Sample clamp for freezing scanning electron microscope and freezing scanning electron microscope
By designing a cryo-scanning electron microscope fixture with a sliding block and abutment, the problem of cumbersome sample fixation in the prior art has been solved, achieving simple and stable sample fixation, and improving operational efficiency and experimental reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing cryo-scanning electron microscope clamps are cumbersome to operate when fixing samples and are prone to sample misalignment, which reduces the success rate of breakage.
A sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy was designed. The sample box is easily fixed by the cooperation of the slider and the abutment, and the clamping or releasing can be achieved by simply adjusting the position of the abutment.
It improves operational efficiency and the convenience of sample loading and unloading, simplifies operational procedures, and ensures sample stability and experimental reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224123340U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clamping technology, and in particular to a sample clamp for cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Background Technology
[0002] Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) is an important tool for studying the ultrastructure of biological samples. Its core steps include freezing and fracturing the sample. The sample is first placed between two high-pressure frozen metal plates and frozen under pressure in a liquid nitrogen environment, followed by the cryo-fracture step. In the existing technology, the application of cryo-fracture sample clamps has significant limitations, especially when using clamps to fix the sample. The fixation step is very cumbersome and can easily lead to premature sample misalignment, thereby reducing the success rate of subsequent fracturing. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention provides a sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopes, which solves the problem of cumbersome sample loading and unloading steps in existing cryo-scanning electron microscope holders and improves the efficiency of sample loading and unloading.
[0004] An embodiment of this utility model discloses a sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy, comprising:
[0005] A base, wherein the base is provided with a mounting groove for mounting a sample box;
[0006] A slider, which is slidably disposed on the base along a first direction;
[0007] An abutment member, which is movably disposed on the base along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;
[0008] The mounting groove, the slider, and the abutment are arranged sequentially along the first direction. The abutment can abut against the slider, the slider can abut against the sample box, and the abutment can generate a force that causes the slider to move toward the mounting groove so that the slider clamps the sample box.
[0009] In some embodiments, the abutment member has a first inclined surface, the slider has a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface is located above the second inclined surface, the first inclined surface can apply a force to the second inclined surface, and the component of the force in the first direction is directed toward the mounting groove.
[0010] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a groove, the slider is disposed in the groove, the mounting groove is open on one side adjacent to the groove so as to communicate with the groove, and in the first direction, the size of the mounting groove is smaller than the size of the sample box.
[0011] In some embodiments, the abutment is a screw, the screw includes a conical section and a threaded section, the base is provided with a threaded hole extending in the second direction, the threaded section mates with the threaded hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the conical section is the first inclined surface.
[0012] In some embodiments, the slider has a first groove on the side adjacent to the screw, and the base has a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction to define a first hole. The conical segment is installed in the first hole, and the surfaces of the first groove and the second groove are adapted to the conical segment.
[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting slots are provided, and the plurality of mounting slots are arranged sequentially at intervals along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.
[0014] In some embodiments, the dimension of the mounting slot in the second direction is half the dimension of the sample box.
[0015] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the size of the groove is larger than the size of the slider.
[0016] The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscope of this utility model can clamp the sample box by moving the abutment downwards and the slider, thereby fixing the sample box on the base. The whole process is simple to operate. The clamping or releasing of the sample box can be achieved by simply adjusting the position of the abutment. No complicated tools or steps are required, which significantly improves the operating efficiency.
[0017] An embodiment of this utility model discloses a cryo-scanning electron microscope, comprising:
[0018] Organism;
[0019] A sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy, wherein the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy is the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy described in any of the above embodiments.
[0020] The cryo-scanning electron microscope of this invention has the advantages of simple operation and convenient sample loading and unloading. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy provided by this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy provided by this utility model.
[0024] Figure label:
[0025] 100. Sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy; 200. Sample box;
[0026] 1. Base; 11. Mounting slot; 12. Slide groove; 13. Threaded hole; 14. Second groove;
[0027] 2. Slider; 21. Second inclined plane; 22. First groove;
[0028] 3. Abutting part; 31. First inclined surface; 32. Conical section; 33. Threaded section. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sample holder 100 for cryo-scanning electron microscopy in this embodiment of the present invention includes a base 1, a slider 2, and an abutment 3.
[0031] The base 1 is provided with a mounting slot 11, which is used to mount the sample box 200.
[0032] The slider 2 is slidably mounted on the base 1 along the first direction.
[0033] The abutment 3 is movably disposed on the base 1 along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.
[0034] The mounting groove 11, the slider 2, and the abutment 3 are arranged sequentially along the first direction. The abutment 3 can abut against the slider 2, the slider 2 can abut against the sample box 200, and the abutment 3 can generate a force that causes the slider 2 to move toward the mounting groove 11 so that the slider 2 clamps the sample box 200.
[0035] For example, for ease of description, the technical solution of this utility model embodiment will be introduced below with the first direction being consistent with the left and right direction, the second direction being consistent with the up and down direction, and the third direction being consistent with the front and back direction.
[0036] The mounting slot 11, slider 2 and abutment 3 are arranged sequentially in the left-right direction. The abutment 3 and slider 2 can abut or separate, and slider 2 and sample box 200 can contact or separate.
[0037] When the abutment 3 moves downward, it applies a leftward force to the slider 2, causing the slider 2 to move toward the sample box 200 and thus abut against the sample box 200, fixing the sample box 200 to the base 1. When the abutment 3 is moved upward, the force applied by the abutment 3 to the slider 2 disappears, and the sample box 200 can be removed.
[0038] The sample holder 100 for cryo-scanning electron microscopy in this embodiment of the invention can clamp the sample box 200 by moving the abutment 3 downwards and the slider 2, thereby fixing the sample box 200 on the base 1. The whole process is simple and intuitive to operate. The clamping or releasing of the sample box 200 can be achieved by simply adjusting the position of the abutment 3. No complicated tools or steps are required, which significantly improves the operating efficiency. At the same time, the loading and unloading process is convenient and flexible, which enhances the convenience and practicality of use.
[0039] Therefore, the sample holder 100 for cryo-scanning electron microscopy in this embodiment of the present invention has the advantages of simple operation and convenient sample loading and unloading.
[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the abutment 3 is provided with a first inclined surface 31, and the slider 2 is provided with a second inclined surface 21. The first inclined surface 31 is located above the second inclined surface 21. The first inclined surface 31 can apply a force to the second inclined surface 21, and the component of the force in the first direction is directed toward the mounting groove 11.
[0041] For example, when the abutment 3 moves downward, the first inclined surface 31 will contact the second inclined surface 21 and apply force to it. Due to the design of the inclined surface, the force generates a component in the left-right direction towards the mounting groove 11, thereby pushing the slider 2 to move towards the mounting groove 11 on the left, and thus clamping the sample box 200. The cooperation of the first inclined surface 31 and the second inclined surface 21 not only realizes the effective transmission and direction conversion of force, but also makes the clamping process more stable and controllable, while reducing the complexity of the mechanical structure and improving the reliability and operating efficiency of the device.
[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the base 1 is provided with a slide groove 12, the slider 2 is provided in the slide groove 12, and the mounting groove 11 is arranged with an open side adjacent to the slide groove 12 so as to communicate with the slide groove 12. In the first direction, the size of the mounting groove 11 is smaller than the size of the sample box 200.
[0043] For example, the slide 12 restricts the range of motion of the slider 2, ensuring the accuracy of its movement trajectory; the mounting groove 11 is open on the side adjacent to the slide 12, so that the mounting groove 11 and the slide 12 are directly connected. This structural design not only facilitates the installation and disassembly of the sample box 200, but also provides sufficient movement space for the slider 2 to clamp the sample box 200.
[0044] In addition, the size of the mounting groove 11 is slightly smaller than that of the sample box 200 in the left-right direction. This size difference allows the right side of the sample box 200 to extend into the slide groove 12 after installation, so that it can be tightly clamped by the slider 2, preventing it from loosening or shifting during the experiment. This ensures the stability of the sample box 200 and the reliability of the experiment. The overall structure is simple and practical, and the operation is convenient and efficient.
[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the abutment 3 is a screw, which includes a conical section 32 and a threaded section 33. The base 1 is provided with a threaded hole 13 extending in the second direction. The threaded section 33 mates with the threaded hole 13. The outer circumferential surface of the conical section 32 is a first inclined surface 31.
[0046] The screw includes a conical section 32 and a threaded section 33. The conical section 32 is located above the threaded section 33. The base 1 is provided with a threaded hole 13 extending in the vertical direction. The threaded section 33 and the threaded hole 13 are connected by a threaded engagement, so that the screw can move in the vertical direction by rotating itself, thereby achieving precise position adjustment.
[0047] The outer circumferential surface of the conical segment 32 is the first inclined surface 31, i.e., the first inclined surface 31 is a conical surface. When the screw moves downward, the first inclined surface 31 contacts the second inclined surface 21 on the slider 2 and applies a force. The left-right component of this force pushes the slider 2 towards the mounting groove 11, thereby clamping the sample box 200. This screw structure design not only simplifies the manufacturing and installation process of the abutment 3, but also achieves precise control of the position of the abutment 3 through threaded engagement, making the adjustment of clamping force more flexible and reliable. At the same time, the inclined surface design of the conical segment 32 ensures the smooth transmission of force, reduces mechanical wear, and improves the service life and ease of operation of the device.
[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the slider 2 has a first groove 22 on the side adjacent to the screw, and the base 1 has a second groove 14. The first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction to define the first hole. The conical segment 32 is installed in the first hole, and the surface of the first groove 22 and the surface of the second groove 14 are adapted to the conical segment 32.
[0049] For example, the first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction, together defining a first hole. The conical segment 32 is installed in the first hole. The surfaces of the first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are adapted to the shape of the conical segment 32, so that the conical segment 32 can be stably embedded in the first hole and in close contact with the surfaces of the first groove 22 and the second groove 14.
[0050] This design not only ensures a more uniform and stable force transmission between the conical section 32 and the slider 2, but also prevents the conical section 32 from shifting or wobbling when subjected to force through the limiting effect of the first hole, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the device.
[0051] The surfaces of the first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are adapted to the conical segment 32, that is, the surfaces of the first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are both conical surfaces.
[0052] The surfaces of the first groove 22 and the second groove 14 are adapted to the conical section 32, reducing friction and wear between parts and extending the service life of the sample holder 100 for cryo-scanning electron microscopes.
[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple mounting slots 11, which are arranged at intervals along a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions.
[0054] For example, for ease of description, the technical solution of this utility model embodiment will be introduced below with the third direction being consistent with the front and back directions as an example.
[0055] Multiple mounting slots 11 are provided, and the multiple mounting slots 11 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the front-to-back direction. For example, there are two, three, or four mounting slots 11.
[0056] Multiple mounting slots 11 are evenly arranged in the front-to-back direction. Each mounting slot 11 is connected to the slide 12. The slider 2 can move in the left-to-right direction and clamp the sample box 200 in the corresponding mounting slot 11 by the force of the abutment 3.
[0057] The sample holder 100 for cryo-scanning electron microscopy in this embodiment of the invention is provided with multiple mounting slots 11 to process multiple samples simultaneously, and also realizes the synchronous fixation of multiple sample boxes 200. It is simple and efficient to operate, and is suitable for experimental scenarios that require the simultaneous processing of multiple samples, while ensuring the stability of each sample box 200 and the reliability of the experiment.
[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the dimension of the mounting groove 11 in the second direction is half the dimension of the sample box 200. This dimensional relationship ensures that exactly half the height of the sample box 200 is exposed above the base 1 after placement, which facilitates both clamping the sample and peeling off the upper part of the sample.
[0059] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the size of the groove 12 is slightly larger than the size of the slider 2. This design allows the slider 2 to slide freely in the left and right directions within the groove 12, while maintaining a certain gap to avoid jamming due to processing errors or thermal expansion and contraction. The size difference between the groove 12 and the slider 2 ensures the flexibility and smoothness of the slider 2's movement, and also ensures its stability and accuracy during movement by restricting the movement of the slider 2 in other directions.
[0060] Optionally, both the slide groove 12 and the slider 2 are circular, or both the slide groove 12 and the slider 2 are rectangular.
[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cryo-scanning electron microscope of this embodiment includes a body and a sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscope. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscope is the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscope described in any of the above embodiments.
[0062] The cryo-scanning electron microscope of this utility model can clamp the sample box 200 by moving the abutment 3 downwards and the slider 2, thereby fixing the sample box 200 on the base 1. The whole process is simple and intuitive to operate. The clamping or releasing of the sample box 200 can be achieved by simply adjusting the position of the abutment 3. No complicated tools or steps are required, which significantly improves the operating efficiency. At the same time, the loading and unloading process is convenient and flexible, which enhances the convenience and practicality of use.
[0063] Therefore, the cryo-scanning electron microscope of this utility model has the advantages of simple operation and convenient sample loading and unloading.
[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy, characterized in that, include: A base, wherein the base is provided with a mounting groove for mounting a sample box; A slider, which is slidably disposed on the base along a first direction; An abutment member, which is movably disposed on the base along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The mounting groove, the slider, and the abutment are arranged sequentially along the first direction. The abutment can abut against the slider, the slider can abut against the sample box, and the abutment can generate a force that causes the slider to move toward the mounting groove so that the slider clamps the sample box. The abutting member is provided with a first inclined surface, and the slider is provided with a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is located above the second inclined surface. The first inclined surface can apply a force to the second inclined surface, and the component of the force in the first direction is directed toward the mounting groove. The base is provided with a sliding groove, the slider is disposed in the sliding groove, the mounting groove is open on one side adjacent to the sliding groove so as to communicate with the sliding groove, and in the first direction, the size of the mounting groove is smaller than the size of the sample box.
2. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutment is a screw, which includes a conical section and a threaded section. The base is provided with a threaded hole extending in the second direction. The threaded section mates with the threaded hole, and the outer circumferential surface of the conical section is the first inclined surface.
3. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slider has a first groove on the side adjacent to the screw, and the base has a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction to define a first hole. The conical segment is installed in the first hole, and the surfaces of the first groove and the second groove are adapted to the conical segment.
4. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting slots are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple mounting slots are arranged at intervals along a third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.
5. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimension of the mounting slot in the second direction is half the dimension of the sample box.
6. The sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the size of the groove is larger than the size of the slider.
7. A cryo-scanning electron microscope, characterized in that, include: Organism; A sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy, wherein the sample holder for cryo-scanning electron microscopy is the same as that for cryo-scanning electron microscopy according to any one of claims 1-6.