clues for studying the pathogenesis of diseases.

[0003] In the related art, in a conventional tissue section staining machine, multiple staining jars are placed on the table, and the staining jars store various reagents required for staining. The transfer robot drives the slide rack with the slides to transfer between the various staining jars to complete the staining process. The existing problems are: 1. It is necessary to manually add staining reagents to each staining jar, and it is difficult to accurately control the amount of staining reagents; 2. Since some reagents are volatile, long-term exposure will affect their lifespan. Manual recovery of staining reagents is cumbersome, and it is easy to mix staining reagents and cause waste; 3. The transfer robot drives the slide rack to move, and the staining reagent will drip on the stained slide. The staining reagent will contaminate the tissue section staining machine and the laboratory, making it difficult to clean. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a tissue section staining machine that can automatically add and recycle staining reagents, which is conducive to preserving staining reagents.

[0005] The present application also proposes a slice staining device applied to the above-mentioned tissue slice staining machine.

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present application, a tissue section staining machine is provided, comprising a frame, a plurality of staining units and a transfer robot arm, wherein the upper end surface of the frame is provided with a slide rack input area, a slide rack output area and a staining area, wherein the slide rack input area and the slide rack output area are used to store the slide racks; the staining unit comprises a staining bin, a reagent bottle and an infusion assembly, wherein the staining bin is arranged in the staining area, and the infusion assembly comprises a delivery pump and an infusion tube, wherein a first end of the infusion tube is connected to the staining bin, and a second end of the infusion tube is connected to the reagent bottle, and the delivery pump is arranged on the infusion tube and can realize forward infusion and reverse infusion.

[0007] A tissue section staining machine provided by the present application has at least the following technical effects: The slide rack loaded with the slides to be stained is stored in the slide rack input area. The slide rack can be transported to the staining chamber in the staining area by a transfer robot or manually for staining. After the staining is completed, the slide rack is transported to the slide rack output area by a transfer robot or manually. Before the staining operation, the staining reagent in the reagent bottle is extracted by a delivery pump, and the staining reagent is sent into the staining chamber through an infusion tube. The slide rack is immersed in the staining chamber to stain the slide; after the staining is completed, the staining reagent in the staining chamber is extracted by a delivery pump, and the staining reagent is sent back to the reagent bottle for storage through an infusion tube. The problem of inaccurate use of manually added staining reagents is eliminated, and the automatic recovery of staining reagents is conducive to the preservation of staining reagents, simplifies the operation, and eliminates the mixing and waste of manually recovered staining reagents.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the delivery pump is a peristaltic pump, and the pump tube of the peristaltic pump is connected to the infusion tube.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second end is provided with a liquid extraction one-way valve and a bypass, and the bypass is provided with a recovery one-way valve.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, a liquid extraction tube is provided at the inlet of the liquid extraction one-way valve, and a filter is provided at the end of the liquid extraction tube.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the reagent bottle has a bottle cap, the infusion tube passes through the bottle cap, and the bottle cap is provided with an exhaust one-way valve and a gas replenishment one-way valve.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, an overflow port is provided at the upper portion of the dyeing chamber, and the overflow port is connected to a waste liquid pool via a waste liquid pipe.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dyeing chamber is connected to a cleaning pipe, and the other end of the cleaning pipe is connected to a water tank or an external water source.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the cleaning tube is connected to the infusion tube, and the connection between the cleaning tube and the infusion tube is located between the first end and the delivery pump.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the other end of the cleaning pipe is connected to a drain valve, and the drain valve has multiple ports, one of which is connected to the external water source, and another port is connected to the waste liquid pool through a waste reagent pipe.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, the tissue section staining machine has a slide washing chamber, which is used to accommodate slide racks for washing. An overflow port is provided on the upper portion of the slide washing chamber, and the overflow port is connected to the waste liquid pool through a drain pipe.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present application, another port is connected to the film washing bin through a water inlet pipe.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, the exhaust valve has multiple solenoid valves, and each port is controlled to open and close by one of the solenoid valves.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the external water source is a tap water pipe, and the tap water pipe is provided with a water inlet solenoid valve to control opening and closing.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present application, a transfer robot arm is connected to the upper end of the rack, and the transfer robot arm is used to transfer the slide rack to the slide rack input area, the slide rack output area or the staining chamber.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, the tissue section staining machine is provided with a water receiving container. When the transfer robot arm drives the slide rack to rise, the water receiving container is linked with the transfer robot arm under the drive of the water receiving drive component and moves to the bottom of the slide rack.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present application, the water receiving drive member includes a motor and a linear motion module to drive the water receiving container to move to the bottom of the glass slide rack and leave the bottom of the glass slide rack, and the drive member is linked to the transfer robot arm.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the transfer robot arm includes a Z-axis moving mechanism, which includes a vertical stand and a glass slide rack hook claw, and the glass slide rack hook claw is vertically slidably connected to the side of the stand, when the glass slide rack hook claw drives the glass slide rack to rise.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present application, the water receiving drive component includes a swing arm, the upper end of the swing arm is hinged to the vertical frame, and the lower end of the swing arm is connected to the water receiving container. When the slide rack hook drives the slide rack to rise, the swing arm is linked with the slide rack hook and drives the water receiving container to move to the bottom of the slide rack.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, a top block is provided at the upper end of the glass slide rack hook claw, and a gear lever is provided at the upper end of the swing arm toward the side of the glass slide rack hook claw. When the glass slide rack hook claw rises, the top block pushes the swing arm to rotate through the gear lever to move the water receiving container to the bottom of the glass slide rack.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present application, a horizontal slide rail is provided at the lower end of the stand, the water receiving container is connected to a movable seat slidably connected to the horizontal slide rail, and the movable seat is connected to the lower end of the swing arm.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present application, a transmission optical axis is provided at the lower end of the swing arm, and the movable seat is provided with a vertically arranged slide groove, and the transmission optical axis passes through the slide groove.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present application, the transfer robot includes an X-axis moving mechanism and a Y-axis moving mechanism, the X-axis moving mechanism is fixed to the frame, the Y-axis moving mechanism is connected to the X-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism is connected to the Y-axis moving mechanism.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present application, a movable dyeing chamber cover is provided at the upper end of the dyeing chamber, and a dyeing chamber cover switch module is provided on the frame to open or close the dyeing chamber cover.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dyeing bin cover switch module includes a Z-axis translation assembly, a driving block is provided at the upper end of the Z-axis translation assembly, one side of the dyeing bin cover is hinged to the dyeing bin, a transmission pin is provided on the outer wall of the dyeing bin cover, and the driving block drives the dyeing bin cover to rotate via the transmission pin.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dyeing chamber cover switch module includes a Y-axis translation assembly, the Z-axis translation assembly is connected to the Y-axis translation assembly, and the driving block is provided with a pin hole for the transmission pin shaft to pass through.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present application, the multiple dyeing chambers in the dyeing area are arranged in at least one row, the dyeing chamber cover switch module includes an X-axis translation assembly, the moving direction of the X-axis translation assembly is consistent with the arrangement direction of the multiple dyeing chambers, and the Y-axis translation assembly is connected to the X-axis translation assembly.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present application, the plurality of dyeing bins in the dyeing area are arranged in two rows, the dyeing bin cover switch module is arranged between the two rows of dyeing bins, and the pin hole penetrates the driving block along the Y direction.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present application, the X-axis translation assembly is provided with a mounting seat, the Y-axis translation assembly includes a Y-axis motor, a gear and a rack, the Y-axis motor is fixed to the mounting seat, the rack is slidably connected to the mounting seat, the gear is fixed to the rotating shaft of the Y-axis motor and meshes with the rack, and the Z-axis translation assembly is fixed to the rack.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of baking bins are provided in the staining area, the baking bins are used to accommodate glass slides and perform baking, and the baking bins are connected to baking bin covers.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present application, a heating film is provided on the outer wall of the staining chamber to adjust the temperature of the staining reagent in the staining chamber.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present application, the staining chamber is connected to a mixing component, and the mixing component is used to drive the staining reagent in the staining chamber to flow.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present application, the mixing component includes a mixing motor, a rotating seat and a magnet. The mixing motor is fixed to the frame, the rotating seat is connected to the rotating shaft of the mixing motor, and a plurality of magnets are arranged on the upper end surface of the rotating seat. The magnet is located directly below the dyeing chamber, and the magnet is located in the dyeing chamber. The magnet rotates to drive the magnet to rotate in the dyeing chamber.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present application, the plurality of dyeing chambers in the dyeing area are arranged in at least one row, a rotating seat is arranged under each of the dyeing chambers, a pulley is provided at the lower end of the rotating seat, the plurality of pulleys are connected by a belt, and one of the pulleys is fixed to the rotating shaft of the mixing motor.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present application, the mixing assembly includes a mounting plate, the mounting plate is fixed to the mixing motor, the rotating seat is rotatably connected to the mounting plate, the pulley is located below the mounting plate, and a plurality of tensioning wheels are provided on the bottom surface of the mounting plate, and the tensioning wheel abuts against the belt to keep the belt abutting against the pulley.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present application, the slide rack input area and the slide rack output area are provided with sensors to detect the slide racks.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present application, the slide rack input area is provided with a first base for loading the slide rack, the rack is provided with a first slide rail, the first base is slidably connected to the first slide rail, and the first base is connected to a first driving component to drive the first base to move along the first slide rail.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present application, the slide rack output area is provided with a second base, the second base is provided with a plurality of accommodating slots for loading the slide rack, the rack is provided with a second slide rail, the second base is slidably connected to the second slide rail, and the second base is connected to a second driving component to drive the second base to move along the second slide rail.

[0044] The slice staining device provided in the present application is based on the tissue slice staining machine provided in the present application, so the slice staining device correspondingly possesses all the beneficial effects of the tissue slice staining machine, which will not be elaborated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a tissue section staining machine according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the dyeing liquid path system in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the Z-axis moving mechanism in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the use status of the Z-axis moving mechanism in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the use status of the Z-axis moving mechanism in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a dyeing bin cover switch module and multiple dyeing bins in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mixing component and multiple dyeing chambers in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 ; Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mixing component and multiple dyeing chambers in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 ; Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the slide rack input area in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of the slide rack output area in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.12 It is a partial enlarged view of the dyeing chamber in the embodiment of the present application; Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the Z-axis moving mechanism and the water receiving tray in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 ; Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the Z-axis moving mechanism and the water receiving tray in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 2 ; Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the Z-axis moving mechanism and the water receiving tray in other embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 ; Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the Z-axis moving mechanism and the water receiving tray in other embodiments of the present application. Figure 2 .

[0046] Reference numerals: Rack 100, slide rack input area 101, slide rack output area 102, staining area 103, first base 110, first slide rail 120, first driving component 130, second base 140, receiving groove 141, second slide rail 150, second driving component 160; Dyeing unit 200, dyeing chamber 210, overflow port 211, waste liquid pipe 212, cleaning pipe 213, dyeing chamber cover 214, transmission pin 215, reagent bottle 220, bottle cover 221, exhaust check valve 222, gas replenishment check valve 223, infusion assembly 230, delivery pump 231, infusion tube 232, extraction check valve 233, recovery check valve 234, filter 235, waste liquid pool 240, waste reagent pipe 241, drain valve 250, water inlet solenoid valve 251, film washing chamber 260, overflow port 261, drain pipe 262, water inlet pipe 263, film baking chamber 270; Transfer robot 300, X-axis moving mechanism 310, Y-axis moving mechanism 320, Z-axis moving mechanism 330, stand 331, horizontal slide rail 3311, slide rack hook 332, top block 3321, swing arm 333, gear lever 3331, optical axis 3332, water receiving container 334, moving seat 3341, slide slot 3342; Dyeing chamber cover switch module 400, Z-axis translation assembly 410, drive block 411, pin hole 412, Y-axis translation assembly 420, Y-axis motor 421, gear 422, rack 423, X-axis translation assembly 430, mounting seat 431; Mixing assembly 500 , mixing motor 510 , rotating seat 520 , pulley 521 , belt 522 , mounting plate 540 , tensioning wheel 541 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0048] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientation, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0049] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more" means more than two, "greater than", "less than", "exceed", etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and "above", "below", "within", etc. are understood to include the number itself. If there is a description of "first" or "second", it is only used for the purpose of distinguishing technical features, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0050] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 11 The embodiment of the present application proposes a tissue section staining machine, which aims to provide a device that can automatically and accurately complete the tissue section staining operation, so as to solve the problems of inaccurate usage of staining reagents, inconvenient recovery and complicated operation caused by manual operation in the prior art.

[0052] The tissue section staining machine mainly includes a frame 100 and a staining liquid circuit system. The frame 100 is a supporting structure of the entire device, and is designed as a multi-layer structure that can stably support various components. A slide rack input area 101, a slide rack output area 102 and a staining area 103 are provided on the upper end surface of the frame 100. The slide rack input area 101 and the slide rack output area 102 are used to store slide racks loaded with slides to be stained and slide racks loaded with stained slides, respectively, and the staining area 103 is an area for staining operations.

[0053] The staining liquid circuit system includes several staining units 200, which are one of the core components of the tissue section staining machine. Each staining unit 200 includes a staining chamber 210, a reagent bottle 220, and an infusion assembly 230. The staining chamber 210 is arranged in the staining area 103 and is used to load staining reagents and slides for staining operations. The design of the staining chamber 210 needs to consider sealing and corrosion resistance to ensure that the staining reagent does not leak during the staining process and can resist the corrosion of the staining reagent.

[0054] The reagent bottle 220 is used to store the staining reagent, and has good sealing and chemical stability to prevent the staining reagent from volatilizing or deteriorating. Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of reagent bottles 220 may be placed in layers inside the rack 100 .

[0055] The infusion assembly 230 includes a delivery pump 231 and an infusion tube 232, which is a key component connecting the dyeing chamber 210 and the reagent bottle 220. The first end of the infusion tube 232 is connected to the dyeing chamber 210, and the second end is connected to the reagent bottle 220, forming a complete reagent delivery channel. The delivery pump 231 is arranged on the infusion tube 232, and has the functions of forward infusion and reverse infusion. During forward infusion, the delivery pump 231 extracts the dyeing reagent in the reagent bottle 220 and sends it into the dyeing chamber 210 through the infusion tube 232; during reverse infusion, the delivery pump 231 extracts the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber 210 and sends it back to the reagent bottle 220 for storage through the infusion tube 232. The selection of the delivery pump 231 needs to consider its parameters such as flow rate, pressure and stability to ensure that the dyeing reagent can be accurately and quickly delivered to the dyeing chamber 210, and recovered in time after the dyeing is completed.

[0056] It is understandable that the tissue section staining machine can be provided with a transfer robot 300, which is installed at the upper end of the frame 100 and is used to transfer the slide rack from the slide rack input area 101 to the staining chamber 210, stain the slides, and then transfer the stained slides and slide racks to the slide rack output area 102. It can also be semi-automatic, such as manually transferring the slide racks, which can meet the staining requirements. The following is an example of a tissue section staining machine using a transfer robot 300.

[0057] In practical applications, the transfer robot 300 can use a servo motor, a stepper motor, etc. as a power source, and achieve precise control of its motion trajectory and speed through a precise control system.

[0058] Working principle and operation process: Before the staining operation is performed, the slide rack loaded with the slides to be stained is first placed in the slide rack input area 101 by an automatic loading device or manually. Then, the delivery pump 231 starts working to extract the staining reagent in the reagent bottle 220 and deliver it to the staining chamber 210 through the infusion tube 232. The delivery amount of the staining reagent can be accurately controlled according to actual needs to ensure the uniformity and consistency of the staining effect. Then, the transfer robot 300 starts working to transfer the slide rack from the slide rack input area 101 to the staining chamber 210 for staining. During the transfer process, the transfer robot 300 needs to maintain a stable motion trajectory and speed to ensure that the slide rack can enter the staining chamber 210 accurately and smoothly.

[0059] During the staining process, the staining reagent in the staining chamber 210 can be kept at a certain temperature and stirred to promote sufficient contact and reaction between the staining reagent and the slide. At the same time, the staining time needs to be accurately controlled to ensure the stability and reliability of the staining effect.

[0060] After the staining is completed, the transfer robot 300 works again to transfer the stained slide rack from the staining chamber 210 to the slide rack output area 102. The delivery pump 231 works again to extract the staining reagent in the staining chamber 210 and return it to the reagent bottle 220 for storage through the infusion tube 232. During the recycling process, it is necessary to ensure that the staining reagent will not leak or be mixed with other impurities to ensure its quality and effect in subsequent use.

[0061] The tissue section staining machine of the present application realizes the automatic and accurate staining operation of tissue sections, and has the following significant technical effects compared with the prior art: 1. Accurately control the amount of dyeing reagent: Through the precise coordination of the controller and the delivery pump 231, the delivery amount of the dyeing reagent is accurately controlled, which can not only improve the accuracy and consistency of the dyeing operation, but also avoid the waste and pollution of the dyeing reagent caused by human operating errors.

[0062] 2. Automatic recovery of dyeing reagent: After dyeing is completed, the delivery pump 231 can automatically pump the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber 210 back to the reagent bottle 220 for storage. This can not only extend the service life of the dyeing reagent, but also reduce the volatilization and pollution of the reagent and reduce the impact on the environment.

[0063] 3. Simplify the operation process: Due to the realization of automatic control, the operator only needs to set the dyeing program and parameters to carry out batch dyeing operations, which simplifies the operation process, reduces labor intensity and improves work efficiency.

[0064] 4. Eliminate mixing and waste: By setting up an independent staining unit 200 and a control system, the zoning management and use of different staining reagents are achieved, avoiding the mixing and waste that may occur when manually recovering the staining reagents, and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the staining reagents.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present application, a peristaltic pump is used as a delivery pump 231, and the pump tube of the peristaltic pump is directly connected to the infusion tube 232. A peristaltic pump is a device that periodically squeezes and releases an elastic pump tube through a roller to pump liquid. Its unique working principle enables the peristaltic pump to handle a variety of liquids including high-viscosity, corrosive or shear-sensitive fluids without contaminating the fluid itself. The peristaltic pump can realize the forward and reverse delivery of staining reagents through the forward and reverse rotation of the roller. The peristaltic pump has the advantages of high precision, high flow stability and corrosion resistance in the metering of staining reagents. The peristaltic pump delivers staining reagents by compressing the pump tube, has a wide flow adjustment range, and can achieve fine-tuning, thereby ensuring high metering accuracy, and the peristaltic pump has a simple structure, low maintenance cost, and is easy to operate, and is suitable for various automatic control systems.

[0066] In a specific embodiment, the peristaltic pump is installed at an appropriate position of the infusion tube 232, usually near the first end of the dyeing chamber 210. The material of the pump tube needs to be selected according to the chemical properties of the dyeing reagent being transported to ensure corrosion resistance, wear resistance and a certain degree of elasticity to maintain pumping efficiency. The use of a peristaltic pump not only improves the flexibility of the system, allowing the flow rate of the dyeing solution to be accurately controlled by adjusting the roller speed, but also reduces the risk of leakage due to its seal-free design, and is particularly suitable for dyeing processes that require highly clean and sterile conditions. In addition, the peristaltic pump is easy to maintain and clean, and the pump tube can be replaced regularly as a consumable, further ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present application, a liquid extraction check valve 233 and a bypass are provided at the second end of the infusion tube 232 connected to the reagent bottle 220, and a recovery check valve 234 is provided on the bypass. The above design is intended to separate the extraction of the dyeing reagent and the recovery of the dyeing reagent. The liquid extraction check valve 233 is installed at the second end of the infusion tube 232. When the dyeing reagent in the reagent bottle 220 is extracted, the liquid extraction check valve 233 is opened, and the recovery check valve 234 is closed, and the dyeing reagent flows from the inside of the reagent bottle 220 to the outside; when the dyeing reagent is recovered, the liquid extraction check valve 233 is closed, and the recovery check valve 234 is opened, and the dyeing reagent flows from the bottom of the dyeing chamber 210 to the reagent bottle 220.

[0068] Furthermore, a filter 235 is added at the inlet of the one-way valve 233 for extracting liquid. The filter 235 installed at the inlet of the one-way valve 233 for extracting liquid can effectively intercept and remove impurities such as suspended particles, fibers, and dust, so that the dyeing reagent delivered to the dyeing chamber 210 is cleaner. The filter 235 is located at the bottom of the reagent bottle 220, and the recovery one-way valve 234 is located at the top of the reagent bottle 220. When extracting the dyeing reagent, it is extracted from the bottom of the reagent bottle 220, and the refluxed dyeing reagent flows in from the top of the reagent bottle 220, which is conducive to maintaining the concentration of the dyeing reagent and improving the stability of the dyeing operation.

[0069] Further, a bottle cap 221 is provided at the upper end of the reagent bottle 220 to improve the sealing of the reagent bottle 220. It is understandable that when the dyeing reagent is extracted and refluxed, the air pressure in the reagent bottle 220 will change. In order to balance the internal and external air pressures of the reagent bottle 220, the relevant technology is to start a hole on the reagent bottle 220 or the bottle cap 221 for air circulation, but there are problems of volatilization leakage and pollution of the dyeing reagent. In the present application, the bottle cap 221 is provided with an exhaust check valve 222 and an air replenishment check valve 223, and the infusion tube 232 passes through the bottle cap 221. The exhaust check valve 222 automatically opens when the dyeing reagent refluxes, allowing the air in the bottle to be discharged, and preventing the reflux of the dyeing reagent from being affected by the excessive air pressure in the bottle. When the staining reagent is extracted, the air pressure in the reagent bottle 220 will decrease, and the air replenishment check valve 223 will automatically open, allowing outside air to enter the reagent bottle 220 in a controlled manner, thereby maintaining the stability of the air pressure inside and outside the reagent bottle 220 and ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the staining liquid circuit system.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present application, an overflow port 211 is provided at the upper portion of the dyeing chamber 210, and the overflow port 211 is connected to a waste liquid pool 240 via a waste liquid pipe 212. After dyeing is completed, the dyeing chamber 210 can be cleaned, and the waste liquid generated by the cleaning is discharged through the overflow port 211 and flows into the waste liquid pool 240 through the waste liquid pipe 212, thereby avoiding pollution caused by waste liquid overflow. The overflow port 211 is usually arranged near the highest liquid level line of the dyeing chamber 210 to ensure that the waste liquid can be discharged in time before it reaches a dangerous level. The waste liquid pipe 212 is made of corrosion-resistant material to ensure stability and reliability for long-term use. The waste liquid pool 240 is used to centrally collect and process the waste liquid discharged from the overflow port 211, so as to facilitate subsequent environmental protection treatment and resource recovery.

[0071] Furthermore, the dyeing chamber 210 is also connected to a cleaning pipe 213, one end of which is connected to a water tank or an external water source, so that after dyeing is completed, a cleaning liquid can be injected into the dyeing chamber 210 through the cleaning pipe 213 to remove residual dyeing reagents and other residues to ensure the cleanliness of the dyeing chamber 210. The water tank is used to store the cleaning liquid, which can be water or other cleaning solutions. The external water source can be tap water, a circulating water system, etc., depending on the configuration of the laboratory or production line. The external water source can be a tap water pipe, and a water inlet solenoid valve 251 is provided on the tap water pipe to control the opening and closing, using tap water as the source of the cleaning liquid, and the inflow and time of tap water are accurately controlled by the solenoid valve.

[0072] Furthermore, the other end of the cleaning tube 213 is connected to the infusion tube 232, and the connection between the cleaning tube 213 and the infusion tube 232 is located between the first end and the delivery pump 231. When cleaning is required, the cleaning liquid can be introduced from the cleaning tube 213 into the infusion tube 232 by switching the valve or the control system, and then injected into the bottom of the dyeing chamber 210. When the liquid level of the cleaning liquid rises to the overflow port 211, it flows from the overflow port 211 into the waste liquid pipe 212, and finally into the waste liquid tank 240. At the same time, the cleaning liquid also helps to clean part of the infusion tube 232, reducing the residual dyeing reagent in the infusion tube 232.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 It can be understood that multiple dyeing units 200 can share a waste liquid pool 240 and an external water source. A drain valve 250 is connected to one end of the cleaning pipe 213. The drain valve 250 is an integrated device that can switch the internal pipeline connection. The drain valve 250 has multiple ports, one of which is connected to the external water source, and another port is connected to the waste liquid pool 240 through the waste reagent pipe 241. The cleaning pipe 213 of each dyeing unit 200 is connected to a port. When the dyeing chamber 210 needs to be cleaned, valve No. 7 is opened, and one or more of valves No. 2 to No. 6 are opened at the same time, and cleaning liquid is injected into one or more dyeing chambers 210. The cleaning liquid is introduced from the cleaning pipe 213 into the infusion pipe 232, and then injected into the bottom of the dyeing chamber 210. When the liquid level of the cleaning liquid rises to the overflow port 211, it flows from the overflow port 211 into the waste liquid pipe 212, and finally flows into the waste liquid pool 240. Through continuous flushing, the residual dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber 210 is removed. Then, valve No. 7 is closed, valve No. 1 is opened, and the cleaning liquid in the dyeing chamber 210 is discharged into the waste liquid pool 240 through the cleaning pipe 213 and the waste reagent pipe 241 by gravity.

[0074] In practical applications, each port of the exhaust valve 250 can be equipped with a solenoid valve or a manual valve to control the inflow and outflow of liquid. Each solenoid valve can be connected to a control system to control its opening and closing state through a preset program or instruction. During the cleaning process, the control system can automatically adjust the opening and closing state of the solenoid valve on the cleaning pipe 213 according to the cleaning requirements to achieve precise cleaning control.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, a film washing chamber 260 is further provided, and the film washing chamber 260 is used to accommodate slides for washing. An overflow port 261 is provided at the upper part of the film washing chamber 260, and the overflow port 261 is connected to the waste liquid pool 240 through a drain pipe 262. Cleaning liquid is injected into the film washing chamber 260 to wash the slides or slide racks. During the washing process, the waste liquid flows into the waste liquid pool 240 through the overflow port 261 and the drain pipe 262. One of the ports of the drain valve 250 is connected to the film washing chamber 260 through the water inlet pipe 263, and the water level and water flow rate in the film washing chamber 260 can be conveniently controlled by the drain valve 250, thereby completing the automatic washing. Finally, the waste liquid in the film washing chamber 260 is discharged into the waste liquid pool 240 through the water inlet pipe 263 and the waste reagent pipe 241 by gravity.

[0076] In addition, since the cleaning tube 213 is connected to the infusion tube 232, and the cleaning tube 213 and the waste reagent tube 241 are respectively connected to a port of the drain valve 250, the used staining reagent in the reagent bottle 220 can be extracted by the delivery pump 231 through the drain valve 250 and delivered to the waste liquid pool 240 through the cleaning tube 213 and the waste reagent tube 241, thereby automatically cleaning the discarded staining reagent.

[0077] It is understandable that after staining is completed, the transfer robot 300 transfers the slide rack to the slide rack output area 102. Considering that the slides on the slide rack carry staining reagents, the staining reagents will drip onto the rack 100 or other components. The tissue section staining machine is provided with a water receiving container 334 to receive the dripping staining reagent. The water receiving container 334 can be a tray, a box or other forms of containers.

[0078] It is understandable that the water receiving container 334 moves synchronously with the transfer robot 300 under the drive of the water receiving drive, and after the slide rack leaves the staining chamber 210, the water receiving container 334 moves synchronously to the bottom of the slide rack to receive the dripping staining reagent. The water receiving drive can be a linear module driven by a motor, an electric push rod or a cylinder and other power devices, which are controlled by the control system of the tissue section staining machine, and the water receiving drive and the transfer robot 300 are linked to achieve synchronous action.

[0079] It is understandable that if Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the water receiving drive member adopts a motor 440 and a screw nut pair 441, and the motor 440 and the screw nut pair 441 are installed on the transfer robot arm 300, referring to Fig.13 During the staining operation, the motor 440 drives the screw nut pair 441, thereby driving the water receiving container 334 to move to a position away from the slide rack; Fig.14After the staining is finished, the transfer robot arm 300 drives the slide rack to rise, and the motor 440 drives the screw nut pair 441, thereby driving the water receiving container 334 to move to the bottom of the slide rack to receive the dripping staining reagent. The motor 440 and the transfer robot arm 300 are both controlled by the control system of the tissue section staining machine. When the transfer robot arm 300 and the slide rack rise, the motor 440 drives the water receiving container 334 to move synchronously through the screw nut pair 441 to receive the dripping staining reagent in time to prevent contamination.

[0080] In some embodiments, the transfer robot 300 includes a Z-axis moving mechanism 330, which is responsible for moving the slide rack in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The Z-axis moving mechanism 330 can be driven by a stepper motor, a servo motor, or a linear drive, and can achieve precise movement through a transmission mechanism such as a lead screw, a belt, or a chain.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 The Z-axis moving mechanism 330 includes a vertical stand 331 and a slide rack hook 332. The stand 331 is the main supporting structure of the Z-axis moving mechanism 330 and is fixed on the Y-axis moving mechanism 320, providing a stable vertical installation foundation. The slide rack hook 332 is connected to the side of the stand 331 along the vertical sliding, and is responsible for grabbing and releasing the slide rack. The slide rack hook 332 can be pneumatically, electrically or mechanically driven to achieve the grabbing action. Figure 4 The specific structure of the slide rack hook 332 can be two curved hooks, and corresponding holes are set on both sides of the slide rack. The slide rack hook 332 moves down to a suitable position, and the Y-axis moving mechanism 320 drives the Z-axis moving mechanism 330 to translate, so that the slide rack hook 332 passes through the holes on both sides of the slide rack, thereby hooking the slide rack and driving the slide rack to move.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the water receiving container 334 is linked with the slide rack hook 332 through a water receiving drive. When the slide rack hook 332 drives the slide rack to rise and leave the staining chamber 210, the water receiving container 334 moves to the bottom of the slide rack to receive and process the staining reagent that may drip, so as to prevent the staining reagent from causing contamination. The water receiving container 334 is linked with the slide rack hook 332 to accurately match the movement of the slide rack in and out of the staining chamber 210, and timely receive the staining reagent that drips. Moreover, the water receiving container 334 does not affect the slide rack in and out of the staining chamber 210. There is no need to wait for the water receiving container 334 to move before sending the slide rack into or out of the staining chamber 210, which has high operating efficiency and high operational reliability.

[0083] Reference Figure 3The water receiving drive member includes a swing arm 333. When the slide rack is hooked by the slide rack hook 332, the slide rack hook 332 moves up and down along the stand 331, so as to send the slide rack into or take it out of the staining chamber 210. The upper end of the swing arm 333 is hinged to the stand 331 through a pin 3333, and the lower end is connected to a water receiving container 334. The swing arm 333 swings around the pin 3333. The movement of the swing arm 333 is linked with the movement of the slide rack hook 332. The swing arm 333 drives the water receiving container 334 to shift. In the process of the slide rack descending and ascending, the water receiving container 334 leaves the position directly below the slide rack; when the slide rack rises to the highest position, the water receiving container 334 is located directly below the slide rack to receive and process the staining reagent that may drip. Among them, a cylinder, an electric push rod or the like can be used to drive the swing arm 333 to swing, so as to realize the linkage with the slide rack hook claw 332, or the linkage can be realized through a mechanical structure.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, a top block 3321 is disposed at the upper end of the slide rack hook 332, and a lever 3331 is disposed at the upper end of the swing arm 333 toward the side of the slide rack hook 332. When the slide rack hook 332 rises, the top block 3321 pushes the swing arm 333 to swing through the lever 3331, so that the water receiving container 334 moves to the right below the slide rack. Figure 5 In the process of the slide rack rising, the lever 3331 is inclined. When the slide rack hook 332 rises to a position close to the highest position, the top block 3321 contacts the lever 3331 and pushes the swing arm 333 to rotate through the lever 3331, and finally drives the water receiving container 334 to move to the bottom of the slide rack. Figure 4 As shown, the lever 3331 is horizontal at this time and fits tightly with the top block 3321. The above linkage mechanism ensures that the water receiving container 334 can move to the position directly below the slide rack at the correct time point to effectively receive the dripping staining reagent. It can be understood that in the process of the slide rack entering and exiting the staining chamber 210, the water receiving container 334 leaves the position directly below the slide rack without affecting the operation; after the slide rack leaves the staining chamber 210, the water receiving container 334 quickly moves to the position directly below the slide rack through the above linkage mechanism to receive the dripping staining reagent. This synchronization matches the staining process to prevent the staining reagent dripping on the slide from contaminating the staining machine. The above linkage mechanism is a purely mechanical structure, which does not require the use of motors, cylinders and other driving parts, nor does it require the addition of monitoring and feedback sensors. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, strong stability, reliability and durability.

[0085] Further, the lower end of the stand 331 is provided with a horizontal slide rail 3311, and the water receiving container 334 is moved in the horizontal direction by slidingly connecting the moving seat 3341 of the horizontal slide rail 3311, so that the water receiving container 334 can move smoothly. It can be understood that the water receiving container 334 is horizontally movable, which can prevent the loaded staining reagent from leaking during the movement, improve the reliability of use, and the water receiving container 334 can be designed to be flat, reduce space occupation, and facilitate layout. The lower end of the swing arm 333 is provided with a transmission optical axis 3332, and the moving seat 3341 is provided with a vertically arranged slide groove 3342, and the transmission optical axis 3332 is penetrated in the slide groove 3342. When the slide rack hook 332 pushes the swing arm 333 to swing, the moving seat 3341 is pushed by the transmission optical axis 3332, thereby driving the water receiving container 334 to shift. The cooperation between the transmission optical axis 3332 and the slide groove 3342 also provides the necessary space to adapt to the swinging movement of the swing arm 333.

[0086] In actual operation, the control system sends instructions to the X-axis moving mechanism 310, the Y-axis moving mechanism 320, and the Z-axis moving mechanism 330 according to the preset staining program. The Z-axis moving mechanism 330 is first positioned above the target staining chamber 210 through the X-axis moving mechanism 310 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 320. Then, the slide rack hook 332 of the Z-axis moving mechanism 330 drives the slide rack to descend. Due to the effect of gravity, the swing arm 333 swings and drives the water receiving container 334 to leave the bottom of the slide rack, and the slide rack enters the staining chamber 210 for staining. After the staining is completed, the slide rack hook 332 drives the slide rack to rise, and pushes the swing arm 333 to swing through the top block 3321, so that the water receiving container 334 moves to the bottom of the slide rack. Finally, the slide rack is transported to the slide rack output area 102 through the X-axis moving mechanism 310 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 320. During the movement process, the water receiving container 334 receives the dripping staining reagent to prevent the staining reagent from contaminating other components.

[0087] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 In other embodiments, a cross bar is provided at the lower end of the swing arm 333, and the water receiving container 334 is installed on the cross bar. When the slide rack hook 332 pushes the swing arm 333 to swing, the swing arm 333 pushes the water receiving container 334 to shift through the cross bar. Fig.15 As shown, during the staining operation, the swing arm 333 drives the water receiving container 334 to move to a position away from the slide rack; Fig.16As shown, after the staining is finished, the transfer robot 300 drives the slide rack to rise, and the swing arm 333 drives the water receiving container 334 to move to the bottom of the slide rack to receive the dripping staining reagent. The swing arm 333 and the transfer robot 300 are both controlled by the control system of the tissue section staining machine. When the transfer robot 300 and the slide rack rise, the swing arm 333 drives the water receiving container 334 to move synchronously to receive the dripping staining reagent in time to prevent contamination.

[0088] In some embodiments, the swing arm 333 may also be provided with an independent driving component to control the movement of the swing arm 333, and the control system controls the linkage between the slide rack hook 332 and the swing arm 333. The driving component may be a motor, an electric push rod or a cylinder.

[0089] Reference Figure 1 , the transfer robot 300 also includes an X-axis moving mechanism 310 and a Y-axis moving mechanism 320. The X-axis moving mechanism 310 is fixed to the frame 100, as the fixed basis of the transfer robot 300, and realizes movement in the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane. The Y-axis moving mechanism 320 is connected to the X-axis moving mechanism 310, and is responsible for realizing movement in the horizontal direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the X-axis. Combined with the movement of the X-axis and the Y-axis, the transfer robot 300 can accurately locate the slide rack in the horizontal plane. The Z-axis moving mechanism 330 is connected to the Y-axis moving mechanism 320, and is responsible for moving the slide rack in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), so that the transfer robot 300 can drive the slide rack to accurately move in three-dimensional space. The structures of the X-axis moving mechanism 310, the Y-axis moving mechanism 320 and the Z-axis moving mechanism 330 are similar, and can all adopt driving modes such as stepping motors, servo motors or linear drives, and realize accurate movement through transmission mechanisms such as lead screws, belts or chains.

[0090] It is understandable that the staining reagent is stored in the staining chamber 210, and sometimes multiple staining is required. Some staining reagents are volatile. If the opening of the staining chamber 210 is exposed, the staining reagent will volatilize and there is a risk of contamination. The tissue section staining machine of the present application is provided with a movable staining chamber cover 214 at the upper end of the staining chamber 210. The staining chamber cover 214 can not only effectively prevent the volatilization of the staining reagent and reduce external pollution, but also realize automatic opening and closing through the mechanical structure to realize automated production.

[0091] In order to realize the automatic opening and closing of the dyeing chamber cover 214, a dyeing chamber cover switch module 400 is installed on the frame 100, and the dyeing chamber cover 214 can be accurately opened or closed through a precisely controlled mechanical action.

[0092] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7One of the core components of the dyeing bin cover switch module 400 is the Z-axis translation assembly 410, which realizes the movement in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to perform the action of opening and closing the dyeing bin cover 214. A driving block 411 is disposed at the upper end of the Z-axis translation assembly 410, and one side of the dyeing bin cover 214 is hinged to the dyeing bin 210, so that the dyeing bin cover 214 can be flipped open. Fig.12 As shown, a transmission pin 215 is provided on the outer wall of the dyeing chamber cover 214, and the transmission pin 215 deviates from the flip axis of the dyeing chamber cover 214. The transmission pin 215 serves as a force point. When the Z-axis translation assembly 410 drives the driving block 411 to move upward, the driving block 411 can push the transmission pin 215 to rotate with the flip axis of the dyeing chamber cover 214 as the axis (Figure 4 Fig.12 ), thereby driving the dyeing bin cover 214 to rotate, thereby opening the dyeing bin cover 214. Conversely, when the driving block 411 moves downward, the dyeing bin cover 214 is driven to close. In addition, the dyeing bin cover 214 may also automatically fall under the action of gravity, thereby closing.

[0093] Considering the stability of the operation of the equipment, a pin hole 412 is designed on the driving block 411. The pin hole 412 is used for the transmission pin shaft 215 to pass through, ensuring that the driving block 411 can push the dyeing bin cover 214 to open and close. Considering that the transmission pin shaft 215 is a rotational motion, the pin hole 412 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the transmission pin shaft 215. In order to increase the flexibility of the dyeing bin cover switch module 400, the dyeing bin cover switch module 400 also has a Y-axis translation component 420. The Y-axis translation component 420 drives the block 411 to move in the horizontal direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). When the cover needs to be opened, the Z-axis translation component 410 first raises the driving block 411 to a suitable height, and then the Y-axis translation component 420 drives the driving block 411 so that the transmission pin shaft 215 is inserted into the pin hole 412 of the driving block 411.

[0094] When there are a large number of dyeing bins 210 in the dyeing area 103 and they are arranged in multiple rows, in order to further improve the degree of automation, an X-axis translation assembly 430 is added on the basis of the Y-axis translation assembly 420. The moving direction of the X-axis translation assembly 430 is consistent with the arrangement direction of the multiple dyeing bins 210, so that the dyeing bin cover switch module 400 can move in the X-axis direction, thereby realizing access to any dyeing bin 210.

[0095] The Y-axis translation assembly 420 is connected to the X-axis translation assembly 430 to form a two-dimensional mobile platform. The driving block 411 is accurately transferred to the side of any dyeing chamber 210 in the dyeing area 103 by the X-axis translation assembly 430. When the cover needs to be opened, the Z-axis translation assembly 410 first raises the driving block 411 to a suitable height, and then the Y-axis translation assembly 420 drives the driving block 411 so that the transmission pin 215 is inserted into the pin hole 412 of the driving block 411, and the Z-axis translation assembly 410 drives the driving block 411 to continue to rise, thereby opening the dyeing chamber cover 214; after the dyeing is completed, the Z-axis translation assembly 410 drives the driving block 411 to descend, so that the dyeing chamber cover 214 is restored to a closed state to prevent the dyeing reagent from volatilizing and contaminating.

[0096] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present application, the dyeing bins 210 in the dyeing area 103 are arranged in two rows. In order to optimize the space utilization and the compactness of the mechanical structure, the dyeing bin cover switch module 400 is cleverly arranged between the two rows of dyeing bins 210. This layout not only reduces the space occupation, but also enables each dyeing bin 210 to be effectively accessed and operated.

[0097] In order to adapt to the above layout, the pin hole 412 on the driving block 411 is designed to penetrate the entire driving block 411 along the Y direction. The Y-axis translation assembly 420 drives the driving block 411 to move, so that the transmission pin shafts 215 of the dyeing bins 210 on both sides can be inserted into the pin hole 412, and one dyeing bin cover switch module 400 can realize the opening and closing of two rows of dyeing bins 210.

[0098] A mounting seat 431 is provided on the X-axis translation assembly 430, and the mounting seat 431 serves as a support platform for the Y-axis translation assembly 420. The Y-axis translation assembly 420 includes a Y-axis motor 421, a gear 422, and a rack 423. The Y-axis motor 421 is fixed on the mounting seat 431, the rack 423 is slidably connected to the mounting seat 431, and extends along the Y-axis direction, and the gear 422 is fixed on the rotating shaft of the Y-axis motor 421 and meshes with the rack 423. When the Y-axis motor 421 rotates, the gear 422 drives the rack 423 to move along the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis translation assembly 410 is fixed on the rack 423 and moves with the movement of the rack 423, so that the driving block 411 can move accurately in the Y-axis direction.

[0099] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of baking chambers 270 are provided in the staining area 103. The main function of the baking chambers 270 is to accommodate the slides before staining and bake the slides. By baking and melting the wax, the tissue sections are more adhered to the slides. The design of the baking chambers 270 takes into account the diversity of the slide sizes, ensuring that slides of different sizes can be accommodated and dried.

[0100] The structure of the baking bin 270 is similar to that of the dyeing bin 210, with an additional heating element (such as a resistance wire or a ceramic heater). Each baking bin 270 is equipped with a baking bin cover, which can be opened and closed manually or automatically to control the start and end of the heating process. The baking bin cover can also be controlled by the dyeing bin cover switch module 400. The structure of the baking bin cover is the same as that of the dyeing bin cover 214, and the opening and closing process is the same.

[0101] In some embodiments of the present application, a heating film is provided on the outer wall of the dyeing chamber 210 to adjust the temperature of the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber 210. This design is essential for maintaining optimal conditions for dyeing. The performance of the dyeing reagent will be affected by temperature, and too high or too low temperature may lead to poor dyeing effect. The heating film is a thin and flexible heating element that can fit tightly on the outer wall of the dyeing chamber 210 and achieve precise temperature regulation by controlling the current intensity. The heating film also has the characteristics of fast response and can reach the set temperature in a short time, thereby shortening the dyeing cycle.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In some embodiments of the present application, the staining chamber 210 is connected to a mixing component 500, which is used to drive the staining reagent in the staining chamber 210 to flow, ensure the reagent is evenly distributed, and improve the uniformity of staining. In the process of tissue section staining, the uniformity of the staining reagent directly affects the staining quality.

[0103] In one embodiment, the mixing assembly 500 includes a mixing motor 510, a rotating seat 520 and a magnet. The mixing motor 510 is fixed on the frame 100 as a power source, and the rotating seat 520 is driven to rotate by a rotating shaft. The upper end surface of the rotating seat 520 is provided with a plurality of magnets, and the magnets are located directly below the dyeing chamber 210, while the magnets are located in the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber 210. When the mixing motor 510 is started, the rotating seat 520 drives the magnets to rotate. Due to the magnetic force, the magnets also rotate in the dyeing reagent, producing a stirring effect and driving the dyeing reagent to flow. The advantage is that the non-contact stirring method avoids the pollution problems that may be caused by traditional mechanical stirring, while ensuring the uniformity and mildness of the stirring. A slide can be provided on the bottom wall of the dyeing chamber 210 to accommodate and limit the magnets to prevent the magnets from being taken away when the dyeing reagent is extracted.

[0104] When the multiple dyeing bins 210 in the dyeing area 103 are arranged in at least one row, a rotating seat 520 is arranged below each dyeing bin 210, and a pulley 521 is provided at the lower end of the rotating seat 520. The pulleys 521 and the belt 522 are used to realize the synchronous rotation of the multiple rotating seats 520, so that the dyeing reagents in all the dyeing bins 210 can be mixed at the same time, and a mixing motor 510 is shared, which reduces the cost and control difficulty. One of the pulleys 521 is fixed to the rotating shaft of the mixing motor 510 as a driving wheel, and the other pulleys 521 are used as driven wheels to transmit power through the belt 522, which not only simplifies the transmission system, but also reduces the maintenance cost. In addition, the flexibility and buffering effect of the belt 522 transmission also help to reduce vibration and noise, and improve the running stability of the equipment.

[0105] Furthermore, the mixing assembly 500 also includes a mounting plate 540, which is fixed to the mixing motor 510 and used to support components such as the rotating seat 520 and the pulley 521. The rotating seat 520 is mounted on the mounting plate 540 through a rotating connection such as a bearing to ensure that it can rotate freely, and the pulley 521 is located below the mounting plate 540 and is connected to form a transmission chain through a belt 522. In order to maintain the tension state of the belt 522, a plurality of tensioning wheels 541 are provided on the bottom surface of the mounting plate 540, and the tensioning wheels 541 abut against the belt 522. By adjusting its position or pressure to maintain the appropriate tension of the belt 522, the belt 522 is kept in close contact with the pulley 521, thereby improving the transmission stability.

[0106] In some embodiments of the present application, both the slide rack input area 101 and the slide rack output area 102 are equipped with high-precision sensors for real-time detection of the presence and position of the slide rack. The sensor can be a diffuse reflection sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an infrared sensor, etc., and the specific selection depends on the specific layout of the equipment and environmental conditions. Among them, the use of a diffuse reflection sensor is a preferred solution. The working principle of the diffuse reflection sensor is based on the law of reflection of light. When light is irradiated onto the surface of the slide rack, the light will scatter in all directions to form diffuse reflection. The diffuse reflection sensor can detect these reflected lights to determine the presence, position, distance and other information of the slide rack.

[0107] Reference Fig.10In the slide rack input area 101, a first base 110 is provided, and the first base 110 is used to load the slide rack. The structural design of the first base 110 fully considers the stability of supporting the slide rack. In order to realize the automatic transfer of the slide rack, a first slide rail 120 is installed on the rack 100. The first base 110 is connected to the first slide rail 120 through a sliding connection, which ensures that the base can move smoothly along the first slide rail 120. The first driving component 130 can be an electric device, a pneumatic device or a hydraulic device. In some embodiments, the first driving component 13 uses a motor as a driving source, and converts the rotational motion into a linear motion through a screw nut pair transmission or a synchronous belt transmission, so as to accurately control the position and speed of the first base 110. When the slide rack is loaded manually or other automated equipment loads the slide rack, the first driving component 130 drives the first base 110 to move along the first slide rail 120, and the first base 110 moves outside the rack 100 to facilitate placing the slide rack into the first base 110 and prevent the slide rack from colliding with other components on the rack 100.

[0108] Reference Fig.11 The slide rack output area 102 is provided with a second base 140, and the second base 140 is provided with a plurality of receiving slots 141, each receiving slot 141 can stably carry a slide rack, and the multi-slot design improves the processing capacity, allows multiple slide racks to be carried at the same time, and meets the needs of high-throughput experiments. Similar to the first base 110, the second base 140 is also connected to the second slide rail 150 on the rack 100 through a sliding connection to ensure that the base can move along the second slide rail 150. The second driving component 160 can also be an electric device, a pneumatic device or a hydraulic device. In some embodiments, the second driving component 160 uses a motor as a driving source, and converts the rotational motion into a linear motion through a screw nut pair transmission or a synchronous belt transmission, so as to accurately control the position and speed of the second base 140.

[0109] After staining is completed, the transfer robot 300 places the glass slide rack into the receiving slot 141 of the second base 140. Each receiving slot 141 is provided with a diffuse reflection sensor. The control system can know in real time whether each receiving slot 141 carries a glass slide rack. The unloading position of the transfer robot 300 can be designed to be fixed, and the second driving component 160 drives the second base 140 to move so as to place the glass slide racks one by one into each receiving slot 141.

[0110] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0111] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tissue section staining machine, characterized in that: include: A rack (100), wherein the upper end surface of the rack (100) is provided with a slide rack input area (101), a slide rack output area (102) and a staining area (103), wherein the slide rack input area (101) and the slide rack output area (102) are used to store slide racks; A plurality of dyeing units (200) are connected to the frame (100); the dyeing units (200) comprise a dyeing chamber (210), a reagent bottle (220) and an infusion assembly (230); the dyeing chamber (210) is arranged in the dyeing area (103); the infusion assembly (230) comprises a delivery pump (231) and an infusion tube (232); a first end of the infusion tube (232) is connected to the dyeing chamber (210); a second end of the infusion tube (232) is connected to the reagent bottle (220); the delivery pump (231) is arranged on the infusion tube (232) and is capable of realizing forward infusion and reverse infusion.

2. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The delivery pump (231) is a peristaltic pump, and the pump tube of the peristaltic pump is connected to the infusion tube (232).

3. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end is provided with a liquid extraction one-way valve (233) and a bypass, and the bypass is provided with a recovery one-way valve (234).

4. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inlet of the liquid extraction one-way valve (233) is provided with a liquid extraction pipe, and the end of the liquid extraction pipe is provided with a filter (235).

5. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent bottle (220) has a bottle cap (221), the infusion tube (232) passes through the bottle cap (221), and the bottle cap (221) is provided with an exhaust check valve (222) and an air supply check valve (223).

6. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An overflow port (211) is provided at the upper portion of the dyeing chamber (210), and the overflow port (211) is connected to a waste liquid pool (240) via a waste liquid pipe (212).

7. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The dyeing chamber (210) is connected to a cleaning pipe (213), and the other end of the cleaning pipe (213) is connected to a water tank or an external water source.

8. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cleaning tube (213) is connected to the infusion tube (232), and the connection between the cleaning tube (213) and the infusion tube (232) is located between the first end and the delivery pump (231).

9. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The other end of the cleaning pipe (213) is connected to a drain valve (250), and the drain valve (250) has a plurality of ports, one of which is connected to the external water source, and another of which is connected to the waste liquid pool (240) via a waste reagent pipe (241).

10. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The tissue section staining machine has a plurality of slide washing chambers (260), the slide washing chambers (260) being used to accommodate slide racks for washing, and an overflow port (261) being provided at the top of the slide washing chamber (260), the overflow port (261) being connected to the waste liquid pool (240) via a drainage pipe (262).

11. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: One of the ports of the drain valve (250) is connected to the film washing bin (260) via a water inlet pipe (263).

12. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The exhaust valve (250) has a plurality of solenoid valves, and each port is controlled to open and close by one of the solenoid valves.

13. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The external water source is a tap water pipe, and the tap water pipe is provided with a water inlet solenoid valve (251) to control opening and closing.

14. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The upper end of the frame (100) is connected to a transfer robot arm (300), and the transfer robot arm (300) is used to transfer the slide rack to the slide rack input area (101), the slide rack output area (102) or the staining chamber (210).

15. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 14, characterized in that: The tissue section staining machine is provided with a water receiving container (334); when the transfer mechanical arm (300) drives the slide rack to rise, the water receiving container (334) is driven by the water receiving drive component and moves synchronously with the transfer mechanical arm (300) to the bottom of the slide rack.

16. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 15, characterized in that: The water receiving drive component comprises a motor and a linear motion module to drive the water receiving container (334) to move to the bottom of the glass slide rack and leave the bottom of the glass slide rack.

17. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 15, characterized in that: The transfer robot arm (300) comprises a Z-axis moving mechanism (330), wherein the Z-axis moving mechanism (330) comprises a vertical stand (331) and a glass slide rack hook (332), wherein the glass slide rack hook (332) is vertically slidably connected to the side of the stand (331), and when the glass slide rack hook (332) drives the glass slide rack to rise.

18. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 17, characterized in that: The water receiving drive member comprises a swing arm (333), the upper end of the swing arm (333) being hinged to the stand (331), and the lower end of the swing arm (333) being connected to the water receiving container (334); when the slide rack hook (332) drives the slide rack to rise, the swing arm (333) and the slide rack hook (332) are linked to each other and drive the water receiving container (334) to move to the bottom of the slide rack.

19. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 18, characterized in that: A top block (3321) is provided at the upper end of the slide rack hook claw (332), and a shift rod (3331) is provided at the upper end of the swing arm (333) facing the side of the slide rack hook claw (332); when the slide rack hook claw (332) rises, the top block (3321) pushes the swing arm (333) to rotate via the shift rod (3331), so that the water receiving container (334) moves to the bottom of the slide rack.

20. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 19, characterized in that: A horizontal slide rail (3311) is provided at the lower end of the stand (331), and the water receiving container (334) is connected to a movable seat (3341) slidably connected to the horizontal slide rail (3311), and the movable seat (3341) is connected to the lower end of the swing arm (333).

21. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 20, characterized in that: The lower end of the swing arm (333) is provided with a transmission optical axis (3332), the movable seat (3341) is provided with a vertically arranged slide groove (3342), and the transmission optical axis (3332) is passed through the slide groove (3342).

22. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 17, characterized in that: The transfer robot (300) comprises an X-axis moving mechanism (310) and a Y-axis moving mechanism (320), wherein the X-axis moving mechanism (310) is fixed to the frame (100), the Y-axis moving mechanism (320) is connected to the X-axis moving mechanism (310), and the Z-axis moving mechanism (330) is connected to the Y-axis moving mechanism (320).

23. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The upper end of the dyeing chamber (210) is provided with a dyeing chamber cover (214) that can be opened movably, and the frame (100) is provided with a dyeing chamber cover switch module (400) for opening or closing the dyeing chamber cover (214).

24. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 23, characterized in that: The dyeing bin cover switch module (400) comprises a Z-axis translation assembly (410), a driving block (411) is arranged at the upper end of the Z-axis translation assembly (410), one side of the dyeing bin cover (214) is hinged to the dyeing bin (210), a transmission pin shaft (215) is arranged on the outer wall of the dyeing bin cover (214), and the driving block (411) drives the dyeing bin cover (214) to rotate via the transmission pin shaft (215).

25. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 24, characterized in that: The dyeing chamber cover switch module (400) comprises a Y-axis translation assembly (420), the Z-axis translation assembly (410) is connected to the Y-axis translation assembly (420), and the driving block (411) is provided with a pin hole (412) for the transmission pin shaft (215) to pass through.

26. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 25, characterized in that: The plurality of dyeing bins (210) in the dyeing area (103) are arranged in at least one row, the dyeing bin cover switch module (400) comprises an X-axis translation assembly (430), the movement direction of the X-axis translation assembly (430) is consistent with the arrangement direction of the plurality of dyeing bins (210), and the Y-axis translation assembly (420) is connected to the X-axis translation assembly (430).

27. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 26, characterized in that: The plurality of dyeing bins (210) in the dyeing area (103) are arranged in two rows, the dyeing bin cover switch module (400) is arranged between the two rows of dyeing bins (210), and the pin hole (412) passes through the driving block (411) along the Y direction.

28. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 27, characterized in that: The X-axis translation assembly (430) is provided with a mounting seat (431), the Y-axis translation assembly (420) comprises a Y-axis motor (421), a gear (422) and a rack (423), the Y-axis motor (421) is fixed to the mounting seat (431), the rack (423) is slidably connected to the mounting seat (431), the gear (422) is fixed to the rotating shaft of the Y-axis motor (421) and meshes with the rack (423), and the Z-axis translation assembly (410) is fixed to the rack (423).

29. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: A plurality of baking chambers (270) are arranged in the dyeing area (103), the baking chambers (270) being used to accommodate glass slides and perform baking, and the baking chambers (270) are connected to baking chamber covers.

30. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The outer wall of the dyeing chamber (210) is provided with a heating film to adjust the temperature of the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber (210).

31. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The dyeing chamber (210) is connected to a mixing component (500), and the mixing component (500) is used to drive the dyeing reagent in the dyeing chamber (210) to flow.

32. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 31, characterized in that: The mixing assembly (500) comprises a mixing motor (510), a rotating seat (520) and a magnet; the mixing motor (510) is fixed to the frame (100); the rotating seat (520) is connected to the rotating shaft of the mixing motor (510); a plurality of magnets are arranged on the upper end surface of the rotating seat (520); the magnets are located directly below the dyeing chamber (210); the magnets are located in the dyeing chamber (210); and the magnets rotate to drive the magnets to rotate in the dyeing chamber (210).

33. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 32, characterized in that: The plurality of dyeing chambers (210) in the dyeing area (103) are arranged in at least one row, a rotating seat (520) is arranged below each dyeing chamber (210), a belt pulley (521) is provided at the lower end of the rotating seat (520), the plurality of belt pulleys (521) are connected via a belt (522), and one of the belt pulleys (521) is fixed to the rotating shaft of the mixing motor (510).

34. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 33, characterized in that: The mixing component (500) comprises a mounting plate (540), wherein the mounting plate (540) is fixed to the mixing motor (510), the rotating seat (520) is rotatably connected to the mounting plate (540), the belt pulley (521) is located below the mounting plate (540), and a plurality of tensioning wheels (541) are provided on the bottom surface of the mounting plate (540), wherein the tensioning wheels (541) abut against the belt (522) to keep the belt (522) abutting against the belt pulley (521).

35. The tissue section staining machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The slide rack input area (101) and the slide rack output area (102) are provided with sensors for detecting the slide racks.

36. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 35, characterized in that: The slide rack input area (101) is provided with a first base (110) for loading the slide rack, the rack (100) is provided with a first slide rail (120), the first base (110) is slidably connected to the first slide rail (120), and the first base (110) is connected to a first driving component (130) to drive the first base (110) to move along the first slide rail (120).

37. The tissue section staining machine according to claim 35, characterized in that: The slide rack output area (102) is provided with a second base (140), the second base (140) is provided with a plurality of receiving slots (141) for loading the slide rack, the rack (100) is provided with a second slide rail (150), the second base (140) is slidably connected to the second slide rail (150), and the second base (140) is connected to a second driving component (160) to drive the second base (140) to move along the second slide rail (150).

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