Heating device and immunohistochemical staining equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a heating device and immunohistochemical staining equipment comprising the same. The heating device comprises an inner container (10), a heating assembly (50) and a lifting assembly. An inner water tank (101) is arranged in the inner container (10); a first opening (102) is formed in one side of the inner container (10), and the first opening (102) is communicated with the inner water tank (101). The heating assembly (50) is used for heating liquid in the inner water tank (101). The lifting assembly comprises a gland (30) and a lifting power module connected with the gland (30). The first sealing piece (61) is arranged on the gland (30) and / or the inner container (10); the lifting power module is used for driving the gland (30) to move from a first position to a second position; when the gland (30) is located at the first position, the gland (30) is separated from the inner container (10); when the gland (30) is located at the second position, the gland (30) covers the first opening (102), and the first sealing piece (61) is clamped between the gland (30) and the inner container (10).

Description

A heating device and an immunohistochemical staining apparatus Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of biomedical technology, and in particular to a heating device and an immunohistochemistry apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In certain experiments and tests in the biomedical field, it is necessary to heat the samples on the slides. For example, in immunohistochemistry experiments, antigen retrieval is a necessary step. Antigen retrieval requires adding chemical reagents to the samples on the slides and heating them. The process of re-exposing blocked antigens or antigens with distorted peptide chains is achieved by using the action of reagents and heat.

[0003] In related technologies, tissue samples on glass slides are heated by methods such as hot plate heating and water bath heating; however, the entire process is time-consuming.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a heating device that can be applied to experimental procedures requiring sample heating, such as antigen retrieval, thereby improving heating efficiency. Another objective of this application is to provide an immunohistochemical apparatus that uses a heating device to perform antigen retrieval via high-pressure thermal retrieval, thereby improving antigen retrieval efficiency and shortening the overall immunohistochemical staining time.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A heating device, comprising:

[0008] The inner container has an inner water tank inside; a first opening is provided on one side of the inner container, and the first opening communicates with the inner water tank.

[0009] A heating assembly for heating the liquid in the inner water tank;

[0010] The lifting assembly includes a pressure cover and a lifting power module connected to the pressure cover;

[0011] A first sealing element is disposed on the gland and / or the inner container;

[0012] The lifting power module is used to drive the pressure cover to move from a first position to a second position; when the pressure cover is in the first position, the pressure cover is separated from the inner container; when the pressure cover is in the second position, the pressure cover seals the first opening, and the first sealing element is clamped between the pressure cover and the inner container.

[0013] An immunohistochemical staining device includes a heating device as described above, wherein the heating device is an antigen retrieval heating device.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: the heating device can press the cap tightly against the inner container to close the first opening through the lifting power module, thereby sealing the inner container. When there are reagents and glass slides in the inner water tank, the heating component heats the reagents in the inner container. When the inner container is sealed by the cap, the pressure increases as the internal temperature of the inner container increases, which can perform high-pressure heating on the reagents inside the inner container and the tissues on the glass slides.

[0015] When this heating device is used in immunohistochemistry equipment, it can be used in the antigen retrieval step. It repairs antigens by heating under high pressure, which shortens the time required for antigen retrieval, improves experimental efficiency, and enhances the retrieval effect. In addition, the inner container can hold multiple slides at the same time, allowing for antigen retrieval on tissues on multiple slides simultaneously, thus improving experimental efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heating device described in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the heating device described in the embodiment of this application (some structures are omitted in the figure);

[0019] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heating device described in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heating device described in the embodiment of this application (part of the shell is omitted in the figure);

[0021] Figure 5 is one of the schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the pressure cap, the plate carrier, the inner container, and the outer container when the pressure cap is in the first position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 5;

[0023] Figure 7 is a second schematic diagram showing the cooperation relationship between the pressure cap, the plate holder, the inner container, the outer container, and the heating components in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application when the pressure cap is in the first position.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the pressure cap, the plate carrier, the inner container, the outer container, and the heating components when the pressure cap is in the second position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 8;

[0026] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part C in Figure 8;

[0027] Figure 11 is one of the schematic diagrams showing the cooperation relationship between the inner container, outer container and heating components in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of part D in Figure 11;

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the inner container, the outer container, and the heating components when the pressure cover is in the second position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 14 is one of the schematic diagrams of the lifting power module when the pressure cover is in the first position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 15 is a second schematic diagram of the lifting power module when the pressure cover is in the first position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 16 is a third schematic diagram of the lifting power module when the pressure cover is in the first position in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 17 is a partial exploded view of the lifting power module in the heating device described in the embodiment of this application.

[0034] In the diagram: 10. Inner container; 101. Inner water tank; 102. First opening; 103. First guide slope; 104. Second guide slope; 11. Inner chamber; 12. Inner bottom plate; 121. Base plate; 122. Second boss; 13. Liquid channel; 14. First mounting base; 15. Second mounting base; 20. Outer container; 201. Outer water tank; 202. Second opening; 21. Outer chamber; 22. Outer bottom plate; 30. Cover; 31. Cover body; 32. First boss; 41. Drive mechanism; 42. Cross frame; 421. Bracket; 422. End of first frame; 423. Second frame end; 424, hinge; 43, transmission seat; 431, slide groove; 441, connecting shaft; 442, sliding rod; 451, lead screw; 452, first bushing; 453, second bushing; 461, transverse guide rail; 462, vertical guide rail; 47, gearbox; 50, heating assembly; 61, first seal; 62, second seal; 70, slide holder; 702, bottom opening; 71, support plate; 72, insertion slot; 81, first temperature sensor; 82, second temperature sensor; 83, pressure relief valve; 84, pressure relief pipe; 90, housing; 900, glass slide. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that utilizes the principle of specific binding between antigens and antibodies. Through a chemical reaction, labeled antibodies and chromogenic agents (fluorescein, enzymes, metal ions, isotopes) are visualized to identify intracellular antigens (peptides and proteins) for localization, qualitative analysis, and quantification. IHC is a routinely used method in clinical and laboratory pathology examinations. Antigen retrieval (AR) techniques are always involved in the immunohistochemical process. AR typically involves immersing the tissue section in an antigen retrieval solution, heating it for a period of time, and then performing subsequent procedures to achieve better staining results. The purpose of AR is to break the cross-links between antigen proteins and formaldehyde, as well as the inter-protein connections, fully exposing the tissue antigens. This allows most antibodies to effectively bind to the antigens, resulting in specific immunostaining and improving the detection rate of tissue antigens.

[0039] Among related technologies, immunohistochemistry has a relatively slow antigen retrieval efficiency. With the increasing incidence of tumors year by year, the annual growth rate of immunohistochemical staining experiments related to tumor diagnosis is gradually increasing, leading to a growing workload and intensity for immunohistochemical experiments. Low antigen retrieval efficiency results in the entire immunohistochemical experiment taking a long time, failing to meet requirements.

[0040] Based on this, this application provides a heating device that can be used to heat sliced ​​samples on a glass slide under high pressure. The heating device of this application can be used in the antigen retrieval process of immunohistochemical staining (IHC staining), and of course, it can also be used in the process of fluorescence in situ hybridization staining (FISH staining) or other experimental procedures.

[0041] In other experimental or detection steps, the heating device of this application can also be used to heat the sliced ​​samples on the slides under high pressure in a water bath. For example, in the DNA denaturation process, the slides containing DNA sliced ​​samples are heated under high pressure to accelerate DNA denaturation. In the in situ hybridization detection process, the sliced ​​samples on the slides are heated under high pressure to denature DNA or RNA, making it easier for them to bind to the probe. In the cell culture process, water bath heating can be used to promote cell growth and differentiation, etc.

[0042] This application also provides an immunohistochemistry device, including the aforementioned heating device. This immunohistochemistry device is highly efficient. In some embodiments, the immunohistochemistry device includes a robotic arm for feeding or removing a glass slide carrying a tissue sample from the heating device.

[0043] This immunohistochemical staining equipment can perform antigen retrieval steps automatically or semi-automatically, and can also perform one or more of the following steps: slide baking, dewaxing, hydration, primary antibody incubation, secondary antibody incubation, staining, counterstaining, dehydration, and clearing. The heating device used in this immunohistochemical staining equipment performs antigen retrieval through high-pressure thermal retrieval, which can improve antigen retrieval efficiency and shorten the overall immunohistochemical staining experiment time.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 1 to 17. The heating device of this application is described below. The heating device includes a housing 90, an inner container 10, a heating assembly 50, a lifting assembly, and a first sealing member 61.

[0045] Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 7, the inner container 10 has an inner water tank 101 for containing the restoration solution. A first opening 102 is provided on one side of the inner container 10, communicating with the inner water tank 101. A glass slide 900 can be placed into the inner water tank 101 through the first opening 102, allowing the restoration solution to wet the sample on the slide 900. A heating assembly 50 is disposed inside or outside the inner container 10, and is used to heat the liquid in the inner water tank 101.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 14 to 17, the lifting assembly includes a lifting power module and a pressure cover 30. The lifting power module has a fixed end and a driving end. The fixed end of the lifting power module is installed on the housing 90, and the driving end is connected to the pressure cover 30. The pressure cover 30 and / or the inner container 10 are provided with a first sealing element 61.

[0047] The pressure cap 30 has a first position and a second position. The first position of the pressure cap 30 is also called the open position, and the second position of the pressure cap 30 is also called the closed position. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 7, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the pressure cap 30 is separated from the inner container 10, the first opening 102 is open, and the inner water tank 101 is not closed. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, when the pressure cap 30 is in the second position, the pressure cap 30 seals the first opening 102, and the first sealing member 61 is clamped between the pressure cap 30 and the inner container 10. The first sealing member 61 seals the gap between the pressure cap 30 and the inner container 10 to form a heating chamber between the inner wall of the inner container 10 and the pressure cap 30.

[0048] The heating device also includes a heating component 50, which is used to heat the reagent in the inner water tank 101 to raise the temperature of the reagent. The heating component 50 may be located outside the inner water tank 101 and not in contact with the liquid in the inner container 10; or the heating component 50 may be located inside the inner water tank 101, for example, embedded in the plate of the inner container 10, or located outside the inner container 10.

[0049] The heating device of this application can be used as an antigen retrieval device in immunohistochemistry experiments. The following is an antigen retrieval method based on the heating device of this application.

[0050] Add the reagents required for antigen retrieval to the inner water tank 101. The reagents can be, but are not limited to, EDTA antigen retrieval solution. Send the glass slide 900 containing the target tissue sample into the inner water tank 101. Drive the pressure cap 30 to the second position through the lifting power module so that the pressure cap 30, the first seal 61, and the inner container 10 are in close contact to seal the first opening 102 of the inner container 10. The heating component 50 is activated to heat the reagents in the inner container 10.

[0051] In immunohistochemical staining experiments, after tissue is fixed in formalin, proteins cross-link and antigens are blocked. In the antigen retrieval step, reagents such as antigen retrieval buffer can re-expose antigens that have been blocked by formalin under heat conditions without damaging antigen epitopes, thereby improving the detection rate of antigens, reducing background staining, and improving diagnostic accuracy.

[0052] The heating device of this application and the immunohistochemistry equipment using the heating device have at least the following effects:

[0053] First, during the antigen retrieval process, under the action of the lifting power module, the pressure cap 30 is always kept in the second position, closing the first opening 102. At this time, the interior of the inner container 10 is a sealed space. Under the action of the heating component 50, the reagent gradually heats up. As the reagent temperature rises, water vapor is gradually generated. The water vapor cannot escape, thereby increasing the pressure inside the inner container 10, achieving high-pressure heating or near-high-pressure heating. Compared with the conventional water bath heating method and microwave heating method, which can reach 98 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius respectively, the high-pressure heating method can allow the reagent to reach a higher temperature, approximately 120 degrees Celsius. High-temperature retrieval has higher efficiency, and under the condition of achieving the same antigen retrieval effect, the antigen retrieval time required by the high-pressure heating method is shorter. For example, if a glass slide 900 carrying tissue is placed in a water bath for retrieval, it is generally bathed at 100 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. However, if the heating device of this application is used, retrieval at 120 degrees Celsius under high pressure is only required for 2 to 5 minutes, saving antigen retrieval time.

[0054] Third, the inner container 10 can hold multiple glass slides 900, allowing for simultaneous antigen retrieval of multiple samples. This increases the number of samples that can be stained in a single immunohistochemistry process, thereby increasing the throughput of the equipment and improving experimental efficiency.

[0055] Fourth, the high-pressure heating process allows reagents and tissue samples to be heated more evenly, reducing experimental errors; under high pressure, the antigen retrieval solution can penetrate the tissue sections more fully, which helps to reduce antigen loss and improve the accuracy of experimental results.

[0056] Fifth, this heating device is advantageous for use in fully automatic or semi-automatic immunohistochemistry equipment. The closing and opening of the cap 30 does not require manual operation; it can be controlled by the controller to lift the power module, thereby improving the experimental efficiency of immunohistochemistry experiments, shortening experimental time, and reducing human error.

[0057] In one embodiment, a first annular groove is provided on the side of the pressure cap 30 near the inner container 10. The first sealing element 61 is a sealing ring, which is disposed in the first annular groove. The first sealing element 61 is fixed to the pressure cap 30 by means of adhesive bonding, interference fit, etc. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the area of ​​the pressure cap 30 is larger than the area of ​​the first opening 102. When the pressure cap 30 is in the second position, the outer edge area of ​​the pressure cap 30 presses against the first sealing element 61, and the first sealing element 61 presses against the top end face of the inner container 10. The central area of ​​the pressure cap 30 closes the first opening 102. At this time, the lifting power module applies a pressure F toward the top end face of the inner container 10 to the pressure cap 30, which keeps the pressure cap 30 sealing the first opening 102 and also keeps the pressure cap 30 pressing against the first sealing element 61. During heating, a good sealing effect is achieved on the first opening 102, which is beneficial to the increase of the internal pressure of the inner container 10. Understandably, the setting of the first annular groove can restrict the position of the first seal 61, allowing the first seal 61 to deform under the pressure of the gland 30, but without displacement, keeping the first seal 61 between the gland 30 and the top of the inner container 10.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5, 8, and 9, the cap 30 includes a cap body 31 and a first protrusion 32 disposed on the side of the cap body 31 near the inner container 10. When the cap 30 is in the second position and antigen retrieval heating is performed, the first sealing member 61 is clamped between the cap body 31 and the inner container 10. The first protrusion 32 is inserted into the interior of the inner container 10. The first protrusion 32 is used to restrict the lateral movement of the cap 30, preventing the cap 30 from shifting or misaligning under internal pressure, ensuring that the cap body 31 can stably cover the top of the inner container 10, thus avoiding seal failure and ensuring the effect of high-pressure heating. During the process of the cap 30 sealing the first opening 102 of the inner container 10, the first protrusion 32 also plays a guiding role.

[0059] Optionally, the first annular groove is provided on the cover body 31, and the first annular groove is distributed around the first protrusion 32, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the cover 30.

[0060] In other embodiments, an annular groove may be provided at the top of the inner container 10 to accommodate the first seal 61.

[0061] Please continue referring to Figures 3, 5 through 8, and 13. In one embodiment, the heating device further includes a slide holder 70 for supporting a glass slide 900. The slide holder 70 has one or more mounting portions, each for supporting a glass slide 900.

[0062] The slide holder 70 is located on the side of the cap 30 near the inner container 10, and the slide 900 is connected to the cap 30 on the side facing away from the inner container 10. When the lifting power module drives the cap 30 to move away from or towards the inner container 10, the cap 30 drives the slide holder 70 to move away from or towards the inner container 10. For example, the slide holder 70 is fixed to the lower side of the cap 30. When antigen retrieval is required, the lifting power module drives the cap 30 and the slide holder 70 to move downward. Referring to Figure 8, under the downward force applied by the lifting power module, the cap 30 remains pressed downward against the inner container 10, ensuring a good seal, and the slide holder 70 remains inside the inner container 10.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3, when the cap 30 is in the first position, the cap 30 is separated from the inner container 10, and the slide holder 70 is located outside the inner container 10 to prevent the inner container 10 from obstructing the slide holder 70. The slide 900 carrying the tissue sample to be repaired can be placed into the mounting part of the slide holder 70 by automatic operation of the robotic arm or manual operation of the laboratory personnel, or the slide 900 carrying the tissue sample that has completed antigen repair can be removed from the slide holder 70.

[0064] Referring to Figure 8, when the cap 30 is in the second position, the cap 30 seals the first opening 102, the slide holder 70 is located in the inner water tank 101, the slide 900 in the slide holder 70 and the tissue sample on the slide 900 are also located in the inner water tank, so that the reagent in the inner water tank 101 can soak the tissue sample on the slide 900.

[0065] Based on the configuration of fixing the slide holder 70 in the cap 30 in this embodiment, the same lifting power module can simultaneously drive the cap 30 and the slide holder 70 towards the inner container 10. When the cap 30 reaches the second position, it can simultaneously perform two experimental operations: sending the slide 900 into the inner water tank 101 and pressing it firmly against the inner container 10. Similarly, the same lifting power module can also drive the cap 30 and the slide holder 70 away from the inner container 10 simultaneously, to facilitate opening the inner container 10 and removing the slide 900 containing the antigen-repaired tissue sample. In other words, a single drive of the lifting power module can achieve two operations simultaneously, which is more efficient, saves time, and eliminates the need for manual insertion of the slide 900 into the inner container 10, making it suitable for automated operation.

[0066] Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment, the slide holder 70 is provided with a bottom opening 702 on the side opposite to the pressure cap 30. When there is reagent in the inner water tank 101, the reagent can enter the slide holder 70 through the bottom opening 702 during the process of the slide holder 70 entering the inner water tank 101, thereby wetting the tissue sample on the slide holder 70.

[0067] In one embodiment, a lateral opening is provided at one end or at both opposite ends of the slide holder 70. The lateral opening and the bottom opening 702 are located on adjacent sides of the slide holder 70. At least one lateral opening serves as a channel for the slide 900 to enter or exit. In the immunohistochemistry device, a robotic arm can feed or remove the slide 900 into or from the slide holder 70 through the lateral opening, thereby improving efficiency. The lateral openings on the slide holder 70 facilitate the entry of reagents into the slide holder 70 to wet the tissue sample on the slide holder 70. When both ends of the slide holder 70 are provided with lateral openings, and the bearing surface of the slide 900 extends from one side opening to the other side opening, the thermal motion of the reagent is enhanced when the reagent in the inner container 10 is heated. The reagent can flow from one side opening of the slide holder 70 to the other side opening, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 8. In this way, the reagent can flow over the surface of the slide 900 and then over the tissue sample. The heated reagent wets the tissue sample, making antigen retrieval more uniform and shortening the antigen retrieval time.

[0068] Optionally, the slide holder 70 includes two support plates 71, which are spaced apart. Each support plate has a mounting part on the side closest to the other support plate 71. The mounting part is an insertion slot 72. The glass slide 900 can be inserted between the two support plates 71 through the lateral opening. The two sides of the glass slide 900 in the width direction are respectively inserted into the insertion slots 72 of the two support plates 71. The slide holder 70 supports the glass slide 900.

[0069] Optionally, the heating device includes a housing 90, an inner container 10, a heating component 50, a lifting component, and a slide holder 70, all of which are disposed inside the housing 90. The housing 90 is provided with a shell opening, and at least one side opening of the slide holder 70 corresponds to the position of the shell opening of the housing 90. When the robot arm feeds in the glass slide 900, the glass slide 900 is fed into the slide holder 70 from the shell opening and the side opening.

[0070] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, in one embodiment, the pressure cap 30 is disposed on the upper side of the slide holder 70, the first opening 102 is located on the upper side of the inner container 10, and the front and rear sides of the slide holder 70 are provided with lateral openings. When the pressure cap 30 is in the second position, the glass slide 900 is horizontally placed in the slide holder 70 and horizontally located in the inner container 10. In this way, as shown in Figure 3, it is convenient for the robot arm to send the slide holder 70 into or out of the slide holder 70 in the horizontal direction.

[0071] It should be noted that the slide holder 70 can also be other structures, as long as it can support the slide 900 and actually wet the tissue sample on the surface of the slide 900.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8, in one embodiment, the heating device further includes an outer container 20, the interior of which has an outer water tank 201. A second opening 202 is provided on one side of the outer container 20, communicating with the outer water tank 201. An inner container 10 is disposed inside the outer container 20, with a first opening 102 located on the upper side of the inner container 10 and a second opening 202 located on the upper side of the outer container 20. The inner container 10 has a connecting port. When the cap 30 is in the first position, the inner water tank 101 communicates with the outer water tank 201 through the connecting port, allowing reagents in the outer water tank 201 to enter the inner water tank 101. When the cap 30 is in the second position, the cap 30 seals the connecting port, and the cap 30 and the inner container 10 enclose a heating chamber, sealing the space inside the inner container 10 and enabling high-pressure heating.

[0073] In one embodiment, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the height of the first opening 102 of the inner container 10 is lower than the height of the second opening 202 of the outer container 20; that is, the first opening 102 is farther away from the pressure cap 30 relative to the second opening 202. The aforementioned connecting port is the first opening 102 of the inner container 10. Of course, in other embodiments, when the inner container 10 includes an inner compartment 11 and an inner bottom plate 12, the connecting port may also be located between the inner compartment 11 and the inner bottom plate 12.

[0074] Optionally, the outer container 20 is equipped with a liquid pipe, which connects to an external liquid supply device. This allows for the automatic addition of reagents to the outer water tank 201 or the discharge of reagents from the outer water tank 201 via the liquid pipe. Due to the connection between the inner water tank 101 and the outer water tank 201, reagents can be injected into the inner container 10 through the outer container 20, or discharged from the inner container 10 into the outer container 20. There is no need to configure a separate liquid pipe for the inner container 10. The inner container 10 and the outer container 20 use the same water path for liquid inlet, liquid outlet, heating, cooling, and cleaning, and are all connected to the heating device externally via the same liquid pipe located in the outer container 20. When this heating device is used in immunohistochemical staining equipment, the assembly of the heating device with other devices in the staining machine is simple, and the control of the heating device is also straightforward.

[0075] In one embodiment, three separate components are used to enclose and form a sealed heating cavity. In this embodiment, the inner container 10 includes an inner chamber 11 and an inner bottom plate 12, which are movably connected. The inner chamber 11 and / or the inner bottom plate 12 are provided with a second sealing element 62, which can be, but is not limited to, a sealing ring.

[0076] Optionally, when the lifting power module drives the pressure cap 30 to move downward to the second position, the first sealing member 61 is clamped between the pressure cap 30 and the inner chamber 11, and the second sealing member 62 is clamped between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12. The pressure cap 30, the inner chamber 11, and the inner bottom plate 12 enclose a heating chamber. Due to the presence of the first sealing member 61 and the second sealing member 62, when the pressure cap 30 is held in the second position under pressure, a sealed heating chamber is formed inside the inner container 10. The liquid in the heating chamber is continuously heated by the heating component 50, resulting in a continuous temperature rise. The gas in the heating chamber cannot or is difficult to escape, and a high-pressure environment can be formed inside the heating chamber. The tissue sample on the slide 900 can undergo antigen repair under high-pressure heating environment, shortening the repair time and improving the repair effect.

[0077] Optionally, when the cap 30 is in the second position, the first sealing member 61 is located on the lower side of the cap 30 and the upper side of the inner chamber 11, and the second sealing member 62 is located on the lower side of the inner chamber 11 and the upper side of the inner bottom plate 12, as shown in Figures 8 to 10. When the lifting power module applies downward pressure to keep the cap 30 sealed at the first opening 102 at the top of the inner container 10 despite the internal steam, the cap 30 presses down on the first sealing member 61, and the inner chamber 11 presses down on the second sealing member 62. Both the upper and lower sealing members can deform under the downward pressure. For example, after the first sealing member 61 deforms, it can better fit the cap 30 and the inner chamber 11, thereby improving the sealing effect. Of course, in other embodiments, when the cap 30 is in the second position, the first sealing member 61 can also be sandwiched between the outer wall of the inner chamber 11 and the cap 30, and the second sealing member 62 can also be sandwiched between the outer wall of the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12.

[0078] Referring to Figures 3, 8 to 10, the inner chamber 11 is vertically continuous, the first opening 102 is formed at the top of the inner chamber 11, the inner bottom plate 12 is disposed at the bottom of the inner bottom plate 12, and the surface of the inner chamber 11 and the surface of the inner bottom plate 12 enclose each other to form an inner water tank 101.

[0079] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 7, 10, and 12, the inner compartment 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 are slidably connected, and the inner compartment 11 can move up and down relative to the inner bottom plate 12. An elastic element (not shown in the figures) is provided between the inner compartment 11 and the inner bottom plate 12, and the elastic force of the elastic element acts on the inner compartment 11, causing the inner compartment 11 to have an upward tendency.

[0080] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 are spaced apart to form a liquid channel 13, and the inner water tank 101 is connected to the outer water tank 201 through the liquid channel 13. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, when the pressure cap 30 is in the second position, the inner chamber 11 abuts against the second sealing member 62, the second sealing member 62 abuts against the inner bottom plate 12, and the liquid channel 13 is closed.

[0081] The second seal 62 can be relatively fixedly disposed at the bottom of the inner chamber 11. In this way, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the second seal 62 and the inner bottom plate 12 are spaced apart and do not contact each other, and a drainage microchannel is formed between the second seal 62 and the inner bottom plate 12. Alternatively, the second seal 62 can also be relatively fixedly disposed at the top of the inner bottom plate 12. In this way, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the inner chamber 11 and the second seal 62 are spaced apart and do not contact each other, as shown in Figure 6. A liquid channel 13 is formed between the inner chamber 11 and the second seal 62.

[0082] The configuration of the liquid channel 13 allows the liquid to be drained into the outer water tank 201 of the outer container 20 when drainage is required. This enables the outer container 20 to meet the drainage needs of the inner container 10 without the need for a dedicated drainage pipe in the inner container 10, resulting in a simple structure. For example, after antigen retrieval is completed, the pressure relief valve 83 is opened to depressurize the inner container 10. After depressurization, the lifting power module drives the pressure cap 30 to rise, removing the slide 900. The pressure cap 30 then moves from the second position back to the first position, forming the liquid channel 13 between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12. The heated retrieval fluid inside the inner container 10 can be drained into the outer water tank 201 of the outer container 20 through the bottom liquid channel 13, and the liquid inside the outer container 20 is discharged through a pipe.

[0083] Understandably, by splitting the inner container 10 into two components, an inner chamber 11 and an inner bottom plate 12, and configuring a second sealing element 62 between them, the gap between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 can be automatically sealed when the lifting power module drives the pressure cover 30 to press down, thus sealing the inner container 10. When the lifting power module drives the pressure cover 30 to rise, the liquid channel 13 between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 can be automatically opened, thus automatically draining the liquid inside the inner container 10. This makes the controller's control of the heating device more reasonable and simple.

[0084] Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the sliding connection between the inner compartment 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 is as follows: a first mounting seat 14 is provided on the inner bottom plate 12, and a second mounting seat 15 is provided on the inner compartment 11. The first mounting seat 14 has a vertically extending sliding hole, and the second mounting seat 15 has a round hole. Fasteners (such as bolts) pass through the two holes of the two mounting seats, and the fasteners can slide up and down within the sliding holes, thereby enabling the inner compartment 11 to slide up and down relative to the inner bottom plate 12 within a certain stroke. The elastic element can be a spring or rubber with a certain elasticity, and the elastic element can be disposed between the first mounting seat 14 and the second mounting seat 15. In other embodiments, the elastic element can also be directly disposed between the bottom of the inner compartment 11 and the inner bottom plate 12.

[0085] In other embodiments, the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12 can be integrally formed, and the inner container 10 can be a single integral structural component. In this way, there is no need to configure the second sealing element 62. When it is necessary to drain the liquid inside the inner container 10, the liquid can be extracted by inserting a liquid extraction tube into the inner container 10, or a drain pipe with a valve can be provided in the inner container 10, and the valve of the drain pipe of the inner container 10 can be controlled to open when it is necessary to drain the liquid.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the pressure cap 30 is in the first position and a liquid channel 13 is formed between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12, in order to improve the efficiency and cleanliness of liquid drainage from the inner container 10, referring to Figures 13, 5, and 6, a first guide slope 103 is provided on the inner wall of the inner chamber 11, and a second guide slope 104 is provided on the side of the inner bottom plate 12 near the first opening 102. Both the first guide slope 103 and the second guide slope 104 are used to guide the liquid in the inner water tank 101 of the inner container 10 to the outside and bottom of the inner container 10, so that after the pressure cap 30 rises to the first position, the liquid in the inner water tank 101 is guided to the liquid channel 13. The first guide slope 103 slopes from the side near the first opening 102 to the side near the second seal 62 towards the outside of the inner container 10. The second guide slope 104 slopes from the center area of ​​the bottom plate to the edge area of ​​the bottom plate away from the first opening 102. Taking the inner chamber 11 located on the upper side of the inner bottom plate 12 as an example, the first guide slope 103 is located in the lower area of ​​the inner wall of the inner chamber 11, as shown in Figure 13. The first guide slope 103 slopes outward from top to bottom, and the second guide slope 104 slopes downward from inside to outside.

[0087] Understandably, providing a second flow-guiding slope 104 on the upper side of the inner bottom plate 12 not only improves liquid discharge efficiency but also prevents liquid residue from remaining inside the inner container 10. Furthermore, the provision of the first flow-guiding slope 103 and the second flow-guiding slope 104 also facilitates cleaning the interior of the inner container 10. For example, after antigen retrieval is complete, cleaning fluid can be introduced into the inner container 10, and the cleaning fluid can flow along the first flow-guiding slope 103 and / or the second flow-guiding slope 104 to the liquid channel 13.

[0088] Optionally, the inner surface of the inner chamber 11 is provided with first guide slopes 103 on both sides along the x-direction, and the inner bottom plate 12 is provided with two second guide slopes 104 along the x-direction, as shown in Figure 13. The top of the inner bottom plate 12 has a shape that is high in the middle and low on both sides. The first guide slopes 103 and the second guide slopes 104 are used to guide the liquid in the inner water tank 101 from the middle to both sides and downward, thereby improving the efficiency of liquid discharge from the inner container 10 and avoiding liquid residue. Taking the x-direction as the left and right direction as an example, the first guide slope 103 on the left side cooperates with the second guide slope 104 on the left side, and the first guide slope 103 on the right side cooperates with the second guide slope 104 on the right side, to guide the liquid in the inner water tank 101 to the left and right sides, so that the liquid in the inner water tank 101 can easily enter the outer water tank 201 through the liquid channels 13 on both sides.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 5, 6, and 13. The inner bottom plate 12 includes a second protrusion 122 and a base plate 121 surrounding the outer side of the second protrusion 122. The height of the base plate 121 is less than the height of the second protrusion 122. The second protrusion 122 is located in the middle area of ​​the base plate 121 and extends into the interior of the inner chamber 11. The second sealing member 62 is located between the lower side of the inner chamber 11 and the upper side of the base plate 121. When the pressure cap 30 is in the second position and antigen repair heating is performed, the second sealing member 62 is clamped between the inner chamber 11 and the base plate 121. The second protrusion 122 is inserted into the interior of the inner container 10. The second protrusion 122 is used to limit the lateral relative movement between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12, ensuring that the inner chamber 11 can be stably pressed against the base plate 121 of the inner bottom plate 12, ensuring the sealing effect of the lower side of the inner container 10, and ensuring the high-pressure heating effect.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 8, the heating device includes an inner container 10 and an outer container 20, with the inner container 10 disposed inside the outer container 20. The first opening 102 of the inner container 10 and the second opening 202 of the outer container 20 are both located on the upper side. When the pressure cap 30 is in the first position, the first opening 102 is located on the side of the second opening 202 away from the pressure cap 30; that is, the position of the first opening 102 is lower than the position of the second opening 202.

[0091] Liquid in the inner water tank 101 can enter the outer water tank 201 through the first opening 102. When the inner water tank 101 is full, the liquid can be drained into the outer water tank 201 through the first opening 102. Of course, liquid in the outer water tank 201 can also enter the inner water tank 101 through the first opening 102. When it is necessary to inject reagents into the inner water tank 101, reagents can be injected into the outer water tank 201 first. The reagents can enter the inner water tank 101 through the liquid channel 13 between the inner chamber 11 and the inner bottom plate 12, or through the first opening 102 above the inner container 10. Neither of these two methods of injecting reagents into the inner water tank 101 requires a special pipe for supplying liquid to the inner container 10; liquid only needs to be supplied to the outer container 20.

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 5, and 7, the inner container 10 includes an inner compartment 11 and an inner bottom plate 12. A first opening 102 is disposed in the inner compartment 11, and the inner bottom plate 12 is disposed on the side of the inner compartment 11 opposite to the first opening 102. The outer container 20 includes an outer compartment 21 and an outer bottom plate 22. A second opening 202 is disposed in the outer compartment 21, and the outer bottom plate 22 is disposed on the side of the outer compartment 21 opposite to the second opening 202.

[0093] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 to 7, the inner container 10 includes an inner chamber 11 and an inner bottom plate 12. A first opening 102 and the inner bottom plate 12 are disposed on opposite sides of the inner chamber 11. The inner wall of the inner chamber 11 and the surface of the inner bottom plate 12 enclose each other to form an inner water tank 101. The outer container 20 includes an outer chamber 21 and an outer bottom plate 22. A second opening 202 and the outer bottom plate 22 are disposed on opposite sides of the outer chamber 21. The outer wall of the outer chamber 21 and the surface of the outer bottom plate 22 enclose each other to form an outer water tank 201. The heating component 50 is positioned between the inner bottom plate 12 and the outer bottom plate 22. This serves several purposes: firstly, the heating component 50 can be placed at the bottom of the inner container 10, allowing heat to be conducted from the bottom of the inner container 10 to its interior when it heats up; secondly, the inner bottom plate 12 and the outer bottom plate 22 form a relatively sealed mounting cavity to accommodate the heating component 50, preventing the liquid in the outer water tank 201 and the inner water tank 101 from contacting the heating component 50 and providing waterproof protection; and thirdly, the heating component 50 is not located inside the inner container 10, thus avoiding obstruction of the pressure cap 30 from sealing the inner container 10 and facilitating high-pressure heating of the inner container 10.

[0094] The heating component 50 can heat the liquid inside the inner container 10 using resistance heating elements such as resistance wires, heating tubes, and heating plates, or it can heat the liquid inside the inner container 10 based on electromagnetic heating principles or microwave heating principles.

[0095] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the heating device further includes a first temperature sensor 81, which is disposed in the inner water tank 101. The controller controls the power of the heating component 50 and the on / off time according to the liquid temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 81 in the inner water tank 101, so as to control the temperature inside the inner container 10 according to the experimental requirements.

[0096] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the heating device further includes a second temperature sensor 82, which is disposed in the outer water tank 201. The controller uses the liquid temperature information in the outer water tank 201 detected by the second temperature sensor 82.

[0097] For example, after antigen repair is completed and heating component 50 is turned off to stop heating, it is still necessary to cool down the antigen repair solution inside the inner container 10. Cooling liquid can be injected into the outer water tank 201 of the outer container 20. The temperature of the liquid in the outer water tank 201 is lower than that of the liquid in the inner water tank 101. Through heat conduction, the outer water tank 201 can cool down the inner container 10, thereby reducing the temperature of the antigen repair solution inside the inner container 10. Compared with the traditional cooling method of placing the antigen repair solution in a room temperature environment and letting it cool naturally to room temperature, the method of using the liquid in the outer container 20 to cool down the antigen repair solution in the inner container 10 is more efficient. The combination of the first temperature sensor 81 and the second temperature sensor 82 can control the temperature difference between the inner and outer water tanks 201. This increases the cooling rate of the antigen retrieval solution in the inner water tank 101 and allows for monitoring of the temperature change of the antigen retrieval solution during the cooling process. This prevents the antigen retrieval solution in the inner water tank 101 from becoming too cold, which could damage the structure of the tissue section (antigen) on the slide 900 or reduce the detection effect.

[0098] During cooling, it is best to keep the tissue sections on the slide 900mm in contact with the antigen retrieval solution. Once the antigen retrieval solution has cooled to room temperature or other target temperatures, subsequent washing and immunohistochemical staining steps can be performed.

[0099] Understandably, the appropriate cooling rate and endpoint temperature of the antigen retrieval solution in the inner container 10 can be set according to the specific requirements of the antigen retrieval solution and the experimental conditions. The inner container 10 is located inside the outer container 20. When cooling liquid is injected into the outer container 20, the cooling liquid can evenly surround the outer wall of the inner container 10, resulting in uniform cooling of the antigen retrieval solution inside the inner container 10 with good effect.

[0100] In other embodiments, the antigen retrieval solution and the tissue sample on the slide 900 can also be cooled in other ways. In other embodiments, the second temperature sensor 82 disposed in the outer water tank 201 can also have other uses.

[0101] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the heating device further includes a pressure relief assembly, which includes a pressure relief pipe 84 and a pressure relief valve 83. The pressure relief valve 83 can be installed on the device housing 90. One end of the pressure relief pipe 84 is connected to the pressure cap 30, and the other end is connected to the pressure relief valve 83. Optionally, the pressure cap 30 is provided with an air hole, and one end of the pressure relief pipe 84 is connected to the air hole. The outer wall of the pressure relief pipe 84 is tightly fitted with the wall of the air hole, forming a sealed fit. The pressure relief valve 83 can be an electronic valve, and the controller can control the pressure relief valve 83 to be adjusted to an open state and a closed state. When the pressure cap 30 is in the second position and the pressure relief valve 83 is in the open state, the interior of the inner container 10 is connected to the exterior of the inner container 10 through the pressure relief valve 83. The pressure relief valve 83 is designed to prevent excessive pressure. As the internal temperature of the inner container 10 increases, the internal pressure gradually increases, and timely pressure relief ensures safety. Secondly, it can control the temperature and heating time. Pressure relief can effectively reduce the internal temperature of the inner container 10, preventing damage to antigens or other tissue sections on the slide 900 due to excessive temperature. Furthermore, in the method of antigen repair using high-pressure heating, the heating time has a direct impact on the repair effect, and pressure relief can control the heating time.

[0102] The pressure relief valve 83 is fixed to the housing 90. The pressure relief valve 83 is connected to the controller via a wire, enabling the controller to automatically control the pressure relief valve 83. A flexible and deformable pressure relief pipe 84 is provided to connect the pressure relief valve 83 and the air hole on the pressure cover 30. This can prevent the wire connected to the pressure relief valve 83 from being pulled during the lifting and lowering process of the lifting power module driving the pressure cover 30, thus preventing the wire from becoming loose or damaged after being pulled, and ensuring that the controller can reliably control the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 83.

[0103] In other embodiments, the pressure relief pipe 84 may be omitted, and only the pressure relief valve 83 may be provided. The pressure relief valve 83 is located in the inner pressure cover 30 or the inner container 10. The pressure cover 30 has an air hole, and the pressure relief valve 83 is installed in the air hole.

[0104] For the lifting power module, various driving methods can be used, as long as the pressure cap 30 can be controlled to move between the first position and the second position, and the pressure cap 30 can be controlled to remain in the second position as needed. Below is a configuration method for the lifting power module that can achieve uniform pressure application to the pressure cap 30.

[0105] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 14 to 17, the lifting power module is a cross-type lifting power module, which includes a drive mechanism 41 and a cross frame 42, which can also be called a scissor frame, etc. The drive mechanism 41 drives the two supports 421 in the cross frame 42 to open or close. The two supports 421 in the cross frame 42 simultaneously act on the pressure cap 30 to drive the pressure cap 30 to rise or fall. When the pressure cap 30 needs to press against the inner container 10 to seal it, the cross frame 42 applies pressure evenly to the pressure cap 30, which can press the pressure cap 30 firmly against the inner container 10. The pressure cap 30 has a better sealing effect on the first opening 102, and it is less likely to leak pressure from the pressure cap 30, which is beneficial for providing a high-pressure heating environment. Furthermore, using the cross frame 42 to drive the pressure cap 30 to rise and fall results in a more stable lifting stroke for the pressure cap 30, allowing the pressure cap 30 to accurately seal the first opening 102 and ensure the airtightness of the inner container 10.

[0106] Referring to Figures 2, 4, 14, and 17, the cross bracket 42 includes two supports 421. Each support 421 has a first end 422 and a second end 423 at both ends. Each support 421 also includes a hinge portion 424 located between the first end 422 and the second end 423. The two supports 421 are arranged crosswise, and the hinge portions 424 of the two supports 421 are hinged together, that is, the two hinge portions 424 are rotatably connected.

[0107] The output end of the drive mechanism 41 is connected to the first end 422 of the cross frame 42, and the two second ends 423 of the cross frame 42 are connected to the cover 30. The drive mechanism 41 is used to drive the two supports 421 of the cross frame 42 to open or close. When the two supports 421 are open, the two second ends 423 are far apart, and when the two supports 421 are closed, the two second ends 423 are close together. By driving the cross frame 42 to open or close, the cover 30 is driven to rise or fall, move away from or near the inner container 10, and move between a first position and a second position.

[0108] In one embodiment, the lifting power module is configured to have a self-locking capability. After the cap 30 reaches the second position, the lifting power module uses its self-locking force to hold the cap 30 in the second position, which helps to maintain the pressure inside the inner container 10. This allows the reagents inside the inner container 10 and the tissue samples on the slide 900 to be heated under high pressure without the need for a special locking step to lock the cap 30 in the second position. The entire heating operation process is simpler and more reliable.

[0109] Driven by the lifting power module, the pressure cap 30 can move along the z1 direction from the first position shown in Figure 3 to the second position shown in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 8, when the pressure cap 30 is in the second position, the pressure cap 30 seals the first opening 102 of the inner container 10, forming a sealed space inside the inner container 10. As the heating process progresses, the pressure inside the inner container 10 increases, and gas pressure in the z2 direction, which is opposite to the z1 direction, acts on the pressure cap 30. In this embodiment, a lifting power module with self-locking capability is used, which can overcome the effect of the gas pressure in the z2 direction and keep the pressure cap 30 in the second position.

[0110] Optionally, the drive mechanism 41 is a bidirectional rotating motor. When the motor rotates forward and reverse, it drives the pressure cover 30 to move to the first position and to the second position, respectively.

[0111] In one embodiment, a transmission assembly with self-locking capability is provided between the drive mechanism 41 and the cross frame 42. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member. The output end of the drive mechanism 41 is connected to the first transmission member, the first transmission member is connected to the second transmission member, and the second transmission member is connected to the cross frame 42. The transmission assembly has self-locking capability, meaning that when the first transmission member moves, it can drive the second transmission member to move, but conversely, the second transmission member cannot drive the first transmission member to move.

[0112] Optionally, the first transmission component is a worm gear, and the second transmission component is a worm wheel. The output end of the drive mechanism 41 is connected to the worm gear, the worm gear is connected to the worm wheel, and the worm wheel is connected to the first end 422 of the bracket 421. The worm gear can drive the worm wheel to rotate, but during normal transmission, the worm wheel cannot drive the worm gear to rotate. This is due to the combined effects of the meshing relationship between the worm and wheel, the transmission ratio, and the friction angle. The principle of the worm and worm wheel's self-locking capability will not be elaborated here.

[0113] It is understandable that the worm gear and worm wheel, in combination, can also be used as a speed reduction component, thereby increasing the torque output from the drive mechanism 41 to the cross frame 42. Of course, in other embodiments, the first and second transmission components can also be other transmission structures.

[0114] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 41 is a stepper motor, wherein the motor shaft of the stepper motor is the output end. The stepper motor can rotate precisely according to a predetermined angle or step size. By controlling the number of pulses input to the stepper motor, the opening or closing degree of the cross bracket 42 can be precisely controlled, thereby driving the pressure cover 30 to move a certain distance and precisely controlling the pressure cover 30 to reach the second position, ensuring the sealing and heating effect of the inner container 10. In addition, the stepper motor also has a self-locking capability, which can maintain its current position under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0115] In other embodiments, the worm gear and worm wheel may not be provided between the drive mechanism 41 and the cross frame 42, and the drive mechanism 41 may not be a stepper motor but other rotary drive mechanisms 41.

[0116] In other embodiments, in order to keep the cover 30 in the second position during heating, a lifting power module with self-locking capability may not be used. Instead, a locking component may be added. After the cover 30 reaches the second position, the cover 30 may be locked to the inner container 10 by means of controller control or manual locking.

[0117] Please refer to Figures 2, 4, 14, and 17. In one embodiment, two cross brackets 42 are included, arranged at intervals. Both cross brackets 42 are configured such that at least one first end 422 of a support 421 is driveably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 41, and one or both second ends 423 of each cross bracket 42 are driveably connected to the pressure cap 30. Thus, the drive mechanism 41 can drive both cross brackets 42 to open or close simultaneously, transmitting force to the pressure cap 30 through different cross brackets 42, and simultaneously raising or lowering the pressure cap 30 through the two cross brackets 42, thereby improving the stability of the pressure cap 30's movement. Furthermore, when the lifting power module has a self-locking force, during the sealing heating of the inner container 10, the air pressure inside the inner container 10 can be evenly applied to the two cross brackets 42. The two cross brackets 42 can simultaneously be used to hold the pressure cap 30 in the second position sealing the inner container 10, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0118] With all four first frame ends 422 of the two cross frames 42 being driven by the drive mechanism 41, the drive mechanism 41 can stably drive the two cross frames 42 to open or close. With all four second frame ends 423 of the two cross frames 42 being driven by the cover 30, the driving force can be transmitted to the cover 30 simultaneously through the four second frame ends 423, making the movement of the cover 30 more stable and maintaining it in the second position more stably.

[0119] The drive mechanism 41 can drive the pressure cap 30 to reciprocate along the z-direction via the cross frame 42. The two cross frames 42 are arranged at intervals along the x-direction, and the two second frame ends 423 in each cross frame 42 are distributed at intervals along the y-direction. The x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction are perpendicular to each other. For example, the z-direction is the up-down direction, the y-direction is the front-back direction, and the x-direction is the left-right direction.

[0120] In other embodiments, the number of cross racks 42 may also be one, three, or more.

[0121] Please refer to Figures 2, 3, and 14. The lifting power module includes a transmission base 43, and a pressure cover 30 is connected to the transmission base 43. The pressure cover 30 is located on the side of the transmission base 43 near the inner container 10. The second end 423 of each bracket 421 is connected to the transmission base 43 in a driving connection.

[0122] Please refer to Figures 2, 3, 14, and 17. In one embodiment, when including two cross frames 42 and a transmission seat 43, the transmission seat 43 is provided with a slide groove 431. The cross-type lifting power module also includes two sliding rods 442. There are two sliding rods 442 and two cross frames 42. The first second frame end 423 of the first cross frame 42 is connected to the first second frame end 423 of the second cross frame 42 through at least one sliding rod 442; the second second frame end 423 of the second cross frame 42 is connected to the second second frame end 423 of the second cross frame 42 through at least one sliding rod 442; the sliding rods 442 are slidably mounted in the slide groove 431.

[0123] For example, two cross brackets 42 are respectively provided with two sliding rods 442. When the driving mechanism 41 drives the two cross brackets 42 to open simultaneously, the two sliding rods 442 move away from each other, and the two sliding rods 442 simultaneously apply a driving force to the transmission seat 43 in a direction away from the inner container 10. The transmission seat 43 drives the pressure cover 30 to move to the first position. When the driving mechanism 41 drives the two cross brackets 42 to close simultaneously, the two sliding rods 442 approach each other, and the two sliding rods 442 simultaneously apply a driving force to the transmission seat 43 in a direction close to the inner container 10. The transmission seat 43 drives the pressure cover 30 to move to the second position. As shown in Figures 3 and 14, the transmission seat 43 is provided with two transmission grooves, which are arranged at intervals along the y-direction, and each transmission groove is connected at both ends in the x-direction. The two sliding rods 442 are respectively passed through the two transmission grooves.

[0124] This embodiment, by setting two sliding rods 442, can, on the one hand, improve the synchronicity of the movement of the two cross frames 42, so as to apply driving force evenly to the transmission seat 43 and the pressure cap 30. On the other hand, the four second frame ends 423 of the two cross frames 42 can apply upward or downward driving force to the transmission seat 43 with the help of the two sliding rods 442. The contact area between the sliding rods 442 and the transmission seat 43 is large. Compared with the scheme in which the four second frame ends 423 are independently slidably installed on the transmission seat 43, this embodiment can apply driving force to the transmission seat 43 and the pressure cap 30 more evenly. In this way, when it is necessary to drive the pressure cap 30 to press against the inner container 10 to seal the second opening 202, the pressure cap 30 is subjected to uniform force, resulting in good sealing performance of the inner container 10.

[0125] In other embodiments, the transmission base 43 may have only one transmission groove, with both sliding rods 442 slidably mounted in the same transmission groove. In other embodiments, the sliding rods 442 may be omitted, and the four second frame ends 423 may be independently mounted on the transmission base 43.

[0126] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 17, in one embodiment, the lifting power module is configured such that a drive mechanism 41 drives two first frame ends 422 in the cross frame 42 to approach or move away from each other, thereby driving the cross frame 42 to close or open. The lifting power module also includes a housing 90 and a lead screw 451 assembly. The housing 90 is fixed, and the lead screw 451 assembly includes a lead screw 451, a first bushing 452, and a second bushing 453. The first end of the lead screw 451 is driveably connected to the drive mechanism 41, and the second end of the lead screw 451 is rotatably connected to the housing 90. The lead screw 451 has a first segment and a second segment with opposite helical directions. The first bushing 452 is threadedly connected to the first segment, and the second bushing 453 is threadedly connected to the second segment. In the same cross frame 42, one first frame end 422 is connected to the first bushing 452, and the other first frame end 422 is connected to the second bushing 453. When the lead screw 451 rotates, the first bushing 452 and the second bushing 453 approach or move away from each other, thereby driving the two first frame ends 422 in the same cross frame 42 to approach or move away from each other, thus driving the cross frame 42 to close or open, thereby driving the cap 30 to descend or rise. Through the arrangement of the lead screw 451 assembly, the drive mechanism 41 applies driving force to both first frame ends 422 in the cross frame 42. In this way, the drive mechanism 41 can transmit power to the cross frame 42 more evenly and stably, thereby driving the cap 30 to move more evenly and stably.

[0127] In other embodiments, the lead screw 451 may also be provided with a thread in only a single rotation direction, with only one bushing provided, and only one first frame end 422 of the cross frame 42 is connected to the bushing, while the other frame end is slidably mounted on the housing 90.

[0128] Referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment, the lifting power module further includes a reduction gearbox 47. The output end of the drive mechanism 41 is connected to the input end of the reduction gearbox 47, and the output end of the reduction gearbox 47 is connected to the first end of the lead screw 451. Taking the drive mechanism 41 as a motor as an example, the reduction gearbox 47 is provided between the motor and the lead screw 451, which can reduce the speed output to the lead screw 451 and increase the torque output to the lead screw 451, thereby driving the lead screw 451 to rotate more stably and effortlessly, with high reliability.

[0129] Referring to Figures 4, 14 to 17, in one embodiment, the lifting power module further includes a housing 90, a transverse guide rail 461 mounted on the housing 90, and a vertical guide rail 462 mounted on the housing 90. One or both first bracket ends 422 of the two supports 421 of the cross frame 42 are slidably connected to the transverse guide rail 461. When the drive mechanism 41 drives the cross frame 42 to open or close, the first bracket end 422 slides along the transverse guide rail 461. At least one hinge portion 424 of the cross frame 42 is slidably connected to the vertical guide rail 462 via a connecting shaft 441. When the drive mechanism 41 drives the cross frame 42 to open or close, the connecting shaft 441 slides along the vertical guide rail 462. By setting the horizontal guide rail 461 and the vertical guide rail 462, the movement of the cross frame 42 can be made more stable, avoiding the cross frame 42 from shaking, and thus avoiding the pressure cap 30 from shaking. This ensures that when the pressure cap 30 is pressed down, the edge of the pressure cap 30 can accurately press against the upper edge of the inner container 10, thereby ensuring that the pressure cap 30 can completely cover the first opening 102 on the upper side of the inner container 10, and ensuring that the pressure cap 30 can provide a good seal to the inner container 10 after it is pressed down.

[0130] In other embodiments, only the horizontal guide rail 461 or only the vertical guide rail 462 may be provided.

[0131] Optionally, in one embodiment, referring to Figures 15 and 17, the cross-type lifting power module is provided with two vertical guide rails 462. The hinged portions 424 of the two supports 421 in the cross frame 42 are rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft 441, and the two ends of the connecting shaft 441 are slidably connected to the two vertical guide rails 462 respectively. Through a single shaft, the hinged connection between the supports 421 in the two cross frames 42 is realized, and the two cross frames 42 are also slidably mounted vertically on the two sides of the vertical guide rails 462. The structure is compact, and the overall integrity of the two cross frames 42 is strong. The opening and closing stroke of the cross frames 42 is stable, and the rising and falling stroke of the cover 30 is stable, thereby ensuring that the cover 30 accurately seals the first opening 102 of the inner container 10.

[0132] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0133] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0134] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0135] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A heating device, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of slide scanning device, including: Content container (10), with internal inner water tank (101);The side of the content container (10) is equipped with first opening (102), and the first opening (102) is communicated with the inner water tank (101); Heating assembly (50) is used to heat the liquid in the inner water tank (101); Lifting assembly, including gland (30) and the lifting power module connected with the gland (30); First sealing member (61) is arranged in the gland (30) and / or the content container (10); Wherein, the lifting power module is used to drive the gland (30) moves from first position to second position;When the gland (30) is in the first position, the gland (30) is separated from the content container (10);When the gland (30) is in the second position, the gland (30) covers the first opening (102), and the first sealing member (61) is clamped between the gland (30) and the content container (10).

2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein Also including slide carrier (70), the slide carrier (70) is provided with one or more mounting portion, and the mounting portion is used to carry slide (900);The slide carrier (70) is arranged on the side of the gland (30) close to the content container (10), and the slide carrier (70) is connected with the gland (30); When the gland (30) is in the first position, the slide carrier (70) is located outside the content container (10);When the gland (30) is in the second position, the slide carrier (70) is located in the inner water tank (101).

3. The heating device of claim 2, wherein, The side of the slide carrier (70) away from the gland (30) is provided with bottom opening (702);One end or opposite ends of the slide carrier (70) are provided with lateral opening, and the lateral opening and the bottom opening (702) are located on the adjacent two sides of the slide carrier (70), and at least one lateral opening is used for passing slide (900); The slide carrier (70) includes two support plates (71) spaced apart, and the two support plates (71) are provided with the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is arranged on the side of the support plate (71) close to another support plate (71), and the mounting portion is plug-in slot (72).

4. The heating device of claim 1, wherein Also including outer container (20), and the inner part of the outer container (20) has outer water tank (201);The side of the outer container (20) is equipped with second opening (202), and the second opening (202) is communicated with the outer water tank (201); When the gland (30) is in the first position, the inner water tank (101) is communicated with the outer water tank (201) through the first opening (102);When the gland (30) is in the second position, the gland (30) and the content container (10) are surrounded to form heating cavity.

5. The heating device of claim 1, wherein, The inner container (10) comprises an inner bin body (11) and an inner bottom plate (12) arranged on one side of the inner bin body (11), and the first opening (102) is located on the side of the inner bin body (11) away from the inner bottom plate (12), and the inner water tank (101) is formed between the wall surface of the inner bin body (11) and the wall surface of the inner bottom plate (12); The heating device further comprises a second sealing member (62) arranged on the inner bin body (11) and / or the inner bottom plate (12); when the gland (30) is in the second position, the first sealing member (61) is clamped between the gland (30) and the inner bin body (11), and the second sealing member (62) is clamped between the inner bin body (11) and the inner bottom plate (12).

6. The heating device of claim 5, wherein, Further comprising an outer container (20) having an outer water tank (201) in the interior, and the inner container (10) is arranged in the outer water tank (201); The inner bin body (11) and the inner bottom plate (12) are movably connected; When the gland (30) is in the first position, the inner bin body (11) and the inner bottom plate (12) are spaced apart to form a liquid passage (13), and the inner water tank (101) is in communication with the outer water tank (201) through the liquid passage (13); the liquid passage (13) is located between the second sealing member (62) and the inner bottom plate (12) or between the inner bin body (11) and the second sealing member (62); When the gland (30) is in the second position, the inner bin body (11) abuts against the second sealing member (62), the second sealing member (62) abuts against the inner bottom plate (12), and the liquid passage (13) is closed.

7. The heating device of claim 5, wherein The inner wall of the inner bin body (11) is provided with a first flow guide inclined surface (103) inclined outward from the side close to the first opening (102) to the side close to the second sealing member (62); the bottom plate is provided with a second flow guide inclined surface (104) close to the first opening (102), and the second flow guide inclined surface (104) is inclined away from the first opening (102) from the center region of the bottom plate to the edge region of the bottom plate.

8. The heating device of claim 4, wherein, When the gland (30) is in the first position, the first opening (102) is located on the side of the second opening (202) away from the gland (30), and the liquid in the inner water tank (101) can enter the outer water tank (201) through the first opening (102), or the liquid in the outer water tank (201) can enter the inner water tank (101) through the first opening (102); when the gland (30) is in the second position, the gland (30) is located in the second opening (202) and covers the first opening (102). The inner container (10) is provided with an inner bottom plate (12) on the side away from the first opening (102), the outer container (20) is provided with an outer bottom plate (22) on the side away from the second opening (202), and the heating assembly (50) is arranged between the inner bottom plate (12) and the outer bottom plate (22); And / or, the heating device further comprises a first temperature sensor (81), and the first temperature sensor (81) is arranged in the inner water tank (101); And / or, the heating device further comprises a second temperature sensor (82), and the second temperature sensor (82) is arranged in the outer water tank (201); And / or, the heating device further comprises a pressure relief valve (83), and the pressure relief valve (83) has an open state and a closed state; when the pressure cover (30) is in the second position and the pressure relief valve (83) is in the open state, the inside of the inner container (10) is in communication with the outside of the inner container (10) through the pressure relief valve (83).

9. The heating device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The lifting power module comprises a driving mechanism (41) and a cross frame (42); The cross frame (42) comprises two supports (421) arranged in cross; the two ends of the support (421) are a first frame end (422) and a second frame end (423), the support (421) comprises a hinge part (424) between the first frame end (422) and the second frame end (423), and the hinge parts (424) of the two supports (421) are hinged; The output end of the driving mechanism (41) is in transmission connection with the first frame end (422) of the support (421), and the second frame end (423) of the two supports (421) in the cross frame (42) is in transmission connection with the pressure cover (30); the driving mechanism (41) is used for driving the two supports (421) in the cross frame (42) to open or close, so as to drive the pressure cover (30) to move between the first position and the second position.

10. The heating device of claim 9, wherein, The heating device comprises a shell (90); The lifting power module further comprises a lead screw (451), a first sleeve and a second sleeve; the lead screw (451) comprises a first rod segment and a second rod segment; the first rod segment is in transmission connection with the driving end of the driving mechanism (41), and the second rod segment is in rotation connection with the shell (90); The first rod segment and the second rod segment are provided with threads in opposite directions, the first sleeve is in threaded connection with the first rod segment, the second sleeve is in threaded connection with the second rod segment, and when the lead screw (451) rotates, the first sleeve and the second sleeve approach or move away from each other; The first end of one of the two supports (421) in the cross frame (42) is hinged to the first sleeve, and the first end of the other support (421) is hinged to the second sleeve; the second ends of the two supports (421) in the cross frame (42) are both in movable connection with the pressure cover (30).

11. The heating device of claim 10, wherein, The two cross frames (42) are arranged at intervals; The lifting power module comprises a transmission seat (43), the gland (30) is connected with the transmission seat (43), and the second frame end (423) of each support (421) is in transmission connection with the transmission seat (43); The transmission seat (43) is provided with a sliding groove (431), adjacent second frame ends (423) in adjacent cross frames (42) are connected through a sliding rod (442), and the sliding rod (442) is slidingly installed in the sliding groove (431); The heating device further comprises a speed reducer (47), an output end of the driving mechanism (41) is in transmission connection with an input end of the speed reducer (47), and an output end of the speed reducer (47) is in transmission connection with a first end of the lead screw (451); The driving mechanism (41) is a stepping motor.

12. An immunohistochemical staining apparatus, characterized by, The heating device comprises the antigen repair heating device according to any one of claims 1-11.

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