A slide stainer

Abstract

The utility model provides a slide dyeing appearance, including a casing, be provided with a chassis and electric control system in the casing, be provided with the dyeing jar and / or washing jar for slide dyeing on the chassis, at least one rack is provided above the chassis, be provided with the dyeing jar and / or washing jar for slide dyeing on the left and right sides of rack, the rear side of casing is provided with the hand grip device, the hand grip device includes horizontal moving assembly, vertical moving assembly, hand grip subassembly, the hand grip subassembly includes mounting seat, with the hand grip cross bar of dyeing jar and washing jar width direction parallel setting, set up the hand grip below the hand grip cross bar, the middle part of rack is provided with the cross bar passageway for the hand grip cross bar passes. The utility model discloses through double -deck cylinder body layout to promote space utilization and processing flux, design high stability's hand grip device and carrier interlock structure prevent slide to fall off when shifting, design hand grip subassembly smooth movement and moving path realize the accurate positioning of carrier in the jar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a slide staining instrument. Background Technology

[0002] In biomedical testing fields such as pathology, cytology, and microbiology, slide staining is a core step in sample processing, directly affecting the accuracy of diagnostic results. Traditional staining procedures rely on manual operation, requiring technicians to sequentially immerse slides containing biological samples (such as tissue sections and cell smears) into different reagent tanks for staining, washing, and differentiation. This method suffers from significant drawbacks, including low efficiency, poor consistency, high risk of cross-contamination, and low operational safety.

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned problems, automated slide staining equipment has emerged. Current technology primarily automates the process by using robotic arms to grasp slide carriers and transfer them between multiple functional cylinders. However, current equipment still suffers from the following technical bottlenecks: the equipment occupies a large area but has limited throughput; the robotic grippers often employ simple clamping or vacuum adsorption methods, resulting in low slide transfer stability and a tendency to damage samples.

[0004] With the development of precision medicine, the annual volume of slides processed by pathology laboratories worldwide continues to grow. High-throughput, zero-damage, and standardized staining have become rigid requirements. Developing a slide staining instrument with high space utilization, stable transfer, and safe integration is a key technological direction for solving industry pain points. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, this utility model provides a slide staining instrument, which improves space utilization and throughput through a double-layer cylinder layout, designs a highly stable gripper device and carrier interlocking structure to prevent slides from falling off during transfer, and designs a gripper assembly for smooth movement and a movement path to achieve precise positioning of the carrier in the cylinder.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] In some embodiments, a slide staining apparatus is provided, including a housing, a chassis and an electrical control system disposed within the housing, a staining tank and / or a washing tank for staining slides disposed on the chassis, at least one frame disposed above the chassis, staining tanks and / or washing tanks for staining slides disposed on the left and right sides of the frame, a gripper device disposed on the rear side of the housing, the gripper device including a horizontal moving component, a vertical moving component horizontally slidably disposed on the horizontal moving component, and a gripper component vertically slidably disposed on the vertical moving component, the gripper component including a mounting base, a gripper crossbar connected to the mounting base and disposed parallel to the width direction of the staining tank and the washing tank, and a gripper disposed below the gripper crossbar and matched with a slide carrier for holding slides, and a crossbar channel for the gripper crossbar to pass through is provided in the middle of the frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the width of the staining tank and the washing tank is sufficient to accommodate at least two slide carriers, and the number of grippers matches the number of slide carriers that can be placed in a single staining tank or washing tank.

[0009] In some embodiments, the slide carrier includes front and rear limiting baffles, left and right limiting crossbars, and a slide crossbar disposed below the left and right limiting crossbars and connected to the front and rear limiting baffles. The slide crossbar has a plurality of first protrusions on its upper side, and the left and right limiting crossbars have second protrusions that match the first protrusions on their inner sides. A space for placing a slide is formed between adjacent first and second protrusions. The front and rear limiting baffles extend upward and are provided with carrier hooks that open downward and outward, and the gripper is a gripper hook that opens upward.

[0010] In some embodiments, a limiting part is provided between the carrier hook and the front and rear limiting baffles, and the dyeing tank and the washing tank are provided with limiting slots for locking the limiting part.

[0011] In some embodiments, the slide staining apparatus further includes a water system, a washing tank having water pipe channels for water supply and drainage, and an overflow opening on one side above the washing tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, a water bath is provided on the chassis, the water bath including a receiving cavity for containing water, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a heating device disposed below the water bath.

[0013] In some embodiments, a partition frame is provided on the lower side of the receiving cavity, and a partition plate is provided on the partition frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, the slide staining apparatus further includes a ventilation system, which includes an exhaust fan disposed at the rear of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the horizontal movement component includes a horizontally positioned horizontal guide rail, a horizontal slider slidably positioned on the horizontal guide rail, and a horizontal drive component that drives the horizontal slider to move horizontally.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vertical movement component includes a vertical guide rail disposed on a horizontal slider and disposed vertically, a vertical slider slidably disposed on the vertical guide rail, and a vertical drive component for driving the vertical slider to move vertically, with a mounting base mounted on the vertical slider.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: The equipment adopts a double-layer cylinder layout of "chassis + frame", and the width of each cylinder is twice that of a traditional cylinder. The unique design of the crossbar channel reserved in the middle of the frame improves space utilization and throughput. The gripper device adopts a two-stage "horizontal-vertical" moving structure, which, together with the slide carrier, enables precise positioning and stable operation of multi-station operations, while effectively preventing slides from falling off during transfer. The heating device of the water bath ensures the constant temperature function of the water bath, which can be used at any time for experiments, improving efficiency. At the same time, the isolation frame and isolation plate prevent the heating device from directly contacting the slide carrier, avoiding uneven temperature of the slides. The unique limiting structure of the slide carrier and the slide placement space ensure that each slide is isolated from each other and placed stably, avoiding interference, contamination and breakage between slides. The limiting part and the limiting slot cooperate to prevent the slide carrier from moving inside the cylinder. The shell and ventilation system are designed to achieve full-process enclosure and effective control of exhaust gas emissions, avoiding cross-contamination of experiments and emission of harmful gases. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a slide staining apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure on the chassis of some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing tank in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper assembly in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a slide staining apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a glass slide carrier according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water bathtub according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a bathtub according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 11. Chassis; 12. Frame; 13. Crossbar channel; 2. Dyeing tank; 3. Washing tank; 31. Water pipe channel; 32. Overflow opening; 33. Limiting slot; 41. Mounting base; 42. Handle crossbar; 43. Handle; 5. Slide carrier; 51. Front and rear limiting baffles; 52. Left and right limiting crossbars; 53. Slide crossbar; 54. Carrier hook; 55. First protrusion; 56. Second protrusion; 57. Limiting part; 6. Water bath; 61. Receiving cavity; 62. Water inlet; 63. Water outlet; 64. Heating device; 65. Isolation frame; 66. Isolation plate; 7. Exhaust fan; 8. Horizontal guide rail; 9. Vertical guide rail; 10. Slide. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. The interpretation of such terms should be made from the perspective of a person skilled in the art. For example, "above" or "below" should be understood as the positional relationship of the main structure or structure of a component in its initial state, which may be broken during movement. "...set on" should be understood as the general connection relationship of the components, not necessarily above.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "setting," "installing," "connecting," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly from the perspective of someone skilled in the art. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0031] refer to Figure 1-4 In some embodiments, the slide staining apparatus includes a housing 1, within which a chassis 11, an electrical control system, and a water system are disposed. The chassis 11 is equipped with a staining tank 2 and / or a washing tank 3 for staining the slides 10. The washing tank 3 is provided with water pipe channels 31 for water supply and drainage. An overflow opening 32 is provided on one side of the washing tank 3, allowing water in the washing tank 3 to overflow according to a preset structure, preventing contamination. At least one frame 12 is disposed above the chassis 11, with the staining tank 2 and / or washing tank 3 for staining the slides 10 disposed on both sides of the frame 12. As a preferred embodiment, the number of frames 12 is one. Of course, depending on different usage requirements, the number of frames 12 can be set to other numbers, such as two or three, or even more. A gripper device is provided on the rear side of the housing 1. The gripper device includes a horizontal moving component, a vertical moving component that is horizontally slidably disposed on the horizontal moving component, and a gripper component that is vertically slidably disposed on the vertical moving component. The gripper component includes a mounting base 41, a gripper crossbar 42 that is connected to the mounting base 41 and is arranged parallel to the width direction of the dyeing tank 2 and the washing tank 3, and a gripper 43 that is disposed below the gripper crossbar 42 and matches the slide carrier 5 used to hold the slide 10. A crossbar channel 13 for the gripper crossbar 42 to pass through is provided in the middle of the frame 12. As a preferred embodiment, the horizontal moving component includes a horizontally arranged horizontal guide rail 8, a horizontal slider slidably arranged on the horizontal guide rail 8, and a horizontal driving component that drives the horizontal slider to move horizontally. The horizontal driving component can drive the horizontal slider to move horizontally by means of a screw or a transmission belt. The vertical moving component includes a vertically arranged vertical guide rail 9 arranged on the horizontal slider, a vertical slider slidably arranged on the vertical guide rail 9, and a vertical driving component that drives the vertical slider to move vertically. The vertical driving component can drive the vertical slider to move vertically by means of a screw or a transmission belt. The mounting base 41 is mounted on the vertical slider.

[0032] The equipment adopts a double-layer cylinder layout of "chassis 11 + frame 12", which greatly improves space utilization and processing capacity. Under the control of the electronic control system, through the cooperation of the horizontal drive component and the vertical drive component, and through the design of the crossbar channel 13, the gripper component can achieve stable and rapid precise positioning on different cylinders, while effectively preventing the glass slide 10 from falling off during transfer.

[0033] refer to Figure 1-3 In some embodiments, the width of the staining tank 2 and the washing tank 3 is sufficient to accommodate at least two slide carriers 5, and the number of grippers 43 matches the number of slide carriers 5 that can be placed in a single staining tank 2 or washing tank 3. As a preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the width of the staining tank 2 and the washing tank 3 is sufficient to accommodate two slide carriers 5, and the number of grippers 43 is four. The number of slide carriers 5 that can be placed in each tank is double that of a conventional tank, further significantly improving space utilization and throughput. Of course, depending on different usage requirements, the width of the staining tank 2 and the washing tank 3 can accommodate other numbers of slide carriers 5, such as three or four, or even more, and the number of grippers 43 is set accordingly.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the slide staining apparatus 10 also includes a ventilation system, which includes an exhaust fan 7 located at the rear of the housing 1. The housing 1 and the ventilation system configuration achieve a fully enclosed process and effective control of exhaust gas emissions, avoiding cross-contamination during experiments and the emission of harmful gases.

[0035] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the slide carrier 5 includes front and rear limiting baffles 51, left and right limiting crossbars 52, and a slide crossbar 53 disposed below the left and right limiting crossbars 52 and connected to the front and rear limiting baffles 51. The slide crossbar 53 has several first protrusions 55 on its upper side, and the left and right limiting crossbars 52 have second protrusions 56 that match the first protrusions 55 on their inner side. A space for placing the slide 10 is formed between adjacent first protrusions 55 and second protrusions 56. The front and rear limiting baffles 51 extend upwards and are provided with carrier hooks 54 that open downwards and outwards, and the gripper 43 is a gripper hook with an upward opening. The unique limiting structure of the slide carrier 5 and the slide 10 placement space ensure that each slide 10 is isolated from each other and placed stably, avoiding interference, contamination, and breakage between the slides 10.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, a limiting part 57 is provided between the carrier hook 54 and the front and rear limiting baffles 51, and limiting slots 33 for holding the limiting part 57 are provided on the dyeing tank 2 and the washing tank 3. The limiting part 57 cooperates with the limiting slots 33 to prevent the slide carrier 5 from moving inside the tank.

[0037] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, a water bath 6 is mounted on the chassis 11. The water bath 6 includes a receiving cavity 61 for containing water, a water inlet 62, a water outlet 63, and a heating device 64 disposed below the water bath 6. An isolation frame 65 is disposed below the receiving cavity 61, and an isolation plate 66 is disposed on the isolation frame 65. The heating device 64 of the water bath 6 ensures the constant temperature function of the water bath 6, making it readily available for testing and improving efficiency. At the same time, the isolation frame 65 and the isolation plate 66 prevent the heating device 64 from directly contacting the slide carrier 5, thus avoiding uneven temperature distribution on the slide 10.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A slide staining apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a housing, within which a chassis and an electrical control system are disposed. The chassis is equipped with a staining tank and / or a washing tank for staining glass slides. At least one frame is disposed above the chassis. Staining tanks and / or washing tanks for staining glass slides are disposed on the left and right sides of the frame. A gripping device is disposed at the rear of the housing. The gripping device includes a horizontal moving component, a vertical moving component slidably disposed on the horizontal moving component, and a gripper component slidably disposed on the vertical moving component. The gripper component includes a mounting base, a gripper crossbar connected to the mounting base and arranged parallel to the width direction of the staining and washing tanks, and a gripper disposed below the gripper crossbar and matching a glass slide carrier for holding glass slides. A crossbar channel for the gripper crossbar to pass through is provided in the middle of the frame.

2. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the staining tank and the washing tank is sufficient to accommodate at least two slide carriers, and the number of grippers matches the number of slide carriers that can be placed in a single staining tank or washing tank.

3. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide carrier includes front and rear limiting baffles, left and right limiting crossbars, and a slide crossbar located below the left and right limiting crossbars and connected to the front and rear limiting baffles. The slide crossbar has a plurality of first protrusions on its upper side, and the left and right limiting crossbars have second protrusions that match the first protrusions on their inner sides. A space for placing a slide is formed between adjacent first and second protrusions. The front and rear limiting baffles extend upward and are provided with carrier hooks that open downward and outward, and the gripper is a gripper hook that opens upward.

4. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, A limiting part is provided between the carrier hook and the front and rear limiting baffles, and the dyeing tank and the washing tank are provided with limiting slots for locking the limiting part.

5. The slide staining apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a water system, wherein the washing tank is provided with water pipe channels for water supply and drainage, and an overflow opening is provided on one side above the washing tank.

6. The slide staining apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A water bath is mounted on the chassis. The water bath includes a water-containing cavity, an inlet, an outlet, and a heating device located below the water bath.

7. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, An isolation frame is provided on the lower side of the receiving cavity, and an isolation plate is provided on the isolation frame.

8. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a ventilation system, which includes an exhaust fan located at the rear of the housing.

9. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal movement component includes a horizontally positioned horizontal guide rail, a horizontal slider slidably positioned on the horizontal guide rail, and a horizontal drive component that drives the horizontal slider to move horizontally.

10. The slide staining apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vertical movement component includes a vertical guide rail disposed on the horizontal slider and vertically arranged, a vertical slider slidably disposed on the vertical guide rail, and a vertical drive component for driving the vertical slider to move vertically, wherein the mounting base is mounted on the vertical slider.

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