Cell micropuncture device and microscope system

Abstract

To provide a cell micropuncture device by which workability of a replacement work required in using the device is improved.SOLUTION: A cell micropuncture device 10 comprises: a needle part 17 having a needle 17a which punctures a cell S and a needle fixing part 17b which fixes the needle 17a; a needle support part 18a which is connected to the needle fixing part 17b, and on the tip of which the needle part 17 is arranged; and a first regulation part 18b which is arranged for the needle support part 18a, and positions the needle part 17 to a first position when puncturing the needle 17a into the cell S, wherein the needle support part 18a includes a movable part 18a1 which moves the needle part 17 between a second position when the needle 17a is retracted and the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cell puncture device and a microscope system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, in research and application development related to cells, there have been known techniques for inserting a needle into a cell in order to precisely inject a drug solution or the like into a specific sample cell or to aspirate a substance inside the cell. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device using a multi-barrel nanopipette with at least two electrodes in multiple barrels, in which one barrel withdraws the cell contents and the other barrel injects a substance into the cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6453300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the operability when replacing at least one of the needle for puncturing the inside of a cell and the cell to be punctured.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cell puncture device and a microscope system that improve the workability of replacement work required when using the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In some embodiments, the cell puncture device comprises a needle unit having a needle for puncturing a cell and a needle fixing unit for fixing the needle, a needle support unit connected to the needle fixing unit and positioning the needle unit at its tip, and a first regulating unit arranged relative to the needle support unit and positioning the needle unit at a first position when the needle is to puncture the cell, and the needle support unit includes a moving unit for moving the needle unit between a second position when the needle is retracted and the first position.

[0007] This improves the workability of the replacement work required when using the device. The cell puncture device can retract the needle to the second position, where a larger distance can be obtained between the needle and the cell compared to when the needle is in the first position. Therefore, when the needle is in the second position, the cell puncture device can provide a larger space between the cell and the needle, allowing the operator to work in the space required for the replacement work.

[0008] In one embodiment of the cell puncturing device, the needle support unit may have a support head that connects the moving unit and the needle fixing unit, and the first restricting unit may position the needle unit by contacting the support head, thereby allowing the cell puncturing device to directly position the needle unit at the first position by contacting the support head with the first restricting unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cell puncturing device may further include a base portion disposed on the opposite side of the moving portion from the support head, the base portion moving the first restricting portion between a third position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position. This allows the cell puncturing device to adjust the needle to any angle using the rotation mechanism of the base portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cell puncturing device may further include a second restricting part attached to the base part and restricting movement of the first restricting part by the base part. This allows the cell puncturing device to fix the rotational position of the first restricting part, which is adjusted by rotational movement of the base part, at an angle appropriate for the cell to be punctured by the needle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first restriction part may include a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of the base part toward the support head and is adjacent to the moving part, thereby making it easier for the first restriction part to come into contact with the support head in the cell puncturing device.

[0012] In one embodiment of the cell puncturing device, the first restricting unit may contact the support head to removably fix the support head. This allows the cell puncturing device to more stably position the needle at a first position or the like by the first restricting unit. The cell puncturing device can more stably maintain the position of the needle, once positioned at a first position or the like by the first restricting unit, by magnetic force or the like.

[0013] In one embodiment of the cell puncture device, at least one of the first restricting unit and the support head may have a magnet, and the first restricting unit may detachably fix the support head using magnetic force. This allows the cell puncture device to more stably maintain the position of the needle unit, which has been positioned at a first position or the like by the first restricting unit, using magnetic force. When the needle unit receives an external force greater than the magnetic force, the support head is released from the first restricting unit and becomes rotatable. This allows the cell puncture device to release the support head from the first restricting unit and rotate the support head counterclockwise to release the force, for example, when the needle is pushed further below the cell. Therefore, the cell puncture device can reduce damage to components of the petri dish and microscope.

[0014] In one embodiment of the cell puncture device, the moving part may rotate about a rotation axis, and the first restricting part may include an opposing surface connected to a surface of the base part and intersecting the rotation direction of the moving part, whereby the cell puncture device can make the second opposing surface face the support head along the rotation direction and receive the rotational movement of the support head with the second opposing surface.

[0015] In one embodiment of the cell puncturing device, the first restricting unit may have a positioning protrusion that protrudes from the opposing surface facing the support head so as to make point contact with the support head. This allows the cell puncturing device to achieve point contact between the tip of the positioning protrusion and the support head. Therefore, the cell puncturing device can improve the positioning accuracy of the support head relative to the first restricting unit when the first restricting unit comes into contact with the support head. As a result, the cell puncturing device can also reduce positioning errors of the needle unit positioned at the first position or the like by the first restricting unit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the cell puncturing device, the first restriction part may be attached to the moving part so as to penetrate through the moving part and move together with the moving part to position the needle part. This allows the cell puncturing device to indirectly position the needle part at the first position by the non-contact of the support head with the first restriction part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cell puncture device may further include a base portion arranged on the opposite side of the needle portion from the moving portion and having an engagement structure with which the first regulating portion engages at at least one of a fifth position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a sixth position different from the fifth position.

[0018] As a result, the cell puncturing device can position the needle part by engaging the first restricting part with the engaging structure of the base part to stop the rotational movement of the moving part. For example, the cell puncturing device can position the needle part at the first position when puncturing a cell by engaging the first restricting part with the engaging structure of the base part at the fifth position. For example, the cell puncturing device can position the needle part at the second position when retracting the needle by engaging the first restricting part with the engaging structure of the base part at the sixth position.

[0019] In one embodiment of the cell puncturing device, the tip of the first restricting part may be hemispherical, and the engagement structure may include an engagement groove whose cross-sectional shape tapers in the depth direction. This allows the cell puncturing device to achieve, for example, two-point contact between the tip of the first restricting part and the engagement structure in cross section. Therefore, the cell puncturing device can improve the positioning accuracy of the first restricting part when the first restricting part engages with the engagement structure. As a result, the cell puncturing device can also reduce positioning errors of the needle positioned at the first position, etc., by the first restricting part.

[0020] In one embodiment of the cell puncture device, the base portion is configured to be rotatable so that the engagement structure rotates, and the cell puncture device may further include a second restriction portion disposed relative to the base portion and restricting the rotation of the base portion. This allows the cell puncture device to fix the rotational position of the engagement structure, adjusted by the rotational movement of the base portion, at an angle appropriate for the cell to be punctured by the needle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cell puncturing device may further include a friction unit that generates a frictional force against the moving unit when the needle unit is moved. This allows the moving unit to rotate relative to the base unit while receiving the frictional force from the friction unit. Therefore, the cell puncturing device can reduce downward rotation of the moving unit in the direction of gravity due to the weight of the moving unit and the weight of the needle unit when replacing a needle or the like. As a result, the operator does not need to support the moving unit with one hand to stop its rotation while performing the replacement operation, and can perform the replacement operation with both hands free. This further improves the ease of replacement required when using the device.

[0022] A microscope system according to some embodiments includes any of the cell puncture devices described above and a microscope that captures images of the cells punctured by the needle of the cell puncture device.

[0023] This improves the workability of replacement work required when using the device. The microscope system can retract the needle to the second position where a larger separation distance can be obtained compared to the distance of the needle from the cell when the needle is in the first position. Therefore, when the needle is in the second position, the microscope system can provide a larger space between the cell and the needle, providing the operator with the work space required for replacement work. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cell puncture device and a microscope system that improve the workability of replacement work required when using the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a microscope system having a cell puncturing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 2 is a schematic front view showing a part of the configuration of the cell puncturing device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the configuration shown in FIG. 2A as viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell puncturing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the cell puncture device of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing an example of the configuration of a modified example of the cell puncturing device of FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6, showing an example of the configuration of a modified example of the cell puncturing device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell puncturing device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the arrow CC in FIG. 9. [Figure 11]11 is an enlarged view of the area E enclosed by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the arrow DD in FIG. [Figure 13] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 9, corresponding to FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The background and problems of the prior art will now be described in more detail.

[0027] In recent years, in research on biological systems, for example, studies have been conducted to elucidate cellular functions by injecting specific chemical solutions into cells and observing changes in the cells, or to induce specific modifications in specific cells by injecting chemical solutions for genetic modification into cells. In addition, application development aimed at application to the production of chemical solutions and the like has also been conducted. Meanwhile, research has also been conducted to elucidate cellular functions and application development aimed at application to production by aspirating and recovering some of the components that make up specific cells. In such research and application development, for example, it is necessary to accurately inject chemical solutions into specific cells or aspirate components from specific cells, and a cell puncturing device that can accurately puncture cells with a needle is desired.

[0028] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional method and device for injecting a drug solution into a cell by controlling the position of a fine needle with a piezoelectric element, puncturing the cell with the needle tip, and controlling the voltage. Similarly, the patent document also discloses a conventional method and device for aspirating a substance from inside a cell.

[0029] In order to inject a drug solution into a cell or aspirate a substance from a cell while minimizing damage to the cell being punctured by the needle, it is desirable to use a needle that is as thin as possible. In recent years, by stretching glass tubes, it has become possible to produce needles with tip diameters of several micrometers to several nanometers. Such glass needles are often used in cell puncture devices.

[0030] However, such thin needles can be damaged or broken by external forces. If the needle is damaged or broken, the operator must replace the needle attached to the cell puncture device. However, many cells are several micrometers to several tens of micrometers in size. To accurately puncture cells of this size, the cell puncture device moves the needle tip close to the cell and adjusts the needle position by controlling the needle position confirmed by optical imaging means.

[0031] Therefore, it is not easy for an operator to replace at least one of the needle and the cell when the needle tip is located near a cell of the above size. The operator must temporarily retract the needle to another position before replacing at least one of the needle and the cell. However, if the operator temporarily retracts the needle to another position, it is not easy for the operator to accurately return the needle to its original position. Generally, when an optical imaging means photographs cells at a magnification of approximately 10x to 60x, the field of view that can be photographed is limited to several mm to several hundred μm. Therefore, if the needle tip is not located within the field of view, the operator must move the needle to search for it. This process is cumbersome.

[0032] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a cell puncturing device and a microscope system that improve the operability of the replacement work required when using the device. In this disclosure, "use of the device" includes, for example, use of the cell puncturing device to puncture a needle into a cell. "Replacement work" includes, for example, work to replace the needle attached to the cell puncturing device for puncturing a cell, and work to replace or change the cell to be punctured.

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The x, y, and z directions in the following description are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. The directions of the arrows in Figures 1 to 11 are consistent with each other between different drawings.

[0034] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a microscope system 1 including a cell puncturing device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, FIG. 1 omits components such as a first restriction unit 18b, a base unit 18c, and a second restriction unit 18d of the cell puncturing device 10, which will be described later, and only shows a schematic representation of a portion of the configuration of the cell puncturing device 10. Referring to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration and function of a microscope system 1 including the cell puncturing device 10 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. The microscope system 1 includes the cell puncturing device 10 and a microscope 20 that captures an image of a cell S punctured by a needle 17a of the cell puncturing device 10.

[0035] The microscope 20 includes any microscope capable of photographing the cell S. The microscope 20 includes, for example, a confocal microscope. The microscope 20 has any camera 21 capable of photographing the cell S. The camera 21 constitutes the photographing unit of the microscope 20. The microscope 20 has a support 22 that positions the camera 21 on one side of the cell S in the z direction so that the camera 21 can photograph the cell S from that side. The support 22 supports the camera 21 with the camera 21 connected to the end of that side of the support 22. The microscope 20 has a holder 23 that holds a petri dish C in which the cell S is placed from the other side in the z direction. The holder 23 is configured as a stage that can move in two directions, the x direction and the y direction. The microscope 20 has a support 24 that is located at the end of the other side of the support 22 and supports the holder 23 that holds the petri dish C.

[0036] The cell puncture device 10 has a first fixing part 11 arranged relative to an imaging part that images the cell S. The first fixing part 11 is fixed to, for example, a microscope 20 that images the cell S. The first fixing part 11 is configured in an arm shape and extends in the x direction. One side of the first fixing part 11 in the x direction is screwed to the support part 24 of the microscope 20, thereby disposing the first fixing part 11 relative to the holder 23 and the support part 24 and fixing it to the microscope 20. As an example, the first fixing part 11 is located between the holder 23 and the support part 24, but this is not limiting. The holder 23 may also be located below the first fixing part 11. The first fixing part 11 is not limited to being screwed to the support part 24, and may be fixed to the microscope 20 in any other manner, such as by joining, fitting, or engagement. The cell puncture device 10 can be attached to the microscope 20 via the first fixing part 11.

[0037] The cell puncturing device 10 has a base 12 connected to the other side of the first fixing part 11 in the x direction and located on the surface of the first fixing part 11. The cell puncturing device 10 is supported by the first fixing part 11 and the base 12 and has a first driving part 13 that protrudes from the base 12 toward the positive side in the z direction. The cell puncturing device 10 has an arm 14 that extends from the first driving part 13 toward the positive side in the x direction. The arm 14 is disposed relative to the first fixing part 11. For example, the arm 14 is disposed parallel to the first fixing part 11. The first driving part 13 drives the arm 14 so that the arm 14 can move in each of the x direction, y direction, and z direction relative to the base 12.

[0038] The cell puncturing device 10 has a support unit 15 connected to the x-direction tip of the arm unit 14. The support unit 15 is for mounting a vibration suppression unit 19a and a restriction unit 19b, which will be described later. The cell puncturing device 10 has a second drive unit 16 located inside the support unit 15 so as to be sandwiched between the outer frames of the support unit 15. This is not limiting, and the second drive unit 16 does not have to be located inside the support unit 15. The second drive unit 16, together with the vibration suppression unit 19a, may be located at another location outside the support unit 15. The second drive unit 16 is arranged relative to the arm unit 14 via the restriction unit 19b and the support unit 15. The second drive unit 16 is arranged relative to the support unit 15 via the vibration suppression unit 19a.

[0039] The second driving unit 16 needs to move the needle 17a at a high speed to puncture the cell S. To achieve such high-speed movement of the needle 17a, the second driving unit 16 includes, for example, a piezoelectric element that drives the needle 17a. The second driving unit 16 includes a second fixed unit 16a connected to a restricting unit 19b (described later) and a first movable unit 16b connected to the second fixed unit 16a and driving the needle 17a. The first movable unit 16b is movable relative to the second fixed unit 16a. The piezoelectric element included in the first movable unit 16b drives the needle 17a so that the tip of the needle 17a moves along the z-direction, for example. The first movable unit 16b moves relative to the second fixed unit 16a to cause the needle 17a to puncture the cell S.

[0040] The cell puncture device 10 has a needle unit 17 that has a needle 17a at its tip that punctures the cell S and is driven by a first movable unit 16b of a second drive unit 16. The needle unit 17 is driven by the second drive unit 16 and has the needle 17a that punctures the cell S, and a needle fixing unit 17b that fixes the needle 17a.

[0041] Needle fixing portion 17b enables needle 17a to be attached to and detached from support head 18a2, which will be described later, when replacing needle 17a. Needle fixing portion 17b is detachably attached to support head 18a2 in any manner, such as by screwing, joining, fitting, or engagement. Needle fixing portion 17b may have, for example, a fixing screw portion connected to needle 17a, and may be attached to support head 18a2 by threading the fixing screw portion into a threaded portion disposed on support head 18a2. Needle fixing portion 17b may have, for example, an axial structure that fits support head 18a2, and may be attached to support head 18a2 by fitting with support head 18a2 based on the axial structure.

[0042] The cell puncture device 10 has a needle support unit 18a connected to the needle fixing unit 17b and having the needle unit 17 positioned at its tip. The needle support unit 18a has a moving unit 18a1 that moves the needle unit 17 between a first position when the needle 17a punctures the cell S and a second position when the needle 17a is retracted. The needle support unit 18a has a support head 18a2 that connects the moving unit 18a1 and the needle fixing unit 17b. As an example, the moving unit 18a1 includes a rotation mechanism to which the support head 18a2 is connected, which supports the needle unit 17 at its tip. The moving unit 18a1 may non-detachably or detachably fix the support head 18a2 in any manner, such as by screwing, joining, fitting, or engagement.

[0043] The moving unit 18a1 supports the needle 17 so that it can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis along the y-axis. For example, the moving unit 18a1 determines the position of the needle 17 shown in FIG. 1 when the needle 17a punctures the cell S as the first position. For example, the moving unit 18a1 determines an arbitrary position when the needle 17 rotates counterclockwise from the first position as the second position.

[0044] The cell puncture device 10 has a vibration damping unit 19a that damps the vibration of the needle 17a. The vibration damping unit 19a includes, for example, a vibration damping rubber. The vibration damping unit 19a may be disposed relative to at least one of the arm unit 14 and the second drive unit 16. For example, in FIG. 1, the vibration damping unit 19a is disposed so that the vibration damping surface 19a1 contacts only the first movable unit 16b of the second drive unit 16. A pair of vibration damping units 19a are disposed on both sides of the second drive unit 16 in the z direction. This is not a limitation, and only one vibration damping unit 19a may be disposed relative to the second drive unit 16, or three or more vibration damping units 19a may be disposed. The vibration damping unit 19a is disposed between the support unit 15 and the second drive unit 16 so as to fill the gap along the z direction between the support unit 15 and the second drive unit 16.

[0045] Vibration damping unit 19a is disposed so that vibration damping surface 19a1 intersects with the puncturing motion direction of needle 17a. In the present disclosure, the "puncturing motion direction" corresponds to, for example, the z direction. For example, vibration damping surface 19a1 is perpendicular to the z direction, which is the puncturing motion direction of needle 17a. Vibration damping surface 19a1 forms the contact surface of vibration damping unit 19a with first movable unit 16b, and contacts the surface of first movable unit 16b in the z direction. Vibration damping surface 19a1 is included in the xy plane, for example. When second drive unit 16 vibrates and presses and deforms vibration damping unit 19a, vibration damping unit 19a performs vibration damping by converting part of the vibration energy of second drive unit 16 into thermal energy.

[0046] The cell puncture device 10 has a restricting part 19b that is disposed relative to the second drive part 16 and restricts the movement direction of the second drive part 16 to the puncture operation direction of the needle 17a. The restricting part 19b includes a third fixed part 19b1 that is disposed relative to the arm part 14, and a second movable part 19b2 that is connected to the third fixed part 19b1 and the second fixed part 16a of the second drive part 16. The third fixed part 19b1 is connected to, for example, the inner surface of the support part 15 along the z direction.

[0047] Restriction unit 19b includes, for example, a linear guide and a cross roller guide. Restriction unit 19b allows movement in the puncturing operation direction in which second drive unit 16 moves to puncture needle 17a into cell S, but restricts movement of second drive unit 16 in a direction perpendicular to that direction. For example, if the puncturing operation direction is the z direction, restriction unit 19b allows movement of second drive unit 16 along the z direction, but restricts movement in the x and y directions.

[0048] The cell puncture device 10 may be configured so that the entire components, including the first drive unit 13, arm unit 14, support unit 15, second drive unit 16, and needle 17a, can be retracted from the microscope 20 by moving the pedestal unit 12 in the x or y direction or by rotating the pedestal unit 12 relative to the first fixed unit 11. Movement of the pedestal unit 12 in the x or y direction can be easily achieved, for example, by arranging a linear guide, a cross roller guide, or the like between the first fixed unit 11 and the pedestal unit 12. Rotational movement of the pedestal unit 12 can be easily achieved, for example, by arranging a ball bearing, a cross roller bearing, or the like between the first fixed unit 11 and the pedestal unit 12.

[0049] The cell puncture device 10 may further include a fixing portion (not shown) between the first fixing portion 11 and the pedestal portion 12 to prevent relative movement in the x or y direction or relative rotational movement of the pedestal portion 12 with respect to the first fixing portion 11. The fixing portion may fix the pedestal portion 12 by the frictional force of a pin that is movable in the z direction and pressed against the first fixing portion 11 by a spring, or the pedestal portion 12 may be fixed by a similar pin engaging with a groove provided in the first fixing portion 11. The pin can be easily lifted by arranging an operating portion for lifting the pin on the positive side of the z direction. The pin allows the pedestal portion 12 to be moved relative to the first fixing portion 11 and fixed.

[0050] With the above-described configuration, cell puncturing device 10 can accurately position pedestal 12 relative to first fixing part 11. Cell puncturing device 10 can reduce fluctuations in the position of needle 17a due to play in pedestal 12 relative to first fixing part 11.

[0051] Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of part of the configuration of the cell puncturing device 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the configuration shown in Fig. 2A. The configuration and functions related to the rotation mechanism of the moving part 18a1 of the cell puncturing device 10 will be mainly described with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0052] The cell puncture device 10 further includes a first restricting portion 18b adjacent to the moving portion 18a1 shown in FIG. 1 and contacting the support head 18a2 when the needle portion 17 is in the first position. The first restricting portion 18b includes a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of the base portion 18c (described later) toward the support head 18a2 and is adjacent to the moving portion 18a1. The first restricting portion 18b has a rod-like shape and extends along the y direction. The first restricting portion 18b is disposed relative to the needle support portion 18a and positions the needle portion 17 at a first position when the needle 17a punctures the cell S. The first restricting portion 18b positions the needle portion 17 by contacting the support head 18a2. For example, consider a case in which the needle portion 17 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 18f of the moving portion 18a1. At this time, the first restricting portion 18b restricts further clockwise movement of the needle portion 17 by contacting the support head 18a2.

[0053] The cell puncture device 10 further includes a base portion 18c that moves the first restricting portion 18b between a third position, where the needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position, and a fourth position different from the third position. The base portion 18c is disposed on the opposite side of the support head 18a2 with respect to the moving portion 18a1. The base portion 18c is connected to the first restricting portion 18b. The base portion 18c determines the position of the first restricting portion 18b, which extends in a rod-like shape from the surface of the base portion 18c along the y-direction. As an example, the base portion 18c includes a rotation mechanism to which the first restricting portion 18b is connected. The base portion 18c supports the first restricting portion 18b so that the first restricting portion 18b can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis 18f that is aligned with the y-axis. 2A and 2B when the needle 17 is positioned at the first position, the base portion 18c determines, as the third position, the position of the first restricting portion 18b shown in Figures 2A and 2B. For example, the base portion 18c determines, as the fourth position, any position that the first restricting portion 18b reaches when it rotates from the third position.

[0054] The base portion 18c is connected to the first movable portion 16b of the second driving unit 16. The base portion 18c is rotatable relative to the first movable portion 16b. In addition, the movable portion 18a1 is connected to the base portion 18c. The movable portion 18a1 is rotatable relative to the base portion 18c. The base portion 18c and the movable portion 18a1 are rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around a common rotation axis 18f. In FIG. 2A, the rotation axis 18f is shown as being common to the base portion 18c and the movable portion 18a1, but this is not limiting. The rotation axis 18f does not have to be common to the base portion 18c and the movable portion 18a1. The base portion 18c and the movable portion 18a1 may have different rotation axes 18f.

[0055] The cell puncture device 10 further includes a second restricting member 18d attached to the base member 18c and restricting the movement of the first restricting member 18b by the base member 18c. The second restricting member 18d includes, for example, a knurled screw as a screw-type knob. The second restricting member 18d fixes the rotational position of the base member 18c at a predetermined angle relative to the first movable member 16b of the second driving unit 16. For example, the knurled screw of the second restricting member 18d is attached to the base member 18c and pressed against the rotation shaft 18f to fix the base member 18c.

[0056] At this time, first restricting portion 18b is fixed at a predetermined relative angle with respect to moving portion 18a1 as base portion 18c is fixed. First restricting portion 18b extending from base portion 18c comes into contact with support head 18a2 while being fixed at the third position as described above, thereby positioning needle portion 17 at the first position at a predetermined angle based on the contact surface of support head 18a2 with first restricting portion 18b.

[0057] The cell puncturing device 10 according to the first embodiment described above improves the workability of the replacement work required when using the device. The cell puncturing device 10 includes a first restricting unit 18b that positions the needle 17a at a first position when puncturing the cell S with the needle 17a, and a moving unit 18a1 that moves the needle 17a between the first and second positions when retracting the needle 17a. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to retract the needle 17a to a second position where a larger separation distance is obtained between the cell S and the needle 17a compared to the distance between the needle 17a and the cell S when the needle 17a is in the first position. Therefore, when the needle 17a is in the second position, the cell puncturing device 10 provides a larger space between the cell S and the needle 17a, thereby providing the operator with the workspace necessary for the replacement work.

[0058] For example, the operator can easily replace the needle 17a, which is used to penetrate the cell wall and puncture the interior of the cell S, in a large space. In addition, since the first position is determined by the first restricting portion 18b of the cell puncturing device 10, the operator can easily return the replaced needle 17a to a position near the original cell S. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to replacing the needle 17a, the operator can easily change the cell S to be punctured. For example, when replacing the petri dish C, the operator can easily retract the needle portion 17 to the second position and reposition the needle 17a within the original angle of view of the microscope 20 after replacing the petri dish C.

[0059] In the cell puncture device 10, for example, the moving unit 18a1 rotates relative to the base unit 18c, thereby allowing the needle 17 to be rotated at the tip of the support head 18a2 connected to the moving unit 18a1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, even when the cell puncture device 10 is mounted on a microscope 20, the needle 17a can be moved away from the cell S and the petri dish C containing the cell S by rotation. Such rotation of the needle 17 allows the operator to easily replace at least one of the needle 17a and the cell S. After the replacement, the operator can use the first restrictor 18b to position the support head 18a2 at a predetermined angle corresponding to the first position of the needle 17. Even after the replacement, the operator can position the tip of the needle 17a near the cell S and within the field of view of the microscope 20. This improves the operability of the replacement operation required when using the device.

[0060] First restricting portion 18b comes into contact with support head 18a2 to position needle portion 17. This allows cell puncturing device 10 to directly position needle portion 17 at the first position by contacting support head 18a2 with first restricting portion 18b.

[0061] Cell puncture device 10 further includes base portion 18c that moves first restriction portion 18b between a third position when needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position. This allows cell puncture device 10 to adjust needle 17a to any angle using the rotation mechanism of base portion 18c.

[0062] 1 and the like, if needle 17a were positioned parallel to the puncturing direction, it would puncture cell S straight. This would cause the least damage to cell S. However, in this case, for example, in an inverted microscope 20, needle 17a would be positioned parallel to the optical axis of microscope 20, and the puncturing direction would also be parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, support head 18a2 may block the field of view of microscope 20, making it impossible for the operator to visually confirm the position of the tip of needle 17a.

[0063] Therefore, when an operator uses microscope 20 to visually confirm the position of the needle tip of needle 17a and adjust the needle tip position to perform puncture, needle 17a needs to be inclined at a slight angle relative to at least one of the optical axis of microscope 20 and the puncture operation direction, as shown in Fig. 1. If the angle is large, it becomes easier for the operator to visually confirm the position of the needle tip of needle 17a, but needle 17a will puncture cell S at an angle, causing greater damage to cell S. Therefore, it is desirable that the angle can be changed depending on the cell S to be punctured by needle 17a.

[0064] The rotational position of first restricting part 18b can be adjusted by base part 18c in cell puncturing device 10. Therefore, cell puncturing device 10 can also adjust the rotational position of first restricting part 18b to an angle appropriate for cell S to be punctured by needle 17a, by using the rotation mechanism of base part 18c.

[0065] Cell puncturing device 10 further includes second restricting part 18d attached to base part 18c and restricting movement of first restricting part 18b by base part 18c. This allows cell puncturing device 10 to fix the rotational position of first restricting part 18b, which is adjusted by rotational movement of base part 18c, at an angle appropriate for cell S to be punctured by needle 17a.

[0066] First restricting part 18b includes a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of base part 18c toward support head 18a2 and is adjacent to moving part 18a1, which allows cell puncturing device 10 to more easily bring first restricting part 18b into contact with support head 18a2.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the first fixing unit 11 is described as being fixed to, for example, the microscope 20 that photographs the cell S, but this is not limiting. The first fixing unit 11 may be attached to the microscope 20 in other ways as long as it is disposed relative to the photographing unit that photographs the cell S. For example, instead of being configured to be fixed so as to extend outward from the microscope 20 as described above, the first fixing unit 11 may be incorporated inside the microscope 20.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 is described as further including a base portion 18c that moves the first restriction portion 18b between a third position when the needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position, but is not limited to this. The cell puncturing device 10 does not necessarily have to include the base portion 18c. In the cell puncturing device 10, the first restriction portion 18b does not necessarily have to be movable by a component such as the base portion 18c, and may be fixed in a predetermined fixed position.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 is described as further including the second restricting part 18d that is attached to the base part 18c and restricts the movement of the first restricting part 18b by the base part 18c, but is not limited to this. The cell puncturing device 10 does not necessarily have to include the second restricting part 18d.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the moving unit 18a1 is described as including a rotation mechanism, but is not limited to this. The moving unit 18a1 may also include a translation mechanism. The moving unit 18a1 may realize the movement of the needle unit 17 between a first position when the needle 17a is inserted into the cell S and a second position when the needle 17a is retracted based on translation movement instead of or in addition to rotation movement.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the base portion 18c includes a rotation mechanism, but is not limited to this. The base portion 18c may include a translation mechanism. The base portion 18c may realize the movement of the first restriction portion 18b between the third position when the needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position based on translation movement instead of or in addition to rotation movement.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the cell puncture device 10 may further include a friction unit 18e that generates a frictional force against the moving unit 18a1 when the needle 17 is moved. For example, the friction unit 18e may include a component such as a spring washer, a disc spring, or a wave washer that is arranged around the rotation axis 18f between the moving unit 18a1 and the base unit 18c in FIG. 2B. When the moving unit 18a1 rotates relative to the base unit 18c, the component rubs against the moving unit 18a1, thereby directly generating a frictional force against the moving unit 18a1.

[0073] The cell puncture device 10 has friction portion 18e, which allows moving portion 18a1 to rotate relative to base portion 18c while receiving a frictional force from friction portion 18e. Therefore, when replacing needle 17a or the like, cell puncture device 10 can reduce the downward rotation of moving portion 18a1 in the direction of gravity due to the weight of moving portion 18a1 itself and the weight of needle portion 17. As a result, the operator does not need to support moving portion 18a1 with one hand to stop the rotation of moving portion 18a1 while performing the replacement work, and can perform the replacement work with both hands free to use. This further improves the ease of replacement work required when using the device.

[0074] In the first embodiment, even if one component and another component are directly connected to each other, the present disclosure is not limited to such a structural relationship. As long as the function of the cell puncturing device 10 according to the first embodiment can be realized, another component may be interposed between the one component and another component, or the one component and another component may be indirectly connected to each other.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the second driving unit 16 is divided into two components, the second fixed unit 16a and the first movable unit 16b, along the x direction, but this is not limiting. The second driving unit 16 may be divided into two components, the second fixed unit 16a and the first movable unit 16b, along a direction other than the x direction. For example, the second driving unit 16 may be divided into two components, the second fixed unit 16a and the first movable unit 16b, along the y direction. In other words, the second fixed unit 16a and the first movable unit 16b may be arranged along the y direction instead of the x direction.

[0076] In the first embodiment, restricting portion 19b is divided into two components, third fixed portion 19b1 and second movable portion 19b2, along the x direction, but this is not limiting. Restricting portion 19b may be divided into two components, third fixed portion 19b1 and second movable portion 19b2, along a direction different from the x direction. For example, restricting portion 19b may be divided into two components, third fixed portion 19b1 and second movable portion 19b2, along the y direction. In other words, third fixed portion 19b1 and second movable portion 19b2 may be arranged along the y direction instead of the x direction.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the first restricting unit 18b positions the needle 17 by contacting the support head 18a2. For example, the first restricting unit 18b contacts the support head 18a2 due to the weight of the support head 18a2, which is based on gravity. However, similar to the configuration of the third embodiment described below, the first restricting unit 18b may achieve interaction between the first restricting unit 18b and the support head 18a2 based on magnetic force or the like. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to more firmly maintain contact between the first restricting unit 18b and the support head 18a2 when the needle 17a punctures the cell S.

[0078] Additionally, when needle 17 is subjected to an external force greater than the magnetic force, support head 18a2 is released from first restricting portion 18b, allowing it to rotate. This allows cell puncturing device 10 to release support head 18a2 from first restricting portion 18b and rotate support head 18a2 counterclockwise, thereby releasing the force, for example, when needle 17a is pushed further below cell S. Therefore, cell puncturing device 10 can reduce damage to components of Petri dish C and microscope 20.

[0079] (Second embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell puncturing device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of simple illustration, FIG. 3 shows only a part of the configuration of the cell puncturing device 10. FIG. 4 is a front view of the cell puncturing device 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. 4. An example of the configuration and function of the cell puncturing device 10 according to the second embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the first restricting unit 18b positions the needle 17 by contacting the support head 18a2, but this is not limited to this. The first restricting unit 18b may position the needle 17 without contacting the support head 18a2. The cell puncturing device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in this respect. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the cell puncturing device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0081] In the second embodiment, as mainly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , first restricting portion 18b may be attached to movable portion 18a1 so as to penetrate movable portion 18a1 and may move together with movable portion 18a1 to position needle portion 17. First restricting portion 18b may include pin 18b1 extending in the y direction. First restricting portion 18b may have spring 18b2 around pin 18b1 that biases pin 18b1. Pin 18b1 is pressed toward base portion 18c by spring 18b2. Base portion 18c may have engagement structure 18c1 with which the pin of first restricting portion 18b engages. Engagement structure 18c1 may include an engagement groove or an engagement hole.

[0082] The base portion 18c is disposed on the opposite side of the moving portion 18a1 from the needle portion 17. The base portion 18c may have an engagement structure 18c1 with which the first restricting portion 18b engages in at least one of a fifth position when the needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position and a sixth position different from the fifth position. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the engagement structure 18c1 when the first restricting portion 18b is in the fifth position. Alternatively or additionally, the base portion 18c may further have an engagement structure 18c1 having the same or a different shape at a different position from the engagement structure 18c1 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, with which the first restricting portion 18b engages when the first restricting portion 18b is in the sixth position. The sixth position may be, for example, the position of the first restricting portion 18b when the needle portion 17 is positioned at the second position when the needle 17a is retracted. For example, in the case of engagement structure 18c1 having a different shape, the sixth position, which is the position for retracting needle 17a, does not require as high positional accuracy as the fifth position, which corresponds to the position of needle 17a for puncturing, and the groove width or hole width of engagement structure 18c1 may be made larger.

[0083] When the pin 18b1 of the first restricting portion 18b is biased by the spring 18b2, the first restricting portion 18b engages with the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c, causing the spring 18b2 to expand. Meanwhile, when the moving portion 18a1 rotates relative to the base portion 18c and disengages from the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c, the tip of the pin 18b1 abuts against the surface of the base portion 18c where the engagement structure 18c1 is not present, causing the spring 18b2 to contract slightly. At this time, the tip of the first restricting portion 18b is pressed against the surface by the restoring force of the spring 18b2 itself. As the moving portion 18a1 continues to rotate, the tip of the first restricting portion 18b slides while being pressed against the surface of the base portion 18c.

[0084] For example, when first restricting portion 18b is pulled, the tip of first restricting portion 18b can be released from the state where it is fitted into engaging structure 18c1 and can move out into an area of ​​base portion 18c that is not equipped with engaging structure 18c1. When pulling on first restricting portion 18b is stopped in this state, spring 18b2 presses the tip of first restricting portion 18b against base portion 18c, generating a frictional force.

[0085] Therefore, in the cell puncture device 10 according to the second embodiment, the friction part 18e that generates a frictional force against the moving part 18a1 when the needle part 17 is moved may include the tip of the first restricting part 18b. When the moving part 18a1 rotates relative to the base part 18c, the tip of the first restricting part 18b slides against the surface of the base part 18c, thereby indirectly generating a frictional force against the moving part 18a1.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base portion 18c is configured to be rotatable such that the engagement structure 18c1 rotates relative to the first movable portion 16b. The second restricting portion 18d is disposed relative to the base portion 18c and restricts the rotation of the base portion 18c relative to the first movable portion 16b. The second restricting portion 18d may be attached to a rotation stage located on the opposite side of the base portion 18c from the movable portion 18a1. The rotation stage may be composed of a fourth fixed portion 18g connected to the first movable portion 16b and a third movable portion 18h attached to the movable portion 18a1 side of the fourth fixed portion 18g. The base portion 18c and the third movable portion 18h may be fixed to each other by screwing or the like. The base portion 18c and the third movable portion 18h may move integrally with each other. The fourth fixed portion 18g may be disposed closer to the first movable portion 16b than the third movable portion 18h. The third movable portion 18h and the fourth fixed portion 18g may be connected to each other by a rotation shaft, etc. The third movable portion 18h may be rotatable relative to the fourth fixed portion 18g.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, the moving part 18a1 has a rotation mechanism disposed around the rotation shaft 18f. The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a bearing 18a3 and a bearing support 18a4. The moving part 18a1 has a biasing mechanism that biases one end of the bearing 18a3 toward the negative side in the y direction. The biasing mechanism includes, for example, a disc spring 18a5. The bearing support 18a4 may be disposed as a convex portion in cross section formed on the inner wall of the moving part 18a1 between two bearings 18a3 arranged along the y direction. This is not a limitation; the bearing support 18a4 may be formed of a ring-shaped component separate from the moving body 18a1. The bearing support 18a4 receives a thrust load from the two bearings 18a3. The disc spring 18a5 presses against the inside of one end of the bearing 18a3 to determine its position. Although a ball bearing is shown in FIG. 5, two bearings 18a3 are used in combination, and by using an angular ball bearing, it becomes possible to receive a stronger force in the thrust direction.

[0088] The cell puncturing device 10 according to the second embodiment as described above provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In addition, the cell puncturing device 10 is attached to the moving part 18a1 so that the first restriction part 18b penetrates the moving part 18a1, and moves together with the moving part 18a1 to position the needle part 17, thereby making it possible to indirectly position the needle part 17 at the first position while the support head 18a2 is not in contact with the first restriction part 18b.

[0089] The base portion 18c of the cell puncturing device 10 has an engagement structure 18c1 with which the first restricting portion 18b engages at least one of a fifth position when the needle portion 17 is positioned at the first position and a sixth position different from the fifth position. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to position the needle portion 17 by engaging the first restricting portion 18b with the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c to stop the rotational movement of the moving portion 18a1. For example, the cell puncturing device 10 can position the needle portion 17 at the first position when the needle 17a punctures a cell S by engaging the first restricting portion 18b with the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c at the fifth position. For example, the cell puncturing device 10 can position the needle portion 17 at the second position when the needle 17a is retracted by engaging the first restricting portion 18b with the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c at the sixth position.

[0090] The cell puncturing device 10 further includes a second restricting portion 18d that is disposed relative to the base portion 18c configured to be rotatable so that the engagement structure 18c1 can rotate and move, and that restricts the rotation of the base portion 18c. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to fix the rotational position of the engagement structure 18c1, which is adjusted by the rotational movement of the base portion 18c, at an angle appropriate for the cell S to be punctured by the needle 17a.

[0091] The cell puncture device 10 has friction portion 18e, which allows moving portion 18a1 to rotate relative to base portion 18c while indirectly receiving a frictional force via friction portion 18e. Therefore, when replacing needle 17a or the like, cell puncture device 10 can reduce the downward rotation of moving portion 18a1 in the direction of gravity due to the weight of moving portion 18a1 itself and the weight of needle portion 17. As a result, the operator does not need to support moving portion 18a1 with one hand to stop the rotation of moving portion 18a1 while performing the replacement work, and can perform the replacement work with both hands free to use. This further improves the ease of replacement work required when using the device.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the base portion 18c has been described as having one or two engagement structures 18c1, but is not limited to this and may have three or more engagement structures 18c1.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 is described as further including the second restricting part 18d that is disposed relative to the base part 18c and restricts the rotation of the base part 18c, but is not limited to this. The cell puncturing device 10 does not necessarily have to include the second restricting part 18d.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 is described as further including the friction part 18e that generates a frictional force against the moving part 18a1 when the needle part 17 is moved, but this is not limiting. The cell puncturing device 10 does not have to include the friction part 18e. That is, when the moving part 18a1 rotates relative to the base part 18c, the tip of the first restricting part 18b does not have to slide against the surface of the base part 18c and does not generate a frictional force against the moving part 18a1.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing an example of the configuration of a modified example of the cell puncturing device 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6, showing an example of the configuration of a modified example of the cell puncturing device 10 of FIG. 3. In the second embodiment, the engagement groove in the engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c is configured to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, but is not limited to this. The engagement structure 18c1 of the base portion 18c may include an engagement groove whose cross-sectional shape tapers in the depth direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the engagement groove may have a V-shaped cross-sectional shape that narrows from the surface of the base portion 18c toward the inside in the depth direction.

[0096] The tip of first restricting portion 18b may be hemispherical. When first restricting portion 18b engages with engagement structure 18c1 of base portion 18c, the hemispherical tip of first restricting portion 18b may come into contact with a pair of V-shaped inclined surfaces of engagement structure 18c1. The pair of V-shaped inclined surfaces may come into contact with the circumferential portion of the hemispherical tip of first restricting portion 18b from both sides.

[0097] In the cell puncturing device 10, by including an engagement groove whose cross-sectional shape tapers in the depth direction in the engagement structure 18c1, it is possible to achieve the above-mentioned two-point contact in cross section between the tip of the first restriction part 18b and the engagement structure 18c1. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to improve the positioning accuracy of the first restriction part 18b when the first restriction part 18b engages with the engagement structure 18c1. As a result, the cell puncturing device 10 can also reduce the positioning error of the needle part 17 positioned at the first position, etc., by the first restriction part 18b.

[0098] (Third embodiment) FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell puncturing device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of simple illustration, FIG. 9 shows only a part of the configuration of the cell puncturing device 10. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the arrow CC in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the area E enclosed by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the arrow DD in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow FF in FIG. 9, corresponding to FIG. 5. An example of the configuration and function of the cell puncturing device 10 according to the third embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9, the support head 18a2 is configured as two parts connected to each other. By configuring the support head 18a2 as two parts, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the relative position of the first part P1 of the support head 18a2, which is located at the back side, that is, on the positive side of the y-axis, and the second part P2 on the front side can be changed. For example, by moving the second part P2 using a screw and an elongated hole, the position of the needle 17a can be moved closer to or farther away from the center of rotation of the support head 18a2. In addition, the second part P2 can be detached from the first part P1.

[0100] As with the first embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 according to the third embodiment positions the needle 17 by contacting the first restricting portion 18b with the support head 18a2. The first restricting portion 18b contacts the support head 18a2 to removably fix the support head 18a2. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations apply to the cell puncturing device 10 according to the third embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0101] In the cell puncture device 10 according to the third embodiment, at least one of the first restricting unit 18b and the support head 18a2 may include a magnet. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the support head 18a2 of the cell puncture device 10 may include a magnet 18a6. The magnet 18a6 may be partially exposed toward the first restricting unit 18b on a first opposing surface 18a7 of the support head 18a2 that faces the first restricting unit 18b. This is not a limitation; the magnet 18a6 may not be exposed on the first opposing surface 18a7 by using nonmagnetic stainless steel, such as austenitic stainless steel typified by SUS304. Even in this case, the magnet 18a6 can attract the second opposing surface 18b3, which will be described later. The magnet 18a6 may magnetically interact with the first restricting unit 18b, which is a magnetic body. The first restricting unit 18b may detachably fix the support head 18a2 by magnetic force.

[0102] In this case, first restricting portion 18b may detachably fix support head 18a2 such that a second restricting force restricting upward movement of support head 18a2 in the direction of gravity is weaker than a first restricting force restricting downward movement of support head 18a2 in the direction of gravity. That is, first restricting portion 18b may strongly restrict downward movement of support head 18a2 in the direction of gravity, for example, toward the negative z-direction, but weakly restrict upward movement of support head 18a2 in the direction of gravity, for example, toward the positive z-direction. When support head 18a2 receives an external force greater than the magnetic force acting between first restricting portion 18b and support head 18a2, it may be detached from first restricting portion 18b and rotate counterclockwise.

[0103] The moving portion 18a1 rotates around the rotation axis 18f shown in FIG. 13, similarly to the first and second embodiments. However, unlike the second embodiment, the bearing support portion 18a4 is not provided. In addition, the disc spring 18a5 is not provided. Two bearings 18a3 are press-fitted along the y direction. The outer side of the bearing 18a3 and the moving portion 18a1 are integrated with each other by press-fitting. The inner side of the bearing 18a3 and the rotation axis 18f are integrated with each other by press-fitting. The moving portion 18a1 rotates due to the rotation of the inner and outer sides of the bearing 18a3. Even in the case of press-fitting as described above, a bearing slip-out prevention screw 18i may be provided.

[0104] Bearing 18a3 may be attached by a loose fit rather than by press fitting. In the case of a loose fit, there is a possibility that bearing 18a3 may come out of moving part 18a1, so bearing retaining screws 18i and the like are used to prevent bearing 18a3 from coming out of moving part 18a1.

[0105] In both the case of the moving part 18a1 and the outer ring of the bearing 18a3, and the case of the rotating shaft 18f and the inner ring of the bearing 18a3, press-fitting eliminates the gap between the cylinder and the bearing 18a3, allowing for smooth rotation. On the other hand, loose fit simplifies the assembly process when attaching the bearing 18a3 to the moving part 18a1. As a result, the moving part 18a1 can rotate around the rotating shaft 18f using the bearing 18a3.

[0106] The moving portion 18a1 has a rotation mechanism disposed around the rotation shaft 18f. The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a bearing 18a3. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first restricting portion 18b includes a second opposing surface 18b3 connected to the surface of the base portion 18c and facing the support head 18a2.

[0107] The second opposing surface 18b3 may be made of a magnetic material so as to be attracted by magnetic force, such as metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, alloys thereof, ferritic stainless steel such as SUS430 and SUS440C, and martensitic stainless steel.

[0108] The first restricting portion 18b may have a positioning protrusion 18b4 that protrudes from a second opposing surface 18b3 that faces the support head 18a2 so as to make point contact with the support head 18a2. The tip of the positioning protrusion 18b4 may be hemispherical. The hemispherical tip of the positioning protrusion 18b4 may protrude from the second opposing surface 18b3 toward the support head 18a2.

[0109] 12 and 13, the cell puncture device 10 may further include a friction unit 18e, similar to the first embodiment, that generates a frictional force against the moving unit 18a1 when the needle 17 is moved. For example, the friction unit 18e may include a component such as a spring washer, a disc spring, or a wave washer that is disposed between the moving unit 18a1 and the base unit 18c in FIG. 12. When the moving unit 18a1 rotates relative to the base unit 18c, the component rubs against the moving unit 18a1, thereby generating a frictional force directly against the moving unit 18a1.

[0110] As in the second embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 may have the base portion 18c, the second restricting portion 18d, the fourth fixed portion 18g, and the like disposed closer to the first movable portion 16b than the moving portion 18a1. As in the second embodiment, the third movable portion 18h may be further disposed between the base portion 18c and the fourth fixed portion 18g.

[0111] The cell puncturing device 10 according to the third embodiment as described above provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In addition, the cell puncturing device 10 allows the first restricting part 18b to more stably position the needle part 17 at the first position or the like by contacting the support head 18a2 with the support head 18a2 to detachably fix the support head 18a2. The cell puncturing device 10 can more stably maintain the position of the needle part 17, which has been positioned at the first position or the like by the first restricting part 18b, by using magnetic force or the like.

[0112] In the cell puncture device 10, the first restricting unit 18b detachably fixes the support head 18a2 using magnetic force, thereby enabling the needle 17, which has been positioned at a first position or the like by the first restricting unit 18b, to be more stably maintained by the magnetic force. When the needle 17 receives an external force greater than the magnetic force, the support head 18a2 is released from the first restricting unit 18b, allowing it to rotate. As a result, when the needle 17a is pushed further below the cell S, for example, the cell puncture device 10 can release the support head 18a2 from the first restricting unit 18b and rotate the support head 18a2 counterclockwise to release the force. Therefore, the cell puncture device 10 can reduce damage to the Petri dish C and components of the microscope 20.

[0113] First restricting portion 18b includes second opposing surface 18b3 that is connected to the surface of base portion 18c and intersects with the rotation direction of moving portion 18a1. This allows cell puncturing device 10 to move second opposing surface 18b3 relative to support head 18a2 along the rotation direction, allowing second opposing surface 18b3 to receive the rotational movement of support head 18a2.

[0114] The first restricting portion 18b has a positioning protrusion 18b4 that protrudes from a second opposing surface 18b3 facing the support head 18a2 so as to make point contact with the support head 18a2. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to achieve point contact between the tip of the positioning protrusion 18b4 and the support head 18a2. This allows the cell puncturing device 10 to improve the positioning accuracy of the support head 18a2 relative to the first restricting portion 18b when the first restricting portion 18b contacts the support head 18a2. As a result, the cell puncturing device 10 can also reduce positioning errors of the needle portion 17 positioned at a first position or the like by the first restricting portion 18b. The fourth fixing portion 18g and the base portion 18c may also form a rotation stage. As shown in FIG. 10, the second restricting portion 18d is disposed on the fourth fixing portion 18g and restricts rotation of the base portion 18c relative to the first movable portion 16b. The rotation stage may be configured with a fourth fixed portion 18g connected to the first movable portion 16b and a base portion 18c as a movable portion attached to the moving portion 18a1 side of the fourth fixed portion 18g. The fourth fixed portion 18g may be disposed closer to the first movable portion 16b than the base portion 18c. The base portion 18c and the fourth fixed portion 18g may be connected to each other by a rotation shaft or the like. The base portion 18c may be rotatable relative to the fourth fixed portion 18g.

[0115] The cell puncture device 10 has friction portion 18e, which allows moving portion 18a1 to rotate relative to base portion 18c while receiving a frictional force from friction portion 18e. Therefore, when replacing needle 17a or the like, cell puncture device 10 can reduce the downward rotation of moving portion 18a1 in the direction of gravity due to the weight of moving portion 18a1 itself and the weight of needle portion 17. As a result, the operator does not need to support moving portion 18a1 with one hand to stop the rotation of moving portion 18a1 while performing the replacement work, and can perform the replacement work with both hands free to use. This further improves the ease of replacement work required when using the device.

[0116] In the third embodiment, the cell puncturing device 10 is described as further including the friction part 18e that generates a friction force against the moving part 18a1 when the needle part 17 is moved, but is not limited to this. The cell puncturing device 10 does not necessarily have to include the friction part 18e.

[0117] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. Any modifications within the range of equivalents of all modifications are intended to be embraced therein.

[0118] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-mentioned components are not limited to those shown in the above description and drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily as long as the function can be realized. The components of the illustrated cell puncture device 10 and microscope system 1 are functional concepts, and the specific form of each component is not limited to those shown.

[0119] The functions included in each of the above-mentioned components can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components can be combined into one or separated.

[0120] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples, however, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] a needle unit having a needle for puncturing a cell and a needle fixing unit for fixing the needle; a needle support part connected to the needle fixing part and for arranging the needle part at a tip end; a first restriction portion disposed relative to the needle support portion and configured to position the needle portion at a first position when the needle is inserted into the cell; Equipped with The needle support unit includes a moving unit that moves the needle unit between a second position when the needle is retracted and the first position. Cell puncture device. [Appendix 2] 2. The cell puncture device according to claim 1, the needle support unit has a support head that connects the moving unit and the needle fixing unit, the first restricting portion positions the needle portion by contacting the support head; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 3] 3. The cell puncture device according to claim 2, a base portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the support head with respect to the moving portion and that moves the first restricting portion between a third position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 4] 4. The cell puncture device according to claim 3, Further, a second restricting portion is attached to the base portion and restricts movement of the first restricting portion by the base portion. Cell puncture device. [Appendix 5] 5. The cell puncture device according to claim 3 or 4, the first restricting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from a surface of the base portion toward the support head and is adjacent to the moving portion; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 6] 6. The cell puncture device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the first restricting portion comes into contact with the support head to detachably fix the support head; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 7] 7. The cell puncture device according to claim 6, At least one of the first restricting portion and the support head has a magnet, the first restricting portion detachably fixes the support head by magnetic force; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 8] The cell puncture device according to claim 6 or 7, The moving part rotates around a rotation axis, the first restricting portion includes an opposing surface connected to a surface of the base portion and intersecting with a rotation direction of the moving portion, Cell puncture device. [Appendix 9] 9. The cell puncture device according to claim 8, the first restricting portion has a positioning protrusion that protrudes from the opposing surface that faces the support head so as to come into point contact with the support head, Cell puncture device. [Appendix 10] 2. The cell puncture device according to claim 1, the first restricting portion is attached to the moving portion so as to penetrate the moving portion, and moves together with the moving portion to position the needle portion; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 11] 11. The cell puncture device according to claim 10, a base portion disposed on the opposite side of the needle portion with respect to the moving portion, the base portion having an engagement structure with which the first restricting portion engages at least one of a fifth position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a sixth position different from the fifth position; Cell puncture device. [Appendix 12] 12. The cell puncture device according to claim 11, The tip of the first restricting portion is hemispherical, The engagement structure includes an engagement groove whose cross-sectional shape tapers in a depth direction. Cell puncture device. [Appendix 13] 13. The cell puncture device according to claim 11 or 12, The base portion is configured to be rotatable so that the engagement structure moves in a rotational manner; Further provided is a second restricting portion disposed relative to the base portion and restricting rotation of the base portion. Cell puncture device. [Appendix 14] 14. The cell puncture device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Further provided is a friction part that generates a friction force against the moving part when the needle part is moved. Cell puncture device. [Appendix 15] A cell puncture device according to any one of appendices 1 to 14; a microscope that photographs the cells punctured by the needle of the cell puncturing device; Equipped with Microscope system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Microscope system 10 Cell puncture device 11 1st fixed part 12 Base 13 First drive unit 14 Arm section 15 Support part 16 Second drive unit 16a 2nd fixed part 16b 1st moving part 17 Needle 17a needle 17b Needle fixing part 18a Needle support part 18a1 Moving part 18a2 Support Head 18a3 bearing 18a4 bearing holder 18a5 disc spring 18a6 Magnet 18a7 1st facing surface 18b 1st Regulatory Division 18b1 pin 18b2 Spring 18b3 2nd opposing surface (opposing surface) 18b4 Positioning protrusion 18c base 18c1 Engagement structure 18d Second Regulatory Division 18e Friction part 18f Rotation axis 18g 4th fixed part 18h 3rd moving part 18i Bearing retaining screw 19a Vibration damping section 19a1 Vibration-damping surface 19b Regulatory Department 19b1 3rd fixed part 19b2 ​​2nd moving part 20. Microscope 21 Camera 22 Posts 23 Holding part 24 Support part C Petri dish P1 Part 1 P2 2nd part S cell

Claims

1. a needle unit having a needle for puncturing a cell and a needle fixing unit for fixing the needle; a needle support part connected to the needle fixing part and for arranging the needle part at a tip end; a first restriction portion disposed relative to the needle support portion and configured to position the needle portion at a first position when the needle is inserted into the cell; Equipped with The needle support unit includes a moving unit that moves the needle unit between a second position when the needle is retracted and the first position. Cell puncture device.

2. The cell puncture device according to claim 1, the needle support unit has a support head that connects the moving unit and the needle fixing unit, the first restricting portion positions the needle portion by contacting the support head; Cell puncture device.

3. The cell puncture device according to claim 2, a base portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the support head with respect to the moving portion and that moves the first restricting portion between a third position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a fourth position different from the third position, Cell puncture device.

4. The cell puncture device according to claim 3, a second restricting portion attached to the base portion and restricting movement of the first restricting portion by the base portion; Cell puncture device.

5. The cell puncture device according to claim 3 or 4, the first restricting portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from a surface of the base portion toward the support head and is adjacent to the moving portion; Cell puncture device.

6. The cell puncture device according to claim 3 or 4, the first restricting portion comes into contact with the support head to detachably fix the support head; Cell puncture device.

7. The cell puncture device according to claim 6, At least one of the first restricting portion and the support head has a magnet, the first restricting portion detachably fixes the support head by magnetic force; Cell puncture device.

8. The cell puncture device according to claim 6, The moving part rotates around a rotation axis, the first restricting portion includes an opposing surface connected to a surface of the base portion and intersecting with a rotation direction of the moving portion, Cell puncture device.

9. The cell puncture device according to claim 8, the first restricting portion has a positioning protrusion that protrudes from the opposing surface that faces the support head so as to come into point contact with the support head; Cell puncture device.

10. The cell puncture device according to claim 1, the first restricting portion is attached to the moving portion so as to penetrate the moving portion, and moves together with the moving portion to position the needle portion; Cell puncture device.

11. The cell puncture device according to claim 10, a base portion disposed on the opposite side of the needle portion with respect to the moving portion, the base portion having an engagement structure with which the first restricting portion engages at least one of a fifth position when the needle portion is positioned at the first position and a sixth position different from the fifth position; Cell puncture device.

12. The cell puncture device according to claim 11, The tip of the first restricting portion is hemispherical, The engagement structure includes an engagement groove whose cross-sectional shape tapers in a depth direction. Cell puncture device.

13. The cell puncture device according to claim 11 or 12, The base portion is configured to be rotatable so that the engagement structure moves in a rotational manner; Further, a second restricting portion is provided on the base portion to restrict rotation of the base portion. Cell puncture device.

14. The cell puncture device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10 to 12, Further provided is a friction part that generates a friction force against the moving part when the needle part is moved. Cell puncture device.

15. The cell puncture device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10 to 12; a microscope that photographs the cells punctured by the needle of the cell puncturing device; Equipped with Microscope system.

Images