Reagent bin and full-automatic dyeing system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a reagent bin and a full-automatic dyeing system. A refrigeration mechanism is arranged in the reagent bin; a plurality of reagents can be accommodated in the reagent bin; a transfer mechanism and a transfer mechanism are arranged in the reagent bin, and the transfer mechanism can transfer reagents into the transfer mechanism. Various reagents are contained in the low-temperature bin body, when the dyeing system works, the reagents needing to be used are automatically transferred to the transfer mechanism through the transfer mechanism to be sampled, and the reagents are reset through the transfer mechanism after sampling is finished. When not in use, the reagent bin serves as a reagent storage mechanism, reagents can be stored in the reagent bin for a long time, reagent bottles do not need to be taken out or replaced midway, the labor intensity of workers is greatly reduced, and the off-machine time of the workers is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automatic dyeing systems, in particular to a reagent bin and a full-automatic dyeing system. Background Art

[0002] Staining systems can operate with varying degrees of automation to process human or animal tissue samples for histological or pathological applications. Known staining systems have numerous drawbacks. For example, early staining systems often batched samples based on sample specifications (e.g., samples requiring the same reagent type were processed together). This reduced the number of reagents required and the frequency of reagent changes.

[0003] However, with the development of precision diagnosis and treatment, more and more clinical procedures are required to monitor the patient's case. Generally speaking, a patient's slice indicators generally require 8-10 slices, or even more. In addition, the types of reagents required for sample analysis and processing are different, and the diagnosis process requires that all the indicator stains of the case be presented at the same time. At the same time, the types of indicators for precision diagnosis and treatment have continued to grow in recent years, and with them, the types and numbers of proteins and nucleic acids required for corresponding research, testing or diagnosis have also continued to increase. Similarly, the number of targets and genes of interest is also increasing. Therefore, during the operation of the staining systems currently on the market, there are alarms requiring frequent replacement and replenishment of reagents. In this process of constantly replenishing reagents or samples, manual supervision must be arranged, which brings a greater workload to the staff. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a reagent warehouse, which is arranged in the dyeing system and can store multiple reagents at the same time to meet the types of reagents needed for daily processing. It does not require staff to frequently change the types of reagents, thereby reducing the workload of staff.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is: a reagent warehouse, which is equipped with a refrigeration mechanism; the reagent warehouse can accommodate several kinds of reagents; the reagent warehouse is equipped with a transfer mechanism and a transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent to the transfer mechanism, waiting for the sampling mechanism to sample the reagent.

[0006] The reagent chamber of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0007] ① The types or quantities of reagents in the reagent bin of the present application can reach hundreds, or even several hundred or thousands. This is significantly different from the prior art, which only has a capacity of dozens of reagents. The types of reagents stored in the reagent bin of the present application can meet the needs of daily incubation and treatment for various reagents. In conjunction with the refrigeration mechanism set in the reagent bin, the reagent bin is made into a low-temperature storage space, and the reagents can be stored in the reagent bin for a long time, without the need for staff to frequently replace the reagents, thereby reducing the workload of the staff.

[0008] ② In the reagent warehouse of this application, in addition to greatly increasing the number and types of reagents, a transfer mechanism and a transfer mechanism are also set up. Due to the setting of the transfer mechanism and the transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism can transfer the reagents to the transfer mechanism according to demand to wait for sampling. No human intervention is required, and the automatic sampling work can be completed, thereby extending the time that the staff are away from the machine.

[0009] ③The reagent bin of the present application accommodates a variety of reagents in a low-temperature bin body. When the dyeing system is working, the reagents needed are automatically transferred to the transfer mechanism through the transfer mechanism for sampling, and are reset by the transfer mechanism after the sampling is completed. When not in use, the reagent bin serves as a storage mechanism for the reagents, and the reagents can be stored in the reagent bin for a long time. A bottle of reagent only requires the staff to perform two steps: loading the sample and removing the reagent bottle after the reagent is used up. There is no need to remove or replace the reagent bottle in the middle, which greatly reduces the labor intensity of the staff. It also extends the time the staff can leave the machine, and is less likely to cause shutdowns due to insufficient reagent types. It provides a basis for achieving high throughput and unmanned operation of the dyeing system.

[0010] Furthermore, the reagent compartment can accommodate ≥100 types of reagents. When the number of reagents is ≥100, the reagent variety requirements for a single sample loading and incubation can be met. Before the second sample loading, only a small number of reagent types need to be replaced, or even no reagent types need to be replaced, which reduces the workload of the staff in replacing reagents.

[0011] Furthermore, the reagent compartment can accommodate ≥200 reagent types. When the number of reagent types is ≥200, it can meet the reagent variety requirements of daily incubation. During multi-batch sample processing, staff do not need to replace the reagent types in the reagent compartment before processing samples. They only need to replenish the reagents when a certain reagent is used up.

[0012] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism includes a transfer support plate, which forms a transfer cavity connected to the interior of the reagent chamber. The reagent can be accommodated in the transfer cavity under the action of the transfer mechanism. A sampling through hole is provided on the transfer support plate, and the sampling mechanism can take samples through the sampling through hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer cavity is provided with a shell of the reagent compartment protruding toward the sampling mechanism, and the sampling through hole is provided on the transfer support plate located above the transfer cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, there are multiple sampling through holes, and the multiple sampling through holes are arranged in a straight line on the transfer support plate. Through the provision of multiple sampling through holes, when a reagent bottle below one of the sampling through holes is being sampled, the reagent management system issues an instruction to the transfer system, causing the transfer system to transfer the next reagent bottle to be sampled to the waiting cavity in advance to wait for sampling. After the reagent needle completes one sampling, it can directly sample another bottle of reagent, saving the time of waiting for the transfer mechanism to transfer the reagent bottle, improving the efficiency of the reagent needle sampling in the incubation stage, improving the incubation efficiency of the staining system, shortening the processing time of a single glass slide, and improving the efficiency of the staining system in processing glass slides.

[0015] Furthermore, the reagent compartment is provided with a reagent inlet and outlet, and a storage rack is provided within the reagent compartment. The storage rack can accommodate hundreds of reagents, and the transfer mechanism can transfer reagent bottles located at the reagent inlet and outlet to reagent bottles located on the storage rack. When the reagent is exhausted, the transfer mechanism transfers the reagent bottle to the reagent inlet and outlet, and the staff removes it from the reagent inlet and outlet. The staff then places the replacement reagent bottle at the reagent inlet and outlet, and the transfer mechanism transfers the reagent bottle to the storage rack, completing the replacement or replenishment of the reagent.

[0016] Furthermore, a reagent rack is provided at the reagent inlet and outlet, and the reagent rack can accommodate multiple reagent bottles at the same time. The transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent bottles on the reagent rack and the reagent bottles on the storage rack to each other. Multiple reagents can be placed on the reagent rack at the same time. When replacing or adding reagents, the staff can place the reagent bottles in batches on the reagent rack, and the reagent bottles on the reagent rack can be transferred to the storage rack through the transfer mechanism. This eliminates the need for staff to add reagents multiple times, reduces the staff's workload, and improves the efficiency of adding reagents.

[0017] Furthermore, a code scanning component is provided in the reagent compartment, and the code scanning component is connected to the transfer mechanism. The code scanning component can scan the information on the reagent bottle and enter it into the reagent management system. Through the setting of the code scanning component, before the driving part grabs the reagent bottle, the code scanning component scans the information on the reagent bottle and enters it into the reagent management system, and then the reagent bottle is transferred to the storage rack through the transfer mechanism and the position of the reagent bottle on the storage rack is recorded. When the sampling mechanism samples the reagent bottle at a later time, the reagent bottle at the corresponding position on the storage rack is transferred to the transfer mechanism through the transfer mechanism.

[0018] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism includes a linear module connected to the insulating housing of the reagent compartment, and a clamping jaw connected to the linear module. The linear module can drive the clamping jaw to move in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and the clamping jaw can grasp the reagent bottle. The arrangement of the linear module and the clamping jaw enables the transfer mechanism to transfer the reagent bottle in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0019] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism further includes a driver connected to the clamping jaws, capable of driving the clamping jaws to grasp the reagent bottle and then reposition the reagent bottle via a linear module. The transfer mechanism further includes a motor connected to the linear module, the motor having an output shaft connected to the driver, capable of rotating the clamping jaws by driving the driver. The motor can be configured to adjust the direction of the clamping jaws according to the position of the reagent bottle, ensuring that the clamping jaws can accurately grasp the reagent bottle.

[0020] A fully automated dyeing system includes a processing chamber, in which the reagent chamber described above is disposed. By installing a large-capacity reagent chamber within the processing chamber of the fully automated dyeing system, the entire dyeing system remains closed (without opening the reagent chamber door) during extended experiments. This reduces the risk of accidental touches caused by the semi-open configuration of existing dyeing systems and effectively minimizes human intervention and influence throughout the dyeing process, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the resulting data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings constituting a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention.

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a dyeing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a reagent compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a reagent compartment with part of the insulation layer removed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the reagent compartment without the insulation layer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Insulation shell; 11. Support frame; 2. Reagent inlet and outlet; 21. Reagent rack; 3. Transfer mechanism; 31. Lower support plate; 32. Upper support plate; 321. Sampling through hole; 33. Connecting plate; 34. Transfer cavity; 4. Storage rack; 5. Transfer mechanism; 51. Linear module; 52. Motor; 53. Drive part; 54. Gripper; 6. Code scanning component; 7. Reagent bottle; 8. Refrigeration mechanism; 81. Fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] Explanation of terms: The "reagents" of this application include but are not limited to: antibodies, samples, nucleic acids, dyes, ligands, ligand receptors, enzymes or enzyme substrates, conjugates (for example, biotin, avidin, streptavidin, etc.), metals (such as silver or gold particles) and metal enhancers, signal molecules or any other molecules suitable for the desired application, as well as various other auxiliary reagents, etc.

[0032] See attached Figure 1As shown, the fully automatic staining system of the present application has a reagent bin arranged inside the staining system for loading reagents used for incubation. Due to the wide variety of reagents used for incubation, the current common method is to store the reagents in a refrigerator. Before the staining process, the staff will place the reagents needed in the staining system, and the staff cannot leave the machine for a long time. The present application sets a reagent bin in the staining system. The reagent bin has a cooling function and multiple storage positions. The reagent bin can accommodate hundreds of reagents to meet the demand for reagent types in normal incubation. There is no need for staff to frequently change reagents. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the staining system has an adequate supply of reagents during uninterrupted operation, and there is no need to manually replenish reagents; it prepares for the various types of reagents that may be needed during the long-term uninterrupted film making and staining work of the staining system. Thus, the reagent bin of the present application enables the staining system to achieve uninterrupted operation for a long time without manual intervention, thereby achieving the unattended effect of the staining system.

[0033] See attached Figures 2-4 As shown, in some embodiments, the reagent compartment includes a support frame 11, on which an insulating shell 1 is provided. A storage space is formed inside the insulating shell 1, and a refrigeration mechanism 8 is provided in the storage space to cool the storage space in the reagent compartment, reducing the temperature in the reagent compartment to 4°C, which is suitable for long-term storage of the reagent, so that the reagent can be stored in the reagent compartment all the time. When a certain reagent is needed, the transfer mechanism 5 provided in the reagent compartment automatically transfers the reagent to the reagent transfer area, eliminating the need for staff to frequently change reagents, thereby extending the staff's off-machine time and allowing the staining system to work uninterruptedly without human supervision.

[0034] In some embodiments, a reagent inlet and outlet 2 is provided on the reagent compartment, and a storage rack 4 is provided in the reagent compartment. The storage rack 4 can accommodate multiple types (for example, more than one hundred types) of reagents. When the reagent is used up, the reagent bottle 7 is transferred to the reagent inlet and outlet 2 through the transfer mechanism 5, and the staff takes it out from the reagent inlet and outlet 2; the staff places the replacement reagent bottle 7 on the reagent inlet and outlet 2, and transfers the reagent bottle 7 to the storage rack 4 through the transfer mechanism 5 to complete the replacement or replenishment of the reagent.

[0035] In some embodiments, a reagent rack 21 is provided at the reagent inlet and outlet 2. Multiple reagents can be placed on the reagent rack 21 at the same time. When replacing or adding reagents, the staff can place the reagent bottles 7 in batches on the reagent rack 21, and the transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent bottles 7 on the reagent rack 21 to the storage rack 4. This eliminates the need for the staff to add reagents multiple times, thereby reducing their workload.

[0036] In some embodiments, a closed door is provided outside the reagent inlet and outlet 2, hingedly connected to the insulated housing. The door is opened to load or unload reagents. During non-loading and unloading periods, the door remains closed, ensuring a low temperature within the reagent chamber and effectively reducing human interference and influence during the entire staining process, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the resulting data.

[0037] In some embodiments, a code scanning component 6 is provided in the reagent compartment, and the code scanning component 6 is connected to the transfer mechanism 5. Before the driving member 53 grabs the reagent bottle, the code scanning component 6 scans the information on the reagent bottle 7 and enters it into the reagent management system, and then transfers the reagent bottle 7 to the storage rack 4 through the transfer mechanism 5 and records the position of the reagent bottle 7 on the storage rack 4. When the sampling mechanism samples the reagent bottle 7 later, the reagent bottle 7 at the corresponding position on the storage rack 4 is transferred to the transfer mechanism 3 through the transfer mechanism 5.

[0038] In some embodiments, the reagent chamber includes a reagent transfer area protruding toward the incubation area, and the reagent transfer area is provided with a transfer mechanism 3, the transfer mechanism 3 includes a transfer support plate, and the transfer support plate includes a lower support plate 31 for supporting the reagent bottle. The lower support plate 31 is connected to the insulation shell 1 of the reagent chamber and protrudes from the insulation shell 1 toward the incubation area. The reagent bottle 7 is placed on the lower support plate 31, waiting for the sampling needle in the incubation area to take samples.

[0039] In some embodiments, the reagent transfer area is further provided with an upper support plate 32 located directly above the lower support plate 31. A gap is left between the upper support plate 32 and the lower support plate 31 for placing the reagent bottle 7. The upper support plate 32 and the lower support plate 31 are connected by a connecting plate 33 in the area where they protrude from the insulation shell 1, so that the upper support plate 32, the lower support plate 31 and the connecting plate 33 form a transfer cavity 34 that is connected to the reagent compartment. When the reagent needle needs to take a sample, the transfer mechanism 5 transfers the reagent bottle to the transfer cavity 34, waiting for the sampling needle to take a sample.

[0040] In some embodiments, the upper support plate 32 is provided with a sampling hole 321. The reagent bottle 7 is placed directly below the sampling hole 321, and the reagent needle passes through the sampling hole 321 for sampling. An opening membrane is provided in the sampling hole 321. During the sampling process of the reagent needle, the reagent needle passes through the opening membrane for sampling. The opening shape of the opening membrane is not limited and can be a cross membrane or a rice paper membrane, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of sampling through holes 321 are provided, which are arranged in a straight line on the upper support plate 32, and a reagent bottle 7 waiting for sampling can be placed under each sampling through hole 321. Through the provision of multiple sampling through holes 321, when a reagent bottle under one of the sampling through holes 321 is being sampled, the reagent management system issues an instruction to the transfer mechanism 5, causing the transfer mechanism to transfer the next reagent bottle 7 to be sampled to the transfer cavity 34 in advance to wait for sampling. After the reagent needle completes one sampling, it can continuously sample another bottle of reagent, saving the time of waiting for the transfer mechanism 5 to transfer the reagent bottle, improving the efficiency of the reagent needle sampling in the incubation stage, improving the incubation efficiency of the staining system, shortening the processing time of a single glass slide, and improving the efficiency of the staining system in processing glass slides.

[0042] In some embodiments, the refrigeration mechanism 8 includes a semiconductor refrigeration module. By setting up the semiconductor refrigeration module, the temperature in the reagent chamber can be precisely controlled. The temperature can be precisely controlled within the range of 0.1°C. Moreover, it is small in size and light in weight, which can save space inside the reagent chamber.

[0043] In some embodiments, the refrigeration mechanism further includes a convection element connected to the support frame 11. The convection element provides for a more even distribution of hot and cold air within the reagent compartment, thereby ensuring that the semiconductor refrigeration module can accurately control the temperature within the reagent compartment. In this embodiment, the convection element is a fan 81, which has a simple structure, is easy to use, and effectively achieves a uniform distribution of air within the reagent compartment.

[0044] In some embodiments, the storage rack 4 is arranged on a side of the reagent compartment away from the transfer mechanism 3. By arranging the storage rack 4 carrying the reagent and the transfer mechanism 3 on opposite sides of the reagent compartment, it is convenient for the transfer mechanism 5 to transfer the reagent between the storage rack 4 and the transfer mechanism 3.

[0045] In some embodiments, the storage rack 4 is divided into multiple layers, each layer being provided with multiple cavities for holding reagent bottles. The storage rack 4 can accommodate a plurality of reagents to meet the reagent variety requirements during the incubation stage. The "several" reagents herein can be 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000, or any value between any two of the foregoing numbers.

[0046] See attached Figure 4 and attached Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 5 includes a linear module 51, which is connected to the thermal insulation housing 1 of the reagent compartment, and the thermal insulation housing 1 supports and fixes the linear module 51. The linear module 51 also includes a clamping jaw 54 connected to the linear module 51, and the linear module 51 can drive the clamping jaw 54 to move in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 5 further includes a drive member 53 connected to a clamp 54. The drive member 53 can drive the clamp 54 to grip the reagent bottle 7, and then transfer the reagent bottle 7 to the reagent transfer area by the linear module 51. The drive member 52 is a drive motor or a drive cylinder.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 5 also includes a motor 52, which is connected to the linear module 51, and the output shaft of the motor 52 is connected to the driving member 53. The motor 52 can drive the driving member 53 to rotate, and then drive the clamp 54 to rotate. The angle of the clamp 54 is adjusted by the motor 52 so that the clamp 54 can accurately grasp the reagent bottle.

[0049] Working process: The staff places a single or batch of reagent bottles 7 on the reagent rack 21, the transfer mechanism 5 drives the code scanning component 6 to move near the reagent bottle 7, clamps the reagent bottle 7 through the clamping claw 54, and transfers the reagent bottle 7 to the storage rack 4 through the transfer mechanism 5. During the clamping and transferring process, the code scanning component 6 scans the information of the reagent bottle 7 and enters it into the reagent management system.

[0050] When the incubation mechanism needs to take reagents, the transfer mechanism 5 transfers the reagent bottle 7 to the transfer mechanism 3, which is located just below the sampling through hole 321, and the sampling mechanism takes samples through the sampling through hole 321. After sampling, the reagent bottle is transferred to the storage rack 4 by the transfer mechanism 5.

[0051] The above implementation methods are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the utility model. Its purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the utility model and implement it. It cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the utility model. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A reagent chamber, characterized in that: A refrigeration mechanism is provided in the reagent compartment; The reagent compartment can accommodate several kinds of reagents; A transfer mechanism and a transfer mechanism are provided in the reagent compartment, and the transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent to the transfer mechanism.

2. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent compartment can accommodate ≥100 types of reagents.

3. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent compartment can accommodate ≥200 types of reagents.

4. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes a transfer support plate, which forms a transfer cavity connected to the interior of the reagent chamber. The reagent can be accommodated in the transfer cavity under the action of the transfer mechanism. A sampling through hole is provided on the transfer support plate, and the sampling mechanism can sample through the sampling through hole.

5. The reagent chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transfer cavity is provided with a housing of the reagent compartment protruding toward the sampling mechanism, and the sampling through hole is provided on a transfer support plate located above the transfer cavity.

6. The reagent chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are multiple sampling through holes, and the multiple sampling through holes are arranged in a straight line on the transfer support plate.

7. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent compartment is provided with a reagent inlet and outlet, a storage rack is provided in the reagent compartment, the storage rack can accommodate a variety of reagents, and the transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent bottles located at the reagent inlet and outlet and the reagent bottles located on the storage rack to each other.

8. The reagent chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that: A reagent rack is provided at the reagent inlet and outlet, and the reagent rack can accommodate multiple reagent bottles at the same time. The transfer mechanism can transfer the reagent bottles on the reagent rack and the reagent bottles on the storage rack to each other.

9. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: A code scanning component is provided in the reagent compartment and is connected to the transfer mechanism. The code scanning component can scan the information on the reagent bottle and enter it into the reagent management system.

10. The reagent chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes a linear module, which is connected to the support frame of the reagent compartment, and also includes a clamp connected to the linear module. The linear module can drive the clamp to move in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and the clamp can clamp the reagent bottle.

11. The reagent chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism further includes a driving member connected to the clamping claw. The driving member can drive the clamping claw to clamp the reagent bottle, and then transfer the position of the reagent bottle through the linear module.

12. The reagent chamber according to claim 11, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism further includes a motor, the motor is connected to the linear module, the output shaft of the motor is connected to the driving member, and the motor can drive the clamping claw to rotate by driving the driving member to rotate.

13. A fully automatic dyeing system, comprising a processing chamber, characterized in that: The reagent chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is arranged in the processing chamber.

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