Sample freezing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sample freezing apparatus which easily freezes a sample in a desired state.SOLUTION: A sample freezing apparatus includes: a first support part for supporting a removal part for removing an excess sample solution from a penetrated part where the sample solution is penetrated; a retreat mechanism for retreating the first support part, from a removal position where the removal part can remove the sample solution from the penetrated part; a second support part for supporting the penetrated part; a moving mechanism for moving the second support part, so that the penetrated part enters into a freezing space where the sample solution is frozen; and a control part for controlling the retreat mechanism and the moving mechanism, wherein the control part controls retreat of the first support part by the retreat mechanism, and movement of the second support part by the moving mechanism, so that a time until the penetrated part enters into the freezing space after the first support part starts to be retreated from the removal position is one second or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample freezing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for fixing a sample such as a protein in a desired state by freezing the sample in a solution. This method makes it easy to observe the sample in a desired state.

[0003] The freezing of the sample is performed, for example, by the device described in Non-Patent Document 1. In this device, an operator first soaks a grid with a sample solution. Next, an arm of the device brings filter paper into contact with the grid, and excess sample solution is removed. Finally, the arm supporting the filter paper retracts from the grid, and the device drops the grid into the freezing liquid. This causes the sample to freeze together with the solution. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., “Preparation of cryo-EM samples using the Vitrobot system”, [online], Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., [Retrieved November 8, 2023], Internet <URL:https: / / www.thermofisher.com / jp / ja / home / electron-microscopy / products / sample-preparation-equipment-em / vitrobot-system.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the device described in Non-Patent Document 1, it takes a certain amount of time (e.g., about 3 to 4 seconds) from when the filter paper starts to separate from the grid until the grid falls into the freezing liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "cooling standby time"). However, during this cooling standby time, evaporation of the sample solution may progress, and the state of the sample solution (humidity, etc.) may change. Therefore, it may be difficult to freeze the sample in the desired state.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a sample freezing device that can easily freeze a sample in a desired state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the sample freezing device of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a first support part that supports a removal part for removing excess sample solution from a penetration part that has been permeated with the sample solution, a retraction mechanism that retracts the first support part from a removal position where the removal part can remove the sample solution from the penetration part, a second support part that supports the penetration part, a moving mechanism that moves the second support part so that the penetration part enters a freezing space where the sample solution is frozen, and a control unit that controls the retraction mechanism and the moving mechanism, and the control unit controls the retraction of the first support part by the retraction mechanism and the movement of the second support part by the moving mechanism so that the time from when the first support part begins to retract from the removal position to when the penetration part enters the freezing space is 1 second or less.

[0008] Furthermore, in aspect 2 of the present invention, in the sample freezing device of aspect 1, the retraction mechanism has a first attraction body that moves in conjunction with the first support part, and a first magnetic attraction part that is driven by an electric current to magnetically attract the first attraction body, and the control part controls the current flowing through the first magnetic attraction part.

[0009] Furthermore, in aspect 3 of the present invention, in the sample freezing device of aspect 1 or aspect 2, the moving mechanism has a second attraction body that engages with the second support part so as to restrict the movement of the second support part, and a second magnetic attraction part that is driven by an electric current to magnetically attract the second attraction body so as to release the engagement between the second attraction body and the second support part, and the control unit controls the current flowing to the second magnetic attraction part.

[0010] Moreover, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sample freezing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the movement mechanism has a biasing part for promoting the movement of the second support part.

[0011] Moreover, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sample freezing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the removal section is provided on a single side as viewed from the penetration section.

[0012] Furthermore, aspect 6 of the present invention relates to a sample freezing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, further comprising an optical unit that changes the direction of light emitted from the light source so that the light emitted from the light source is irradiated to the penetration portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sample freezing device of the sixth aspect, at least a part of the optical unit moves in conjunction with the penetration unit when the penetration unit moves toward the freezing space by the moving mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sample freezing device that can easily freeze a sample in a desired state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sample freezing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a grid into which a sample solution is soaked, (B) is an enlarged view of region B shown in (A), and (C) is an enlarged view of region B shown in (B). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the periphery of a base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the periphery of a second support part according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A is a diagram showing an engagement between a restriction mechanism and a second support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing the periphery of a first support part according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A is a diagram showing a state in which a first support part according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a removal position, (B) is a diagram showing a state subsequent to (A), and (C) is a diagram showing another state subsequent to (A). [Figure 9] 1A is a schematic diagram of a sample freezing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state following FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a state following FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, a sample freezing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] <Summary> As shown in Fig. 1, the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first support section 10, a second support section 20, a stand 30, a guide section 40, a retraction mechanism 51, a restriction mechanism 52, an optical section 60, and a control section 70. The sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment is used together with a tweezers assembly 100, a grid 110 soaked in a sample solution, a filter paper 120, a freezing container 130, and a light source 140 (see Fig. 9). The grid 110 is supported by the second support section 20 via the tweezers assembly 100, and the filter paper 120 is supported by the first support section 10 (details will be described later).

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the grid 110. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the grid 110 has a plate portion 111 in which a plurality of holes 111a are formed. The plate portion 111 is, for example, a thin copper plate. The outer shape of the plate portion 111 is, for example, a circle with a diameter of about several mm. The shape of the holes 111a is, for example, a square with each side having a length of about several tens of μm.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2(b), each hole 111a of the plate portion 111 is provided with a membrane portion 112 having a plurality of pores 112a formed therein. The membrane portion 112 is, for example, a carbon film having a thickness of about several tens of nm. The shape of the pores 112a is, for example, a circle having a diameter of about several μm. As shown in FIG. 2(c), a sample solution 114 in which a sample 113 is dissolved permeates each of the pores 112a of the membrane portion 112. The grid 110 holds the sample solution 114 in the pores 112a by surface tension. The sample 113 may be, for example, a protein. The grid 110 for permeating the sample solution is also called a permeation portion.

[0020] The filter paper 120 (see FIG. 1) functions as a removal section that removes excess sample solution from the grid 110. The filter paper 120 absorbs excess sample solution from the grid 110.

[0021] The freezing container 130 has a freezing space S for freezing the sample solution. The freezing space S is filled with, for example, a freezing liquid capable of freezing the sample solution. Examples of the freezing liquid include liquid ethane, liquid propane, or a mixture thereof. The freezing container 130 is placed on, for example, a work surface such as a desk.

[0022] An opening 130a and a recess 131 are formed on the top surface of the freezing container 130 according to this embodiment. The opening 130a is in communication with the freezing space S. The recess 131 has an annular shape in a plan view. The recess 131 surrounds the opening 130a in a plan view. The recess 131 may be filled with liquid ethane.

[0023] In the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, after removing excess sample solution from the grid 110 by the filter paper 120, the grid 110 is caused to enter the freezing space S from the opening 130a, thereby freezing the sample solution. Note that the sample solution may be permeated into the grid 110 after the grid 110 is supported by the second support part 20. Alternatively, the grid 110 may be supported by the second support part 20 after the sample solution is permeated into the grid 110.

[0024] Hereinafter, the positional relationship of each component of the sample freezing device 1 will be described by setting an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. In this specification, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction X, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the front-back direction Y, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the up-down direction Z. Viewing from the up-down direction Z is referred to as planar view. The +X direction is referred to as the right, and the -X direction is referred to as the left. The +Y direction is referred to as the rear (back side), and the -Y direction is referred to as the front (near side). The +Z direction is referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction is referred to as the downward direction. In the following description, a case will be described in which the up-down direction Z coincides with the direction in which gravity acts (gravity direction). However, the up-down direction Z does not have to coincide with the gravity direction. In other words, the up-down direction Z may be inclined with respect to the gravity direction.

[0025] <Stand 30> 1 and 3, the stand 30 according to this embodiment has a bottom 31, a column 32, and a beam 33. The bottom 31 is placed on a work surface such as a desk. The bottom 31, the column 32, and the beam 33 are fixed to each other.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the bottom 31 according to this embodiment has a U-shape that is convex toward the rear (rear side) in a plan view. The freezing container 130 is disposed, for example, inside the U-shape of the bottom 31. The pillar 32 extends upward from the rear part of the bottom 31. The beam 33 protrudes forward (near side) from an appropriate position in the vertical direction Z of the pillar 32. As shown in Fig. 3, at least one screw hole H1b (two in the illustrated example) is formed on the upper surface of the beam 33 at an interval in the front-rear direction Y.

[0027] <Guide part 40> The guide portion 40 guides the movement (described in detail later) of the second support portion 20. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the guide portion 40 according to this embodiment has a base portion 41, a pair of guide rods 42A, 42B (first guide rod 42A and second guide rod 42B), a handle 43, a spring push 44, a biasing portion 45 (first coil spring 45A and second coil spring 45B), an adjustment screw 46, a pair of linear bushes 47A, 47B (first linear bush 47A and second linear bush 47B), and a mirror fixing portion 48 (see Fig. 1).

[0028] 1 and 4, each of the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B extends in the up-down direction Z. The second support portion 20 is fixed to the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B (described in detail later).

[0029] 4, each of the guide rods 42A, 42B penetrates the base 41, the spring push 44, and the biasing portion 45 (first coil spring 45A and second coil spring 45B) in the vertical direction Z. Each of the guide rods 42A, 42B is configured to be movable in the vertical direction Z relative to the base 41, the spring push 44, and the biasing portion 45 (details will be described later).

[0030] The base 41, the spring push 44, and the biasing portion 45 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in a state in which the guide rods 42A and 42B are inserted. The base 41, the spring push 44, and the biasing portion 45 are located above the second support portion 20 fixed to the guide rods 42A and 42B.

[0031] 1 and 4, the handle 43 is fixed to a pair of guide rods 42A, 42B so as to connect the upper end of the first guide rod 42A to the upper end of the second guide rod 42B. In the illustrated example, the second guide rod 42B is longer than the first guide rod 42A. Therefore, the lower end of the second guide rod 42B is located lower than the lower end of the first guide rod 42A.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the base 41 according to this embodiment has a main portion 41a extending in the left-right direction X and a fixing portion 41b extending in the front-rear direction Y.

[0033] The fixing portion 41b protrudes rearward from the left end of the main portion 41a. The fixing portion 41b has at least one screw hole H1a (two in the illustrated example) spaced apart in the front-rear direction Y.

[0034] The screw hole H1a penetrates the fixing portion 41b in the up-down direction Z. By screwing a screw SC1 into the screw hole H1b through the screw hole H1a, the fixing portion 41b is fixed to the beam portion 33. By fixing the fixing portion 41b to the beam portion 33, the base 41 is fixed to the stand 30.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main portion 41a is formed with a pair of guide holes 41cA, 41cB (first guide hole 41cA and second guide hole 41cB), an adjustment hole 41d, and a mirror hole 41e.

[0036] The pair of guide holes 41cA, 41cB are located at both ends of the main portion 41a in the left-right direction X. That is, the first guide hole 41cA is located at the right end of the main portion 41a, and the second guide hole 41cB is located at the left end of the main portion 41a.

[0037] 4, each of the pair of guide holes 41cA, 41cB penetrates the main portion 41a in the up-down direction Z. A pair of guide rods 42A, 42B are inserted into the pair of guide holes 41cA, 41cB, respectively. That is, the first guide rod 42A is inserted into the first guide hole 41cA, and the second guide rod 42B is inserted into the second guide hole 41cB.

[0038] In this embodiment, each of the guide holes 41cA, 41cB has a small diameter portion 41c1 and a large diameter portion 41c2. The small diameter portion 41c1 opens to the lower surface of the main portion 41a. The large diameter portion 41c2 opens to the upper surface of the main portion 41a. The small diameter portion 41c1 and the large diameter portion 41c2 communicate with each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0039] The diameter of the small diameter portion 41c1 is larger than the diameters of the guide rods 42A and 42B. This allows the guide rods 42A and 42B to move in the vertical direction Z relative to the base portion 41.

[0040] The diameter of the large diameter portion 41c2 is larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 41c1. Therefore, when the guide rods 42A, 42B are inserted into the guide holes 41cA, 41cB, a gap 41g is generated between the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 41c2 and the outer peripheral surfaces of the guide rods 42A, 42B.

[0041] The pair of linear bushes 47A and 47B described above are disposed in the gap 41g. That is, the first linear bush 47A is disposed in the gap 41g between the outer peripheral surface of the first guide rod 42A and the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 41c2 of the first guide hole 41cA. The second linear bush 47B is disposed in the gap 41g between the outer peripheral surface of the second guide rod 42B and the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 41c2 of the second guide hole 41cB.

[0042] The pair of linear bushings 47A, 47B each guide the movement direction of the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B in the up-down direction Z. That is, the first linear bushing 47A guides the movement direction of the first guide rod 42A in the up-down direction Z, and the second linear bushing 47B guides the movement direction of the second guide rod 42B in the up-down direction Z. By using the linear bushings 47A, 47B, it is possible to smoothly guide the movement of the guide rods 42A, 42B in the up-down direction Z while suppressing positional deviation of the guide rods 42A, 42B in the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y.

[0043] The adjustment hole 41d is located at the center of the main part 41a in the left-right direction X. The adjustment hole 41d penetrates the main part 41a in the up-down direction Z. A spiral protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment hole 41d. This protrusion screws into the outer peripheral surface of a body part 46b (details of which will be described later) of the adjustment screw 46.

[0044] 3, the mirror hole 41e opens to the front surface of the main portion 41a. A first mirror 61 (described in detail later) of the optical portion 60 is inserted into the mirror hole 41e. This causes the first mirror 61 to be fixed in the mirror hole 41e. The shape of the mirror hole 41e corresponds to the shape of the first mirror 61.

[0045] 4, the spring push 44 extends in the left-right direction X. A pair of through holes 44aA, 44aB through which the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B are inserted are formed in the spring push 44. That is, the first guide rod 42A is inserted into the first through hole 44aA, and the second guide rod 42B is inserted into the second through hole 44aB.

[0046] The diameter of the through holes 44aA, 44aB is larger than the diameter of the guide rods 42A, 42B. This allows the guide rods 42A, 42B and the spring push 44 to move in the vertical direction Z relative to each other.

[0047] The biasing portion 45 biases the second support portion 20 downward. The biasing portion 45 according to the present embodiment includes a first coil spring 45A through which the first guide rod 42A is inserted, and a second coil spring 45B through which the second guide rod 42B is inserted. However, the configuration of the biasing portion 45 can be appropriately changed as long as it is possible to bias the second support portion 20 downward.

[0048] The inner diameter of the coil springs 45A, 45B is larger than the outer diameter of the guide rods 42A, 42B, so that the guide rods 42A, 42B and the coil springs 45A, 45B are movable in the vertical direction Z relative to each other.

[0049] The adjustment screw 46 is screwed from above into the adjustment hole 41d of the base 41. The adjustment screw 46 has a head 46a and a body 46b. The body 46b extends downward from the head 46a. The outer diameter of the head 46a is larger than the outer diameter of the body 46b and the inner diameter of the adjustment hole 41d.

[0050] A helical protrusion that screws into the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment hole 41d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 46b. The body 46b is longer than the adjustment hole 41d (has a larger dimension in the vertical direction Z). Therefore, when the adjustment screw 46 is screwed in to a certain extent, the lower end of the body 46b protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base 41 and comes into contact with the upper surface of the spring push 44.

[0051] When the adjustment screw 46 is further screwed in in this state, the lower end of the body 46b compresses the coil springs 45A, 45B in the vertical direction Z via the spring push 44. This increases the biasing force that the coil springs 45A, 45B (biasing portion 45) exert on the second support portion 20. In other words, the elastic energy stored in the biasing portion 45 increases. In this way, by adjusting the amount that the adjustment screw 46 is screwed in, it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the biasing force that the biasing portion 45 exerts on the second support portion 20 (the elastic energy stored in the biasing portion 45).

[0052] 1, the mirror fixing part 48 is fixed to the lower end of the second guide rod 42B. A second mirror 62 (described in detail later) of the optical part 60 is fixed to the lower end of the mirror fixing part 48. Note that the shape of the mirror fixing part 48 can be appropriately changed as long as the second mirror 62 can be fixed while ensuring an irradiation path R (see FIG. 9) described later.

[0053] <Second Support Section 20, Tweezers Assembly 100, and Restriction Mechanism 52> As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the second support portion 20 has a main body portion 21, an insertion portion 22, and an engagement portion .

[0054] 4 and 5, the main body portion 21 extends in the left-right direction X. A pair of fixing holes 21aA, 21aB are formed at both ends of the main body portion 21 in the left-right direction X. That is, the first fixing hole 21aA is located at the right end of the main body portion 21, and the second fixing hole 21aB is located at the left end of the main body portion 21.

[0055] 4, each of the pair of fixing holes 21aA, 21aB penetrates the main body 21 in the up-down direction Z. A pair of guide rods 42A, 42B are inserted into the pair of fixing holes 21aA, 21aB, respectively. That is, the first guide rod 42A is inserted into the first fixing hole 21aA, and the second guide rod 42B is inserted into the second fixing hole 21aB.

[0056] Here, the first guide rod 42A is fixed to (the inner circumferential surface of) the first fixing hole 21aA, and the second guide rod 42B is fixed to (the inner circumferential surface of) the second fixing hole 21aB. As a result, the second support part 20 is fixed to the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B. By fixing the second support part 20 to both of the pair of guide rods 42A, 42B, the second support part 20 exerts the effect of suppressing deviation of the relative positions between the guide rods 42A, 42B.

[0057] In addition, as long as the guide rods 42A, 42B can be fixed, the shapes of the fixing holes 21aA, 21aB can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first fixing hole 21aA does not have to penetrate the main body portion 21. More specifically, the first fixing hole 21aA may open only to the upper surface of the main body portion 21, and may not open to the lower surface of the main body portion 21.

[0058] 5, the insertion portion 22 is located at the right end of the main body portion 21. The insertion portion 22 according to this embodiment has a recess 22a that opens to the front and top surfaces of the main body portion 21. By forming such a recess 22a, a protrusion 22b that protrudes from the back side surface (+Y side surface) of the recess 22a toward the front side (-Y side) is formed at the lower part of the recess 22a.

[0059] The plug portion 22 is a portion by which the second support portion 20 supports the grid 110. In this embodiment, the second support portion 20 (plug portion 22) indirectly supports the grid 110 soaked in a sample solution via the tweezers assembly 100. The structure of the tweezers assembly 100 and a method of fixing the tweezers assembly 100 to the second support portion 20 (plug portion 22) will be described below.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the tweezers assembly 100 according to this embodiment includes tweezers 101, a band 102, an attachment portion 103, an intermediate body 104, and a cover 105.

[0061] The tweezers 101 have a pair of plates 101a and 101b. The upper ends of the plates 101a and 101b are connected to each other. The tweezers 101 support the grid 110 by holding the grid 110 with the tips of the plates 101a and 101b.

[0062] The band 102 has an annular shape. The tweezers 101 are inserted into the band 102. By inserting the tweezers 101 into the band 102, the tweezers 101 are clamped by the band 102, and the plate materials 101a and 101b are brought close to each other. This maintains the state in which the grid 110 is held by the tips of the plate materials 101a and 101b.

[0063] The attachment portion 103 is attached to an upper end portion of the tweezers 101. The attachment portion 103 has an upper band 103a, a lower band 103b, and a connection portion 103c.

[0064] The bands 103a and 103b have an annular shape. The tweezers 101 are inserted through the bands 103a and 103b. The bands 103a and 103b are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction Z. The lower band 103b is positioned lower than the upper band 103a. The connection portion 103c connects the front (-Y side) ends of the bands 103a and 103b to each other.

[0065] The intermediate body 104 has a small width portion 104c and a large width portion 104d connected to the front side (-Y side) of the small width portion 104c. Each of the small width portion 104c and the large width portion 104d has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The width of the large width portion 104d (the dimension in the left-right direction X) is larger than the width of the large width portion 104d.

[0066] An insertion hole 104a is opened on the front surface of the wide portion 104d. The upper end portion of the tweezers 101, to which the attachment portion 103 is attached, is inserted into the insertion hole 104a.

[0067] Specifically, the insertion hole 104a includes an upper hole 104a1, a lower hole 104a2, and an intermediate hole 104a3. The upper band 103a is inserted into the upper hole 104a1. The lower band 103b is inserted into the lower hole 104a2. The part of the tweezers 101 located between the bands 103a and 103b is inserted into the intermediate hole 104a3.

[0068] Here, the width (dimension in the left-right direction X) of the upper hole 104a1 is approximately equal to the width of the upper band 103a, and the width of the lower hole 104a2 is approximately equal to the width of the lower band 103b. This allows the tweezers 101 to be fixed to the intermediate body 104 in a state in which deviation in the left-right direction X is suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, the width of the intermediate hole 104a3 is smaller than the width of the upper band 103a. As a result, when the upper band 103a is inserted into the upper hole 104a1, the lower surface of the upper band 103a abuts against a step between the upper hole 104a1 and the intermediate hole 104a3. As a result, the tweezers 101 is fixed to the intermediate body 104 in a state in which displacement in the up-down direction Z is suppressed.

[0070] A groove 104e is formed on both side surfaces of the wide portion 104d, extending in the up-down direction Z. In the illustrated example, the groove 104e is not open to either the upper or lower surface of the wide portion 104d.

[0071] The narrow portion 104c has slits 104b that open on the rear surface and both side surfaces of the narrow portion 104c. A protrusion 22b of the second support portion 20 is inserted into the slit 104b. When the protrusion 22b is inserted into the slit 104b, a portion of the narrow portion 104c that is located above the slit 104b is inserted into a recess 22a of the second support portion 20.

[0072] Here, the width (dimension in the left-right direction X) of the narrow portion 104c is approximately equal to the width of the recess 22a of the second support portion 20. As a result, the intermediate body 104 is fixed to the second support portion 20 in a state in which deviation in the left-right direction X is suppressed. Moreover, the dimension of the slit 104b in the up-down direction Z is approximately equal to the dimension of the protrusion 22b of the second support portion 20 in the up-down direction Z. As a result, the intermediate body 104 is fixed to the second support portion 20 in a state in which deviation in the up-down direction Z is suppressed.

[0073] With the tweezers 101 inserted into the intermediate body 104, the cover 105 is placed over the large width portion 104d of the intermediate body 104. Specifically, the cover 105 has a front plate 105a that covers the front surface of the large width portion 104d, and a pair of side plates 105b that cover both side surfaces of the large width portion 104d. With the front plate 105a covering the front surface of the large width portion 104d, the tweezers 101 are fixed to the intermediate body 104 in a state in which deviation in the front-rear direction Y is suppressed.

[0074] Each side plate 105b is formed with an upper protrusion 105c and a lower protrusion 105d that protrude inward in the left-right direction X from the inner surface of the side plate 105b in the left-right direction X. The upper protrusion 105c extends downward from a corner located at the upper end and rear end (+Y end) of the side plate 105b along the rear edge of the side plate 105b. The lower protrusion 105d extends upward from the center of the lower end of the side plate 105b.

[0075] The upper protrusion 105c engages with a step between the small width portion 104c and the large width portion 104d when the cover 105 is placed over the large width portion 104d. The side plate 105b is inserted into the groove 104e of the large width portion 104d when the cover 105 is placed over the large width portion 104d. This fixes the cover 105 to the intermediate body 104.

[0076] In this way, with the insertion portion 22 and tweezers assembly 100 of this embodiment, the tweezers 101 supporting the grid 110 can be supported by the second support portion 20 while suppressing shifting and vibration relative to the second support portion 20.

[0077] 6, the engagement portion 23 protrudes rearward from the main body 21. The engagement portion 23 has an engagement surface 23a facing downward. The rear surface of the engagement portion 23 forms an inclined surface 23b. The inclined surface 23b is inclined so as to approach the front as it extends upward.

[0078] The engaging portion 23 is a portion for restricting the movement of the second support portion 20 by the restriction mechanism 52. Hereinafter, the structure of the restriction mechanism 52 and the method of restricting the movement of the second support portion 20 by the restriction mechanism 52 will be described.

[0079] The restriction mechanism 52 according to the present embodiment has a second magnetically attracted portion 52a and a second attracting body 52b.

[0080] The second attraction body 52b is a columnar conductor extending in the front-rear direction Y. In the illustrated example, the front end surface of the second attraction body 52b is an inclined surface 52c. Similar to the inclined surface 23b of the engagement portion 23, the inclined surface 52c is inclined so as to approach the front as it extends upward.

[0081] The second magnetic attraction part 52a is driven by an electric current and magnetically attracts the second attraction body 52b backward (in the -Y direction) as shown in Fig. 6 (A) (B). The second magnetic attraction part 52a may be, for example, a solenoid coil. The second magnetic attraction part 52a is fixed to the stand 30 (the column part 32) by a fixing part 52d (see Fig. 1).

[0082] The restriction mechanism 52 may have a biasing body (not shown) that biases the second attraction body 52b forward (in the +Y direction). In this case, by stopping the current flowing through the second magnetic attraction part 52a, the magnetically attracted second attraction body 52b can be returned to its original position (the position shown in FIG. 6(A)) by the biasing force of the biasing body.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6(A), when the second magnetic attraction portion 52a is not magnetically attracting the second attraction body 52b, the upper surface of the second attraction body 52b abuts against the engagement surface 23a of the engagement portion 23.

[0084] As described above, the guide rods 42A, 42B and the second support portion 20 fixed thereto are movable in the vertical direction Z relative to the base portion 41 fixed to the stand 30 (see also FIG. 4). Therefore, when the second attraction body 52b is not in contact with the engagement surface 23a (see FIG. 6(B)), the second support portion 20 supporting the tweezers assembly 100 (grid 110) moves (falls) downward due to the effect of gravity (see also FIG. 4). In addition, the above-mentioned biasing portion 45 biases the second support portion 20 downward, thereby promoting such movement (fall) of the second support portion 20.

[0085] That is, when the second magnetic attraction portion 52a is not magnetically attracting the second attraction body 52b, the second attraction body 52b engages with the engagement portion 23 so as to restrict the movement of the second support portion 20 by abutting the upper surface of the second attraction body 52b with the engagement surface 23a (see FIG. 6(A)). The second magnetic attraction portion 52a magnetically attracts the second attraction body 52b so as to release such engagement (see FIG. 6(B)) when driven by a current. Note that, in order to ensure smooth sliding between the engagement surface 23a and the second attraction body 52b at this time, it is preferable that the engagement surface 23a is made of a material with a small friction coefficient (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0086] In this way, with the restriction mechanism 52 and guide unit 40 according to this embodiment, the second support unit 20 can be moved (dropped) toward the freezing container 130 (freezing space S) at any timing by controlling the current flowing through the second magnetic attraction unit 52a. In particular, with the guide unit 40 according to this embodiment, the linear bushes 47A, 47B and the guide rods 42A, 42B can accurately guide the drop position of the second support unit 20 (see FIG. 4).

[0087] In this specification, the restriction mechanism 52 and the guide unit 40 that can move the second support unit 20 at any timing may be collectively referred to as the "moving mechanism." The moving mechanism moves the second support unit 20 so that the grid 110 moves into the freezing space S of the freezing container 130 (see also FIG. 1). The current flowing through the second magnetic attraction unit 52a is controlled by the control unit 70 (details will be described later).

[0088] In addition, when returning the second support part 20, which has been dropped once, to its original position (the position shown in FIG. 6(A)), first, the current flowing through the second magnetic attraction part 52a is stopped. Next, for example, an operator lifts the handle 43 to move the second support part 20 upward (see also FIG. 4). When the second support part 20 moves upward to a certain extent, the inclined surface 23b of the engagement part 23 and the inclined surface 52c of the second attraction body 52b come into contact with each other. When the second support part 20 is further moved upward in this state, the inclined surface 23b of the engagement part 23 presses the inclined surface 52c of the second attraction body 52b backward (in the +Y direction) against the biasing force of the biasing body described above. This allows the second attraction body 52b to be temporarily retreated backward. When the second support part 20 is further moved upward, the inclined surfaces 23b and 52c move away from each other, and the second attraction body 52b returns to its original position due to the biasing force of the biasing body. Finally, when the operator releases the handle 43, the second support part 20 returns to its original position.

[0089] <First Support Section 10 and Retraction Mechanism 51> As shown in FIG. 7, the first support portion 10 according to this embodiment has an extension portion 11 and a rotation portion 12.

[0090] The extension portion 11 extends in the front-rear direction Y. Hereinafter, the front end portion (-Y end portion) of the extension portion 11 will be referred to as the tip portion 11a, and the rear end portion (+Y end portion) of the extension portion 11 will be referred to as the base end portion 11b. The tip portion 11a is provided with a contact surface 11c facing forward.

[0091] At least one screw hole H2a (two in the illustrated example) is formed in the base end portion 11b and spaced apart in the front-rear direction Y. The screw hole H2a penetrates the extension portion 11 in the up-down direction Z.

[0092] The rotating part 12 is rotatably connected to the tip 11a of the extending part 11 via a rotating shaft 13. The rotating shaft 13 is located near the right side surface of the extending part 11 and extends in the vertical direction Z. The rotating part 12 has an abutment surface 12b that abuts against an abutment surface 11c of the extending part 11. As the rotating part 12 rotates, the angle formed by the abutment surfaces 11c, 12b changes within a range from 0° to a predetermined angle α (α>0°).

[0093] The rotating part 12 is formed with a mounting hole 12a to which the filter paper 120 is attached. The mounting hole 12a faces leftward when the angle between the contact surfaces 11c and 12b is 0°. As a result, the filter paper 120 attached to the mounting hole 12a and the grid 110 supported by the second support part 20 and the tweezers assembly 100 face each other in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 1).

[0094] In this embodiment, the filter paper 120 (first support portion 10) is provided on a single side (the right side) as viewed from the grid 110. In other words, the filter paper 120 (first support portion 10) is not provided on the other side (the left side) as viewed from the grid 110.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the retraction mechanism 51 according to this embodiment has a first magnetic attraction part 51a, at least one (two in the illustrated example) first attraction body 51b, and a connection part 51c.

[0096] The first attraction body 51b is a columnar conductor extending in the left-right direction X. In the illustrated example, the retraction mechanism 51 has two first attraction bodies 51b arranged in the front-rear direction Y with an interval therebetween.

[0097] The first magnetic attraction unit 51a is driven by a current and magnetically attracts the first attraction body 51b to the right. The first magnetic attraction unit 51a may be, for example, two solenoid coils provided in correspondence with the two first attraction bodies 51b.

[0098] The retraction mechanism 51 may have a biasing body (not shown) that biases the first attraction body 51b leftward. In this case, by stopping the current flowing through the first magnetic attraction part 51a, the magnetically attracted first magnetic attraction part 51a can be returned to its original position (the position shown in FIG. 9(A)) by the biasing force of the biasing body.

[0099] The connecting portion 51c connects the first support portion 10 and the first attraction body 51b. More specifically, the connecting portion 51c in the illustrated example has an upper plate 51d, a front plate 51e, and a rear plate 51g, and has an upwardly convex U-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction Y.

[0100] The rear plate 51g is located to the right of the first magnetic attraction portion 51a. The rear plate 51g extends in the up-down direction Z and the front-rear direction Y. The rear plate 51g extends downward from the right end of the upper plate 51d.

[0101] The upper plate 51d is located above the first magnetic attraction portion 51a. The upper plate 51d extends in the left-right direction X and the front-rear direction Y. At least one screw hole H2b (four in the illustrated example) is formed in the upper surface of the left end portion of the upper plate 51d at intervals in the front-rear direction Y.

[0102] The extension portion 11 of the first support portion 10 is fixed to the upper plate 51d by screwing the screw SC2 into the screw hole H2b through the screw hole H2a. In the illustrated example, the number of the screw holes H2b is greater than the number of the screw holes H2a in order to make the fixed position of the first support portion 10 relative to the connecting portion 51c changeable in the front-rear direction Y.

[0103] The front plate 51e is located to the left of the first magnetic attraction portion 51a. The front plate 51e extends in the up-down direction Z and the front-rear direction Y. The front plate 51e extends downward from the left end of the upper plate 51d. At least one (two in the illustrated example) connecting hole 51f spaced apart in the front-rear direction Y is formed in the lower end of the front plate 51e.

[0104] The connecting holes 51f penetrate the front plate 51e in the left-right direction X. One first attraction body 51b is inserted into each connecting hole 51f and fixed thereto. As a result, the connecting portion 51c, the first support portion 10 fixed thereto, and the first attraction body 51b move in conjunction with each other in the left-right direction X. The two connecting holes 51f (first attraction body 51b) are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction Y in order to suppress relative rotation of the connecting portion 51c (first support portion 10) with respect to the first attraction body 51b, with the connecting hole 51f (first attraction body 51b) serving as the rotation axis.

[0105] More specifically, when the first magnetic attraction portion 51a is not magnetically attracting the first attraction body 51b, the second support portion 20 is in the removal position as shown in Fig. 8(A). The "removal position" is a position where the filter paper 120 can remove the sample solution from the grid 110. More specifically, in this embodiment, the "removal position" is a position where the filter paper 120 contacts the grid 110. Note that in Figs. 8(A) to (C), the connection portion 51c is omitted for ease of viewing.

[0106] Then, when the first magnetic attraction portion 51a magnetically attracts the first attraction body 51b, the first attraction body 51b and the first support portion 10 work together to retract the first support portion 10 from the removal position to the right (see FIG. 8(B)). In this manner, the retraction mechanism 51 retracts the first support portion 10 from the removal position.

[0107] Furthermore, in the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, the filter paper 120 can be separated from the grid 110 without operating the retraction mechanism 51. Specifically, the filter paper 120 can be separated from the grid 110 by rotating the rotating part 12 about the rotating shaft 13 so that the contact surfaces 11c and 12b are separated from each other (see FIG. 8(C)). This allows the sample solution to be injected not only from the left side of the grid 110 but also from the right side.

[0108] The position of the first magnetic attraction part 51a may be adjustable with respect to the stand 30. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the sample freezing device 1 may have an adjustment mechanism 53 (e.g., a micrometer) for adjusting the position of the first magnetic attraction part 51a. For example, the adjustment mechanism 53 may have a fixed plate 53a to which the first magnetic attraction part 51a is fixed, and a drive part 53b that adjusts the position of the fixed plate 53a.

[0109] Such an adjustment mechanism 53 makes it possible to adjust the position of the second support part 20 connected to the first attraction body 51b, and thus to adjust the relative positions of the filter paper 120 and the grid 110. The first magnetic attraction part 51a may be fixed to, for example, the stand 30 (bottom part 31).

[0110] <Optical section 60> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the optical unit 60 has a first mirror 61 and a second mirror 62.

[0111] 9, the first mirror 61 is fixed to the base 41 of the guide section 40. More specifically, the first mirror 61 is fixed to a mirror hole 41e of the base 41 (see FIG. 3). The second mirror 62 is fixed to the mirror fixing section 48 of the guide section 40.

[0112] In a state where the first mirror 61 is fixed to the base 41, the reflecting surface 61a of the first mirror 61 is inclined so as to face rightward as it faces downward. More specifically, the first mirror 61 is fixed to the base 41 so that the reflecting surface 61a is inclined at about 45° with respect to the up-down direction Z. As a result, the first mirror 61 reflects light irradiated from the left downward.

[0113] In a state in which the second mirror 62 is fixed to the mirror fixing portion 48, the reflective surface 62a of the second mirror 62 is inclined so as to face rightward as it faces downward. More specifically, the second mirror 62 is fixed to the mirror fixing portion 48 so that the reflective surface 62a is inclined at about 45° with respect to the up-down direction Z. As a result, the second mirror 62 reflects light irradiated from above toward the right.

[0114] In a state in which the mirrors 61, 62 are fixed to the guide portion 40 (the base portion 41 and the mirror fixing portion 48), the first mirror 61 (reflective surface 61a) and the second mirror 62 (reflective surface 62a) are aligned in the up-down direction Z. In addition, in a state in which the second mirror 62 is fixed to the mirror fixing portion 48, the second mirror 62 (reflective surface 62a) and the grid 110 are aligned in the left-right direction X.

[0115] The light source 140 is used in a state where it is disposed to the left of the first mirror 61. When the light source 140 irradiates light to the right in this state, the light is reflected by the mirrors 61 and 62 and reaches the grid 110. That is, the optical unit 60 changes (reflects) the light of the light source 140 so that the light irradiated from the light source 140 is irradiated onto the grid 110. In other words, the optical unit 60 generates an irradiation path R that can irradiate light from the light source 140 to the grid 110. The light source 140 may be, for example, a laser light source.

[0116] As described above, in the sample freezing device 1 according to the present embodiment, the second support part 20 moves (falls) downward due to the action of the movement mechanism (the restriction mechanism 52 and the guide part 40). Here, the mirror fixing part 48 is connected to the second support part 20 via the guide rods 42A and 42B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the second mirror 62 fixed to the mirror fixing part 48 moves (falls) following the second support part 20 during the above-mentioned movement (fall). That is, the relative position between the second mirror 62 (reflection surface 62a) and the grid 110 is always maintained during the period from before the second support part 20 moves (before falling) to after the second support part 20 moves (after falling).

[0117] As a result, the irradiation path R along which light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110 is always maintained during the period from before (before) the second support part 20 moves (before) it is dropped to after (after) it is dropped. Therefore, light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110 at any timing during the period from when the grid 110 supported by the second support part 20 is saturated with a sample solution until when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S, for example.

[0118] In order to prevent damage to the second mirror 62 when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S, it is desirable to appropriately design the shape, etc. of the mirror fixing part 48. More specifically, the shape, etc. of the mirror fixing part 48 may be designed so that the mirror fixing part 48 or the second mirror 62 does not come into contact with the freezing container 130 when the movement (drop) of the second support part 20 has finished. For example, the shape, etc. of the mirror fixing part 48 may be designed so that the mirror fixing part 48 and the second mirror 62 are located within the recess 131 of the freezing container 130 when the movement (drop) of the second support part 20 has finished.

[0119] <Control unit 70> The control unit 70 controls the movement mechanism (the restriction mechanism 52 and the guide unit 40) and the restriction mechanism 52 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 70 according to the present embodiment controls the current flowing through the magnetic attraction units 51a and 52a.

[0120] More specifically, the control unit 70 according to this embodiment controls the retraction of the first support unit 10 by the retraction mechanism 51 and the movement of the second support unit 20 by the movement mechanism so that the cooling standby time T is 1 second or less. It is more preferable that the control unit 70 controls the retraction of the first support unit 10 by the retraction mechanism 51 and the movement of the second support unit 20 by the movement mechanism so that the cooling standby time T is 0.5 seconds or less. Here, the "cooling standby time T" is defined as the time from when the first support unit 10 starts to retract from the removal position (see FIGS. 8(A) and (B)) to when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S (see FIGS. 9(A) to (C)).

[0121] The control unit 70 can be realized by a computer such as a microcomputer, a personal computer, or a workstation. When the control unit 70 is realized by a computer, the functions of the control unit 70 are realized by a program for realizing the functions being executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the computer. In other words, the functions of the control unit 70 are realized by the cooperation of software and hardware resources. The control unit 70 may be realized by using hardware such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Large Scale Integration (LSI), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0122] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the sample freezing device 1 configured as above will be described.

[0123] Conventionally, a sample solution freezing device described in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. In this device, the above-mentioned cooling waiting time T is longer than 1 second. However, during this cooling waiting time T, evaporation of the sample solution from the grid may progress, and the state of the sample solution (humidity, etc.) may change. Therefore, it may be difficult to freeze the sample in a desired state. In addition, in Non-Patent Document 1, a humidification chamber that houses the entire sample freezing device 1 is provided to prevent evaporation of the sample solution.

[0124] Furthermore, as a result of intensive research by the present inventors, it was found that it is difficult to make the cooling waiting time T equal to or shorter than 1 second in the sample solution freezing device described in Non-Patent Document 1. This is because the device uses a motor-driven arm as a retraction mechanism for retracting the filter paper from the grid, and the operation of the arm is slow.

[0125] To address this issue, the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the cooling standby time T to 1 second or less. Therefore, the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment makes it easier to freeze the sample in a desired state compared to conventional devices. In particular, a configuration in which the cooling standby time T is 0.5 seconds or less is preferable in that it makes it easier to freeze the sample in a desired state. In addition, since the cooling standby time T is short (1 second or less or 0.5 seconds or less) and changes in the state of the sample can be suppressed, there is no need to provide a humidification chamber as in Non-Patent Document 1. Therefore, the sample freezing device 1 can also be made smaller in size.

[0126] The length of the cooling waiting time T is affected by the length of the retraction time t1 and the movement time t2. Here, the "retraction time t1" is defined as the time from when the first support part 10 starts to retract from the removal position to when the retraction of the first support part 10 ends (when the magnetic attraction by the first magnetic attraction part 51a ends). The "movement time t2" is defined as the time from when the second support part 20 starts to move (fall) (when the restriction by the restriction mechanism 52 is released) to when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S.

[0127] In the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, the first magnetic attraction part 51a that can be controlled at high speed is used for the regulating mechanism 52 for retracting the filter paper 120 (first support part 10). This makes it possible to shorten the retraction time t1 (specifically, 0.3 seconds or less, more preferably 0.1 seconds or less) compared to the device of Non-Patent Document 1 that uses a motor-driven arm, and therefore to shorten the cooling waiting time T.

[0128] Similarly, in the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, the second magnetic attraction part 52a, which can be controlled at high speed, is used as the moving mechanism for moving the grid 110 (second support part 20). This makes it possible to shorten the moving time t2 (specifically, several hundred milliseconds or less, more preferably, 50 milliseconds or less), and therefore to shorten the cooling waiting time T.

[0129] The control unit 70 may control the retraction mechanism 51 and the movement mechanism so that the movement mechanism starts to move the second support part 20 before the retraction of the filter paper 120 by the retraction mechanism 51 is completed. In other words, the retraction time t1 and the movement time t2 may overlap.

[0130] In addition, for example, in the case of a sample whose state changes over time when irradiated with light, it may be desirable to irradiate the sample with light at any timing before freezing the sample. In the device of Non-Patent Document 1, the arms supporting the filter paper are placed on both sides of the grid, and the entire device is covered by a humidification chamber (described later). Therefore, it was difficult to irradiate light onto the sample solution held on the grid in the device.

[0131] In contrast to this, in the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, the filter paper 120 (first support part 10) is provided only on a single side as viewed from the grid 110. Also, no chamber is provided to cover the sample freezing device 1. Therefore, light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110 via the optical part 60, for example.

[0132] Furthermore, in the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment, the irradiation path R is always maintained during the movement (fall) of the grid 110. Therefore, for example, light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110 at any timing between when the grid 110 supported by the second support part 20 is saturated with a sample solution and when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S. This allows smooth observation of a sample whose state changes over time due to light.

[0133] <Summary> As described above, the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first support part 10 that supports the filter paper 120 (removal part) for removing excess sample solution 114 from the grid 110 (soaked part) soaked with the sample solution 114, a retraction mechanism 51 that retracts the first support part 10 from a removal position where the filter paper 120 can remove the sample solution 114 from the grid 110, a second support part 20 that supports the filter paper 120, and a grid in a freezing space S in which the sample solution 114 is frozen. The system further comprises a moving mechanism (a regulating mechanism 52 and a guide unit 40) that moves the second support part 20 so that the grid 110 enters, and a control unit 70 that controls the retraction mechanism 51 and the moving mechanism, and the control unit 70 controls the retraction of the first support part 10 by the retraction mechanism 51 and the movement of the second support part 20 by the moving mechanism so that the time (cooling wait time T) from when the first support part 10 starts to retract from the removal position to when the grid 110 enters the freezing space S is 1 second or less.

[0134] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a sample freezing device 1 that can easily freeze a sample in a desired state.

[0135] The retraction mechanism 51 has a first attraction body 51b that moves in conjunction with the first support part 10, and a first magnetic attraction part 51a that is driven by a current to magnetically attract the first attraction body 51b, and the control part 70 controls the current flowing through the first magnetic attraction part 51a. This configuration can shorten the retraction time t1, which makes it easier to achieve a cooling standby time T of 1 second or less.

[0136] The moving mechanism has a second attracting body 52b that engages with the second supporting part 20 so as to restrict the movement of the second supporting part 20, and a second magnetic attracting part 52a that magnetically attracts the second attracting body 52b so as to release the engagement between the second attracting body 52b driven by an electric current and the second supporting part 20, and the control part 70 controls the electric current flowing through the second magnetic attracting part 52a. This configuration can shorten the moving time t2. This makes it easier to achieve a cooling waiting time T of 1 second or less.

[0137] In addition, the movement mechanism has a biasing portion 45 for promoting the movement of the second support portion 20. With this configuration, the movement time t2 can be further shortened.

[0138] Moreover, the filter paper 120 is provided on a single side as viewed from the grid 110. This configuration makes it easier to realize a configuration in which light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110.

[0139] Moreover, the sample freezing device 1 according to this embodiment further includes an optical unit 60 that changes the traveling direction of the light from the light source 140 so that the light emitted from the light source 140 is irradiated onto the grid 110. With this configuration, the light can be easily irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110.

[0140] Furthermore, at least a part of the optical unit 60 (the second mirror 62) moves following the grid 110 when the grid 110 is moved by the moving mechanism toward the freezing space S. With this configuration, the irradiation path R is always maintained while the grid 110 is moving (falling), so that light can be irradiated from the light source 140 to the grid 110 at any timing.

[0141] <Modification> The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0142] For example, the soaking part for soaking the sample solution does not have to be the grid 110 and can be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the removal part for removing excess sample solution does not have to be the filter paper 120 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0143] Furthermore, the sample freezing device 1 does not need to include the stand 30 as long as the positional relationship between the various parts of the sample freezing device 1 can be appropriately maintained.

[0144] Furthermore, the configuration of the freezing container 130 can be modified as appropriate as long as it has a freezing space S capable of freezing the sample solution 114. Alternatively, the freezing space S is not limited to a space provided within a container such as the freezing container 130, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0145] Furthermore, as long as a cooling waiting time T of 1 second or less can be realized, the configurations of the moving mechanism and the retracting mechanism 51 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the moving mechanism may be configured to move the guide rods 42A, 42B by a motor such as a linear motor. The moving mechanism may have a spring mechanism, an air syringe, a wire pulley, or the like, a high-speed electric stage, or a mechanism utilizing the principle of leverage.

[0146] Further, in the above embodiment, the second support portion 20 indirectly supports the grid 110 via the tweezers assembly 100, but the second support portion 20 may be configured to directly support the grid 110.

[0147] Furthermore, the configuration of the optical unit 60 can be changed as appropriate as long as the irradiation path R can be secured. For example, when the light source 140 is provided above the second mirror 62 and irradiates light downward, the optical unit 60 does not need to have the first mirror 61. Furthermore, the optical unit 60 may change the traveling direction of the light from the light source 140 by utilizing refraction of light. Note that, for example, when a sample that does not react to light is used, the sample freezing device 1 does not need to include the optical unit 60.

[0148] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1... Sample freezing device 10... First support section 20... Second support section 40... Guide section (moving mechanism) 45... Pressing section 51... Retraction mechanism 51a... First magnetic attraction section 51b... First attraction body 52... Restriction mechanism (moving mechanism) 52a... Second magnetic attraction section 52b... Second attraction body 60... Optical section 70... Control section 110... Grid (saturation section) 114... Sample solution 120... Filter paper (removal section) S... Freezing space

Claims

1. a first support portion that supports a removal portion for removing excess sample solution from a permeation portion into which the sample solution has been permeated; a retraction mechanism that retracts the first support unit from a removal position where the removal unit can remove the sample solution from the seepage unit; A second support portion that supports the penetration portion; a moving mechanism that moves the second support part so that the penetrating part enters a freezing space in which the sample solution is frozen; a control unit that controls the retraction mechanism and the movement mechanism, The control unit is The time from when the first support portion starts to retreat from the removal position to when the penetration portion enters the freezing space is 1 second or less. controlling the retraction of the first support part by the retraction mechanism and the movement of the second support part by the movement mechanism; Sample freezing device.

2. the retraction mechanism includes a first attracting body that moves in conjunction with the first support portion, and a first magnetically attracting portion that is driven by a current to magnetically attract the first attracting body, The control unit controls a current flowing through the first magnetic attraction unit. The sample freezing device according to claim 1.

3. the movement mechanism includes a second attraction body that engages with the second support portion so as to restrict the movement of the second support portion, and a second magnetic attraction unit that is driven by a current to magnetically attract the second attraction body so as to release the engagement between the second attraction body and the second support portion, The control unit controls a current flowing through the second magnetic attraction unit.

3. The sample freezing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The movement mechanism has a biasing portion for promoting the movement of the second support portion.

3. The sample freezing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The removal portion is provided on a single side as viewed from the penetration portion.

3. The sample freezing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further, an optical unit that changes a traveling direction of light from the light source so that the light emitted from the light source is irradiated to the penetration portion, 3. The sample freezing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. At least a part of the optical unit moves following the penetration unit when the penetration unit moves toward the freezing space by the moving mechanism. The sample freezing device according to claim 6.

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