A dye sealing and scanning integrated pathological slide processing device

Abstract

The application discloses a dyeing and sealing integrated pathological slide processing equipment, which comprises a dyeing machine, a sealing machine, a digital pathological slice scanner, a transfer device and a temporary storage rack which cooperate with each other. The transfer device is used for transferring the slide rack of the sealing machine to the digital pathological slice scanner and transferring the slide rack after scanning to the temporary storage rack. The application can automatically transfer the slide rack sealed by the sealing machine to the digital pathological slice scanner for scanning, and can also transfer the slide rack scanned in the digital pathological slice scanner to the temporary storage rack for storage. The application can automatically realize reliable and efficient transfer processing work without manual carrying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pathological slide preparation equipment, and more specifically to an integrated staining, mounting, and scanning system for processing pathological slides. Background Technology

[0002] In pathological cytology, the process typically involves pre-treatment, staining, mounting, scanning, and diagnosis. Each step requires equipment such as a staining machine, mounting machine, and scanner.

[0003] (1) Staining machine: used to stain cells and tissues on glass slides; (2) Sealing machine: Seals the slides with coverslips and sealing agents to prevent sample oxidation, dehydration or contamination; (3) Scanner: Used for digital pathological analysis, converting tissue slides into digital images, which facilitates remote slide reading, quantitative analysis and AI-assisted diagnosis by pathologists.

[0004] In most pathology laboratories, these are mostly used separately, taking up laboratory space and requiring time for manual transfer of slides, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, existing technologies have disclosed integrated staining and mounting machines, which realize the combination of staining and mounting in one machine for streamlined operation, partially solving the above problems, such as patent documents with publication numbers CN 219511915 U and CN 117433860 A.

[0005] However, the existing technology mentioned above only combines staining and mounting. In the subsequent scanning process, it is still necessary to manually remove the slide tray along with the mounting slide from the staining and mounting machine and then place it on the scanner for scanning. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above-mentioned problems, this invention proposes an integrated staining, sealing, and scanning system for processing pathological slides.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: An integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing device includes a staining machine and a sealing machine that cooperate with each other. The sealing machine is used to seal slides from the staining machine and place the sealed slides into a slide holder. The slide holder includes a body and a handle rotatably mounted on the body. The body has multiple slots spaced vertically. A positioning structure is provided between the handle and the body. The positioning structure is used to keep the handle and the body at a set angle. The handle has a first position that is angled to the length direction of the slot and a second position that is the same as the length direction of the slot. The handle also has a non-circular positioning groove. The integrated pathological slide processing equipment also includes a digital pathological slide scanner, a transfer device, and a temporary storage rack; the transfer device is used to transfer the slide rack of the mounting machine to the digital pathological slide scanner and to transfer the scanned slide rack to the temporary storage rack. The transfer device includes a transfer seat that can move up, down, left, right, forward, and backward. The transfer seat is fixed with a hook for cooperating with a handle. The hook includes a positioning block and a protruding post located above the positioning block. Driven by the transfer seat, the protruding post is used to extend into the positioning groove, so that the handle of the slide holder on the sealing machine is switched from the first position to the second position; the positioning block is used to cooperate with the handle in the second position. When the positioning block extends vertically from bottom to top into the positioning groove, the positioning block and the handle are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and the movement of the transfer seat can drive the slide holder to move.

[0008] This application utilizes a transfer device to automatically transfer slide holders sealed by a slide mounter to a digital pathology slide scanner for scanning. Conversely, it transfers scanned slide holders from the digital pathology slide scanner to a temporary storage rack. This application eliminates the need for manual handling, enabling automated, reliable, and efficient transfer processing. The transfer device's hook performs two functions: the hook, via a protruding post, moves the handle of the slide holder on the slide mounter from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the positioning block aligns with the positioning hole. The positioning block extends upwards into the positioning groove, fixing the positioning block and handle in a circumferential direction. This allows the moving seat to move the slide holder as it moves upwards. Specifically, the moving seat moves the slide holder upwards, detaching it from the slide mounter. Once the moving seat is above the digital pathology slide scanner, it lowers, causing the slide holder to fall into the scanner until the positioning block disengages from the positioning groove, completing one transfer. The same method is used to transfer scanned slide holders to the temporary storage rack. The entire operation is stable and reliable.

[0009] The staining machine of this application is used to stain cells and tissues on glass slides. The staining machine and the mounting machine that work together are prior art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0010] In practical application, in the first position, the handle is at a 45° angle to the length direction of the slot.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the upper and lower end faces of the body have mounting holes, and at least one end face of the upper and lower end faces of the body has a plurality of strip grooves arranged around the mounting holes. The handle includes a vertical frame and connecting rods fixed at the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame respectively. The end of the connecting rod is bent and extends into the corresponding mounting hole. The end of the connecting rod is rotatably engaged with the corresponding mounting hole. The connecting rod has a horizontal part. The strip groove and the horizontal part of the connecting rod form the positioning structure.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the vertical frame facing away from the connecting rod has a plurality of protruding plates, and the positioning groove is disposed on the protruding plates; The hook has multiple support plates, and the positioning block is set on the support plate. The cross-section of the positioning block is adapted to the cross-section of the positioning groove, and the further away from the support plate, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning groove.

[0013] The gradient design of the positioning groove's cross-section enables a guiding function, facilitating the reliable insertion of the positioning block into the positioning groove.

[0014] In practical applications, the positioning groove can be triangular.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer device includes a horizontally arranged crossbeam, a mounting machine, a digital pathology slide scanner, and a temporary storage rack arranged sequentially below the crossbeam. A first movable frame capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and a first driving structure for driving the first movable frame to slide are slidably mounted on the crossbeam. A second movable frame capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction and a second driving structure for driving the second movable frame to slide are slidably mounted on the first movable frame. The transfer seat capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and a third driving structure for driving the transfer seat to slide are slidably mounted on the second movable frame. The sliding direction of the transfer seat is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first movable frame.

[0016] In practical applications, each drive structure can be one of the existing forms, such as a motor lead screw structure, or a motor, gear, and rack tooth structure.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle further has a third position perpendicular to the length direction of the slot; The digital pathology slide scanner includes a support and a loading module, a gripping and transfer module, and an optical module, all mounted on the support. The loading module is used to place the slide holder, and the loading module includes a turntable assembly and a lifting mechanism; The turntable assembly includes a turntable rotatably mounted on a bracket, a drive mechanism for driving the turntable to rotate, and multiple columns fixed on the turntable. Each column is spaced apart around the axis of the turntable, and a receiving groove is formed between two adjacent columns for vertical insertion of the slide holder body. Each column and the receiving groove form an inner circle space. After the slide holder body is inserted into the receiving groove, the open end of the slot faces away from the inner circle space. The slide holder is used to cooperate with two adjacent receiving grooves. When the slide holder body is inserted into one receiving groove, the handle can be rotated into the other receiving groove by switching to a third position. The lifting mechanism includes: The lifting column is fixed on the bracket; A lifting module, mounted on a lifting column, has a lifting base capable of moving up and down; and A lifting arm is fixed on a lifting base. The lower part of the lifting arm has a lifting section, which corresponds to the inner ring space. The lifting section is used to cooperate with the lower end face of the slide holder to drive the slide holder to move up and down. After the slide holder is lifted by the lifting mechanism, the clamping and transfer module is used to clamp the slides on the slide holder and transfer the slides to the area where the optical module is located; the optical module is used to scan the slides.

[0018] The handle has a third position, allowing it to be rotated to another slot after the slide holder body is placed in one slot. This effectively reduces the requirements for the radial dimensions of the turntable assembly, allowing for a more compact structure. However, once the handle is in another slot, no other slide holder body can be placed in that slot.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the loading module further includes a housing covering the bracket, the loading module, the clamping and transfer module and the optical module, the housing having a pick-and-place opening in the area corresponding to the turntable assembly, and a baffle being provided on the inner sidewall of the housing near the pick-and-place opening. When the body of the slide holder is inserted into a receiving slot, as the turntable rotates, the handle of the slide holder will come into contact with the baffle, and the baffle will push the handle to switch from the second position to the third position.

[0020] By setting a baffle, the handle can be automatically switched from the second position to the third position after the turntable rotates, without the need for a transfer device, making the whole operation more efficient.

[0021] When a slide holder scanned in a digital pathology slide scanner needs to be transferred, the transfer device can control the protrusion of the hook to extend into the positioning groove of the handle in the third position. Then, the protrusion moves horizontally to switch the handle to the second position. Then, the positioning block is controlled to extend vertically from bottom to top into the positioning groove, so that the positioning block and the handle are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction. The movement of the transfer seat can drive the slide holder to move and finally place it into the temporary storage rack.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom end of the column facing the inner circle space has a clearance notch, and the lifting arm has a bottom working position. When the lifting arm is in the bottom working position, when the turntable of the turntable assembly rotates, the end of the lifting part can slide into and out of the clearance notch.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting column has two spaced-apart first constraint plates, and the lifting arm can drive the corresponding slide holder to move up to completely detach from the receiving groove. The two first constraint plates are used to cooperate with the two side walls of the slide holder to limit the position of the slide holder. The first constraint plate has an interface for exposing the left and right sides of at least one slide on the slide holder, and the clamping and transfer module clamps the corresponding slide through the interface. The lifting column also has a vertically arranged second constraint plate, which corresponds to the opening end of the slot of the corresponding slide holder, and the second constraint plate has a clearance opening.

[0024] In actual operation, the clamping and transfer module clamps the glass slide on the slide holder through the interface and moves the glass slide horizontally through the clearance opening.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping and transferring module is a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm; Alternatively, the gripping and transfer module includes a three-axis linear motion table and grippers. The three-axis linear motion table includes a movable seat that can move up and down, left and right, and forward and backward. The grippers are mounted on the movable seat. The turntable has an opening in the area corresponding to the receiving slot. The loading module also includes a sensor assembly, which includes: The first sensor, mounted on the bracket, is used to detect through the opening facing downwards toward the receiving groove; The second sensor, mounted on the column, is used for horizontal detection of the receiving tank.

[0026] In practical applications, the first and second sensors are photoelectric sensors.

[0027] The sensor assembly determines whether the slide holder contains the slide body or the handle. When both the first and second sensors detect a signal, it indicates that the slide holder contains the slide body. When the first sensor does not detect a signal but the second sensor does, it indicates that the slide holder contains the handle.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temporary storage rack has a temporary storage groove that slides in conjunction with the dyeing rack.

[0029] In practical applications, the optical module can be any existing optical scanning module from various slide scanners, such as a bright-field scanning module or a fluorescence scanning module.

[0030] In one embodiment, the optical module includes: A focused light source is fixed on a bracket, and when the optical module scans the glass slide, the glass slide is located directly above the focused light source; A light-shielding plate is located above the light-emitting element. The light-shielding plate has a blocking working position and a reversing working position. When the light-shielding plate is in the blocking working position, the light-shielding plate is located directly above the focusing light source. When the light-shielding plate is in the reversing working position, the light-shielding plate no longer blocks the focusing light source. The first switching element is used to drive the light-shielding plate to move horizontally, switching between the blocking working position and the avoidance working position; An optical path box has an objective lens disk rotatably mounted at its lower end, on which multiple objective lenses of different magnifications are mounted. The upper end of the optical path box has a light outlet. The optical path box also has a fluorescence source, which can be directed onto the corresponding slice through the objective lenses. The first camera is positioned directly above the light outlet; The second camera is positioned above the optical path box, on one side of the light outlet. Of the first and second cameras, one is a fluorescent camera and the other is a bright-field camera. The second reflector is movably mounted above the optical path box. The second reflector has a first working position and a second working position. In the first working position, the second reflector is offset from the light outlet, and the light from the light outlet can directly enter the first camera. In the second working position, the second reflector is located above the light outlet, and the second reflector is used to reflect the light from the light outlet to the second camera. The second switching element is connected to the second reflector and is used to drive the second reflector to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first camera is a fluorescent camera and the second camera is a bright-field camera.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical module further includes a height adjustment platform fixed on the bracket, and the condenser lens, the light shield and the first switching element are disposed on the height adjustment platform.

[0033] In practical applications, the integrated staining, mounting, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment also includes a preview optical path module, which includes: A surface light source, fixed on a bracket, is located diagonally below the clearance opening. The surface light source is used to emit light from top to bottom onto the glass slide that has just been clamped and transferred by the clamping and transfer module. Preview camera, fixed on a bracket; The first reflector, fixed on the bracket and tilted to the horizontal plane, is used to reflect light from a glass plate directly above the surface light source to the preview camera.

[0034] In practical use, the preview camera should be set horizontally, and the first reflector should be set at a 45° angle to the horizontal plane.

[0035] In practical applications, unless otherwise specified, the various power components of this application can be conventional electric or pneumatic drive components.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this invention are: this application can automatically transfer the slide holder after sealing by the slide sealer to the digital pathology slide scanner for scanning through the transfer device, and transfer the slide holder after scanning in the digital pathology slide scanner to the temporary storage rack for storage. This application does not require manual handling and can automatically achieve reliable and efficient transfer processing. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a digital pathology slide scanner after the lifting arm raises a slide holder; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another angle of the digital pathology slide scanner after the lifting arm has lifted a slide holder; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a digital pathology slide scanner with several slots but no slide holders. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a digital pathology slide scanner with some structures hidden. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another digital pathology slide scanner that hides some of the structures. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the preview optical path module; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the optical module; Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of the optical module in bright-field mode; Figure 11 This is a front view of the integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing machine and part of the transfer device when the handle is in the first position; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of point C in the middle; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing machine and part of the transfer device when the handle is in the second position; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged view of point D in the middle; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the digital pathology slide scanner, transfer device, and temporary storage rack when the hook has just placed the slide holder into the receiving slot; Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the slide holder's handle being switched from the second position to the third position by the baffle. Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Enlarged view at point E in the middle; Figure 19 yes Figure 17 Enlarged view at point F; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the protrusion extending into the positioning groove of the handle in the third position; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the slide holder being placed into the temporary storage slot of the temporary storage rack by the hook. Figure 22 yes Figure 20 Enlarged view of point G in the middle; Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A magnified view of section H in the middle.

[0038] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 1. Digital pathology slide scanner; 10. Housing; 101. Loading / unloading port; 102. Baffle; 11. Support; 111. First sensor; 112. Second sensor; 113. Low mounting surface; 114. High mounting surface; 12. Loading module; 121. Turntable assembly; 1211. Turntable; 12111. Opening; 1212. Column; 12121. Clearance notch; 1213. Receiving groove; 1214. Inner ring space; 122. Lifting mechanism; 1221. Lifting column; 1 2211, First constraint plate; 122111, Docking interface; 12212, Second constraint plate; 122121, Clearance opening; 1222, Lifting module; 1223, Lifting seat; 12231, Lifting arm; 122311, Lifting part; 13, Clamping and transfer module; 131, Moving seat; 132, Gripper; 1321, Clamping arm; 13211, Rack; 13212, Clamping part; 1322, Gear; 14, Optical module; 141, Focusing light source; 142, Light shield. 143. Plate; 144. First switching element; 145. Optical path box; 146. Objective lens disk; 147. Objective lens; 148. Light outlet; 149. Fluorescence source; 140. First camera; 141. Second camera; 142. Second reflector; 143. Second switching element; 144. Height adjustment platform; 15. Preview optical path module; 16. Surface light source; 17. Preview camera; 18. First reflector; 19. Slide holder; 20. Body; 211. Slot; 21 11. Open end; 212. Mounting hole; 213. Strip groove; 22. Handle; 221. Vertical frame; 2211. Protruding plate; 22111. Positioning groove; 222. Connecting rod; 2221. Horizontal part; 3. Slide; 4. Staining machine; 5. Sealing machine; 6. Transfer device; 60. Crossbeam; 61. First movable frame; 62. Second movable frame; 63. Transfer seat; 64. Hook; 641. Support plate; 642. Positioning block; 643. Protruding column; 7. Temporary storage rack; 71. Temporary storage chute. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationships commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] like Figures 11-23 As shown, an integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing device includes a staining machine 4 and a sealing machine 5 that work together.

[0042] like Figure 12 and 13 As shown, the slide sealing machine 5 is used to seal the slides 3 from the staining machine 4 and place the sealed slides 3 into the slide holder 2. The slide holder 2 includes a body 21 and a handle 22 rotatably disposed on the body 21. The body 21 has a plurality of slots 211 spaced vertically. There is a positioning structure between the handle 22 and the body 21. The positioning structure is used to keep the handle 22 and the body 21 at a set angle. The handle 22 has a first position that is angular to the length direction of the slot 211 and a second position that is the same as the length direction of the slot 211. The handle 22 also has a non-circular positioning groove 22111. like Figure 11 , 16 As shown in Figure 21, the integrated pathological slide processing equipment also includes a digital pathological slide scanner 1, a transfer device 6, and a temporary storage rack 7; the transfer device 6 is used to transfer the slide holder 2 of the mounting machine 5 to the digital pathological slide scanner 1 and to transfer the scanned slide holder 2 to the temporary storage rack 7. like Figure 11 , 12 As shown in 1, 13, 18 and 23, the transfer device 6 includes a transfer seat 63 that can move up, down, left, right and back. A hook 64 for cooperating with the handle 22 is fixed on the transfer seat 63. The hook 64 includes a positioning block 642 and a protrusion 643 located above the positioning block 642. like Figure 13 and 15 As shown, driven by the transfer seat 63, the protrusion 643 is used to extend into the positioning groove 22111, so that the handle 22 of the slide holder 2 on the sealing machine 5 is switched from the first position to the second position; the positioning block 642 is used to cooperate with the handle 22 in the second position. When the positioning block 642 extends vertically from bottom to top into the positioning groove 22111, the positioning block 642 and the handle 22 are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and the movement of the transfer seat 63 can drive the slide holder 2 to move.

[0043] This application utilizes a transfer device 6 to automatically transfer the slide holder 2 sealed by the slide sealer 5 to the digital pathology slide scanner 1 for scanning. Additionally, it transfers the scanned slide holder 2 from the digital pathology slide scanner 1 to a temporary storage rack 7 for storage. This application eliminates the need for manual handling and enables automated, reliable, and efficient transfer processing. The hook 64 of the transfer device 6 performs two functions: the hook 64, via a protrusion 643, can move the handle 22 of the slide holder 2 on the slide sealer 5 from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the positioning block 642 mates with the positioning hole. At this time, the positioning block 642 extends upward into the positioning groove 22111, thus fixing the positioning block 642 and the handle 22 relatively in the circumferential direction. This allows the slide holder 2 to move when the moving seat 131 moves upward. Specifically, the moving seat 131 moves the slide holder 2 upward to detach from the sealing machine 5. After the moving seat 131 moves above the digital pathology slide scanner 1, it moves downward to make the slide holder 2 fall into the digital pathology slide scanner 1 until the positioning block 642 disengages from the positioning groove 22111, completing one transfer. When it is necessary to transfer the scanned slide holder 2 to the temporary storage rack 7, the same method is used. The whole operation is stable and reliable.

[0044] The staining machine 4 of this application is used to stain the cells and tissues on the glass slide 3. The staining machine 4 and the mounting machine 5 that work together are prior art and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0045] In this embodiment, in the first position, the handle 22 is at a 45° angle to the length direction of the slot 211.

[0046] like Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment, the upper and lower end faces of the body 21 both have mounting holes 212, and at least one end face of the upper and lower end faces of the body 21 has a plurality of strip grooves 213 arranged around the mounting holes 212. like Figure 13 As shown, the handle 22 includes a vertical frame 221 and connecting rods 222 fixed at the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame 221 respectively. The end of the connecting rod 222 is bent and extends into the corresponding mounting hole 212. The end of the connecting rod 222 is rotatably engaged with the corresponding mounting hole 212. The connecting rod 222 has a horizontal part 2221. The strip groove 213 and the horizontal part 2221 of the connecting rod 222 form a positioning structure.

[0047] like Figure 13 As shown, in one embodiment, the vertical frame 221 has a plurality of protrusions 2211 at one end facing away from the connecting rod 222, and the positioning groove 22111 is provided on the protrusions 2211; like Figure 13 As shown, the hook 64 has multiple support plates 641, and the positioning block 642 is set on the support plate 641. The cross-section of the positioning block 642 is adapted to the cross-section of the positioning groove 22111, and the further away from the support plate 641, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning groove 22111.

[0048] The cross-section of the positioning groove 22111, with its gradient design, enables a guiding function, facilitating the reliable insertion of the positioning block 642 into the positioning groove 22111.

[0049] In this embodiment, the positioning groove 22111 is triangular.

[0050] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown in Figure 13, in one embodiment, the transfer device 6 includes a horizontally arranged crossbeam 60, a mounting machine 5, a digital pathology slide scanner 1, and a temporary storage rack 7 sequentially arranged below the crossbeam 60. A first movable frame 61 capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and a first driving structure (not shown in the figure) for driving the first movable frame 61 to slide are slidably mounted on the crossbeam 60. A second movable frame 62 capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction and a second driving structure (not shown in the figure) for driving the second movable frame 62 to slide are slidably mounted on the first movable frame 61. A transfer seat 63 capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and a third driving structure (not shown in the figure) for driving the transfer seat 63 to slide are slidably mounted on the second movable frame 62. The sliding direction of the transfer seat 63 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first movable frame 61.

[0051] In practical applications, each drive structure can be one of the existing types of structures, such as a motor screw structure, a motor, a gear 1322, and a rack and pinion structure.

[0052] like Figure 19 As shown, the handle 22 also has a third position perpendicular to the length direction of the slot 211.

[0053] like Figures 1-11As shown, a digital pathology slide scanner 1 is disclosed.

[0054] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the digital pathology slide scanner 1 includes a support 11 and a loading module 12, a gripping and transfer module 13, and an optical module 14, all of which are disposed on the support 11. like Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figures 7 and 11, the loading module 12 is used to place the slide holder 2. The slide holder 2 has a plurality of slots 211 arranged vertically and vertically, and the open end 2111 of the slots 211 is used for inserting the slide 3. like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the loading module 12 includes a turntable assembly 121 and a lifting mechanism 122; like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the turntable assembly 121 includes a turntable 1211 rotatably mounted on a bracket 11, a drive mechanism (not shown in the figure) for driving the turntable 1211 to rotate, and a plurality of columns 1212 fixed on the turntable 1211. Each column 1212 is spaced apart around the axis of the turntable 1211, and a receiving groove 1213 for vertical insertion of the slide holder 2 is formed between two adjacent columns 1212. Each column 1212 and the receiving groove 1213 enclose an inner ring space 1214. After the slide holder 2 is inserted into the receiving groove 1213, the open end 2111 of the slot 211 faces away from the inner ring space 1214. The slide holder 2 is used to cooperate with two adjacent receiving grooves 1213. When the body 21 of the slide holder 2 is inserted into one of the receiving grooves 1213, the handle 22 can be rotated into the other receiving groove 1213 by switching to the third position. like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the lifting mechanism 122 includes: The lifting column 1221 is fixed on the bracket 11; The lifting module 1222, mounted on the lifting column 1221, has a lifting seat 1223 capable of moving up and down; and The lifting arm 12231 is fixed on the lifting seat 1223. The lower part of the lifting arm 12231 has a lifting part 122311, which corresponds to the inner ring space 1214. The lifting part 122311 is used to cooperate with the lower end face of the slide holder 2 to drive the slide holder 2 to move up and down. When the slide holder 2 is moved upward by the lifting mechanism 122, the clamping and transfer module 13 is used to clamp the slide 3 on the slide holder 2 and transfer the slide 3 to the area where the optical module 14 is located; the optical module 14 is used to scan the slide 3.

[0055] The turntable assembly 121 of this application can simultaneously store multiple vertically arranged slide holders 2, and the number of slides 3 loaded is large. The turntable 1211 can be driven to rotate by the drive mechanism to automatically switch different slide holders 2 to cooperate with the lifting mechanism 122. The slides 3 can be picked up one by one by the clamping and transfer module 13 and transferred to the optical module 14 for scanning. The opening end 2111 of the slot 211 of the slide holder 2 of this application faces away from the inner circle space 1214. This arrangement allows the lifting arm 12231 to move in the inner circle space 1214. The whole structure is more compact and it is convenient for the clamping and transfer module 13 to clamp out the slides 3 of the slide holder 2 lifted by the lifting part 122311.

[0056] In practical applications, when one of the slide holders 2 is in conjunction with the lifting mechanism 122, the scanned slide holder 2 can be removed manually or by an external device and a new slide holder 2 to be scanned can be placed in it.

[0057] The term "installed on bracket 11" as used in this application includes direct installation on bracket 11 or indirect installation on bracket 11 via other structures.

[0058] In this application, slot 211 is horizontally positioned for horizontal insertion and removal of slide 3.

[0059] In practical applications, the drive mechanism can adopt various existing structural forms. For example, it can drive the turntable 1211 to rotate through the cooperation of a motor and a transmission component. The transmission component can be a set of gears 1322, a transmission belt assembly, etc.

[0060] The handle has a third position, allowing it to be rotated to another slot after the slide holder body is placed in one slot. This effectively reduces the requirements for the radial dimensions of the turntable assembly, allowing for a more compact structure. However, once the handle is in another slot, no other slide holder body can be placed in that slot.

[0061] like Figure 16 , 17 As shown in 18 and 19, in one embodiment of the present invention, the loading module 12 further includes a housing 10 covering the support 11, the loading module 12, the clamping and transfer module 13 and the optical module 14. The housing 10 has a pick-and-place opening 101 in the area corresponding to the turntable assembly 121, and a baffle 102 is provided on the inner sidewall of the housing 10 near the pick-and-place opening 101. When the body 21 of the slide holder 2 is inserted into a receiving slot 1213, as the turntable 1211 rotates, the handle 22 of the slide holder 2 will come into contact with the baffle 102, and the baffle 102 will push the handle 22 to switch from the second position to the third position.

[0062] By setting the baffle 102, the handle 22 can be automatically switched from the second position to the third position after the turntable 1211 rotates, without the need for the transfer device 6 to switch, making the whole action more efficient.

[0063] When the slide holder 2 scanned in the digital pathology slide scanner 1 needs to be transferred, the transfer device 6 can control the protrusion 643 of the hook 64 to extend into the positioning groove 22111 of the handle 22 in the third position. Then the protrusion 643 moves horizontally to switch the handle 22 to the second position. Then the positioning block 642 is controlled to extend vertically from bottom to top into the positioning groove 22111, so that the positioning block 642 and the handle 22 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction. The movement of the transfer seat 63 can drive the slide holder 2 to move and finally put it into the temporary storage rack 7.

[0064] like Figure 21 and 23 As shown, the temporary storage rack 7 has a temporary storage groove 71 that slides in conjunction with the dyeing rack.

[0065] like Figure 4 and 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the bottom end of the column 1212 facing the inner ring space 1214 has a relief notch 12121, and the lifting arm 12231 has a bottom working position. When the lifting arm 12231 is in the bottom working position, when the turntable 1211 of the turntable assembly 121 rotates, the end of the lifting part 122311 can slide into and out of the relief notch 12121.

[0066] Compared to the design without the clearance notch 12121, this application can increase the contact area between the lifting part 122311 and the lower end surface of the slide holder 2 by setting the clearance notch 12121, which can better and more stably drive the slide holder 2 to move up and down.

[0067] like Figure 5 and 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting column 1221 has two spaced first constraint plates 12211, and the lifting arm 12231 can drive the corresponding slide holder 2 to move up to completely disengage from the receiving groove 1213. The two first constraint plates 12211 are used to cooperate with the two side walls of the slide holder 2 to limit the position of the slide holder 2. The first constraint plate 12211 has a docking interface 122111, which is used to expose the left and right sides of at least one glass slide 3 on the slide holder 2. The clamping and transfer module 13 clamps the corresponding glass slide 3 through the docking interface 122111.

[0068] like Figure 5 and 7As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting column 1221 also has a vertically arranged second constraint plate 12212, which corresponds to the opening end 2111 of the slot 211 of the corresponding slide holder 2, and the second constraint plate 12212 has an avoidance opening 122121.

[0069] In actual operation, the clamping and transfer module 13 clamps the glass slide 3 on the glass slide holder 2 through the interface 122111 and drives the glass slide 3 to move horizontally through the clearance opening 122121.

[0070] In one embodiment, the gripping and transfer module 13 is a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm; like Figure 1 and 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the gripping and transfer module 13 includes a three-axis linear motion stage and a gripper 132. The three-axis linear motion stage includes a movable seat 131 that can move up and down, left and right, and forward and backward. The gripper 132 is mounted on the movable seat 131.

[0071] A three-axis motion stage is conventional prior art and will not be described in detail in this application. This application applies a three-axis planar motion stage to a scanner, which can improve image quality by adjusting the height of the slide 3 for focusing.

[0072] The gripper 132 can be any of the existing types of grippers 132, including but not limited to various electric grippers 132, pneumatic grippers 132, etc.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the gripper 132 includes: Two clamping arms 1321 are slidably mounted on the movable base 131. Each clamping arm 1321 has a rack 13211 and a clamping part 13212. The racks 13211 of the two clamping arms 1321 are arranged in parallel, and the clamping parts 13212 of the two clamping arms 1321 are arranged in parallel. Gear 1322 is rotatably disposed between two racks 13211 and simultaneously meshes with both racks 13211; The gripper 132 motor (not shown in the figure) is used to drive the gear 1322 to rotate, so that the two gripping parts 13212 move closer or further apart.

[0074] In one embodiment, each column 1212 is evenly distributed around the axis of the turntable 1211; like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, when the scanner is used alone, the slide holder 2 can have several types, including a first type of slide holder 2 without a handle. Figure 1 The shorter type) and the second type of slide holder with handles 2 ( Figure 1 The higher-middle type, that is Figure 11 ); like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the turntable 1211 and the corresponding area of ​​the receiving groove 1213 have openings 12111. The loading module 12 also includes a sensor assembly, which includes: The first sensor 111 is mounted on the bracket 11 and is used to detect the area below the receiving groove 1213 through the opening 12111. The second sensor 112 is mounted on the column 1212 and is used to detect horizontally in the receiving groove 1213.

[0075] In practical applications, the first sensor 111 and the second sensor 112 are photoelectric sensors.

[0076] The sensor assembly determines whether the slide holder 21 or the handle 22 is in the receiving slot 1213. When the first sensor 111 detects a signal and the second sensor 112 also detects a signal, it means that the slide holder 21 is placed in the receiving slot 1213. When the first sensor 111 does not detect a signal but the second sensor 112 detects a signal, it means that the slide holder 22 is placed in the receiving slot 1213.

[0077] In practical applications, the first sensor 111 and the second sensor 112 are photoelectric sensors.

[0078] In practical applications, the slide holder 2 can be an Enzhong 30-slide staining holder with a handle 22.

[0079] In one embodiment, a maximum loading quantity of 480 glass slides 3 can be achieved.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, a preview optical path module 15 is further included, the preview optical path module 15 comprising: The surface light source 151 is fixed on the bracket 11 and located diagonally below the clearance opening 122121. The surface light source 151 is used to emit light from top to bottom onto the glass slide 3 that has just been clamped by the clamping and transfer module 13. Preview camera 152 is fixed on bracket 11; The first reflector 153 is fixed on the bracket 11 and is set at an angle to the horizontal plane. The first reflector 153 is used to reflect the light from the glass slide 3 directly above the surface light source 151 to the preview camera 152.

[0081] By previewing the optical path module 15, preliminary information about the slide 3, such as the label area, can be determined. In addition, the location of the cell tissue can be marked according to the existing algorithm, which facilitates the determination of the position of the gripper 132 when the gripping and transfer module 13 cooperates with the optical module 14, so that the cell tissue can be scanned.

[0082] In actual use, the preview camera 152 is set horizontally, and the first reflector 153 is set at a 45° angle to the horizontal plane.

[0083] In practical applications, the optical module 14 can be an existing optical scanning module from various slide scanners, such as a bright-field scanning module or a fluorescence scanning module. Figure 9 and 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the optical module 14 includes: The focusing light source 141 is fixed on the bracket 11. When the optical module 14 scans the glass slide 3, the glass slide 3 is located directly above the focusing light source 141. The light shield 142 is located above the light-emitting element. The light shield 142 has a blocking working position and a clearance working position. When the light shield 142 is in the blocking working position, the light shield 142 is located directly above the focusing light source 141. When the light shield 142 is in the clearance working position, the light shield 142 no longer blocks the focusing light source 141. The first switching element 143 is used to drive the light shield 142 to move horizontally and switch between the blocking working position and the avoidance working position. The optical path box 144 has an objective lens disk 1441 rotatably mounted at its lower end. Multiple objective lenses 1442 with different magnifications are mounted on the objective lens disk 1441. The upper end of the optical path box 144 has a light outlet 1443. The optical path box 144 also has a fluorescence source 1444, which can be directed to the corresponding slide through the objective lens 1442. The first camera 145 is positioned directly above the light outlet 1443; The second camera 146 is set above the optical path box 144 and located on one side of the light outlet 1443. Of the first camera 145 and the second camera 146, one is a fluorescent camera and the other is a bright field camera. The second reflector 147 is movably disposed above the optical path box 144. The second reflector 147 has a first working position and a second working position. In the first working position, the second reflector 147 is offset from the light outlet 1443, and the light from the light outlet 1443 can directly enter the first camera 145. In the second working position, the second reflector 147 is located above the light outlet 1443, and the second reflector 147 is used to reflect the light from the light outlet 1443 to the second camera 146. The second switching element 148 is connected to the second reflector 147 and is used to drive the second reflector 147 to switch between the first working position and the second working position.

[0084] This application enables the switching between bright-field scanning and fluorescence scanning modes by setting up a fluorescence source 1444, a first camera 145, a second camera 146, a second reflector 147, and a moving element, and the switching is fast and convenient.

[0085] Existing scanners are usually unable to scan both ordinary and fluorescent sections. The optical module 14 of this application can scan both types of sections, namely, it can perform scanning in both bright field and fluorescence modes.

[0086] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown in Figure 10, in one embodiment, the first camera 145 is a fluorescent camera and the second camera 146 is a bright-field camera.

[0087] When switching to bright field mode, the second switching element 148 puts the light shield 142 in the avoidance working position, the second switching element 148 puts the second reflector 147 in the second working position, and the focusing light source 141 is working; when switching to fluorescence mode, the second switching element 148 puts the light shield 142 in the blocking working position, the second switching element 148 puts the second reflector 147 in the first working position, the focusing light source 141 is not working, the fluorescence source 1444 is working, and scanning under fluorescence conditions results in fluorescence cylindrical imaging.

[0088] This application allows for the mounting of multiple objectives 1442 via the objective disk 1441, broadening the application scenarios of the scanning assembly. In practical applications, five objectives 1442 are used, allowing for the selection of various optical magnifications as needed, and scanning is performed in conjunction with a three-axis planar motion stage and grippers 132.

[0089] In practical applications, the optical path box 144 is equipped with a switching motor that drives the objective lens disk 1441 to rotate. By using the switching motor to drive the objective lens disk 1441 to rotate, different objective lenses 1442 can be automatically switched to align with the slide 3.

[0090] In practical applications, the first switching element 143 and the second switching element 148 can be various power elements such as electric push rods and cylinders.

[0091] In one embodiment, the optical module 14 further includes a height adjustment platform 149 fixed on the bracket 11, and a condenser lens, a light shield 142 and a first switching element 143 are disposed on the height adjustment platform 149.

[0092] The position of the condenser lens can be adjusted via the height adjustment platform 149, allowing for adjustments to the position as needed to achieve clearer imaging.

[0093] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the bracket 11 has a low mounting surface 113 and a high mounting surface 114, the turntable assembly 121 of the loading module 12 is disposed on the low mounting surface 113, and the clamping and transferring module 13 is disposed on the high mounting surface 114.

[0094] The design of the low mounting surface 113 and the high mounting surface 114 makes the whole structure more compact. In actual use, the controller, switching power supply, cooling fan and other components can be installed below the high mounting surface 114 as needed.

[0095] A specific working process of the digital pathology slide scanner 1: First, after the digital pathology slide scanner 1 is powered on, it begins initialization. On the host computer or controller, either fluorescence mode or bright field mode is selected. In fluorescence mode, the light shield 142 of the optical module 14 blocks the condenser lens to prevent reflection, and simultaneously moves the reflector to guide the light path to the fluorescence camera. In bright field mode, the light shield 142 moves away, and the reflector moves above the light outlet 1443, guiding the light path to the bright field camera. Afterward, all components perform self-tests and return to their initial positions. The scanner will then open three... There are three slide holder placement positions, each equipped with a first sensor 111. When a slide holder is placed, the lower first sensor 111 detects the placement, and the turntable 1211 automatically rotates under the drive mechanism. Simultaneously, the second sensor 112 detects the type of slide holder placed (first type 2 slide holder and second type 2 slide holder) and provides feedback to the host computer or controller. The rotation of the turntable 1211 moves the slide holder 2 to be scanned to the lifting mechanism 122, and then the lifting arm 12231 moves through the lifting section 12231. 1. The slide holder 2 is raised to the middle of the first constraint plate 12211. By controlling the lifting height, the slide 3 to be scanned is raised to the clearance opening 122121. Then, the three-axis motion platform aligns the gripper 132 with the interface 122111, inserts the gripper 132 into the interface 122111, and removes the slide 3. The slide 3 is then moved above the surface light source 151 of the preview light path module 15. The surface light source 151 illuminates to provide background light, and the preview camera 152 captures the information of the slide 3 through the first reflector 153. The scanning area is identified, and then the gripper 132 moves the slide 3 to the scanning area. In cooperation with the optical module 14, the scanning operation is performed. After the scanning is completed, the slide 3 is returned to the slide holder 2. The lifting module 1222 controls the slide holder 2 to rise to the position of the next slide 3 and starts the scanning process for the next slide. When all the slides on the slide holder 2 have been scanned, the lifting arm 12231 will return the slide holder 2 to the loading turntable 1211. The turntable 1211 rotates to scan the next slide holder 2.

[0096] In practical application, the staining machine, the mounting machine (i.e., the integrated staining and mounting machine), and the digital pathology slide scanner can complete their respective tasks. The transfer device is responsible for the reasonable scheduling of work. The control circuit of the transfer device communicates with the integrated staining and mounting machine and the digital pathology slide scanner through RS485 serial port technology to obtain information such as whether there are sealed slide holders on the mounting machine and whether there are empty spaces or scanned slide holders on the digital pathology slide scanner. The transfer device can simulate a person to reasonably transfer and process the slide holders.

[0097] The handle of the slide holder at the extraction position of the slide sealer is in the first position (handle at 45° to the body). Before transfer, the handle is opened outward by the movement of the protrusion (a cylindrical pin) of the hook, switching to the second position (handle at 0° to the body). After the transfer device places the slide holder into the receiving slot of the digital pathology slide scanner, the baffle automatically switches the handle to the third position (handle at 90° to the body) by the rotation of the turntable. When it is necessary to transfer the slide holder of the turntable assembly, the handle is first switched from the third position to the second position by the protrusion of the hook, then the positioning block extends into the positioning slot, and finally the slide holder is transferred to the temporary storage slot of the temporary storage rack.

[0098] In practical use, the temporary storage rack can hold 16 slide holders. When the scanner finishes scanning one slide holder, the hooks retrieve the slide holder from the scanner and move it to the temporary storage rack. The scanner has 16 slots, which can hold 8 slide holders at the same time.

[0099] In practical applications, due to the reagent contamination and strong odor caused by the staining and sealing process, the staining and sealing unit generally needs to be placed in a pathology fume hood. To adapt to the actual working environment of a pathology laboratory, the transfer device and the staining and sealing unit can be designed with a flexible connection, allowing for customized separation of the two parts. The fume hood has a reserved output port for easy access to the slide holder by the transfer device.

[0100] In practical applications, this application can make reasonable use of 24-hour operation. During the daytime working hours, laboratory personnel can simply place the slide holder to be stained into the input port of the staining machine. The equipment can adjust and distribute the high-percentage slide scanning time at night, which can greatly improve operating efficiency and waiting time for slide viewing and diagnosis (slides can be produced the next day).

[0101] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated staining, mounting, and scanning pathological slide processing device, comprising a staining machine and a mounting machine that cooperate with each other, wherein the mounting machine is used to mount slides from the staining machine and place the mounted slides into a slide holder, characterized in that, The slide holder includes a body and a handle rotatably mounted on the body. The body has multiple slots spaced vertically apart. A positioning structure is provided between the handle and the body. The positioning structure is used to keep the handle and the body at a set angle. The handle has a first position at an angle to the length direction of the slot and a second position in the same direction as the length direction of the slot. The handle also has a non-circular positioning groove. The integrated pathological slide processing equipment also includes a digital pathological slide scanner, a transfer device, and a temporary storage rack; the transfer device is used to transfer the slide rack of the mounting machine to the digital pathological slide scanner and to transfer the scanned slide rack to the temporary storage rack. The transfer device includes a transfer seat that can move up, down, left, right, forward, and backward. The transfer seat is fixed with a hook for cooperating with a handle. The hook includes a positioning block and a protruding post located above the positioning block. Driven by the transfer seat, the protruding post is used to extend into the positioning groove, so that the handle of the slide holder on the sealing machine is switched from the first position to the second position; the positioning block is used to cooperate with the handle in the second position. When the positioning block extends vertically from bottom to top into the positioning groove, the positioning block and the handle are fixed relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and the movement of the transfer seat can drive the slide holder to move.

2. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the upper and lower ends of the body have mounting holes, and at least one end of the upper and lower ends of the body has multiple strip grooves arranged around the mounting holes. The handle includes a vertical frame and connecting rods fixed at the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame respectively. The end of the connecting rod is bent and extends into the corresponding mounting hole. The end of the connecting rod is rotatably engaged with the corresponding mounting hole. The connecting rod has a horizontal part. The strip groove and the horizontal part of the connecting rod form the positioning structure.

3. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The vertical frame has multiple protruding plates at one end facing away from the connecting rod, and the positioning groove is provided on the protruding plates; The hook has multiple support plates, and the positioning block is set on the support plate. The cross-section of the positioning block is adapted to the cross-section of the positioning groove, and the further away from the support plate, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning groove.

4. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer device includes a horizontally arranged crossbeam, a slide sealer, a digital pathology slide scanner, and a temporary storage rack arranged sequentially below the crossbeam. A first movable frame capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction and a first driving structure for driving the first movable frame to slide are slidably mounted on the crossbeam. A second movable frame capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction and a second driving structure for driving the second movable frame to slide are slidably mounted on the first movable frame. The second movable frame is slidably mounted with the transfer seat, which is capable of reciprocating in the horizontal direction, and a third driving structure for driving the transfer seat to slide. The sliding direction of the transfer seat is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first movable frame.

5. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The handle also has a third position perpendicular to the length direction of the slot; The digital pathology slide scanner includes a support and a loading module, a gripping and transfer module, and an optical module, all mounted on the support. The loading module is used to place the slide holder, and the loading module includes a turntable assembly and a lifting mechanism; The turntable assembly includes a turntable rotatably mounted on a bracket, a drive mechanism for driving the turntable to rotate, and multiple columns fixed on the turntable. Each column is spaced apart around the axis of the turntable, and a receiving groove is formed between two adjacent columns for vertical insertion of the slide holder body. Each column and the receiving groove form an inner circle space. After the slide holder body is inserted into the receiving groove, the open end of the slot faces away from the inner circle space. The slide holder is used to cooperate with two adjacent receiving grooves. When the slide holder body is inserted into one receiving groove, the handle can be rotated into the other receiving groove by switching to a third position. The lifting mechanism includes: The lifting column is fixed on the bracket; A lifting module, mounted on a lifting column, has a lifting base capable of moving up and down; and A lifting arm is fixed on a lifting base. The lower part of the lifting arm has a lifting section, which corresponds to the inner ring space. The lifting section is used to cooperate with the lower end face of the slide holder to drive the slide holder to move up and down. After the slide holder is lifted by the lifting mechanism, the clamping and transfer module is used to clamp the slides on the slide holder and transfer the slides to the area where the optical module is located; the optical module is used to scan the slides.

6. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The loading module also includes a housing that covers the bracket, loading module, clamping and transfer module and optical module. The housing has a pick-and-place opening in the area corresponding to the turntable assembly, and a baffle is provided on the inner sidewall of the housing near the pick-and-place opening. When the body of the slide holder is inserted into a receiving slot, as the turntable rotates, the handle of the slide holder will come into contact with the baffle, and the baffle will push the handle to switch from the second position to the third position.

7. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom end of the column facing the inner space has a clearance notch, and the lifting arm has a bottom working position. When the lifting arm is in the bottom working position, when the turntable of the turntable assembly rotates, the end of the lifting part can slide into and out of the clearance notch.

8. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting column has two spaced-apart first constraint plates. The lifting arm can move the corresponding slide holder upwards until it is completely separated from the receiving slot. The two first constraint plates are used to cooperate with the two side walls of the slide holder to limit the position of the slide holder. The first constraint plate has an interface for exposing the left and right sides of at least one slide on the slide holder, and the clamping and transfer module clamps the corresponding slide through the interface. The lifting column also has a vertically arranged second constraint plate, which corresponds to the opening end of the slot of the corresponding slide holder, and the second constraint plate has a clearance opening.

9. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The gripping and transfer module is a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm; Alternatively, the gripping and transfer module includes a three-axis linear motion table and grippers. The three-axis linear motion table includes a movable seat that can move up and down, left and right, and forward and backward. The grippers are mounted on the movable seat. The turntable has an opening in the area corresponding to the receiving slot. The loading module also includes a sensor assembly, which includes: The first sensor, mounted on the bracket, is used to detect through the opening facing downwards toward the receiving groove; The second sensor, mounted on the column, is used for horizontal detection of the receiving tank.

10. The integrated staining, sealing, and scanning pathological slide processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temporary storage rack has a temporary storage groove that slides in conjunction with the dyeing rack.

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