Pathological section scanner

Abstract

A pathological section scanner comprises a scanning device, a material moving mechanism and a storage mechanism used for storing a section rack, the scanning device is arranged on one side of the storage mechanism, the storage mechanism is provided with a storage side and a material moving side which are oppositely arranged, and the material moving mechanism is arranged on the material moving side. And the transfer device is used for transferring the slice rack placed from the storage side into the scanning device, so that the scanning device can scan the to-be-scanned slice placed on the slice rack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of pathological slice scanning, and in particular to a pathological slice scanner. Background Art

[0002] A pathology slide scanner is a medical device that can quickly scan an entire slide, capturing all its information in all directions, transforming traditional, physical slides sealed within the slide into digital slides. Specifically, it can digitize tissue slides used in fields such as pathology, oncology, immunohistochemistry, and cytology, converting them into high-resolution slide images. This allows doctors to observe and diagnose diseases online, anywhere, without a microscope, and facilitates global online and offline remote consultations.

[0003] However, current pathology slide scanners typically integrate the storage mechanism and scanning device into an integrated structure. This results in the storage mechanism's structure and storage space being limited by the scanning device, which in turn affects the number of slide racks that can be loaded into the storage mechanism. This results in the storage mechanism being unable to hold slides to be scanned, and the storage mechanism being unable to be properly arranged. This hinders the pathology slide scanner's ability to scan slides in batches, resulting in low efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides a pathology slice scanner, in which a storage mechanism is arranged on one side of a scanning device, and then a slice rack containing slices to be scanned is transferred from the transfer side of the storage mechanism to the scanning device for scanning through a material transfer mechanism, so as to rationally plan the positions of the storage mechanism, the material transfer mechanism and the scanning device, and utilize the material transfer mechanism to transfer the slice rack on the storage mechanism to the scanning device, which not only saves the space occupied by the storage mechanism, but also makes the overall structure of the pathology slice scanner more compact.

[0005] The present application provides a pathology slice scanner, comprising a scanning device, a material transfer mechanism, and a storage mechanism for storing slice racks. The scanning device is arranged on one side of the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism has a storage side and a material transfer side that are relatively arranged. The material transfer mechanism is arranged on the material transfer side so as to be able to transfer the slice rack placed from the storage side to the scanning device, so that the scanning device can scan the slice to be scanned placed on the slice rack.

[0006] In a scanner according to one embodiment of the present application, the scanning device includes a scanning frame, a loading and unloading mechanism, and a scanning mechanism. The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are both arranged within the scanning frame. The loading and unloading mechanism transfers the slice rack between the scanning mechanism and the material moving mechanism through reciprocating motion. During the process of the loading and unloading mechanism placing the slice rack in the scanning mechanism or moving it out to the material moving mechanism, at least part of the structure of the loading and unloading mechanism can be located outside the scanning frame so that the material moving mechanism can place the slice rack in the loading and unloading mechanism or remove the slice rack from the loading and unloading mechanism. In a scanner according to one embodiment of the present application, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a conveying assembly and a loading assembly for fixing the slice rack to accommodate the slice to be scanned. The loading assembly is arranged on the conveying assembly and can be moved to the outside of the scanning frame by the conveying assembly.

[0007] In a scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the conveying component includes a conveying track arranged along a first direction, and the loading component is provided with an extension seat in the first direction, the extension seat is fixed on the conveying track, and the extension length of the extension seat is not less than the width of the loading component.

[0008] In a scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a state recognition component, the conveying component has a slice feeding station, a slice removing station and a slice detection station located between the slice feeding station and the slice removing station, the position of the material moving mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice feeding station, the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice removing station, and the state recognition component is arranged on the slice detection station for detecting the state information of the slices placed in the loading component.

[0009] In the scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the scanning device further includes a display panel for display and / or interactive operation; and / or

[0010] The scanning frame is provided with a receiving chamber and an open structure located on one side of the receiving chamber. The display panel is detachably or rotatably installed in the open structure. The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are accommodated in the receiving chamber.

[0011] In a scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the storage mechanism includes a cover, a frame and a placement component arranged in the frame, a storage slot for placing a slice rack is formed on the placement component, and the cover is arranged on the storage side of the frame for opening or closing the storage slot.

[0012] In a scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the placement assembly includes a placement plate, which is arranged at intervals along the height direction of the frame to form a plurality of accommodating channels, and the storage slot is formed in each of the accommodating channels; and / or, the cover plate is rotatably installed at the lower end of each of the accommodating channels.

[0013] In a scanner according to one embodiment of the present application, an adjusting member is provided at one end of the storage slot close to the material transfer side, and the adjusting member is used to limit the placement position of the slice rack placed in the storage slot.

[0014] In a scanner according to an embodiment of the present application, the storage mechanism includes a status indicator, the position of which corresponds to the position of the storage slot, for displaying placement information of the slice rack placed in the storage slot.

[0015] In a scanner according to one embodiment of the present application, a detection component electrically connected to the status indicator is provided in the storage slot, and the detection component is used to detect whether the slice rack exists in the storage slot and / or the position of the slice rack.

[0016] In the scanner of one embodiment of the present application, the material moving mechanism is electrically connected to the detection component. When the detection component detects that the slice rack in the storage tank is placed in place, the material moving mechanism moves the slice rack to the corresponding position.

[0017] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects: The present application designs a pathology slice scanner, including a scanning device, a material moving mechanism and a storage mechanism for storing slice racks. The scanning device is arranged on one side of the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism has a storage side and a material moving side that are relatively arranged. The material moving mechanism is arranged on the material moving side so that the slice rack placed from the storage side can be moved to the scanning device, so that the scanning device can scan the slices to be scanned placed on the slice rack. By reasonably planning the positions of the storage mechanism, the material moving mechanism and the scanning device, and using the material moving mechanism to move the slice rack on the storage mechanism to the scanning device, the space occupied by the storage mechanism is saved, and the overall structure of the pathology slice scanner is made more compact, solving the problem of limiting the loading number of slice racks due to the internal space problem of the scanning device.

[0018] Furthermore, the storage mechanism of the present application is not limited by the internal space of the scanning device and can be designed based on the number of slide racks holding the slides to be scanned. In particular, the number of slide racks stored in the height direction of the storage mechanism can be increased, providing a stable and sufficient number of slide supply platforms for the scanning device. This not only has a compact structure, a large slide rack storage capacity, a small size, and a small footprint, but also allows for continuous operation and simple operation, thereby improving the scanning efficiency of the pathology slide scanner. It should be understood that the above general description and the detailed description below are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a pathology slide scanner provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pathology slide scanner at another angle;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the pathology slide scanner with the gantry removed;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the scanning device in FIG.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of a scanning device in FIG.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the conveying component and the loading component in FIG;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded schematic diagram of the material transfer assembly in FIG.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of a storage device in FIG.

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of the storage mechanism in FIG.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A partial diagram of placing components in .

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 100, scanning device; 200, storage device; 300, slice rack; 400, slice;

[0032] 10. Loading and unloading mechanism; 11. Loading assembly; 11a. Receiving groove; 111. Loading seat; 1111. Extension seat; 112. Positioning assembly; 12. Conveying assembly; 12a. Slice feeding station; 12b. Slice removal station; 12c. Slice detection station; 121. Conveying track; 13. Material transfer assembly; 131. Material transfer clamp; 1311. Clamp structure; 131a. First clamp; 131b. Second clamp; 1312. Rotating structure; 132. Moving assembly; 1321. Longitudinal assembly; 1322. Vertical assembly; 1323. Horizontal assembly; 14. Status recognition assembly;

[0033] 20. Scanning mechanism;

[0034] 30. Scanning rack; 31. Accommodating chamber; 32. Port structure;

[0035] 40. Display panel;

[0036] 50. Storage mechanism; 50a. Deposit side; 50b. Material transfer side; 51. Frame; 52. Placement assembly; 52a. Storage slot; 521. Placement plate; 522. Partition plate; 523. Adjustment member; 5231. Blocking part; 53. Cover; 54. Status indicator; 55. Detection assembly; 551. First sensor; 552. Second sensor; 60. Material transfer mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] It should also be understood that the terms used in this specification of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific realities. In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0039] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present application provides a pathology slice scanner, including a scanning device 100 and a storage device 200. The storage device 200 is arranged on one side of the scanning device 100 to provide a stable and sufficient number of slide supply platforms for the scanning device 100, so that the pathology slice scanner can reasonably plan the positions of the storage device 200 and the scanning device 100, effectively reducing the overall volume of the pathology slice scanner, making the structure of the pathology slice scanner more compact, and maximizing the use of the internal space of the pathology slice scanner, so that the storage device 200 can load more slice racks 300, solving the problem of limiting the loading number of slice racks 300 due to the problem of internal space of the scanning device 100.

[0041] After adopting the above technical solution, since the storage device 200 is disposed on one side of the scanning device 100, the size of the storage device 200 is not limited by the space of the scanning device 100 and can be designed according to the number of slide racks 300 containing the slides 400 to be scanned. When the pathology slide scanner needs to scan the slides 400 to be scanned in batches in the slide racks 300, the slide racks 300 can be directly placed from the storage side 50a of the storage device 200. The material transfer mechanism 60 on the storage device 200 can transfer the slide racks 300 to the scanning device 100 at the material transfer side 50b. By rationally planning the positions of the storage mechanism, material transfer mechanism, and scanning device, and utilizing the material transfer mechanism to transfer the slide racks from the storage mechanism to the scanning device, the structure is not only compact, the slide rack storage capacity is large, the volume is small, and the floor space is small, but also continuous operation is possible, the operation is simple, and the practicality is strong. Moreover, the design and subsequent maintenance of the storage device 200 are facilitated.

[0042] It should be noted that when the pathology slice scanner only scans a small number of slices 400 to be scanned, the slices 400 to be scanned can also be placed in the scanning device 100 through the slice rack 300, so that the scanning device 100 can scan the slices 400 to be scanned without being transferred to the scanning device 100 through the storage device 200. This is not limited in this application.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the storage device 200 includes a material transfer mechanism 60 and a storage mechanism 50 for storing slice racks 300. The storage mechanism 50 has a storage side 50a and a material transfer side 50b that are arranged opposite to each other. The scanning device 100 is arranged on one side of the storage mechanism 50, and the material transfer mechanism 60 is arranged on the material transfer side 50b to transfer the slice racks 300 placed from the storage side 50a to the scanning device 100. In this way, the storage mechanism 50 can provide the scanning device 100 with a stable and sufficient number of slice racks 300, which can not only reduce the space occupied by the storage mechanism 50, but also reduce the storage space occupied by the storage mechanism 50. The present invention not only eliminates the limitation but also makes it convenient for the operator to take and place the slice rack 300. That is, after the slice rack 300 containing the slices 400 to be scanned is stored in the storage mechanism 50 from the storage side 50a, the material transfer mechanism 60 can transfer the slice rack 300 containing the slices 400 to be scanned to the scanning device 100, so that the scanning device 100 can scan the slices 400 to be scanned, and then the slice rack 300 on which the scanning device 100 has completed scanning of the slices 400 can be put back into the storage mechanism 50, which greatly reduces the operation time and cost, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, if Figures 2 to 5As shown, the scanning device 100 includes a scanning frame 30, a loading and unloading mechanism 10 and a scanning mechanism 20. The loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 are both arranged in the scanning frame 30. The loading and unloading mechanism 10 transfers the slice rack 300 between the scanning mechanism 100 and the material moving mechanism 60 through reciprocating motion. In addition, when the loading and unloading mechanism 10 transfers the slice rack 300 to the scanning mechanism 20 or moves it out to the material moving mechanism 60, at least part of the structure of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 can be located outside the scanning frame 30, so as to prevent the loading and unloading mechanism 10 from moving to the scanning mechanism 20 or moving to the material moving mechanism 60. The material moving mechanism 60 can place the slice rack 300 in the loading and unloading mechanism 10 or take the slice rack 300 out from the loading and unloading mechanism 10, thereby reducing the space occupied by the loading and unloading mechanism 10 in the scanning frame 30. The material moving mechanism 60 and the loading and unloading mechanism 10 can also cooperate with each other to smoothly and accurately transfer the slice rack 300 on the storage mechanism 50 to the loading and unloading mechanism 10, and then enable the loading and unloading mechanism 10 to transfer the slice 400 to be scanned on the slice rack 300 to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 includes a conveying component 12 and a loading component 11 for fixing a slice rack 300 that accommodates slices 400 to be scanned. The loading component 11 is arranged on the conveying component 12 and can be moved to the outside of the scanning frame 30 through the conveying component 12, so that the material moving mechanism 60 can smoothly and accurately move the slice rack 300 on the storage mechanism 50 to the loading and unloading mechanism 10 or take the slice rack 300 out of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and place it on the storage mechanism 50, thereby reducing the space occupied by the loading and unloading mechanism 10 in the scanning frame 30 and ensuring the mutual cooperation between the material moving mechanism 60 and the loading and unloading mechanism 10. The overall structure is compact, occupies little space, and is highly practical.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, if Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the conveying assembly 12 includes a conveying track 121 arranged along a first direction, and the loading assembly 11 is provided with an extension seat 1111 in the first direction. The extension seat 1111 is fixed on the conveying track 121, and the extension length of the extension seat 1111 is not less than the width of the loading assembly 11, so that the conveying track 121 can be completely set in the scanning frame 30, and when the conveying assembly 12 drives the loading assembly 11 to move along the conveying track 121 to the storage device 200, the width portion of the loading assembly 11 can be exposed to the outside of the scanning frame 30.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, the width direction of the loading assembly 11 is parallel to the first direction, which not only reduces the size of the loading assembly 11 exposed outside the scanning frame 30 and improves the stability of the loading assembly 11 during transportation, especially the cantilever structure formed by the loading assembly 11 connected to the conveying track 121 through the extension seat 1111; it also allows the length direction of the slice rack 300 to extend toward one side of the scanning mechanism 20, making it convenient to transfer the slices 400 in the slice rack 300 between the loading assembly 11 and the scanning mechanism 20 without the need for unnecessary movements, thereby efficiently transferring the slices 400, and also simplifying the structure of the entire pathology slice scanner and reducing its size.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, a accommodating groove 11a is formed in the loading component 11, and the accommodating groove 11a can be used to place the slice rack 300 containing the slices 400, so that the slice rack 300 can be moved to the scanning mechanism 20 for scanning through the conveying component 12. After the scanning of all the slices 400 is completed, the material moving component 13 of the loading and unloading mechanism 10 transfers the slices 400 from the scanning mechanism 20 to the slice rack 300 of the loading component 11, and the conveying component 12 then moves the loading component 11 with the slice rack 300 to the outside of the scanning frame 30 so that the material moving mechanism 60 transfers it to the storage mechanism 50.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, the loading assembly 11 includes a loading seat 111 and a positioning assembly 112 for limiting the position of the slice rack 300 . The loading seat 111 is connected to the conveying assembly 12 , and the positioning assembly 112 is disposed on the loading seat 111 .

[0050] Illustratively, the positioning assembly 112 includes a propulsion structure and a positioning portion. The positioning portion is connected to the propulsion structure, enabling the positioning portion to abut against the side wall of the slide holder 300 under the drive of the propulsion structure to form a stop. Specifically, the receiving groove 11a is formed within the loading seat 111, the propulsion structure is fixed to the loading seat 111, and the positioning portion is movably mounted within the receiving groove 11a and is movable in the second direction to confine the slide holder 300 within the receiving groove 11a, thereby compacting the slide holder 300, preventing the slide holder 300 from moving relative to the loading seat 111, and preventing the slide holder 300 from shaking during transportation. The entire structure is simple, reliable, and easy to operate, thereby improving the versatility of the pathology slide scanner.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 also includes a material moving component 13, which is used to move the slices 400 on the loading component 11 to the scanning mechanism 20, and / or move the slices 400 scanned on the scanning mechanism 20 to the loading component 11. It is easy to operate and has a simple structure, which effectively improves the working efficiency of the pathology slice scanner.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the position of the material moving assembly 13 corresponds to the position of the slice moving station 12b, so that the material moving claw 131 of the material moving assembly 13 can move vertically to the loading assembly 11 to take out the slice 400 in the loading assembly 11. No extra action is required, the slice 400 can be efficiently transferred, and the structure of the entire pathology slice scanner can be simplified to reduce the size.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the material moving assembly 13 includes a material moving clamp 131 and a moving assembly 132. The material moving clamp 131 is installed on the frame through the moving assembly 132, so that the moving assembly 132 can drive the material moving clamp 131 to move along at least one degree of freedom direction, so as to realize the transfer of the slice 400 between the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading assembly 11, thereby improving the degree of automation of the pathology slice scanner, saving labor, reducing labor costs, and improving work efficiency.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, the material transfer clamp 131 includes a clamp structure 1311 and a rotating structure 1312. The clamp structure 1311 is connected to the moving component 132 through the rotating structure 1312, so that the clamp structure 1311 can rotate around the rotation axis of the rotating structure 1312 toward one side of the scanning mechanism 20, so that the slice 400 to be scanned in the slice rack 300 can be moved to the vertical scanning mechanism 20 for scanning, reducing the rotation angle of the clamp structure 1311 and eliminating the need for unnecessary movements; when the slice 400 is scanned, the clamp structure 1311 transfers the slice 400 from the scanning mechanism 20 to the slice rack 300, efficiently transferring the slice 400, simplifying the structure of the entire pathology slice scanner, and reducing the size.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the material transfer jaw 131 includes a first jaw 131a and a second jaw 131b, which are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the conveying component 12 to alternately realize the transfer of slices 400 between the scanning mechanism 20 and the loading component 11.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the moving component 132 includes a longitudinal component 1321 and a vertical component 1322. The material moving clamp 131 is connected to the vertical component 1322 through the longitudinal component 1321. The vertical component 1322 is installed on the frame, so that the material moving clamp 131 can move along two degrees of freedom under the drive of the moving component 132 to stably transfer the slice 400. The structure is reasonable and simple, and the degree of automation is high.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, the moving assembly 132 includes a transverse assembly 1323, which is used to drive at least two material moving clamps 131 to move horizontally left and right. When one of the material moving clamps 131 removes the scanned slice 400 from the scanning mechanism 20, the transverse assembly 1323 drives the other material moving clamp 131 to place the slice 400 to be scanned onto the scanning mechanism 20. During the scanning process of the slice 400, the material moving clamp 131 can place the scanned slice 400 back to the loading assembly 11 and then clamp a new slice 400 to be scanned, greatly saving the waiting time during the clamping process of the slice 400 and speeding up the scanning process. The transverse assembly 1323 is used to achieve alignment of multiple material moving clamps 131 and the scanning mechanism 20 during the switching process.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism 10 includes a state identification component 14, the conveying component 12 has a slice feeding station 12a, a slice removing station 12b and a slice detection station 12c located between the slice feeding station 12a and the slice removing station 12b, the position of the material moving mechanism 60 corresponds to the position of the slice feeding station 12a, the position of the scanning mechanism 20 corresponds to the position of the slice removing station 12b, the state identification component 14 is set on the slice detection station 12c, and is used to detect the state information of the slice 400 placed in the loading component 11, so that the material moving component 13 can move the slice 400 in the loading component 11 according to the state information detected by the state identification component 14.

[0059] Exemplarily, the detection component 55 can be used to detect the deflection value of the slice 400 in the slice rack 300, and then compare the measured deflection value with the pre-stored standard deflection value, so as to determine whether the slice 400 in the slice rack 300 is in a state of slanted insertion, overlapping or missing slices; or, the detection component 55 can be used to detect the distance value between two adjacent slices 400, and then compare the measured distance value with the pre-stored standard distance value, so as to determine whether the slice 400 in the slice rack 300 is in a state of slanted insertion, overlapping or missing slices; or, the detection component 55 can be used to detect the number of slices 400 in the slice rack 300, and then compare the measured number with the pre-stored standard number, so as to determine whether the slice 400 in the slice rack 300 is in a state of overlapping, slanted insertion or missing slices, etc., thereby facilitating the slice picking and placing operation of the material moving component 13, avoiding mistakes, affecting the operation process, and reducing work efficiency.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, if Figures 1 to 4As shown, the scanning device 100 further includes a display panel 40 , which is mounted on the scanning frame 30 and is used to implement the display and / or interactive operation functions of the pathology slice scanner so that the operator can understand the operation status of the pathology slice scanner in real time.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the scanning gantry 30 is provided with a receiving chamber 31 and an open structure located on one side of the receiving chamber 31. The display panel 40 is detachably or rotatably mounted in the open structure, and the loading and unloading mechanism 10 and the scanning mechanism 20 are accommodated in the receiving chamber 31. The display panel 40 facilitates the operator's operation of the pathology slide scanner on the display panel 40 and allows the operator to view the operating status of the pathology slide scanner on the display panel 40.

[0062] In addition, since the display panel 40 can be detachably or rotatably installed in the open structure, the subsequent maintenance of the scanning device 100 can be facilitated, or when the scanning device 100 scans a small number of slices 400 to be scanned, the display panel 40 is opened from the open structure and the slices 400 to be scanned are placed in the scanning device 100 for scanning, without the need to place the slices 400 to be scanned in the storage device 200 and then transport them to the scanning device 100.

[0063] In an optional embodiment, the scanning frame 30 is provided with a through-opening structure 32 on the side facing the storage mechanism 50. The position of the through-opening structure 32 is opposite to the position of the slice feeding station 12a, so that the conveying assembly 12 can convey the loading assembly 11 to the outside of the scanning frame 30 through the through-opening structure 32, so that the material moving mechanism 60 can move the slice rack 300 between the loading assembly 11 and the storage mechanism 50.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the storage mechanism 50 includes a cover plate 53, a frame 51, and a placement assembly 52 disposed within the frame 51. The placement assembly 52 is formed with a storage slot 52a for placing the slice rack 300. The cover plate 53 is disposed on the storage side 50a of the frame 51 and is used to open or close the storage slot 52a to protect the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a. The length of the slice rack 300 is parallel to the length of the storage slot 52a.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, the placement assembly 52 includes a placement plate 521, which is arranged at intervals along the height direction of the frame 51 to form a plurality of accommodating channels, and a storage slot 52a is formed in each accommodating channel, so that the frame 51 can form multiple layers of spaced-apart accommodating channels in the height direction, and each accommodating channel is formed with a plurality of storage slots 52a for placing the slice rack 300.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the cover 53 is rotatably mounted at the lower end of each accommodating channel, so that when the cover 53 is in the open state, the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a can be completely exposed on the frame body 51, avoiding obstruction of vision when taking and placing the slice rack 300; when the cover 53 is in the closed state, the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a can be completely stored in the frame body 51, which is very convenient.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the storage trough 52a is provided with an adjustment member 523 at one end near the material transfer side 50b. The adjustment member 523 is used to limit the placement of the slice rack 300 placed in the storage trough 52a. This not only allows for compatibility with slice racks 300 of different sizes, but also avoids problems with the placement of the slice rack 300 within the storage trough 52a caused by the different lengths of the slice racks 300 when the clamping jaw assembly 61 of the material transfer mechanism 60 is clamped. This can even lead to the risk of the slice rack 300 slipping, swinging, tilting, or even falling during the clamping or transfer process of the material transfer mechanism 60, thereby improving the safety of the slice rack 300 during the clamping or transfer process.

[0068] It should be noted that the lengths of the slice racks 300 of each specification can be the same or different. This application uses slice racks 300 of different lengths as an example. After the slice racks 300 of different lengths are placed in the storage slot 52a, the length of the storage slot 52a can be adjusted using the adjustment member 523, allowing the slice racks 300 to be accurately placed in the storage slot 52a without having to replace the entire storage mechanism 50 or requiring the storage mechanism 50 to only use matching slice racks 300, thereby increasing user flexibility.

[0069] For example, after the slice rack 300 is placed into the storage slot 52a from the storage side 50a, the adjustment member 523 can limit the placement of the slice rack 300 so that the material transfer mechanism 60 can transfer the slice rack 300. The adjustment member 523 provided on the storage slot 52a not only accommodates slice racks 300 of different specifications, but also avoids problems with the placement of the slice rack 300 within the storage slot 52a due to the different lengths of the slice racks 300 when the material transfer mechanism 60 clamps the slice racks 300 of different specifications. Furthermore, the material transfer mechanism 60 may even cause the slice rack 300 to slip, swing, tilt, or even fall during the clamping or transfer process, thereby improving the safety of the slice rack 300 during the clamping or transfer process.

[0070] It should be noted that the adjustment member 523 can limit the placement position of the slice rack 300 by changing its position; the adjustment member 523 can also be moved by a driving motor or other driving method to achieve the limitation of slice racks 300 of different lengths, which is not limited in this application.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, a blocking portion 5231 is provided at one end of the adjusting member 523, and the blocking portion 523111 extends toward the inner side of the storage slot 52a, so that the slice rack 300 placed in the storage slot 52a abuts against the blocking portion 5231 to block the end of the slice rack 300, thereby limiting the position of the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, the blocking portion is provided at the upper end of the adjusting member 523. When the material moving mechanism 60 takes out the slice rack 300, it is only necessary to lift the slice rack 300 slightly upwards to release the limit of the slice rack 300 by the blocking portion 5231. The slice rack 300 does not need to be completely lifted out of the storage slot 52a. The slice rack 300 can then be moved out along the length direction of the storage slot 52a. This can reduce the size of the avoidance space above the storage slot 52a and realize the miniaturized design of the storage mechanism 50.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the placement assembly 52 is provided with a plurality of partitions 522 spaced apart to form at least one storage slot 52a, so that the slice racks 300 can be placed in the corresponding storage slots 52a. The adjustment member 523 is detachably connected to the partitions 522, so that the position of the adjustment member 523 can be adjusted by assembly. This allows for limiting the placement of slice racks 300 of different sizes within the storage slot 52a, thereby resolving the problem of the storage slot 52a being small and difficult to install a more complex limiting structure.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the storage mechanism 50 includes a status indicator 54. The status indicator 54 is positioned corresponding to the position of the storage slot 52a and is used to display the placement information of the slice rack 300 placed in the storage slot 52a. This facilitates further removal and placement of the slice rack 300, avoiding errors that affect the operation process and reduce work efficiency. The placement information of the slice rack 300 includes whether the slice rack 300 is present in the storage slot 52a and / or whether the slice rack 300 is properly placed.

[0075] In an optional embodiment, a detection component 55 electrically connected to the status indicator 54 is provided in the storage slot 52a, and the detection component 55 is used to detect whether there is a slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a and / or the position of the slice rack 300, so that the operator can align the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a according to the placement information of the detection component 55, so that the material moving mechanism 60 can firmly clamp the slice rack 300, avoiding the risks of sliding, swinging, tilting, falling, etc. due to the offset of the center of gravity of the slice rack 300 during the clamping process, thereby improving the working efficiency and accuracy of the pathology slice scanner.

[0076] In an optional embodiment, the detection component 55 includes a first sensor 551 . The first sensor 551 is disposed at one end close to the opening structure and is used to detect whether the slice rack 300 exists in the storage slot 52 a .

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the detection component 55 includes a second sensor 552 . The second sensor 552 is disposed at an end away from the opening structure and is used to detect whether the slice rack 300 is in place.

[0078] For example, when a slice rack 300 is placed into the storage slot 52a from the storage side 50a, the slice rack 300 is first sensed by the first sensor 551 and then by the second sensor 552. Specifically, when the storage slot 52a is used to store slice racks 300 of the first specification, i.e., when the slice racks 300 are longer, the blocking portion 5231 can be located on the side closer to the material transfer side 50b. If the slice rack 300 is only sensed by the first sensor 551 but not by the second sensor 552, it indicates that the slice rack 300 is placed in the storage slot 52a, but not properly positioned. When both the first sensor 551 and the second sensor 552 sense the slice rack 300, the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a is not properly positioned. When the slice rack 300 is only sensed by the second sensor 552 but not by the first sensor 551, the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a is properly positioned.

[0079] Alternatively, when the storage slot 52a is used to store slice racks 300 of the second specification, that is, when the slice racks 300 are shorter, the position of the blocking portion 5231 in the storage slot 52a is adjusted so that the blocking portion 5231 is located on the side away from the material moving side 50b. If the slice rack 300 is only sensed by the first sensor 551 and not by the second sensor 552, it means that the slice rack 300 is placed in the storage slot 52a, but not in place. When the slice rack 300 is only sensed by the second sensor 552 and not by the first sensor 551, the slice rack 300 is considered to be in place in the storage slot 52a.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the material moving mechanism 60 is electrically connected to the detection component 55. When the detection component 55 detects that the slice rack 300 in the storage slot 52a is placed in place, the material moving mechanism 60 will move the slice rack 300 to improve the working efficiency of the pathology slice scanner.

[0081] In an optional embodiment, the material moving mechanism 60 includes a displacement assembly 62 and a clamping assembly 61 , and the clamping assembly 61 is connected to the displacement assembly 62 so that the displacement assembly 62 can drive the clamping assembly 61 to move along at least one degree of freedom to move the slice rack 300 .

[0082] In an optional embodiment, the clamp assembly 61 includes a transfer clamp and a transfer clamp driver, the transfer clamp includes a first transfer clamp and a second transfer clamp, the transfer clamp driver is used to drive the first transfer clamp and the second transfer clamp to move relative to each other, and is used to clamp or release the slice rack 300, so that the transfer clamp can clamp the slice rack 300 in the storage mechanism or place the slice rack 300 in the storage mechanism, thereby realizing the transfer of the slice rack 300.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, the displacement assembly 62 includes a longitudinal displacement assembly, a vertical displacement assembly and a lateral displacement assembly. The clamping jaw assembly 61 is connected to the vertical displacement assembly through the longitudinal displacement assembly, and the vertical displacement assembly is installed on the frame of the pathology scanner through the lateral displacement assembly.

[0084] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections. They can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections. They can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. They can refer to internal communication between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0085] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0086] The disclosure above provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0087] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A pathology slide scanner, characterized in that: It includes a scanning device, a material transfer mechanism and a storage mechanism for storing slice racks. The scanning device is arranged on one side of the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism has a storage side and a material transfer side that are relatively arranged. The material transfer mechanism is arranged on the material transfer side and is used to transfer the slice rack placed from the storage side to the scanning device, so that the scanning device can scan the slice to be scanned placed on the slice rack.

2. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scanning device includes a scanning frame, a loading and unloading mechanism and a scanning mechanism. The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are both arranged in the scanning frame. The loading and unloading mechanism transfers the slice rack between the scanning mechanism and the material moving mechanism through reciprocating motion. In the process of the loading and unloading mechanism moving the slice rack to the scanning mechanism or moving it out to the material moving mechanism, at least part of the structure of the loading and unloading mechanism can be located outside the scanning frame so that the material moving mechanism can place the slice rack in the loading and unloading mechanism or take the slice rack out of the loading and unloading mechanism.

3. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The loading and unloading mechanism includes a conveying assembly and a loading assembly for fixing a slice rack for accommodating slices to be scanned. The loading assembly is arranged on the conveying assembly and can be moved to the outside of the scanning rack through the conveying assembly.

4. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conveying assembly includes a conveying track arranged along a first direction. The loading assembly is provided with an extension seat in the first direction. The extension seat is fixed on the conveying track, and the extension length of the extension seat is not less than the width of the loading assembly.

5. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The loading and unloading mechanism includes a state recognition component, the conveying component has a slice feeding station, a slice removing station and a slice detection station located between the slice feeding station and the slice removing station, the position of the material moving mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice feeding station, the position of the scanning mechanism corresponds to the position of the slice removing station, and the state recognition component is arranged on the slice detection station for detecting the state information of the slices placed in the loading component.

6. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The scanning device further comprises a display panel for display and / or interactive operation; and / or The scanning frame is provided with a receiving chamber and an open structure located on one side of the receiving chamber. The display panel is detachably or rotatably installed in the open structure. The loading and unloading mechanism and the scanning mechanism are accommodated in the receiving chamber.

7. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage mechanism includes a cover plate, a frame body and a placement component arranged in the frame body. A storage slot for placing the slice rack is formed on the placement component. The cover plate is arranged on the storage side of the frame body and is used to open or close the storage slot.

8. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 7, characterized in that: The placement assembly includes a placement plate, the placement plates are spaced apart along the height direction of the frame to form a plurality of accommodating channels, and the storage slot is formed in each of the accommodating channels; and / or, The cover plate is rotatably mounted at the lower end of each of the accommodating channels; and / or, The storage tank is provided with an adjusting member at one end close to the material moving side, and the adjusting member is used to limit the placement position of the slice rack placed in the storage tank.

9. The pathological slice scanner according to claim 7, characterized in that: The storage mechanism includes a status indicator, the position of which corresponds to the position of the storage slot, and is used to display placement information of the slice rack placed in the storage slot.

10. The pathological slide scanner according to claim 9, characterized in that: A detection component electrically connected to the status indicator is provided in the storage tank, and the detection component is used to detect whether the slice rack exists in the storage tank and / or the position of the slice rack; and / or, The material moving mechanism is electrically connected to the detection component. When the detection component detects that the slice rack in the storage tank is placed in place, the material moving mechanism moves the slice rack to the corresponding position.

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