Connection transfer push-pull and storage mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a linkage transfer push-pull and storage mechanism which comprises a hollow mounting frame, a pushing frame sliding in the length direction of the mounting frame and a driving assembly used for driving the pushing frame to slide, and the two ends in the mounting frame are a feeding position and a discharging position correspondingly. Openings are formed in the bottom, corresponding to the feeding position and the discharging position, of the mounting frame, and a storage space is formed in the position, between the feeding position and the discharging position, in the mounting frame; and the pushing frame is provided with a pushing assembly which is used for enabling the slide frame to slide into the storage space from the feeding position along with the pushing frame. The slide rack transfer device has the effect of reducing the influence of transfer on the processing duration of each working procedure in the process of transferring the slide rack between two adjacent working procedures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device automation, and in particular to a connecting, transferring, pushing, pulling, and storing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the pathology slide preparation process, after the slide holder is processed in one step, it needs to be transferred between two adjacent steps to be transported to the next step for processing. However, in traditional slide preparation equipment, each step requires a separate robotic arm to transfer the slide holder. When the robotic arm is transferring the slide holder, the corresponding workstations of the two adjacent steps need to stop processing until the transfer is completed and the robotic arm is reset before processing can continue. This results in longer processing time for adjacent steps, which is not conducive to rapid slide production and has low processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to reduce the impact of the transfer on the processing time of each process during the transfer of the slide holder between two adjacent processes, this application provides a connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism.

[0004] This application provides a connecting, transferring, pushing-pull, and storage mechanism, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism includes a hollow mounting frame, a push frame that slides along the length of the mounting frame, and a drive assembly for driving the push frame to slide. The mounting frame has two ends, namely an infeed position and an outfeed position, and the bottom of the mounting frame has openings corresponding to the infeed position and the outfeed position. The space between the infeed position and the outfeed position in the mounting frame is a storage space. The push frame is equipped with a push assembly for sliding a slide holder from the infeed position into the storage space along with the push frame.

[0006] In use, the mounting bracket is first fixedly installed between two adjacent processes, with the opening corresponding to the feed position connected to the outlet of the previous process and the opening corresponding to the discharge position connected to the inlet of the next process. When the slide holder processed in the previous process is transported to the outlet of this process by the robot arm, the slide holder is then lifted vertically upwards into the feed position of the mounting bracket by the lifting device installed at the outlet, and the robot arm can immediately reset to continue processing. Next, the drive assembly is activated to drive the pusher to move to the slide holder, and then the pusher slides the slide holder from the feed position into the storage space for temporary storage. The above actions can be performed sequentially according to actual use to temporarily store multiple slide holders in the storage space.

[0007] When the robot arm has a break in its usage time for the next process, it is first moved to the delivery position by the lifting device installed at the feed port of the next process. Then, the drive assembly is activated to drive the pusher frame to move towards the delivery position until the glass slide holder closest to the delivery position enters the lifting device at the feed port of the next process. It can then be delivered to the robot arm of the next process for loading.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the entire equipment plays a good role in connecting and transferring slides during the pathological slide preparation process. Specifically, during the transfer of slide holders between two adjacent processes, the slide holders can be temporarily stored in the storage space according to the actual situation of the next process. Thus, when the processed slide holders are transferred in the previous process, it does not affect the normal operation of the next process, and when the slide holders are transferred in the next process, it does not affect the normal operation of the next process. This greatly reduces the impact of slide holder transfer on the processing time of adjacent processes and improves the overall processing efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, the pusher is equipped with a connecting frame, which extends into the storage space and corresponds to the bottom position. The pusher assembly includes a pusher plate and a first elastic member. The pusher plate is rotatably mounted on the connecting frame. The side of the pusher plate near the delivery position is vertical, and the other side is provided with a first inclined guide surface. The two ends of the first elastic member are respectively connected to the pusher plate and the connecting frame. When the first elastic member is in its natural state, the side of the pusher plate near the delivery position is vertical. The mounting frame is equipped with an initial positioning member for stabilizing the slide holder at the delivery position at the opening of the delivery position.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, after the slide holder is lifted to the feeding position by the lifting device, the slide holder is stabilized in the feeding position by the initial positioning component, and the lifting device is then retracted. Next, the drive assembly is activated to drive the pusher to move towards the feeding position. When it moves to the point where the first inclined guide surface abuts against the slide holder, the pusher continues to move. The pusher rotates to avoid the slide holder through the action of the first inclined guide surface until the pusher leaves the slide holder. Then, the pusher is reset by the action of the first elastic component, and the side of the pusher near the feeding position is vertical. Finally, the drive assembly is activated to drive the pusher to move towards the feeding position. The pusher then moves the slide holder towards the feeding position, and the slide holder is fed into the storage space. This process only requires driving the pusher back and forth to move the slide holder within the mounting frame, making the operation simple.

[0011] Preferably, a pair of initial positioning members are provided, and the two initial positioning members are respectively installed on opposite sides of the opening of the feeding position. The initial positioning member includes a support plate and a second elastic member. The support plate is rotatably installed on the mounting frame, and a second inclined guide surface is provided on the downward side of the support plate. The two ends of the second elastic member are respectively connected to the mounting frame and the support plate.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, when the slide holder is lifted to the feeding position by the lifting device, the slide holder can pass smoothly through the support plate through the action of the second inclined guide surface until the slide holder leaves the support plate, and the support plate is reset by the action of the second elastic element; then the lifting device is withdrawn, and the slide holder falls spontaneously on the two support plates; so that the connecting frame is not obstructed by the lifting device when it moves to the feeding position.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting bracket is provided with sliding grooves on both sides of the storage space for the slide holder to slide into.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the slide holder can slide more stably and smoothly within the storage space, and it also serves to limit the slide holder, preventing it from collapsing during the sliding process within the storage space.

[0015] Preferably, the sliding groove on one side of the slide holder opening is at a higher height than the sliding groove on the other side; the support plate on one side of the slide holder opening is at a higher height than the support plate on the other side; the height difference between the two sliding grooves is consistent with the height difference between the two support plates.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the slide holder remains tilted when it falls onto the tray and slides within the storage space, and the opening side of the slide holder is tilted upwards, which makes the slides in the slide holder more stable within the slide holder and reduces the occurrence of slides slipping out.

[0017] Preferably, the mounting bracket is equipped with a rear baffle for supporting the slide holder away from the opening on one side of the feeding position.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the slide holder is in the feeding position, since there is no limiting sliding groove here, the slide holder in the tilted state is supported by the action of the rear baffle, reducing the possibility of collapse.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting bracket is equipped with a front baffle on one side of the corresponding slide holder opening.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, it is possible to further prevent the slide from sliding out of the slide holder and improve the stability of the slide within the slide holder during the sliding process.

[0021] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a lead screw and a drive member. The lead screw extends in the sliding direction of the push frame and is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame. The push frame is threaded onto the lead screw. The drive member is used to drive the lead screw to rotate.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the driving component is activated to drive the lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the push frame to slide. This driving structure provides stable driving.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. The entire machine plays a very good role in connecting and transferring slides in the pathological field. Specifically, during the transfer of slide holders between two adjacent processes, the slide holders can be temporarily stored in the storage space according to the actual situation of the next process. Thus, when the processed slide holders are transferred in the previous process, it does not affect the normal operation of the next process, and when the slide holders are transferred in the next process, it does not affect the normal operation of the next process. This greatly reduces the impact of slide holder transfer on the processing time of adjacent processes and improves the overall processing efficiency.

[0025] 2. The slide holder can be moved within the mounting frame simply by moving the pusher back and forth, making operation easy;

[0026] 3. During the process of the slide holder being lifted to the feeding position by the lifting device, the slide holder can pass smoothly through the support plate through the action of the second inclined guide surface until the slide holder leaves the support plate. The support plate is then reset by the action of the second elastic element. Then the lifting device is withdrawn, and the slide holder falls spontaneously on the two support plates. This ensures that the lifting device does not obstruct the movement of the connecting frame to the feeding position.

[0027] 4. The slide holder is kept tilted throughout its placement on the tray and its sliding within the storage space, with the open side of the slide holder tilted upwards. This ensures that the slides within the slide holder remain more stable and reduces the likelihood of slides slipping out. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting bracket and the slide holder in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the image.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from the back of an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Mounting frame; 11. Feeding position; 12. Feeding out position; 13. Opening; 14. Storage space; 15. Initial positioning component; 151. Support plate; 152. Second elastic component; 153. Second inclined guide surface; 16. Sliding groove; 17. Rear baffle; 18. Front baffle; 2. Pushing frame; 21. Connecting frame; 3. Pushing assembly; 31. Pushing piece; 311. First inclined guide surface; 32. First elastic component; 4. Drive assembly; 41. Lead screw; 42. Drive component; 101. Slide holder. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0037] During each processing step, the slide holder 101 is always in a vertical state with the opening horizontal, that is, the slides inside the slide holder 101 are in a horizontal state; and each process has a lifting device installed at the inlet and outlet for moving the slide holder 101 in a vertical direction.

[0038] This application discloses a connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism for installation at the discharge port and inlet of two adjacent processes. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism includes a mounting frame 1 and a push frame 2. The mounting frame 1 is hollow and extends horizontally. The two ends of the mounting frame 1 along its length are a feed position 11 and a feed position 12, respectively. Openings 13 are provided at the bottom of the mounting frame 1 corresponding to the feed position 11 and the feed position 12. Storage space 14 is located between the feed position 11 and the feed position 12 within the mounting frame 1. In use, the mounting frame 1 is first connected and fixedly installed between two adjacent processes, such that the opening 13 corresponding to the feed position 11 is connected to the outlet of the previous process, and the opening 13 corresponding to the feed position 12 is connected to the inlet of the next process.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The top of the pusher 2 is slidably mounted on the top of the mounting frame 1 via a slide rail. A connecting frame 21 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the pusher 2. The connecting frame 21 extends horizontally into the bottom position of the storage space 14. A push assembly 3 is mounted on the connecting frame 21 to allow the slide holder 101 to slide into the storage space 14 along with the pusher 2 from the feeding position 11. A drive assembly 4 is mounted on the top of the mounting frame 1 to drive the pusher 2 to slide.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pushing assembly 3 includes a pair of pushing plates 31 and a pair of first elastic members 32. The two pushing plates 31 are rotatably mounted on the connecting frame 21 at intervals. The side of the pushing plate 31 near the delivery position 12 is vertical, and the other side is provided with a first inclined guide surface 311, that is, the pushing plate 31 is triangular in shape. The rotation axis of the pushing plate 31 is located on the side near the delivery position 12. The first elastic member 32 is a spring, and the two ends of the first elastic member 32 are respectively fixedly connected to the bottom of the pushing plate 31 and the side near the delivery position 11 and the connecting frame 21. When the first elastic member 32 is in its natural state, the side of the pushing plate 31 near the delivery position 12 The pusher 31 is vertical, and the top of the pusher 31 corresponds to the bottom of the slide holder 101. When the pusher 2 is driven to move from the side of the slide holder 101 near the delivery position 12 to the other side, the pusher 31 can be rotated to avoid the slide holder 101 by the action of the first inclined guide surface 311. Then, it continues to move until the pusher 31 leaves the position of the slide holder 101. Then, the first elastic member 32 makes the pusher 31 return to its original position. At this time, the top vertical surface of the pusher 31 is facing the bottom of the slide holder 101. Thus, when the pusher 2 is driven to move towards the delivery position 12, the purpose of pushing the slide holder 101 can be achieved.

[0041] Reference Figure 3A pair of initial positioning members 15 are installed on the mounting frame 1 at the opening 13 corresponding to the feeding position 11. The two initial positioning members 15 are respectively installed on opposite sides of the opening 13 of the feeding position 11. The initial positioning member 15 includes a support plate 151 and a second elastic member 152. The support plate 151 is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame 1. The two support plates 151 are provided with a second inclined guide surface 153 on the side facing downwards at the end that is close to each other. The side facing upwards of the two support plates 151 is a horizontal plane. The pivot of the support plate 151 is located at the end that is far away from each other. The second elastic member 152 is a spring and is installed on the support plate 151. On the upward-facing side, the two ends of the second elastic element 152 are respectively fixedly installed on the mounting frame 1 and the support plate 151; thus, when the lifting device lifts the slide holder 101 vertically upward to the feeding position 11, the second inclined guide surface 153 can be used to drive the support plate 151 to rotate and avoid the slide holder 101 until the slide holder 101 is fully inserted into the feeding position 11. Then the support plate 151 is reset, and after the lifting device is removed, the slide holder 101 can fall on the two support plates 151; the lifting device will not affect the movement of the connecting frame 21, allowing the pusher plate 31 to move smoothly to the side of the slide holder 101 away from the feeding position 12.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mounting bracket 1 has sliding grooves 16 on both sides of the bottom of the storage space 14. The sliding grooves 16 correspond to the bottom sides of the slide holder 101, that is, the bottom sides of the slide holder 101 can slide within the sliding grooves 16. The height of the sliding groove 16 on the side corresponding to the opening of the slide holder 101 is higher than that on the other side. The height of the support plate 151 on the side corresponding to the opening of the slide holder 101 is higher than that on the other side. The height difference between the two sliding grooves 16 is the same as the height difference between the two support plates 151. Thus, the slide holder 101 is tilted in the position and in the sliding state within the storage space 14, and tilted upwards towards the slide holder 101, thereby reducing the occurrence of slides slipping off the slide holder 101.

[0043] Reference Figure 6 A rear baffle 17 is installed on one side of the mounting bracket 1 corresponding to the feeding position 11, thereby supporting the slide holder 101 away from the opening and preventing the slide holder 101 from tipping over within the feeding position 11. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The mounting bracket 1 is fixedly installed with a front baffle 18 on one side of the opening of the corresponding slide holder 101. The extension length of the front baffle 18 is consistent with the extension direction of the storage space 14, so as to avoid the slide from sliding out of the slide holder 101 during the sliding process of the slide holder 101 in the storage space 14.

[0044] Reference Figure 2The drive assembly 4 includes a lead screw 41 and a drive component 42. The lead screw 41 extends in the sliding direction of the push frame 2 and is rotatably mounted on the top of the mounting frame 1. The push frame 2 is threaded onto the lead screw 41. The drive component 42 is a motor and is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 1. The output shaft of the drive component 42 is fixedly connected to the end of the lead screw 41, thereby stably driving the push frame 2 to slide.

[0045] The implementation principle of the connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism in this application embodiment is as follows: In use, the mounting frame 1 is first connected and fixedly installed between two adjacent processes, such that the opening 13 corresponding to the feeding position 11 is connected to the top of the discharge port of the previous process, and the opening 13 corresponding to the feeding position 12 is connected to the top of the feeding port of the next process; when the glass slide frame 101 processed in the previous process is transported to the discharge port of the current process by a robot, the glass slide frame 101 is then vertically lifted upwards into the feeding position 11 of the mounting frame 1 by a lifting device, and the robot... The hand can be immediately reset to continue processing; the lifting device is removed, and the slide holder 101 falls onto the tray 151; then the drive unit 42 is activated, driving the pusher 2 to move to the side of the slide holder 101 away from the delivery position 12. During the process, the pusher 31 is aligned with the bottom of the slide holder 101 by the action of the first inclined guide surface 311 and the first elastic member 32; then the drive unit 42 is activated again, driving the pusher 2 to move in the opposite direction, thereby sliding the slide holder 101 with the pusher 2 from the delivery position 11 into the storage space 14 for temporary storage.

[0046] When there is a break in the time available for the robot to be used in the next process, the robot is first moved to the delivery position 12 by the lifting device installed at the feed port of the next process. Then, the drive unit 42 is activated to drive the push frame 2 to move towards the delivery position 12 until the glass slide holder 101 closest to the delivery position 12 enters the lifting device at the feed port of the next process. It can then be delivered to the robot in the next process for loading by the lifting device.

[0047] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A mechanism for connecting, transferring, pushing, and storing materials, characterized in that, The device includes a hollow mounting frame (1), a pusher frame (2) that slides along the length of the mounting frame (1), and a drive assembly (4) for driving the pusher frame (2) to slide. The two ends of the mounting frame (1) are a feeding position (11) and a feeding position (12), respectively. The mounting frame (1) has an opening (13) at the bottom corresponding to the feeding position (11) and the feeding position (12). The space between the feeding position (11) and the feeding position (12) in the mounting frame (1) is a storage space (14). The pusher frame (2) is equipped with a pusher assembly (3) for sliding the slide holder (101) from the feeding position (11) into the storage space (14) along with the pusher frame (2).

2. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher (2) is equipped with a connecting frame (21), which extends into the storage space (14) and corresponds to the bottom position. The pusher assembly (3) includes a pusher plate (31) and a first elastic member (32). The pusher plate (31) is rotatably mounted on the connecting frame (21). The pusher plate (31) has a vertical surface on one side near the delivery position (12) and a first inclined guide surface (311) on the other side. The two ends of the first elastic member (32) are respectively connected to the pusher plate (31) and the connecting frame (21). When the first elastic member (32) is in its natural state, the pusher plate (31) has a vertical surface on the side near the delivery position (12). The mounting frame (1) is equipped with an initial positioning member (15) for stabilizing the slide holder (101) in the delivery position (11) at the opening (13) of the delivery position (11).

3. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The initial positioning component (15) is provided in pairs, and the two initial positioning components (15) are respectively installed on opposite sides of the opening (13) of the feeding position (11). The initial positioning component (15) includes a support plate (151) and a second elastic component (152). The support plate (151) is rotatably installed on the mounting frame (1). A second inclined guide surface (153) is provided on the downward side of the support plate (151). The two ends of the second elastic component (152) are respectively connected to the mounting frame (1) and the support plate (151).

4. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (1) is provided with sliding grooves (16) on both sides of the storage space (14) for the slide holder (101) to slide into.

5. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sliding groove (16) on one side of the opening of the slide holder (101) is at a higher height than the sliding groove (16) on the other side; the support plate (151) on one side of the opening of the slide holder (101) is at a higher height than the support plate (151) on the other side; the height difference between the two sliding grooves (16) is consistent with the height difference between the two support plates (151).

6. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (1) is equipped with a rear baffle (17) on one side of the feeding position (11) to support the slide holder (101) away from the opening.

7. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (1) is equipped with a front baffle (18) located on the side of the opening of the corresponding slide holder (101).

8. The connecting transfer push-pull and storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (4) includes a lead screw (41) and a drive member (42). The lead screw (41) extends in the sliding direction of the push frame (2). The lead screw (41) is rotatably mounted on the mounting frame (1). The push frame (2) is threaded onto the lead screw (41). The drive member (42) is used to drive the lead screw (41) to rotate.

Images