Storage mechanism and digital pathological scanner

Abstract

The utility model relates to a storage mechanism and a digital pathological scanner, the storage mechanism comprises a frame body and a placing assembly arranged in the frame body, the placing assembly is provided with a storage groove used for placing at least section racks with different lengths, one end of the storage groove is provided with an adjusting part, the other end of the storage groove is provided with an opening structure, and the opening structure is provided with an opening. The slice racks are placed in the storage groove through the opening structure, and the adjusting piece is used for limiting the placing positions of the slice racks with different lengths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly to a storage mechanism and a digital pathology scanner. Background Art

[0002] In the process of pathological tissue analysis, from taking out the tissue sample to be analyzed from the patient to the final pathological scan analysis, multiple steps need to be experienced in the middle, such as dehydration, embedding, sectioning, staining, and coverslipping. Among them, before staining the tissue sample, it is necessary to stick the tissue thin slices obtained in the sectioning step on the glass slide. The subsequent processing processes of the tissue sample, such as staining, coverslipping, and scanning, all need to be carried on the glass slide (section). Each pathological tissue sample may be assigned multiple sections, and hospitals often process tissue samples in batches. Therefore, a section rack is usually used. A section rack is a rack that can store multiple glass slides, which is convenient for the transfer or placement of glass slides.

[0003] The currently available section racks on the market have different lengths depending on the number of sections they can store, such as 20 sections or 30 sections. For the same user, such as the same hospital, they often have section racks of different specifications at the same time. The lengths or side frames of these section racks are different, and currently, there is no storage structure that can adapt to different section racks of the same user. This leads to the need for users to specifically match a specific section rack during the staining, coverslipping, or pathological scanning process, resulting in low efficiency, high cost, and inconvenient operation in the pathological analysis process. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a storage mechanism and a digital pathology scanner, which can limit the positions of different-length section racks placed in the storage slot through adjusting members, so that different-length section racks can be accurately placed into the storage slot without replacing the entire storage mechanism, solving the problem that the storage mechanism can only use matching section racks, improving the freedom of use of users; at the same time, it also reduces the error rate when taking and placing the section racks in the storage slot, greatly improving the working efficiency of the digital pathology scanner.

[0005] According to the first aspect of this application, a storage mechanism is provided for use in a digital pathology scanner. The storage mechanism includes a frame body and a placement component provided in the frame body. The placement component is provided with a storage slot for placing at least section racks of different lengths. One end of the storage slot has an adjusting member, and the other end of the storage slot has an opening structure. The section rack is placed into the storage slot through the opening structure, and the adjusting member is used to limit the placement positions of the different-length section racks placed therein.

[0006] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, one end of the adjusting member is provided with a blocking portion, and the blocking portion extends towards the inner side of the storage groove, so that one end of the slicing rack placed in the storage groove abuts against the blocking portion to limit the position where the slicing rack is placed in the storage groove.

[0007] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of partition plates are spaced on the placing assembly to form at least one storage groove; and / or,

[0008] The adjusting member is detachably connected to the partition plate.

[0009] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, each storage groove is formed by the relative limitation of adjacent partition plates. The partition plate is provided with an installation groove at one end away from the opening structure. The adjusting member is detachably installed in the installation groove, and both ends of the adjusting member can selectively exchange directions when connected to the installation groove to form the limitation of slicing racks of different lengths.

[0010] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the placing assembly includes a placing plate. The partition plate has a connecting section connected to the placing plate and a supporting section extending at least partially towards the inner side of the storage groove. The supporting section is connected to one end of the connecting section away from the placing plate for laterally supporting the slicing rack.

[0011] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the supporting section has a first supporting edge disposed obliquely, and the slope of the first supporting edge is adapted to the slope of the first supporting portion of the slicing rack.

[0012] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the installation groove is formed on the supporting section. The adjusting member is provided with a second supporting edge having the same inclination as the first supporting edge, and a blocking portion is formed at one end of the second supporting edge.

[0013] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, one of the partition plate and the adjusting member is provided with a guide rail, and the other of the partition plate and the adjusting member is provided with a sliding groove. The adjusting member is detachably connected to the partition plate through the cooperation of the sliding groove and the guide rail; and / or,

[0014] The placing assembly further includes a connecting member. The adjusting member is provided with a connecting hole penetrating through both ends, and the partition plate is provided with a fixing hole. The connecting member passes through the connecting hole and then is connected to the fixing hole.

[0015] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the placement component further includes a limiting member, which is arranged at one end of the partition plate close to the opening structure and is used for restricting both sides when the slide rack is placed into the storage slot.

[0016] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the limiting member has a horizontal section and a vertical section. The limiting member is connected to the partition plate through the horizontal section, and the vertical section is arranged at one end of the horizontal section far from the opening structure.

[0017] In the storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application, the middle of the partition plate has a notch groove, which is used to cooperate with a mechanical gripper assembly or a human hand to grab the slide rack from the notch groove.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present application, the present application further provides a digital pathology scanner, including the above storage mechanism.

[0019] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects: The present application designs a storage mechanism and a digital pathology scanner. The storage mechanism includes a frame body and a placement component arranged in the frame body. The placement component is provided with a storage slot for placing at least slide racks of different lengths. One end of the storage slot has an adjusting member, and the other end of the storage slot has an opening structure. After the slide rack is placed in the storage slot through the opening structure, the adjusting member is used to limit the placement positions of the placed slide racks of different lengths, so that slide racks of different lengths can be accurately placed into the storage slot without replacing the entire storage mechanism, solving the problem that the storage mechanism can only use matching slide racks, improving the freedom of use of users; at the same time, it also reduces the error rate when the slide racks in the storage slot are taken and placed, greatly improving the working efficiency of the digital pathology scanner.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the material transfer mechanism and the storage mechanism provided by the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism provided by the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the storage mechanism in;

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram of the slicing rack placed on the placement component in;

[0026] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram after the slicing rack is separated from the placement component in;

[0027] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a schematic exploded view of the placement component in;

[0028] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a schematic assembly diagram of the partition board, adjusting member and limiting member in;

[0029] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a schematic exploded view of the partition board, adjusting member and limiting member in;

[0030] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a schematic exploded view of the partition board, adjusting member and limiting member in;

[0031] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the material transfer mechanism in;

[0032] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a partial schematic diagram of the material transfer mechanism in;

[0033] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a schematic structural diagram of the jaw structure in;

[0034] Figure 13 is Figure 1 the first structural diagram of the slicing rack in;

[0035] Figure 14 is Figure 1 the second structural diagram of the slicing rack in;

[0036] Figure 15 is Figure 1 the third structural diagram of the slicing rack in.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0038] 100, storage mechanism; 101a, storage tank; 101, placement component; 102, frame;

[0039] 10. Adjusting member; 11. Blocking portion; 12. Second supporting edge; 13. Chute; 14. Connecting hole;

[0040] 20. Partition board; 20a. First partition board; 20b. Second partition board; 21. Notch groove; 22. Installation groove; 23. Docking end; 231. Fixing hole; 24. Guide rail; 25. Connecting section; 26. Supporting section; 261. First supporting edge; 27. Limiting groove;

[0041] 30. Placing board; 31. Connecting groove;

[0042] 40. Limiting member; 41. Horizontal section; 42. Vertical section;

[0043] 50. Detection assembly; 51. First sensor; 52. Second sensor;

[0044] 200. Material transfer mechanism; 201. Jaw assembly; 201a. First jaw; 201b. Second jaw; 201c. Jaw driving member; 2011. Horizontal part; 2012. Vertical part; 2013. First recessed groove; 2014. Second recessed groove; 2015. Avoidance groove; 2016. Hollowed-out groove; 202. Longitudinal assembly; 203. Transverse assembly; 204. Vertical assembly;

[0045] 300. Loading and unloading mechanism; 301. Conveying assembly; 302. Loading assembly; 303. Material transfer assembly; 304. Detection structure;

[0046] 400. Scanning mechanism;

[0047] 500. Slicing rack; 500a. First slicing rack; 500b. Second slicing rack; 500c. Third slicing rack; 501. First supporting portion; 501a. First conical portion; 501b. Third conical portion; 501c. Fifth conical portion; 502. Second supporting portion; 502a. Second conical portion; 502b. Fourth conical portion; 502c. Sixth conical portion;

[0048] 600. Slices. Detailed implementation manners

[0049] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0050] It should also be understood that the terms used in the description of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments. In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0051] The following will describe in detail some embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0052] As Figure 1 to Figure 2 shown, the present application provides a digital pathology scanner, which includes a scanning mechanism 400, a material transfer mechanism 200, a loading and unloading mechanism 300, and a storage mechanism 100 for storing slide racks 500 of different specifications. The material transfer mechanism 200 is used to transfer the slide rack 500 between the storage mechanism 100 and the loading and unloading mechanism 300. The loading and unloading mechanism 300 is used to convey the slide 600 in the slide rack 500 into the scanning mechanism 400 for scanning and convey the scanned slide 600 back to the storage mechanism 100.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 13 to Figure 15 shown, the slide rack 500 is mainly used for storing slides 600 and provides a stable slide supply platform for the storage mechanism 100 and the material transfer mechanism 200, so that the slides 600 can be placed on the storage mechanism 100 through the slide rack 500, and the material transfer mechanism 200 can transfer the slides 600 through the slide rack 500. Among them, the slide rack 500 has a common size designed by each manufacturer, and the lengths of the slide racks 500 of different specifications can be the same or different.

[0054] Exemplarily, as Figure 13 to Figure 15 shown, the structural diagrams of three different specifications of slide racks 500 are respectively a first slide rack 500a, a second slide rack 500b, and a third slide rack 500c.Figure 12 The length of the first slicing rack 500a shown is L1. The side walls of the first slicing rack 500a have a first tapered portion 501a and a second tapered portion 502a extending along the length direction, and the front and rear sides are respectively connected by two front and rear side plates. And Figure 13 the length of the second slicing rack 500b shown in is L2. The side walls of the second slicing rack 500b have a third tapered portion 501b and a fourth tapered portion 502b extending along the length direction, and the front and rear sides are respectively connected by two front and rear side plates. Figure 14 The length of the third slicing rack 500c shown in is L3. The side walls of the third slicing rack 500c have a fifth tapered portion 501c and a sixth tapered portion 502c extending along the length direction, and the front and rear sides are respectively connected by two front and rear side plates. Among them, the length L1 of the first slicing rack 500a, the length L2 of the second slicing rack 500b, and the length L3 of the third slicing rack 500c can be the same or different. The front and rear side plates of the first slicing rack 500a, the second slicing rack 500b, and the third slicing rack 500c can also be the same or different. The first tapered portion 501a, the second tapered portion 502a, the third tapered portion 501b, the fourth tapered portion 502b, the fifth tapered portion 501c, and the sixth tapered portion 502c can also be of the same or different structures. The present application does not impose any restrictions. Its main purpose is to store the slices 600 so that the slices 600 can be stably placed in the storage mechanism 100 through the slicing rack 500, and then the material transfer mechanism 200 can transfer the slices 600 through the slicing rack 500, which can better store and transfer the slices 600 and avoid damage to the slices 600 during storage and transfer.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 1 to Figure 5 shown, a storage groove 101a for placing the slicing rack 500 is provided on the storage mechanism 100. One end of the storage groove 101a has an adjusting member 10, and the other end of the storage groove 101a has an opening structure. When the slicing rack 500 is placed in the storage groove 101a through the opening structure, the adjusting member 10 can limit the placement position of the slicing rack 500 so that the material transfer mechanism 200 can transfer the slicing rack 500. Among them, by providing the adjusting member 10 on the storage groove 101a, not only can slicing racks 500 of different specifications be compatible, but also it can be avoided that when the clamping jaw assembly 201 of the material transfer mechanism 200 clamps slicing racks 500 of different specifications, problems with the placement of the slicing rack 500 in the storage groove 101a are likely to occur due to the different lengths of the slicing racks 500, and even risks such as sliding, swinging, tilting, or even dropping of the slicing rack 500 during the clamping or transfer process of the material transfer mechanism 200, thereby improving the safety of the slicing rack 500 during the clamping or transfer process.

[0056] Exemplarily, the lengths of the slide racks 500 of each specification may be the same or different. In this application, the slide racks 500 of different lengths are taken as an example. When the slide racks 500 of different lengths are placed in the storage slot 101a, the length of the storage slot 101a can be adjusted by the adjusting member 10, so that the slide racks 500 can be accurately placed into the storage slot 101a without replacing the entire storage mechanism 100, or the storage mechanism 100 can only use the matching slide racks 500, which improves the freedom of use of the user.

[0057] It should be noted that the adjusting member 10 can limit the placement position of the slide rack 500 by changing its position; the adjusting member 10 can also move its position by driving means such as a driving motor to limit the slide racks 500 of different lengths. This application does not impose any restrictions.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the storage slot 101a is used to place at least slide racks 500 of different lengths. Among them, the slide racks 500 are placed into the storage slot 101a through an opening structure, and the adjusting member 10 is used to limit the placement positions of the slide racks 500 of different lengths placed therein, so that the slide racks 500 of different lengths can be accurately placed into the storage slot 101a without replacing the entire storage mechanism 100, solving the problem that the storage mechanism 100 can only use the matching slide racks 500, improving the freedom of use of the user; at the same time, it also reduces the error rate when the slide racks 500 in the storage slot 101a are taken and placed, greatly improving the working efficiency of the digital pathology scanner.

[0059] After adopting the above technical solution, the adjusting member 10 can provide a precise mechanical limiting structure for the slide rack 500, so as to ensure the precise position of the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a, enabling the gripper assembly 201 of the material transfer mechanism 200 to grasp the slide rack 500 more precisely without significant deviation, resulting in the situation where the slide rack 500 cannot be placed into the loading and unloading mechanism 300 or the placement fails. In addition, by using the mechanical limiting structure, a better human-machine interaction experience can be achieved. When a person's hand places the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a and touches the hard limit of the limiting structure, the person's hand will have a good in-place feedback experience, indicating to the operator that the slide rack 500 has been placed in place.

[0060] Exemplarily, the storage mechanism 100 has an input side and a material transfer side arranged opposite to each other. The storage slot 101a penetrates through the input side and the material transfer side. The slide rack 500 is placed into the storage slot 101a from the input side, so that the gripper assembly 201 of the material transfer mechanism 200 can grasp the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a from the material transfer side or place the slide rack 500 back into the storage slot 101a, thereby realizing the automatic sample loading of the digital pathology scanner.

[0061] Specifically, the operator loads the slice 600 to be scanned onto the slice rack 500, and then places the slice rack 500 in the storage slot 101a of the storage mechanism 100 so that the material transfer mechanism 200 can transfer the slice 600 in the slice rack 500, such as placing it on the stage of the scanning mechanism 400, enabling the scanning mechanism 400 of the digital pathology scanner to scan the slice 600; then the scanned slice 600 is put back into the slice rack 500 and stored again in the storage slot 101a for the operator to take out, which can improve work efficiency. Among them, the number of the storage slots 101a can be set to multiple or one according to needs, and the present application does not limit it.

[0062] It should be noted that the material transfer mechanism 200 is used to transfer the slice 600 in the slice rack 500. It can include taking out the slice rack 500 from the storage slot 101a and transferring it to the stage of the scanning mechanism 400 through the loading and unloading mechanism 300 for scanning; or, the material transfer mechanism 200 directly transfers the slice rack 500 to the stage, that is, the loading and unloading mechanism 300 is part of the material transfer mechanism 200, or the material transfer mechanism 200 is part of the loading and unloading mechanism 300, and the present application does not limit it.

[0063] After adopting the above technical solution, since different specifications of slice racks 500 can be placed in the storage slot 101a, and the length or structure of each slice rack 500 can be the same or different, it is easy to cause the position of the slice rack 500 placed in the storage slot 101a to be uncertain, which is not convenient for the material transfer mechanism 200 to clamp the slice rack 500 during the material taking process, and there may even be risks such as sliding, swinging, tilting, or even falling during the clamping process due to the center of gravity offset of the slice rack 500. Therefore, the present application restricts the placement position of the slice rack 500 through the adjusting member 10, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the slice rack 500 during the transfer process.

[0064] It should be noted that the position of the adjusting member 10 in the storage groove 101a can be adjusted or the limiting of the slicing racks 500 of different specifications can be achieved by changing the position. Its main purpose is to be compatible with the placement of slicing racks of various sizes, and to ensure that the material transfer mechanism 200 can firmly clamp it and smoothly convey it to the scanning mechanism 400 through the loading and unloading mechanism 300 for scanning. That is to say, the slicing rack 500 not only needs to ensure the firm clamping of the material transfer mechanism 200, but also ensure that the material transfer mechanism 200 puts it into the loading and unloading mechanism 300 for conveying and transfers it to the scanning mechanism 400. In other words, the position of the slicing rack 500 placed in the storage groove 101a determines the firm clamping of the slicing rack 500 by the material transfer mechanism 200 and the accuracy of transferring it to the designated position, ensuring the coordinated cooperation of each mechanism of the digital pathology scanner, and also avoiding problems such as fragments caused by the dropping of the slicing rack 500 or the inability to be transferred to the designated position due to the placement problem of the slicing rack 500, thereby improving the working efficiency and accuracy of the digital pathology scanner and solving the placement problem of slicing racks 500 of different specifications.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 to Figure 5 shown, the storage mechanism 100 includes a frame body 102 and a placement component 101 provided in the frame body 102. A plurality of partition plates 20 are spaced on the placement component 101 to form at least one storage groove 101a so that the slicing rack 500 can be correspondingly placed in the storage groove 101a.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the adjusting member 10 is detachably connected to the partition plate 20 so that the position of the adjusting member 10 can be adjusted by assembling, thereby restricting the placement position of the slicing racks 500 of different specifications placed in the storage groove 101a, and also solving the problem that the storage groove 101a is small and it is difficult to install a more complex limiting structure.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, one end of the adjusting member 10 is provided with a blocking portion 11, and the blocking portion 11 extends toward the inner side of the storage groove 101a, so that the slicing rack 500 placed in the storage groove 101a abuts against the blocking portion 11 to block the end of the slicing rack 500, thereby restricting the position where the slicing rack 500 is placed in the storage groove 101a.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 4 to Figure 9 shown, each storage groove 101a is formed by the relative limiting of adjacent partition plates 20. The partition plate 20 is provided with an installation groove 22 at the end away from the opening structure, and the adjusting member 10 is detachably installed in the installation groove 22. The two ends of the adjusting member 10 can selectively exchange directions when connected to the installation groove 22 to form the limiting of the slicing racks 500 of different lengths.

[0069] Exemplarily, the adjusting member 10 has opposite first and second ends, and the blocking portion 11 is disposed at the first end or a position close to the first end. When the storage groove 101a is inserted with the slicing rack 500 of the first specification, the first end is connected to the docking end 23 of the installation groove 22, and the second end is located outside the installation groove 22. That is, after the slicing rack 500 of the first specification is inserted into the storage groove 101a, it can be limited by the blocking portion 11 close to the docking end 23. Alternatively, when the storage groove 101a is inserted with the slicing rack 500 of the second specification, the first end is located outside the installation groove 22, and the second end is connected to the docking end 23 of the installation groove 22. That is, after the slicing rack 500 of the second specification is inserted into the storage groove 101a, it can be limited by the blocking portion 11 away from the docking end 23. The lengths of the slicing racks 500 of the two specifications are different, and the corresponding limiting lengths are also different. In addition, the length of the adjusting member 10 can also be replaced by a detachable method, so as to limit the slicing racks 500 of more lengths, thereby improving the compatibility of the storage groove 101a of the present application for storing the slicing racks 500.

[0070] It should be noted that in the present application, the position of the adjusting member 10 is replaced or the adjusting member 10 of different lengths is replaced to adapt to the limitation of the slicing racks 500 of two or more specifications. Among them, the lengths of the slicing racks 500 of two or more specifications can be the same or different, and the present application does not impose any restrictions.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the placing assembly 101 includes a placing plate 30. The partition plate 20 has a connecting section 25 connected to the placing plate 30 and a supporting section 26 at least partially extending toward the inside of the storage groove 101a. The supporting section 26 is connected to the end of the connecting section 25 away from the placing plate 30 and is used for laterally supporting the slicing rack 500.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the partition plate 20 includes a first partition plate 20a and a second partition plate 20b. Connecting grooves 31 are spaced on the placing plate 30. Both the first partition plate 20a and the second partition plate 20b are installed in the connecting grooves 31, and the second partition plate 20b is disposed on both outer sides of the placing plate 30, and the first partition plate 20a is disposed between the two second partition plates 20b. Among them, the supporting section 26 on the second partition plate 20b extends toward the first partition plate 20a, and the supporting section 26 on the first partition plate 20a extends toward both sides. That is, storage grooves 101a are formed on both sides of the first partition plate 20a, and the storage groove 101a is formed only on the side of the second partition plate 20b facing the first partition plate 20a.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the support section 26 has a first support edge 261 disposed obliquely thereon, and the slope of the first support edge 261 is adapted to the slope of the first support portion 501 of the slicing rack 500, so as to stably support the slicing rack 500. Among them, the first support portion 501 includes the above-mentioned first tapered portion 501a, third tapered portion 501b, and fifth tapered portion 501c. The slicing rack 500 is provided with a second support portion 502 below the first support portion 501. The second support portion 502 includes the above-mentioned second tapered portion 502a, fourth tapered portion 502b, and sixth tapered portion 502c. Among them, the structure of the second support portion 502 may be the same as or different from the structure of the first support portion 501. Through the arrangement of the support end 26 in this application, different specifications of slicing racks can be placed in the storage groove 101a, and the length or structure of each slicing rack 500 may be the same or different, which is not limited in this application.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, an installation groove 22 is formed on the support section 26. The adjusting member 10 is provided with a second support edge 12 having the same inclination as the first support edge 261. A blocking portion 11 is formed at one end of the second support edge 12, so as to stably support and limit the slicing rack 500.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, one of the partition plate 20 and the adjusting member 10 is provided with a guide rail 24, and the other of the partition plate 20 and the adjusting member 10 is provided with a sliding groove 13, so that the adjusting member 10 can be detachably connected to the partition plate 20 through the cooperation of the sliding groove 13 and the guide rail 24 to ensure the relative position between the adjusting member 10 and the partition plate 20 and facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the adjusting member 10.

[0076] Exemplarily, the sliding groove 13 is formed on the side of the adjusting member 10 facing the installation groove 22, and the guide rail 24 is formed on the side of the partition plate 20 facing the adjusting member 10. When the adjusting member 10 is installed on the installation groove 22, the adjusting member 10 moves along the length direction of the guide rail 24 through the sliding groove 13, so that the first end or the second end of the adjusting member 10 can be connected to or in contact with the docking end 23 of the installation groove 22.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the placing assembly 101 further includes a connecting member. The adjusting member 10 is provided with a connecting hole 14 penetrating through both ends, and the partition plate 20 is provided with a fixing hole 231. The connecting member passes through the connecting hole 14 and is connected to the fixing hole 231 to fix the adjusting member 10 in the installation groove 22.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the placement component 101 further includes a limiting member 40. The limiting member 40 is disposed at one end of the partition plate 20 close to the opening structure and is used for restricting both sides when the slicing rack 500 is placed in the storage groove 101a, playing a guiding and limiting role to prevent the slicing rack 500 from having too large a left - right deviation, resulting in interference or even collision between the clamping jaw assembly 201 of the material transfer mechanism 200 and the slicing rack 500 during the process of clamping the slicing rack 500, thereby damaging the slice 600 or the clamping jaw assembly 201, etc.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, a limiting groove 27 is provided on the partition plate 20, and the limiting member 40 is installed in the limiting groove 27 to achieve the positioning and installation between the limiting member 40 and the partition plate 20.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the limiting member 40 has a horizontal section 41 and a vertical section 42. The limiting member 40 is connected to the partition plate 20 through the horizontal section 41, and the vertical section 42 is disposed at one end of the horizontal section 41 far from the opening structure. This facilitates the operator to place the slicing rack 500 into the storage groove 101a with a narrow space, enabling the slicing rack 500 to be placed into the corresponding storage groove 101a under the guidance of the vertical section 42, improving the stability and accuracy of the slicing rack 500 during the placement process; at the same time, setting the vertical section 42 at one end of the horizontal section 41 far from the opening structure can avoid left - right interference and facilitate placing the slicing rack 500 into the storage groove 101a from the end.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, the middle part of the partition plate 20 has a notch groove 21, which is used to cooperate with a mechanical clamping jaw assembly or a human hand to grab the slicing rack 500 from the notch groove 21. Among them, the mechanical clamping jaw assembly can be the clamping jaw assembly 201 of the material transfer mechanism 200. The clamping jaw assembly 201 can extend into the notch groove 21 to clamp the slicing rack 500, preventing risks such as sliding, swinging, tilting, or even falling of the slicing rack 500 during the clamping process, and improving the safety of the slicing rack 500 during the transfer process.

[0082] Exemplarily, as Figure 9 to Figure 12 shown, the material transfer mechanism 200 includes a moving component and a clamping jaw assembly 201. The clamping jaw assembly 201 is connected to the moving component, enabling the moving component to drive the clamping jaw assembly 201 to move along at least one degree - of - freedom direction to transfer the slicing rack 500.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the jaw assembly 201 includes a jaw structure and a jaw driver 201c. The jaw structure includes a first jaw 201a and a second jaw 201b. The jaw driver 201c is configured to drive the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b to move relative to each other, so that the jaw assembly 201 can grip the slide rack 500 in the storage mechanism or place the slide rack 500 in the storage mechanism, thereby realizing the transfer of the slide rack 500.

[0084] Wherein, both the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b have a horizontal portion 2011 and a vertical portion 2012. The vertical portion 2012 is connected to the jaw driver 201c through the horizontal portion 2011. The vertical portion 2012 is configured to cooperate with the notch groove, so that the jaw driver 201c can drive the vertical portion 2012 extending into the notch groove to grip the slide rack 500, preventing risks such as sliding, swinging, tilting, or even dropping of the slide rack 500 during the gripping process, and improving the safety of the slide rack 500 during the transfer process; alternatively, after the jaw assembly 201 transfers the slide rack 500 to the storage slot 101a, the jaw assembly 201 can move towards the direction of the notch groove, so that the vertical portion 2012 can extend into the notch groove, and then the jaw driver 201c drives the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b to release the slide rack 500, so that the slide rack 500 is placed in the storage mechanism, thereby reducing the collision between the slide rack 500 and the storage mechanism.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the width of the storage slot 101a is adapted to the width of the slide rack 500. The blocking portion 11 is formed on the second support edge 12, and it mainly blocks the first support portion 501 on the slide rack 500 to achieve a limiting effect. That is, when the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b cooperate to grip the slide rack 500, the slide rack 500 can be taken out of the storage slot 101a as long as the limiting effect of the blocking portion 11 on the first support portion 501 is released; in other words, when the jaw assembly 201 takes out the slide rack 500, the slide rack 500 only needs to be slightly lifted upwards, without completely taking out the slide rack 500 from the storage slot 101a, and then the slide rack 500 can be moved out along the length direction of the storage slot 101a. This can not only reduce the size of the avoidance space above the storage slot 101a and realize the miniaturized design of the storage mechanism 100; but also limit the slide rack 500 during the process of the jaw assembly 201 moving the slide rack 500 in or out of the storage slot 101a, avoiding damage to the slides in the slide rack 500.

[0086] After adopting the above technical solution, since the vertical portion 2012 can extend into the incision groove to clamp the position of the slicing rack 500 in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the clamping area between the first clamping jaw 201a and the second clamping jaw 201b and the slicing rack 500 in the vertical direction, and preventing the first clamping jaw 201a and the second clamping jaw 201b from only clamping the upper end of the slicing rack 500, which may cause the slicing rack 500 to shake easily during the transfer process and even have the risk of falling. Therefore, the stability and safety of the slicing rack 500 during the transfer process can be improved, and the risks such as sliding, swinging, tilting, and even falling of the slicing rack 500 during the clamping process due to insecure clamping can be prevented.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the vertical portions 2012 on the first clamping jaw 201a and the vertical portions 2012 on the second clamping jaw 201b both have a first recessed groove 2013 that is recessed inward. The shape of the first recessed groove 2013 is adapted to the shape of the first support portion, so as to be more fitted with the connection of the first support portion, avoid shaking of the slicing rack 500 after being clamped, and thus improve the safety of the slicing rack 500 during the moving process.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, both the first recessed groove 2013 and the first support portion are V-shaped, and the included angle between the two side walls of the first recessed groove 2013 is not greater than the included angle formed by the two side surfaces of the first support portion. This can not only play a guiding role when the first recessed groove 2013 clamps the first support portion, but also make the two side surfaces of the first support portion abut against the two side walls of the first recessed groove 2013, thereby improving the clamping stability of the first clamping jaw 201a and the second clamping jaw 201b on the slicing rack 500.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal portions 2011 on the first clamping jaw 201a and the horizontal portions 2011 on the second clamping jaw 201b both have a second recessed groove 2014 that is recessed inward. The shape of the second recessed groove 2014 is adapted to the shape of the second support portion, so as to be more fitted with the connection of the second support portion, avoid shaking of the slicing rack 500 after being clamped, and thus improve the safety of the slicing rack 500 during the moving process.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, both the second recessed groove 2014 and the second support portion are V-shaped, and the included angle between the two side walls of the second recessed groove 2014 is not greater than the included angle formed by the two side surfaces of the second support portion. This can not only play a guiding role when the second recessed groove 2014 clamps the second support portion, but also make the two side surfaces of the second support portion abut against the two side walls of the second recessed groove 2014, thereby improving the clamping stability of the first clamping jaw 201a and the second clamping jaw 201b on the slicing rack 500.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment, the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b are each provided with an avoidance groove 2015 extending in the vertical direction for avoiding the two side edges of the slide rack 500.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b are each provided with a hollowed-out groove 2016. The hollowed-out groove 2016 is used to reduce the weight of the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b, reduce the load for the jaw driving member 201c to drive the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b to grip, simplify the structures of the first jaw 201a and the second jaw 201b, and also reduce the maintenance cost.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment, the moving assembly includes a longitudinal assembly 202, a transverse assembly 203, and a vertical assembly 204. The jaw assembly 201 is connected to the vertical assembly 204 through the longitudinal assembly 202, and the vertical assembly 204 is installed on the frame of the pathological section scanner through the transverse assembly 203, so that the jaw assembly 201 can move along three degrees of freedom directions under the drive of the moving assembly to stably transfer the slide rack 500. The structure is reasonable and simple, and the degree of automation is high.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown, the storage mechanism 100 further includes a detection component 50. The detection component 50 is arranged in the storage slot 101a and is used to detect whether there is a slide rack 500 and / or the in-place condition of the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a, so that the material transfer mechanism 200 can stably transfer the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a according to the detection condition of the detection component 50, and improve the work efficiency and accuracy.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the detection component 50 includes a first sensor 51. The first sensor 51 is arranged at one end close to the opening structure and is used to detect whether there is a slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the detection component 50 includes a second sensor 52. The second sensor 52 is arranged at one end far from the opening structure and is used to detect the in-place condition of the slide rack 500.

[0097] Exemplarily, when the slide rack 500 is placed into the storage slot 101a from the loading side, the slide rack 500 is first sensed by the first sensor 51 and then by the second sensor 52. Among them, when the storage slot 101a is used to place the slide rack 500 of the first specification, that is, when the length of the slide rack 500 is longer, the blocking portion 11 can be located on the side close to the material transfer side. If the slide rack 500 is only sensed by the first sensor 51 and not by the second sensor 52, it means that the slide rack 500 is placed in the storage slot 101a, but the slide rack 500 is not placed in place; when both the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 sense the slide rack 500, the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a is not not placed in place; when the slide rack 500 is only sensed by the second sensor 52 and the first sensor 51 does not sense it, the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a is placed in place at this time.

[0098] Alternatively, when the storage slot 101a is used to place the slide rack 500 of the second specification, that is, when the length of the slide rack 500 is shorter, the position of the blocking portion 11 in the storage slot 101a is adjusted so that the blocking portion 11 can be located on the side away from the material transfer side. If the slide rack 500 is only sensed by the first sensor 51 and not by the second sensor 52, it means that the slide rack 500 is placed in the storage slot 101a, but the slide rack 500 is not placed in place; when the slide rack 500 is only sensed by the second sensor 52 and the first sensor 51 does not sense it, the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a is placed in place at this time.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the material transfer assembly 200 is electrically connected to the detection assembly 50. When the detection assembly 50 detects that the slide rack 500 in the storage slot 101a is placed in place, the material transfer mechanism 50 will transfer the slide rack 500 to improve the working efficiency of the digital pathology scanner.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the loading and unloading mechanism 300 includes a material transfer assembly 303, a conveying assembly 301, and a loading assembly 302. The conveying assembly 301 is used to convey the slide rack 500 on the loading assembly 302. The material transfer assembly 303 is used to transfer the section 600 in the slide rack 500 on the loading assembly 302 to the stage of the scanning mechanism 400 and / or transfer the section 600 scanned on the stage to the loading assembly 302. The whole process does not require manual participation, and the structure is simple and the operation is convenient. It not only reduces the labor cost but also improves the working efficiency of the pathological section scanner.

[0101] In an alternative embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism 300 includes a detection structure 304 for detecting the status information of the slice 600 placed in the loading component 302, so that the material transfer component 303 can transfer the slice 600 in the loading component 302 according to the status information detected by the detection component 50. Among them, the status information of the slice 600 may include the status information of the slice 600 placed in the receiving groove, and the status information of the slice 600 may also include the status information of the slice 600 placed in the slice rack 500, which is not limited in this application.

[0102] After adopting the above technical solution, since the material transfer component 303 can transfer the slice 600 corresponding to the receiving groove or the slice rack 500 to the stage for scanning according to the detected status information, and then transfer the scanned slice 600 from the stage to the corresponding position of the receiving groove or the slice rack 500, there is no need for manual correction by the operator, which can not only save time and improve work efficiency; during the storage or transfer of the slice rack 500, it is always placed horizontally, that is, the slice 600 inside it remains upright, which can also avoid accidents during the transfer of the slice 600 by the material transfer component 303, such as the risk of the slice 600 being broken when clamped, the problem of the slice 600 falling during transfer, or the slice 600 being tilted or skewed during transfer, or the material transfer component 303 being unable to transfer due to the abnormal status of the slice 600 in the receiving groove or the slice rack 500, etc., thus fully improving the safety of the whole process, ensuring that the slice 600 can be accurately transferred to the stage for scanning, and guaranteeing work efficiency.

[0103] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0104] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0105] The above disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure of this application, components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit this application. In addition, this application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, this application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0106] In the description of this specification, descriptions with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

Claims

1. A storage mechanism for use in a digital pathology scanner, characterized in that, The storage mechanism includes a frame body and a placement component disposed within the frame body. The placement component is provided with a storage groove for placing at least slicing racks of different lengths. One end of the storage groove is provided with an adjusting member, and the other end of the storage groove has an opening structure. The slicing rack is placed into the storage groove through the opening structure, and the adjusting member is used to limit the placement position of the placed slicing racks of different lengths.

2. The storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein One end of the adjusting member is provided with a blocking portion, and the blocking portion extends towards the inner side of the storage groove, such that one end of the slicing rack placed in the storage groove abuts against the blocking portion to limit the position of the slicing rack placed into the storage groove.

3. The storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of partition plates are spaced apart on the placement component to form at least one such storage groove; and / or, The adjusting member is detachably connected to the partition plate.

4. The storage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein Each storage groove is formed by the relative limiting of adjacent partition plates. The partition plate is provided with an installation groove at one end away from the opening structure, and the adjusting member is detachably installed in the installation groove. Both ends of the adjusting member can selectively interchange directions when connected to the installation groove to form the limiting of slicing racks of different lengths.

5. The storage mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The placement component includes a placement plate. The partition plate has a connecting section connected to the placement plate and a supporting section at least partially extending towards the inner side of the storage groove. The supporting section is connected to the end of the connecting section away from the placement plate for laterally supporting the slicing rack.

6. The storage mechanism according to claim 5, wherein, The supporting section has a first supporting edge disposed obliquely, and the slope of the first supporting edge is adapted to the slope of the first supporting portion of the slicing rack.

7. The storage mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The installation groove is formed on the supporting section. The adjusting member is provided with a second supporting edge having the same inclination as the first supporting edge, and a blocking portion is formed at one end of the second supporting edge.

8. The storage mechanism according to claim 3, wherein One of the partition plate and the adjusting member is provided with a guide rail, and the other of the partition plate and the adjusting member is provided with a sliding groove. The adjusting member is detachably connected to the partition plate through the cooperation of the sliding groove and the guide rail; and / or, The placement component further includes a connecting member. The adjusting member is provided with a connecting hole penetrating through both ends, and the partition plate is provided with a fixing hole. The connecting member passes through the connecting hole and then is connected to the fixing hole.

9. The storage mechanism according to claim 3, wherein The placement component further includes a limiting member. The limiting member is disposed at one end of the partition plate close to the opening structure for limiting both sides when the slicing rack is placed into the storage groove; and / or, The middle of the partition plate has a notch groove for cooperating with a mechanical gripper assembly or a human hand to grab the slicing rack from the notch groove.

10. The storage mechanism according to claim 9, wherein, The limiting member has a horizontal section and a vertical section. The limiting member is connected to the partition plate through the horizontal section, and the vertical section is disposed at the end of the horizontal section away from the opening structure.

11. A digital pathology scanner, characterized in that, Including the storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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