Sample loading device of full-automatic dyeing system
The fully automated staining system uses a standard slide holder to achieve batch loading and automated barcode scanning of slides, solving the problems of low slide transfer efficiency and low space utilization, thus improving slide processing efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422752069.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing automated staining systems require transferring slides from laboratory slide racks to specialized staining system racks during slide processing, resulting in wasted manpower and time, and low space utilization.
Design a sample loading device for a fully automated staining system. Use a standard slide holder as the slide carrier to load samples in batches directly within the staining system. Improve slide transfer efficiency and space utilization by utilizing a transfer mechanism and a temporary storage area. Automated barcode scanning is achieved by combining a lifting component and a barcode scanning component.
It reduced the labor burden, improved the efficiency of slide transfer and the space utilization of the staining system, reduced consumable costs, and extended the time that staff could leave the machine.
Smart Images

Figure CN223796562U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of dyeing systems, and specifically to a sample loading device for a fully automatic dyeing system. Background Technology
[0002] Staining systems can operate at varying degrees of automation to process human or animal tissue samples for histological or pathological applications. Known staining systems have several drawbacks. For example, in current automated staining systems, technicians process biological samples and slides by processing one slide, placing it on a standard laboratory slide holder, and then processing the next slide. After a batch of slides is pre-processed, they are then loaded into the staining system for further processing. In the traditional process, technicians sequentially transfer slides from a standard laboratory slide holder to a dedicated staining system slide holder or incubation chamber, wasting significant time and effort. Utility Model Content
[0003] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sample loading device for an automatic dyeing system, which can load samples in batches and improve sample loading efficiency.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a sample loading device for a fully automated staining system, wherein the staining system has multiple reaction zones internally, and the staining system includes:
[0005] The sample loading mechanism includes a slide holder, which is a standard slide holder;
[0006] A transfer mechanism is included to transport a standard slide holder placed within the staining system to each reaction zone. The reaction zones include an immersion zone, a drying zone, and a mounting zone, all located within the staining system. The standard slide holder is a universally applicable laboratory slide holder, used by laboratory personnel to fix slides outside the staining system, and can also be used as a standard hospital slide holder.
[0007] The sample loading device of the staining system of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0008] ①The sample loading device of this application does not require the slides to be specially transferred to the staining rack or incubation room that is matched with the staining system. After the technicians have completed the sample pretreatment, they can directly place the universal standard slide rack loaded with slides into the sample loading mechanism for sample loading. The slide rack and several slides in the slide rack can be placed into the sample loading device at one time without transferring individual slides one by one, thus reducing the labor burden and the slide loading time.
[0009] ② The slide holder can move within the staining system as a carrier for slides in various reaction zones. During later slide transfer processes, the slides are directly carried within the slide holder and transferred as a whole, eliminating the need for additional transfer carriers. This significantly improves the space utilization rate within the staining system and increases its floor space efficiency. Furthermore, because all slides within a single slide holder move as a whole, the slide transfer efficiency is improved, thus increasing the overall slide processing efficiency of the staining system.
[0010] Furthermore, the sample loading mechanism includes a sample loading fixing groove, which can accommodate a slide holder that carries glass slides. With the sample loading fixing groove, during the sample loading process, technicians can simply place the slide holder containing glass slides into the sample loading fixing groove, which is convenient to operate.
[0011] Furthermore, the sample loading mechanism includes a lifting component and a scanning component. The lifting component drives the glass slides upward, and the scanning component scans the QR codes on the glass slides driven by the lifting component. Through the cooperation between the lifting component and the scanning component, it is ensured that the QR code on each lifted glass slide can be clearly scanned.
[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a driving component that drives the lifting component and the scanning component to move synchronously. By configuring the driving component, the positions of the lifting component and the scanning component are relatively fixed, ensuring that the distance between the scanning component and each lifted glass slide is the same.
[0013] Furthermore, the lifting assembly includes a lifting cylinder fixedly connected to the driving assembly. A lifting component is provided on the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder can drive the lifting component to move up and down. A limiting groove is provided at one end of the lifting component near the sample fixing groove. During the process of the lifting assembly lifting the glass slide, the glass slide can be accommodated in the limiting groove.
[0014] Furthermore, the slide holder includes two fixing plates disposed at its ends, and stop protrusions are provided on the outer surfaces of the two fixing plates, with the stop protrusions located near the upper ends of the fixing plates. The stop protrusions prevent the slide holder from detaching from the transfer mechanism during the clamping process, increasing safety during slide transfer.
[0015] Furthermore, the sample loading device also includes a temporary storage area for placing slides to be processed. Before the automatic staining system starts working, the number of slides in the temporary storage area is N, where N / n≥1, and n is the number of slides loaded in a single scan. Slides to be processed refer to slides on which the sample has been attached and the sample information has been scanned and entered by the loading mechanism, but which have not yet undergone pretreatment such as staining.
[0016] By setting up a temporary storage area to store slides processed by the sample loading mechanism, the sample loading mechanism can continue to process other slides, increasing the number of slides that can be loaded at one time, reducing the frequency of sample loading, extending the time that staff can leave the machine, and reducing the workload of staff.
[0017] Furthermore, the temporary storage area is provided with temporary storage fixing slots, and multiple temporary storage fixing slots are provided. Each temporary storage fixing slot can accommodate at least one slide holder containing a glass slide. By providing multiple temporary storage fixing slots, the number of glass slides that can be loaded at one time can be increased.
[0018] In some embodiments, the sample loading device includes a transfer mechanism that can transfer slides along with the slide holder to the temporary storage area. The transfer mechanism includes a linear module and grippers connected to the linear module. The linear module is a three-axis linear module that can drive the grippers to move in the X, Y, and Z axes. The transfer mechanism facilitates the batch transfer of slides, improving slide transfer efficiency.
[0019] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism also includes a clamping and rotating assembly connecting the linear module and the gripper. This assembly drives the gripper to clamp the slide holder and rotates the slide holder, changing its angle. By using this clamping and rotating assembly, both clamping and adjusting the slide holder's angle can be achieved. One component performs multiple functions, reducing the number of parts in the transfer mechanism and simplifying its structure. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form 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 of the present invention.
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sample loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a sample loading mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the sample loading mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a slide holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the temporary storage area according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0030] Figure 9 A perspective view of the transfer mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention without the guide member;
[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0032] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a guide component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0033] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the guide component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] In the picture:
[0035] 1. Sample loading mechanism; 11. Sample loading worktable; 12. Sample loading fixing groove; 13. Sample loading bracket; 14. Drive assembly; 141. Sample loading drive motor; 142. Slide rail; 143. Slider; 144. Lifting and barcode scanning support plate; 15. Lifting assembly; 151. Lifting cylinder; 152. Lifting component; 153. Limiting groove; 16. Barcode scanning assembly;
[0036] 2. Slide holder; 21. Fixing plate; 22. Fixing rod; 23. Spacer block; 24. Stop protrusion;
[0037] 3. Glass slide;
[0038] 4. Temporary storage area; 41. Temporary storage support plate; 42. Temporary storage fixing slot;
[0039] 5. Transfer mechanism; 51. Linear module; 52. Clamping and rotating assembly; 521. Motor; 522. Gear; 523. Guide component; 5231. Guide groove; 5232. Alternating groove; 53. Gripper; 531. Clamping part; 532. Connecting part; 533. Sawtooth. Detailed Implementation
[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0041] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0042] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, the sample loading device of the fully automated staining system of this application is used to load the sample tissue to be stained into the staining system. The sample tissue has been attached to the glass slide 3 by the operator outside the staining system. The purpose of the sample loading device is to load the sample tissue attached to the glass slide 3 into the staining system.
[0043] The sample loading device of this application includes a sample loading mechanism 1, which includes a sample loading fixing groove 12. The sample loading fixing groove 12 can accommodate a slide holder 2 that carries a glass slide 3. The slide holder 2 can serve as a carrier for fixing the glass slide 3 outside the staining system.
[0044] Since the slide holder 2 serves as a carrier for fixing the slides 3 outside the staining system, staff can directly use it to fix the slides 3 during pretreatment outside the staining system. During sample loading into the staining system, it is unnecessary to separately transfer the slides 3 to the staining rack or incubation chamber. After sample pretreatment, technicians can directly place the hospital-standard slide holder 2, loaded with slides 3, into the sample loading slot 12 for loading. This allows for the simultaneous placement of the slide holder 2 and several slides 3 within it into the slot 12, eliminating the need for sequential transfer of individual slides and reducing labor and loading time. Furthermore, by using the hospital-standard slide holder 2, there is no need to equip the immunohistochemistry staining rack with a dedicated slide holder 2, reducing the consumable costs of the staining system.
[0045] The slide holder 2 can move within the staining system as a carrier for the slides. During the subsequent transfer of slides 3, slides 3 are transferred as a whole within the slide holder 2, eliminating the need for an additional transfer carrier. This significantly improves the space utilization rate within the staining system and increases its floor space efficiency. The direct use of the slide holder 2 to carry the slides 3 within the machine provides flexibility. Furthermore, the overall movement of all slides 3 within a single slide holder 2 improves the transfer efficiency of slides 3 and provides a foundation for high-throughput sample introduction.
[0046] See appendix Figures 2-4 As shown, in some embodiments, the sample loading device includes a sample loading mechanism 1, which includes a sample loading worktable 11. The sample loading worktable 11 is fixedly connected to the support frame of the staining system, and the support frame supports and fixes the sample loading worktable 11. A sample loading fixing groove 12 is provided above the sample loading worktable 11. The sample loading fixing groove 12 is fixedly connected to the sample loading worktable 11 through a sample loading bracket 13. The sample loading fixing groove 12 is used to support the slide holder 2 containing the glass slides 3. During the sample loading process, the technician only needs to place the slide holder 2 containing the glass slides 3 into the sample loading fixing groove 12. The operation is simple, reducing the workload of sample loading and improving the sample loading efficiency.
[0047] In some embodiments, a gap is left between the bottom of the sample fixing groove 12 and the worktable, and a lifting through hole is provided at the bottom of the sample fixing groove 12. The width of the lifting through hole is smaller than the width of the fixing groove, and a groove bottom step is formed at the bottom of the lifting through hole and the bottom of the fixing groove, and the slide holder 2 is supported by the groove bottom step.
[0048] In some embodiments, the sample loading mechanism 1 further includes a drive assembly 14 disposed on the sample loading worktable 11. The drive assembly 14 includes a sample loading drive motor 141, a slide rail 142 disposed on the sample loading worktable 11, and a slider 143 that can slide along the slide rail 142. The slide rail 142 and the sample loading fixing groove 12 are arranged parallel to each other in the length direction. The sample loading drive motor 141 and the slider 143 are connected, and the sample loading drive motor 141 can drive the slider 143 to slide along the slide rail 142. A lifting barcode scanning support plate 144 is disposed on the slide rail 142, and the slide rail 142 can drive the lifting barcode scanning support plate 144 to slide synchronously along the slide rail 142. A lifting assembly 15 is disposed at one end of the lifting barcode scanning support plate 144 near the sample loading fixing groove 12, and the lifting assembly 15 and the support plate can slide along the slide rail 142 under the action of the drive motor. A barcode scanning component 16 is provided at the other end of the lifting barcode scanning support plate 144. The lifting barcode scanning support plate 144 can drive the lifting component 15 and the barcode scanning component 16 to slide synchronously along the slide rail 142.
[0049] The lifting assembly 15 is located in the gap directly below the sample fixing slot 12. As the lifting assembly 15 slides along the slide rail 142, it sequentially lifts the slides 3 on the slide holder 2, allowing the slides 3 to move vertically upwards. During the upward movement of the lifted slides 3, their height is higher than other slides 3. The scanning assembly 16 scans the QR code on the lifted slides 3, inputting the cell and tissue information on the slides 3 into the staining system. Since the lifting assembly 15 and the scanning assembly 16 are connected to the same lifting and scanning support plate 144, their positions are relatively fixed, ensuring that the distance between the scanning assembly 16 and each lifted slide 3 is the same, and ensuring that the QR code on each lifted slide 3 can be clearly scanned.
[0050] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 15 includes a lifting cylinder 151 fixedly connected to the lifting barcode scanning support plate 144. A lifting element 152 is provided on the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder 151, and the lifting cylinder 151 can drive the lifting element 152 to move up and down. A limiting groove 153 is provided at one end of the lifting element 152 near the sample fixing groove 12. The limiting groove 153 has a V-shaped structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. During the lifting of the glass slide 3, the glass slide 3 is located in the limiting groove 153. The limiting groove 153 guides and limits the glass slide 3, ensuring that the lifting element 152 can accurately lift the glass slide 3.
[0051] In some embodiments, one or more sample mounting slots 12 are provided, and each sample mounting slot 12 is equipped with a corresponding barcode scanning component 16 to input information about the glass slide 3 within the mounting slot 12. Exemplarily, one, two, three, or four sample mounting slots 12 can be provided, specifically determined based on the processing capacity and sample loading speed of the staining system. The more sample mounting slots 12 provided, the higher the sample loading efficiency; correspondingly, the sample loading mechanism 1 occupies a larger internal space within the staining system. In this embodiment, considering factors such as the staining system processing speed, sample loading efficiency, and the space occupied by the sample loading mechanism 1, two sample mounting slots 12 are provided.
[0052] In some embodiments, the barcode scanning component 16 is electrically connected to the control system of the staining system. The barcode scanning component 16 transmits the barcode information to the control system, which analyzes the barcode information, such as analyzing the staining solution suitable for the sample tissue on the slide. If it is found that the sample tissue on the same slide holder is not suitable for the same staining solution, the control system will activate the alarm system and issue an alarm through status lights, etc., and wait for technicians to handle the situation to ensure that the sample tissue on the same slide holder is suitable for the same staining solution.
[0053] See appendix Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the slide holder 2 includes two fixing plates 21 at its ends, which are connected by multiple parallel fixing rods 22. The fixing rods 22 fix the slides 3 in the left-right direction. Multiple spacers 23 are symmetrically arranged on the fixing rods 22. The slides 3 are placed between adjacent spacers 23. The spacers 23 ensure a certain distance between adjacent slides 3, preventing contamination between them and ensuring that adjacent slides do not interfere with each other during the lifting and scanning process.
[0054] In some embodiments, stop protrusions 24 are provided on the outer surfaces of both fixing plates 21, with the stop protrusions 24 positioned near the upper end of the fixing plates 21. The stop protrusions 24 prevent the slide holder 2 from falling off the transfer mechanism 5 during the clamping process, thus increasing the safety of the slide 3 transfer process.
[0055] The slide holder 2 consists of a fixing plate 21 and a fixing rod 22. It has a simple structure and is lightweight, which reduces the workload of technicians when loading and unloading samples. In the staining system, the power of the transfer mechanism 5 is reduced when the fixed holder is transferred.
[0056] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the sample loading device further includes a temporary storage area 4 for storing a large number of slides 3 with pre-entered information to be processed. Before the automatic staining system starts working, the number of slides 3 in the temporary storage area 4 is N, where n is the number of slides loaded in a single scan, and N / n≥1. Regarding the relationship between the number of samples in the temporary storage area 4 and the number of slides loaded in a single scan, currently, most methods involve placing a number of slides 3 equal to the number of slides loaded in a single scan into the processing chamber. After the staining process of one batch of scanned slides 3 is completed, a second batch of slides 3 needs to be loaded manually. In some embodiments of this utility model, by setting a temporary storage area to temporarily store slides processed by the sample loading mechanism, the sample loading mechanism can continue to scan and load other slides without having to wait until all the slides in the first batch are processed (which takes about 3-4 hours) before loading the second batch. This increases the number of slides that can be loaded by the operator at one time, reduces the operator's loading frequency, extends the operator's off-machine time, and reduces the operator's workload.
[0057] Unlike existing technologies, this application establishes a dedicated temporary storage area within the processing chamber. Note that this is not a slide holder as in existing technologies, but rather an area specifically designed to support the slide holder. This application provides a larger temporary storage area 4, necessitating a separate space within the processing chamber. This ensures sufficient space and location for the subsequent temporary storage of slides 3 within the processing chamber. After the sample loading mechanism 1 completes the sample information entry and control system, the slides 3 are transferred to the temporary storage area 4. For example, when the number of slides (n) loaded in a single scan is 60, and N / n = 5, the temporary storage area can hold 300 slides. After a batch of slides (e.g., 60 slides) has been stained, the slides in the temporary storage area continue the staining process without requiring further sample loading by staff, thus reducing the frequency of sample loading and extending staff off-machine time.
[0058] In some embodiments, the temporary storage area 4 includes a temporary storage support plate 41, on which a temporary storage fixing groove 42 is provided. The temporary storage fixing groove 42 is used to fix the slide holder 2 that holds the glass slides 3. The slide holder 2 can accommodate multiple glass slides 3.
[0059] In some embodiments, multiple temporary storage and fixing slots 42 are provided, which can simultaneously hold multiple slide holders 2. After the slides 3 are loaded by the loading mechanism 1, the loading slides 3, along with the slide holders 2, are transferred to the temporary storage and fixing slots 42 by the transfer mechanism 5, so that the slides 3 are in a queued processing state. Then, the loading mechanism 1 can process other slides 3, thereby increasing the number of slides 3 information entered at one time and increasing the number of slides 3 that the staining system can accommodate at the same time. After the information of the slides 3 is entered, the staining system can perform continuous and uninterrupted processing on its own, without the need for continuous loading by the staff, which can reduce the workload of the staff, extend the staff's off-site time, and reduce the labor burden.
[0060] In some embodiments, the number of temporary storage and fixing slots 42 can be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12. In this embodiment, 10 temporary storage and fixing slots 42 are set in the temporary storage area, which can simultaneously hold 10 slide holders 2. Together with the sample loading mechanism 1 itself, it has 12 sample loading fixing slots 12, which can accommodate 2 slide holders 2. The staining system can complete the loading of 360 slides 3 (taking 30 slides 3 per slide holder 2 as an example) for 12 slide holders 2 at one time. After loading 360 slides, the staining system can perform continuous and uninterrupted processing on its own. Even if the staff leaves the machine for a long time, it will not affect the processing efficiency of the staining system.
[0061] In some embodiments, the sample loading device further includes a transfer mechanism 5, which can transfer the glass slide 3 located in the sample loading mechanism 1 and the slide holder 2 carrying the glass slide 3 as a whole to the temporary storage area 4. By transferring the glass slide 3 and the slide holder 2 as a whole, the efficiency of transferring the glass slide 3 is improved, thereby improving the efficiency of the staining system in processing the glass slide 3.
[0062] In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 5 includes a linear module 51 connected to a frame, which supports and fixes the linear module 51. It also includes grippers connected to the linear module 51, which is a three-axis linear module capable of driving the grippers to move in the X, Y, and Z axes. Correspondingly, it is used to transfer the slide holder 2 from the sample loading stage 11 to the temporary storage area 4.
[0063] See appendix Figure 7-10 As shown, in some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 5 further includes a clamping rotation component 52, which is connected to the linear module 51 and the gripper 53. The clamping rotation component 52 can drive the gripper 53 to clamp the slide holder 2 and can rotate the slide holder 2 to change the orientation of the slide holder 2.
[0064] In some embodiments, the clamping rotation assembly 52 includes a motor 521 and a gear 522. The output shaft of the motor 521 is connected to the gear 522, and the motor 521 can drive the gear 522 to rotate. The gripper 53 includes two symmetrically arranged gripper members. Each gripper member includes a gripping portion 531 for gripping the slide holder 2 and a connecting portion 532 connected to the gear 522. A linear arrangement of serrations 533 is provided on the side of the connecting portion 532 near the gear 522. The serrations 533 connected to the two gripper members are located on opposite sides of the gear 522 and mesh with the gear 522. During the rotation of the gear 522, the serrations 533 drive the two gripper members to move closer or further apart, thereby clamping or releasing the slide holder 2 through the gripping portion 531. The gripper can hold the slide holder 2.
[0065] See appendix Figure 10-12 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping rotation assembly 52 further includes a guide member 523. The guide member 523 is provided with two parallel guide grooves 5231. The connecting part 532 is disposed in the guide groove 5231. During the process of the connecting part 532 moving towards each other under the action of the gear 522, the connecting part 532 moves along the guide groove 5231 in the guide groove 5231, which is more stable.
[0066] The guide member 523 is provided with a clearance groove 5232, the position of which is adapted to the position of the gear 522. The clearance groove 5232 is connected to the guide groove 5231. The gear 522 is accommodated in the clearance groove 5232 and can drive the gripper 53 to clamp the slide holder 2 through the sawtooth 533. The guide member 523 makes the connecting part 532 move more smoothly along the guide groove 5231. Furthermore, the clearance groove 5232 accommodates the gear 522, making the process of the gear 522 driving the gripper 53 to clamp the slide holder 2 safer.
[0067] After the clamping rotation assembly 52 drives the gripper 53 to clamp the slide holder 2, the linear module 51 moves the slide holder 2 and the slide 3 to a new location. When the slides are transferred to the temporary storage area 4, the motor drives the clamping rotation assembly 52 to continue rotating via the rotating shaft. This causes the gripper to engage the slide holder 2 and continue rotating, adjusting the angle of the slide holder 2 so that it can be accurately placed into the temporary storage fixing slot 42 in the temporary storage area 4. By setting up the clamping rotation assembly 52, both clamping the slide holder 2 and adjusting its angle can be accomplished. One assembly performs multiple functions, reducing the number of parts in the transfer mechanism 5, simplifying its structure, and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0068] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it. They cannot be used to limit the protection scope of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A sample loading device for a fully automated staining system, wherein the staining system has multiple reaction zones internally, characterized in that, include: The sample loading mechanism includes a slide holder, which is a standard slide holder; A transfer mechanism for conveying a standard slide holder placed within the staining system to each reaction zone.
2. The sample loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample loading mechanism includes a sample loading fixing groove, which can accommodate a slide holder that carries glass slides.
3. The sample loading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sample loading mechanism includes a lifting component and a scanning component. The lifting component can drive the glass slide in the sample loading fixing slot to move upward, and the scanning component can scan the glass slide driven by the lifting component.
4. The sample loading device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sample loading mechanism also includes a driving component, which can drive the lifting component and the scanning component to move synchronously.
5. The sample loading device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes a lifting cylinder fixedly connected to the driving assembly. A lifting component is provided on the telescopic rod of the lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder can drive the lifting component to move up and down. A limiting groove is provided at one end of the lifting component near the sample fixing groove. During the process of the lifting assembly lifting the glass slide, at least a part of the glass slide can be accommodated in the limiting groove.
6. The sample loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide holder includes two fixing plates at the ends, and a stop protrusion is provided on the outer side of the two fixing plates, with the stop protrusion located near the upper end of the fixing plate.
7. The sample loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample loading device also includes a temporary storage area for placing glass slides to be processed. Before the staining system starts working, the number of glass slides in the temporary storage area is N, where N / n≥1, and n is the number of glass slides loaded in a single scan.
8. The sample loading device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temporary storage area is provided with a temporary storage fixing slot, which can accommodate at least one slide holder containing a glass slide.
9. The sample loading device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sample loading device includes a transfer mechanism that can transfer the slide along with the slide holder to the temporary storage area. The transfer mechanism includes a linear module and grippers connected to the linear module. The linear module is a three-axis linear module that can drive the grippers to move in the X, Y and Z axis directions.
10. The sample loading apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism also includes a clamping rotation assembly that connects the linear module and the gripper. The clamping rotation assembly can drive the gripper to clamp the slide holder and can rotate the slide holder to change the angle of the slide holder.