Slide holding unit and image acquisition device

Abstract

To provide a slide holding unit and an image acquisition device that can securely hold a slide.SOLUTION: A slide holding unit 3A is for holding a rectangular plate-like slide 100 having a pair of long side portions 101. The slide holding unit 3A comprises: a first movable portion 50A having a first arm 52A extending along an X direction; a second movable portion 60A having a second arm 62A extending along the X direction and facing the first arm 52A in a Y direction; and a driving portion 31 for moving the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A. The driving portion 31 moves both the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A in the Y direction so as to cause the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A to sandwich the slide 100 at the pair of long side portions 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide holding unit and an image acquisition device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image acquisition device that captures an image of a specimen placed on a slide. In this device, a slide stored in a slide storage section is clamped and carried out by a slide transport section (slide holding unit), and then transported to a slide imaging section. The slide imaging section captures an image of the specimen placed on the slide and acquires an image. The slide transport section has a pair of clamping members, and clamps the slide by moving one of the clamping members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-015978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described above, for example, if the slides are not stored straight in the slide storage section (cassette) or if the cassette is positioned at an angle, there is a risk that the slide holding unit will clamp the slide in an angled position, and the slide may not be able to be transported properly.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a slide holding unit and an image acquisition device that can reliably clamp a slide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The slide holding unit of the present invention is [1] "a slide holding unit for holding a rectangular plate-shaped slide having a pair of sides, comprising: a first movable part having a first arm extending along the first direction; a second movable part having a second arm extending along the first direction and facing the first arm in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a drive part that moves the first movable part and the second movable part, wherein the drive part moves both the first movable part and the second movable part in the second direction, thereby causing the first arm and the second arm to clamp the slide at the pair of sides."

[0007] In this slide holding unit, a first movable part having a first arm extending along a first direction, and a second movable part having a second arm extending along the first direction both move in a second direction, causing the first arm and the second arm to clamp the slide at a pair of sides. This makes it easy to adjust the posture of the slide when clamping it with the first arm and the second arm, even if, for example, the slide is not stored upright in the cassette or the cassette is placed at an angle, and as a result, it becomes possible to reliably clamp the slide with the first arm and the second arm.

[0008] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [2] "the slide holder unit according to [1], wherein the drive unit moves the first movable unit and the second movable unit in the second direction so that the first arm and the second arm move symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the first direction." In this case, the slide can be more reliably clamped by the first arm and the second arm.

[0009] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [3] "the slide holder unit according to [1], wherein the drive unit has a motor and a cam unit rotated by the motor, and the first movable unit and the second movable unit move in the second direction according to the rotation angle of the cam unit." In this case, the first movable unit and the second movable unit can be moved in the second direction using the motor and the cam unit.

[0010] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be the slide holder unit described in [3], [4] "wherein the cam portion has a shape in which the dimension in the major axis direction is larger than the dimension in the minor axis direction, and by facing the first movable portion and the second movable portion in the major axis direction, the distance between the first arm and the second arm in the second direction is set to a first distance, and by facing the first movable portion and the second movable portion in the minor axis direction, the distance between the first arm and the second arm is set to a second distance, the first distance is larger than the width of the slide between the pair of side portions, and the second distance is equal to or smaller than the width of the slide." In this case, by changing the rotation angle of the cam portion to change the distance between the first arm and the second arm between the first distance and the second distance, it is possible to switch between a state in which the slide is not clamped by the first arm and the second arm and a state in which the slide is clamped by the first arm and the second arm.

[0011] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [5] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising: a first biasing member that biases the first movable part so that the first arm approaches the second arm; and a second biasing member that biases the second movable part so that the second arm approaches the first arm." In this case, even if, for example, power is suddenly not supplied to the slide holder unit, it is possible to prevent the slide from being released from clamping by the first arm and the second arm, causing the slide to fall.

[0012] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [6] "the slide holder unit according to [5], wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are disposed at different positions when viewed from the second direction." In this case, the slide holder unit can be made smaller.

[0013] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [7] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a first sensor that is turned on and off depending on the position of the first movable part in the second direction, and a second sensor that is turned on and off depending on the position of the second movable part in the second direction, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged so that a first state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm in the second direction is greater than the width of the slide between the pair of sides can be distinguished by a combination of on and off states of the first sensor and the second sensor, a second state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm is equal to the width of the slide, and a third state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm is smaller than the width of the slide." In this case, the distance between the first arm and the second arm can be determined based on the on and off states of the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0014] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [8] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein a groove extending along the first direction is formed in at least one of a contact surface of the first arm with the slide and a contact surface of the second arm with the slide." In this case, the slide can be more reliably clamped by the first arm and the second arm.

[0015] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be [9] "the slide holder unit according to [8], wherein the groove is formed on both the contact surface of the first arm with the slide and the contact surface of the second arm with the slide." In this case, the slide can be more reliably clamped by the first arm and the second arm.

[0016] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be

[10] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the first arm is formed on the base end side of the contact surface with the slide and has a protrusion that protrudes toward the second arm from the contact surface." In this case, when storing the slide in the cassette, the end of the slide can be pushed in by the protrusion, and the slide can be securely stored in the cassette (slide storage unit).

[0017] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be

[11] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the length of the contact portion of the first arm with the slide along the first direction and the length of the contact portion of the second arm with the slide along the first direction are each 16.5 mm or less." In this case, the slides stored in the cassette can be securely held.

[0018] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be

[12] "the slide holder unit according to any one of [1] to

[11] , further comprising a support member that is provided so as to be positioned between the first arm and the second arm when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and that supports a main surface of the slide between the pair of side portions when the first arm and the second arm clamp the slide at the pair of side portions." In this case, the slide can be stably held.

[0019] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be

[13] "the slide holder unit according to

[12] , wherein the contact surface of the first arm with the slide is inclined so as to move away from the second arm as it approaches the support member, and the contact surface of the second arm with the slide is inclined so as to move away from the first arm as it approaches the support member." In this case, the slide can be held more stably.

[0020] The image acquisition device of the present invention may be

[14] "an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a sample held on a slide, comprising: a slide holding unit according to any one of [1] to

[13] ; and a stage on which the slide transported by the slide holding unit is placed, wherein the stage has a pair of wall portions arranged to extend along the pair of sides when the slide is placed on the stage, and when the slide is placed between the pair of wall portions, the pair of wall portions restrict movement of the slide in the second direction."

[0021] In this image acquisition device, the stage has a pair of walls arranged to extend along a pair of sides of the slide when the slide is placed on the stage. This allows the slide to be placed on the stage while being guided by the pair of walls. Furthermore, in this image acquisition device, when the slide is placed between the pair of walls, the pair of walls restrict movement of the slide in the second direction. This makes it possible to prevent the slide from moving in the second direction together with the first arm or the second arm, for example, even if a label protruding from the slide in the second direction causes the slide to adhere to the first arm or the second arm.

[0022] The slide holder unit of the present invention is

[15] "a slide holder unit for holding a rectangular plate-shaped slide having a pair of main surfaces, comprising: a first movable part having a first arm extending along a first direction; a second movable part having a second arm extending along the first direction and facing the first arm in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a drive part that moves the first movable part and the second movable part, wherein the drive part moves both the first movable part and the second movable part in the second direction, thereby causing the first arm and the second arm to sandwich the slide at the pair of main surfaces." In this slide holder unit, the slide is sandwiched between the first arm and the second arm at the main surfaces, so that the slide can be stably sandwiched.

[0023] The slide holder unit of the present invention may be the slide holder unit according to the main claim

[15]

[16] , further comprising a pair of anti-rotation arms provided on at least one of the first movable part and the second movable part, the pair of anti-rotation arms being configured to extend along a pair of sides of the slide extending along the first direction when the slide is clamped between the first arm and the second arm at the pair of main surfaces, and the pair of anti-rotation arms restricting rotation of the slide around an axis parallel to the second direction when the slide is clamped between the first arm and the second arm at the pair of main surfaces. In this case, the slide can be clamped more stably. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slide holding unit and an image acquisition device that can reliably hold a slide. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cassette of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the cassette of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the stage of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slide holder unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the slide holding unit to place a slide on the stage. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a slide holding unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a slide holding unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a slide holding unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a slide holding unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slide holding unit. [Figure 12] 12 is an enlarged view of the linear motion guide and the first main body portion of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 13(a), (b), (c) and (d) are cross-sectional views of the first arm and the second arm taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(a) is a front view showing a slide holder unit, and FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view of the slide holder unit. [Figure 15] 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) are diagrams for explaining the on / off of the first sensor and the second sensor according to the positions of the first movable part and the second movable part. [Figure 16] 10(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the movement of the first arm and the second arm. [Figure 17] 10(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the movement of the first arm and the second arm. [Figure 18] 10(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of a slide holder unit according to a comparative example. [Figure 19] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the image acquisition device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the image acquisition device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a slide holder unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 22] 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views showing a slide holder unit according to a second modified example. [Figure 23] 10(a) and 10(b) are front views of a slide holder unit according to a second modified example. [Figure 24]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a slide holder unit according to a third modified example. [Figure 25] 10(a) and 10(b) are side views showing a slide holder unit according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. [Image acquisition device configuration]

[0027] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image acquisition device 1 includes a cassette 2 (slide storage unit or basket), a slide holding unit 3A, an imaging unit 4, and a computer 5. In the image acquisition device 1, a slide 100 (glass slide or preparation) stored in the cassette 2 is held by the slide holding unit 3A and transported to the imaging unit 4. The imaging unit 4 acquires an image of the sample S held on the slide 100. The sample S is, for example, a biological sample such as tissue cells. The computer 5 controls the cassette 2, the slide holding unit 3A, and the imaging unit 4, and executes the process of transporting the slide 100 and the process of imaging the sample S.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cassette 2. The cassette 2 includes a resin housing 20 in the shape of a vertically elongated, approximately rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 20 has a pair of walls 21, a pair of first side walls 22, a second side wall 23, and an opening 24. The pair of walls 21 face each other in the height direction of the cassette 2. The pair of walls 21 extend perpendicular to the height direction of the cassette 2. The pair of first side walls 22 face each other in the width direction of the cassette 2. The pair of first side walls 22 extend perpendicular to the width direction of the cassette 2. The second side wall 23 faces the opening 24 in the longitudinal direction of the cassette 2. The second side wall 23 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cassette 2.

[0029] Retaining plates 25, 25 that protrude toward the inside of the housing 20 are provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of first side wall portions 22. By placing the slide 100 on the retaining plates 25, 25, the slide 100 is held parallel to the pair of walls 21 of the housing 20. In other words, a plurality of storage spaces, each for storing a slide 100, are formed by the pair of first side wall portions 22, second side wall portion 23, and the plurality of stages of retaining plates 25, 25. In the cassette 2 of this embodiment, 30 stages of retaining plates 25, 25 are provided in the Z direction, making it possible to hold 30 slides 100 at one time.

[0030] The slide 100 has a rectangular plate shape having a pair of long sides 101 (a pair of sides), a pair of short sides 102, and a pair of main surfaces 103 (see FIG. 5). For example, the slide 100 has a rectangular plate shape. The pair of long sides 101 are a pair of long sides of the slide 100. The pair of short sides 102 are a pair of short sides of the slide 100. The pair of main surfaces 103 are surrounded by the pair of long sides 101 and the pair of short sides 102. For example, the slide 100 is a glass slide on one of the main surfaces 103 of which a sample S is held.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a cassette 2 containing a plurality of slides 100. The slides 100 are inserted into a storage space formed inside the housing 20 through the opening 24, and the other main surface 103 of the slide 100 is held by holding plates 25, 25. The pair of long sides 101 face each other in the lateral direction of the cassette 2 and the pair of first side walls 22, respectively. One of the pair of short sides 102 protrudes from the opening 24 to the outside of the housing 20. The other of the pair of short sides 102 faces each other in the longitudinal direction of the cassette 2 and the second side wall 23, respectively. The protruding length of the slides 100 is, for example, approximately 16.5 mm. Within the cassette 2, the slides 100 are surrounded by the pair of first side walls 22 and second side walls 23.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 1, the imaging unit 4 includes a stage 41 on which a slide 100 holding a sample S is placed, a light source 42 that irradiates instantaneous light L0 toward the sample S, a light-guiding optical system 43 including an objective lens 46a arranged to face the sample S sealed in the slide 100 on the stage 41, and a two-dimensional imaging element 44 that captures the light image of the sample S guided by the light-guiding optical system 43.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the stage 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the slide 100 transported by the slide holding unit 3A is placed in a placement area R on the stage 41. The shape of the placement area R corresponds to the shape of the slide 100 and is, for example, rectangular. The stage 41 has a plurality of positioning portions 41a and a pair of wall portions 41b. The plurality of positioning portions 41a and the pair of wall portions 41b are arranged to surround the placement area R and position the slide 100 on the stage 41 so that it is placed in the placement area R.

[0034] The multiple positioning portions 41a are configured to include portions facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the mounting area R. When the slide 100 is placed in the mounting area R on the stage 41, the multiple positioning portions 41a position the slide 100 in the longitudinal direction of the mounting area R. In FIG. 4, two positioning portions 41a and one positioning portion 41a face each other in the longitudinal direction of the mounting area R.

[0035] The pair of walls 41b face each other in the short-side direction of the mounting area R. The pair of walls 41b extend along the long-side direction of the mounting area R. That is, when the slide 100 is placed on the stage 41, the pair of walls 41b are arranged so as to extend along a pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100, respectively. For example, the wall 41b extends along a part of the long sides 101. The pair of walls 41b are located on the extension lines of a first arm 52A and a second arm 62A, which will be described later.

[0036] The distance between the pair of wall portions 41b corresponds to the width of the slide 100, and is, for example, equal to or greater than the width of the slide 100. In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of wall portions 41b is greater than the width of the slide 100, and a gap is created between the slide 100 placed in the placement area R and at least one of the pair of wall portions 41b. The height of the wall portion 41b is greater than the thickness of the slide 100. In this embodiment, the height of the wall portion 41b is greater than the height of each of the multiple positioning portions 41a.

[0037] When the slide 100 is placed in the placement area R on the stage 41, the pair of walls 41b position the slide 100 in the short-side direction of the placement area R. Specifically, when the slide 100 is placed between the pair of walls 41b, the pair of walls 41b restrict movement of the slide 100 in the width direction (Y direction, described later). For example, when the slide 100 moves along the width direction, the slide 100 comes into contact with one of the pair of walls 41b, thereby restricting movement of the slide 100 in the width direction. Furthermore, when the slide 100 is placed between the pair of walls 41b, the pair of walls 41b restrict rotational movement of the slide 100 about a central axis in the thickness direction (Z direction, described later).

[0038] The light source 42 is disposed on the bottom side of the stage 41. As the light source 42, for example, a laser diode (LD), a light emitting diode (LED), a super luminescent diode (SLD), a flash lamp type light source such as a xenon flash lamp, or the like is used.

[0039] The light-guiding optical system 43 is composed of an illumination optical system 45 arranged between the light source 42 and the stage 41, and a microscope optical system 46 arranged between the stage 41 and the two-dimensional image sensor 44. The illumination optical system 45 has a Kohler illumination optical system composed of, for example, a condenser lens 45a and a projection lens 45b, and is configured to guide light from the light source 42 and irradiate the sample S with uniform light. The microscope optical system 46 has an objective lens 46a and an imaging lens 46b arranged downstream of the objective lens 46a (on the two-dimensional image sensor 44 side), and guides an optical image of the sample S to the light-receiving surface 44a of the two-dimensional image sensor 44.

[0040] The two-dimensional image sensor 44 is an image sensor having a plurality of pixel rows on a light receiving surface 44a. Examples of the two-dimensional image sensor 44 include a CCD image sensor and a CMOS image sensor. Based on the input of a trigger signal output from the computer 5, the two-dimensional image sensor 44 sequentially captures optical images of the sample S guided by the light guiding optical system 43 at a predetermined frame rate, and outputs image data acquired by the imaging to the computer 5.

[0041] The computer 5 is physically configured to include memories such as RAM and ROM, a processor (arithmetic circuit) such as a CPU, a communication interface, a storage unit such as a hard disk, and a display unit such as a display. Examples of such a computer 5 include a personal computer, a microcomputer, a cloud server, and a smart device (smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.). For example, the computer 5 functions as a control unit that controls the slide holder unit 3A.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a slide holding unit 3A that holds a slide 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the slide holding unit 3A is a unit for holding the slide 100. A pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100 are aligned along the Y direction and extend along the X direction. A pair of short sides 102 are aligned along the X direction and extend along the Y direction. A pair of main surfaces 103 face each other in the Z direction and extend perpendicular to the Z direction. The slide holding unit 3A holds the slide 100 by sandwiching the slide 100 between a first arm 52A and a second arm 62A (described later) at the pair of long sides 101. The slide holding unit 3A is configured to be movable in the horizontal and vertical directions. The slide holding unit 3A moves while holding the slide 100, thereby transporting the slide 100 from the cassette 2 to the imaging unit 4.

[0043] 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the slide holder unit 3A to mount the slide 100 on the imaging unit 4. First, the slide holder unit 3A moves to the vicinity of the stage 41 of the imaging unit 4 (see FIG. 6(a)). Next, the slide holder unit 3A moves so that the slide 100 enters between the pair of wall portions 41b (see FIG. 6(b)). At this time, the slide 100 is guided by the pair of wall portions 41b and positioned in the width direction of the mounting area R in a planar view. Next, the slide holder unit 3A moves so that the slide 100 is positioned above the mounting area R of the stage 41 in a planar view (see FIG. 6(c)). Next, the slide holder unit 3A moves downward, so that the position of the slide 100 becomes equal to or lower than the height of the multiple positioning portions 41a. As a result, the slide 100 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the mounting area R in a planar view (see FIG. 6(d)). Finally, the slide holding unit 3A releases the hold of the slide 100 positioned on the placement area R in plan view, whereby the slide 100 is placed on the placement area R of the stage 41. [Slide holding unit configuration]

[0044] The slide holder unit 3A will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 to 11. FIGS. 7 to 11 are perspective views showing the entire or a portion of the slide holder unit 3A. As shown in FIG. 5, the slide holder unit 3A includes a drive unit 31, a first movable unit 50A, a second movable unit 60A, a first biasing member 32, a second biasing member 33 (see FIG. 9), a first sensor 34, and a second sensor 35. Hereinafter, the height direction of the slide holder unit 3A is referred to as the Z direction (third direction), the direction perpendicular to the Z direction is referred to as the X direction (first direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is referred to as the Y direction (second direction). In addition, the positive side of the Y direction (the right side in FIG. 5) is referred to as the right side, the negative side of the Y direction (the left side in FIG. 5) is referred to as the left side, the positive side of the Z direction (the upper side in FIG. 5) is referred to as the upper side, and the negative side of the Z direction (the lower side in FIG. 5) is referred to as the lower side.

[0045] 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the drive unit 31. The drive unit 31 has a drive mechanism 70 and a support mechanism 80. In FIG. 7, a portion of the support mechanism 80 is not shown. The drive mechanism 70 includes a motor 71 and a cam unit 72. The cam unit 72 is rotated by the motor 71. In this embodiment, the cam unit 72 is provided on an output shaft 71a of the motor 71 and rotates around the output shaft 71a extending along the X direction by the driving force of the motor 71. The cam unit 72 has a shape in which the dimension in the major axis direction is larger than the dimension in the minor axis direction. For example, the cam unit 72 has an elliptical plate shape extending perpendicular to the X direction.

[0046] The support mechanism 80 has a support plate 81, two rail support portions 82, and two linear guides 83. The support plate 81 is fixed to the motor 71. As shown in FIG. 8, the two rail support portions 82 are arranged to sandwich the cam portion 72 in the Y direction. The two linear guides 83 are respectively provided on surfaces 82a of the two rail support portions 82 in the X direction. Each linear guide 83 includes a guide rail 83a extending along the Y direction and a slider 83b that can slide along the guide rail 83a.

[0047] 9 to 11 are perspective views showing the slide holder unit 3A. Parts of the slide holder unit 3A are omitted from the illustration in FIGS. 9 and 10. The first movable part 50A is a first movable assembly having a first main body part 51a, a first cam follower 51b, a first detection plate 51c, and a first arm 52A (hand). The first detection plate 51c, the first arm 52A, the first sensor 34, and the second sensor 35 are omitted from the illustration in FIG. 9, and the first arm 52A is omitted from the illustration in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the linear guide 83 and the first main body part 51a.

[0048] 9 and 12, the first main body portion 51a is attached to a slider 83b of the lower linear guide 83. Therefore, the first movable portion 50A is supported by the support mechanism 80 so as to be movable along the Y direction. The first main body portion 51a extends from the lower linear guide 83 to the first cam follower 51b.

[0049] 9 to 11, the first cam follower 51b is fixed to the first main body portion 51a. The first cam follower 51b is provided at a position overlapping with the cam portion 72 when viewed from the Y direction (see FIG. 7). The first cam follower 51b is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam portion 72 (see FIG. 7). The first detection plate 51c extends from the first main body portion 51a toward the right in the Y direction.

[0050] The first arm 52A extends from the first main body portion 51a in the X direction. In this embodiment, the first arm 52A is provided at a position overlapping with the first cam follower 51b when viewed from the X direction. The first arm 52A extends on an extension line of the central axis of the first cam follower 51b.

[0051] The first arm 52A includes a contact surface 53 and a protrusion 54. The contact surface 53 comes into contact with the slide 100. The contact surface 53 is provided on the second arm 62A side and extends along the X direction to the tip of the first arm 52A (the end opposite to the first main body portion 51a). The protrusion 54 is formed on the base end side (first main body portion 51a side) of the contact surface 53 with the slide 100. The protrusion 54 protrudes toward the second arm 62A side from the contact surface 53.

[0052] The second movable part 60A is a second movable assembly having a second main body part 61a, a second cam follower 61b, a second detection plate 61c, and a second arm 62A (hand). The second detection plate 61c and the second arm 62A are not shown in Fig. 9, and the second arm 62A is not shown in Fig. 10.

[0053] The second main body portion 61a is supported by a slider 83b of the upper linear guide 83 so as to be movable along the Y direction. That is, the second movable portion 60A is supported by the support mechanism 80. The second main body portion 61a extends from the upper linear guide 83 to the second cam follower 61b.

[0054] 9 to 11, the second cam follower 61b is fixed to the second main body portion 61a. The second cam follower 61b faces the first cam follower 51b in the Y direction. The second cam follower 61b is provided at a position overlapping with the cam portion 72 when viewed from the Y direction. The second cam follower 61b and the second detection plate 61c extend from the second main body portion 61a toward the left in the Y direction.

[0055] The second arm 62A faces the first arm 52A in the Y direction. The second arm 62A extends from the second main body portion 61a along the X direction. For example, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A extend parallel to each other. The second arm 62A is provided at a position overlapping with the second cam follower 61b when viewed from the X direction. The second arm 62A extends on an extension line of the central axis of the second cam follower 61b.

[0056] The second arm 62A includes a contact surface 63 and a protrusion 64. The contact surface 63 comes into contact with the slide 100. The contact surface 63 is provided on the first arm 52A side and extends along the X direction to the tip of the second arm 62A (the end opposite the second main body portion 61a). The protrusion 64 is formed on the base end side (the second main body portion 61a side) of the contact surface 63 with the slide 100. The protrusion 64 protrudes toward the first arm 52A side from the contact surface 63.

[0057] FIG. 13 is an end view of the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A taken along line XIII-XIII. As shown in FIG. 13, the contact surface 53 and the contact surface 63 contact the slide 100 at a pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100, respectively. The length L1 of the contact surface 53 of the first arm 52A with the slide 100 along the X direction is 16.5 mm or less (see FIG. 5). The length L1 of the contact surface 63 of the second arm 62A with the slide 100 along the X direction is 16.5 mm or less (see FIG. 5). The contact surface 53 has a groove 53a extending along the Y direction. The contact surface 63 has a groove 63a extending along the Y direction. Thus, the grooves 53a and 63a are formed on both the contact surface 53 of the first arm 52A with the slide 100 and the contact surface 63 of the second arm 62A with the slide 100.

[0058] The groove 53a has a shape recessed toward the side opposite the second arm 62A in a cross section intersecting the X direction. The groove 63a has a shape recessed toward the side opposite the first arm 52A in a cross section intersecting the X direction. In FIG. 13(a), the grooves 53a, 63a have a U-shape (trapezoidal shape) in a cross section intersecting the X direction. For example, the grooves 53a, 63a are each composed of a bottom surface and two inclined surfaces. The bottom surface extends perpendicular to the Y direction. The two inclined surfaces are inclined so that they move apart as they move away from the bottom surface. In FIG. 13(b), the grooves 53a, 63a have a V-shape in a cross section intersecting the X direction. For example, the grooves 53a, 63a have two inclined surfaces extending along the X direction. The two inclined surfaces are inclined so that they move apart as they move away from the bottom of the grooves 53a, 63a. 13(c), the grooves 53a and 63a have an arc shape in a cross section intersecting with the X direction. For example, the grooves 53a and 63a are formed by a curved surface that is curved in a concave shape.

[0059] It is sufficient that grooves 53a, 63a are formed on at least one of the contact surface 53 of the first arm 52A that comes into contact with the slide 100 and the contact surface 63 of the second arm 62A that comes into contact with the slide 100. As shown in Fig. 13(d) , groove 63a does not have to be provided on the contact surface 63. Even in this case, when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are closed, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A come into contact with the slide 100 at three points, thereby enabling the slide 100 to be securely clamped.

[0060] Fig. 14(a) is a front view showing the slide holder unit 3A. Fig. 14(b) is a perspective view showing a portion of the slide holder unit 3A. As shown in Fig. 14(a), the support mechanism 80 has two support parts 85 that support the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33, respectively. One support part 85 extends along the X direction from the support plate 81 to the left side of the first main body part 51a in the Y direction. The other support part 85 extends along the X direction from the support plate 81 to the right side of the second main body part 61a in the Y direction.

[0061] The first biasing member 32 biases the first movable portion 50A so that the first arm 52A approaches the second arm 62A. The second biasing member 33 biases the second movable portion 60A so that the second arm 62A approaches the first arm 52A. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 32 biases the first main body portion 51a to the right on the left side of the first main body portion 51a in the Y direction. The second biasing member 33 biases the second main body portion 61a to the left on the right side of the second main body portion 61a in the Y direction. For example, the first biasing member 32 is a coil spring arranged in a compressed state between the first main body portion 51a and one of the support portions 85. The second biasing member 33 is a coil spring arranged in a compressed state between the second main body portion 61a and the other support portion 85. In this way, the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 bias the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A inward, thereby constantly biasing the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A inward.

[0062] The first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 are disposed at different positions when viewed from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 are aligned along the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction. For example, the first biasing member 32 is positioned above and to the right of the cam portion 72 when viewed from the X direction. The second biasing member 33 is positioned below and to the left of the cam portion 72 when viewed from the X direction.

[0063] The first sensor 34 is turned on and off depending on the position of the first movable part 50A in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first sensor 34 is turned on and off depending on the position of the first detection plate 51c in the Y direction. The first sensor 34 has a light-emitting part 34a and a light-receiving part 34b. The light-emitting part 34a has a light source that emits irradiated light such as infrared light. The light-receiving part 34b has a photodetector that receives the irradiated light. For example, the first sensor 34 is turned on when the first detection plate 51c is not located between the light-emitting part 34a and the light-receiving part 34b and the light-receiving part 34b receives the irradiated light. The first sensor 34 is turned off when the first detection plate 51c is located between the light-emitting part 34a and the light-receiving part 34b and blocks the irradiated light, so the light-receiving part 34b cannot receive the irradiated light.

[0064] The second sensor 35 is turned on and off depending on the position of the second movable part 60A in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the second sensor 35 has a light-emitting part 35a and a light-receiving part 35b. The light-emitting part 35a emits irradiated light such as infrared light. The light-receiving part 35b receives the irradiated light. The second sensor 35 is turned on and off depending on the position of the second detection plate 61c in the Y direction. For example, the second sensor 35 is turned on when the second detection plate 61c is not positioned between the light-emitting part 35a and the light-receiving part 35b and the light-receiving part 35b receives the irradiated light. The second sensor 35 is turned off when the second detection plate 61c blocks the irradiated light between the light-emitting part 35a and the light-receiving part 35b and the light-receiving part 35b cannot receive the irradiated light.

[0065] 15(a), 15(b), and 15(c) are diagrams for explaining the on / off states of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 according to the positions of the first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A. The first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 are arranged so that the first state, the second state, and the third state can be distinguished by the on / off combinations of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35.

[0066] In FIG. 15(a), both the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 are in the OFF state. As a result, the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 identify a first state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is greater than the width of the slide 100 between the pair of long sides 101. The distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is the distance between a contact point P5 of the first arm 52A with the slide 100 and a contact point P6 of the second arm 62A with the slide 100 (see FIGS. 15(a), 15(b), and 15(c)). The width of the slide 100 is the length of the slide 100 in the Y direction, which in this embodiment is the length of the pair of short sides 102 of the slide 100. As a result, for example, the control unit such as the computer 5 identifies, by the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35, that the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are in an open state and cannot hold the slide 100.

[0067] 15(b), either the first sensor 34 or the second sensor 35 (in this embodiment, the second sensor 35) is in an ON state. As a result, the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 identify a second state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is equal to the width of the slide 100 between the pair of long side portions 101. For example, a control unit such as the computer 5 identifies, by the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35, that the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are in a state in which they can hold the slide 100.

[0068] 15(c), both the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 are in the ON state. As a result, the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 identify a third state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is smaller than the width of the slide 100 between the pair of long side portions 101. As a result, the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 identify a state in which the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are closed and cannot hold the slide 100. [Opening and closing of the first and second arms]

[0069] The movement of the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a diagram showing a case where there is no slide 100 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction. Figure 17 is a diagram showing a case where there is a slide 100 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction. The drive unit 31 is a driver that moves both the first movable unit 50A and the second movable unit 60A in the Y direction. Specifically, the drive unit 31 moves the first movable unit 50A and the second movable unit 60A in the Y direction so that the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry A that is parallel to the X direction.

[0070] The first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A move in the Y direction in accordance with the rotation angle of the cam part 72. Specifically, the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 constantly bias the first main body part 51a and the second main body part 61a inward, causing the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 72a of the cam part 72. The first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b move in the Y direction while sliding along the outer circumferential surface 72a of the cam part 72 in accordance with the rotation angle of the cam part 72. Accordingly, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move in the Y direction.

[0071] For example, when opening the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are pushed apart by the cam portion 72 that is rotated so that the long axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction. When closing the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, the cam portion 72 is rotated so that the short axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction, and the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 narrow the distance between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A.

[0072] In FIGS. 16(a) and 17(a), the long axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction. In this case, by aligning the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b in the long axis direction of the cam portion 72, the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is set to a first distance L21 (see FIG. 15). The first distance L21 is greater than the width of the slide 100 between the pair of long side portions 101. In FIGS. 16(b) and 17(b), by rotating the cam portion 72, the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b are aligned with each other in a predetermined direction other than the long axis direction and the short axis direction of the cam portion 72. In FIGS. 16(c) and 17(c), by further rotating the cam portion 72, the short axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction. In this case, by arranging the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b facing each other in the minor axis direction of the cam portion 72, the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is set to a second distance L22. The second distance L22 is smaller than the width of the slide 100.

[0073] 16(a), 16(b), and 16(c), the first cam follower 51b of the first movable part 50A is biased inward by the first biasing member 32, thereby coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam part 72. The second cam follower 61b of the second movable part 60A is biased inward by the second biasing member 33, thereby coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam part 72. Therefore, when the slide 100 is not present between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b move in the Y direction while sliding along the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam part 72.

[0074] 17(a), the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is the first distance L21 (see FIG. 15(a)). In this case, the first cam follower 51b of the first movable part 50A is biased inward by the first biasing member 32, and thereby comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam part 72. The second cam follower 61b of the second movable part 60A is biased inward by the second biasing member 33, and thereby comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam part 72.

[0075] 17(b) and 17(c), the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is equal to the width of the slide 100. In this case, the first arm 52A of the first movable part 50A is biased inward by the first biasing member 32, and thus comes into contact with one long side portion 101 of the slide 100. The second arm 62A of the second movable part 60A is biased inward by the second biasing member 33, and thus comes into contact with the other long side portion 101 of the slide 100. In this case, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A sandwich the slide 100 at the pair of long side portions 101. Furthermore, the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b are separated from the cam part 72, and therefore the power of the motor 71 is no longer transmitted to the slide 100.

[0076] In this way, the rotational motion of the cam portion 72 caused by the motor 71 is converted into linear motion of the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A by the linear motion guide 83. Furthermore, by rotating the cam portion 72 by 90 degrees caused by the motor 71, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A can be switched between a state in which they are closest to each other and a state in which they are farthest apart.

[0077] When the power of the slide holder unit 3A is turned on, the control unit, such as the computer 5, executes an initialization process to determine the rotation angle of the cam portion 72. Specifically, the control unit rotates the cam portion 72 using the motor 71 (for example, by rotating it by up to 90°) and, based on the on / off combinations of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35, identifies a state in which the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are farthest from each other (first state). This allows the control unit to determine that the long axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction. Note that, in this initialization process, the control unit may also identify a state in which the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are closest to each other (second state) based on the on / off combinations of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35. This allows the control unit to determine that the short axis direction of the cam portion 72 is aligned with the X direction. In this way, the control unit determines the rotation angle of the cam portion 72 in the initialization process. [Action and effect]

[0078] In the slide holding unit 3A, both the first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A move in the Y direction, whereby the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A clamp the slide 100 at the pair of long side parts 101. As a result, even if the slide 100 is not stored straight in the cassette 2 or the cassette 2 is placed at an angle, for example, the posture of the slide 100 is easily adjusted when the slide 100 is clamped by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, and as a result, the slide 100 can be reliably clamped by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A.

[0079] The above-mentioned effects will be specifically described with reference to Figure 18. Figures 18(a), 18(b), and 18(c) are diagrams schematically showing the positional relationship between the cassette 2 and the slides 100. As shown in Figure 18(a), the slides 100 are usually stored straight in the cassette 2, but as shown in Figure 18(b), there are cases where the slides 100 are not stored straight in the cassette 2.

[0080] In the slide holder unit according to the comparative example, one of the first arm 152 and the second arm 162 (for example, only the first arm 152) moves in the Y direction, whereby the first arm 152 and the second arm 162 clamp the slide 100. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18(c), the slide holder unit may clamp the slide 100 while it remains tilted. In contrast, in the slide holder unit 3A according to the present embodiment, the movement of both the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction makes it easier to adjust the posture of the slide 100 so that the slide 100 is stored straight in the cassette 2.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the knowledge of the present inventors, the slide holder unit according to the comparative example can adjust the posture of the slide 100 by providing the first arm 152 or the second arm 162 with a mechanism for preventing the slide 100 from being clamped in an inclined posture, or a sensor for detecting the posture of the slide 100 relative to the cassette 2. However, the slide holder unit 3A according to the present embodiment does not need to provide such a mechanism or sensor in the first place, and can reliably clamp the slide 100 with the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A with a simpler configuration.

[0082] The drive unit 31 moves the first movable unit 50A and the second movable unit 60A in the Y direction so that the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry A parallel to the X direction (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In this case, the slide 100 can be more reliably sandwiched between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A. For example, the protruding portion of the slide 100 can be positioned more accurately in the Y direction by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A.

[0083] The first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A move in the Y direction according to the rotation angle of the cam part 72. In this case, the first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A can be moved in the Y direction using the motor 71 and the cam part 72.

[0084] The cam portion 72 causes the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A to face each other in the major axis direction, thereby making the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A larger than the width of the slide 100. The cam portion 72 causes the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A to face each other in the minor axis direction, thereby making the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A smaller than the width of the slide 100. In this case, by changing the rotation angle of the cam portion 72 to change the distance between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A between the first distance L21 and the second distance L22, it is possible to switch between a state in which the slide 100 is not clamped by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A ( FIGS. 16(a) and 17(a) ) and a state in which the slide 100 can be clamped by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A ( FIGS. 16(b) and 17(b) ).

[0085] The first biasing member 32 biases the first movable part 50A so that the first arm 52A approaches the second arm 62A. The second biasing member 33 biases the second movable part 60A so that the second arm 62A approaches the first arm 52A. In this case, even if power is suddenly cut off to the slide holding unit 3A, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A can be prevented from releasing the clamping of the slide 100 and causing the slide 100 to fall. Furthermore, when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are controlled by the power of a motor 71 or the like, complex control is required to hold the slide 100 without damaging it. For example, if the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction is less than the width of the slide 100, the slide 100 will be damaged by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A. Therefore, the distance L2 must be controlled with high precision so that it is equal to the width of the slide 100. In contrast to this, when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A are closed by the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33, the slide 100 can be held simply and stably.

[0086] The first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 are disposed at different positions when viewed from the Y direction. In this case, the slide holder unit 3A can be made smaller in size.

[0087] The first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 are capable of distinguishing, by a combination of on and off states of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35, between a first state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A is greater than the width of the slide 100, a second state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A is equal to the width of the slide 100, and a third state in which the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A is smaller than the width of the slide 100. In this case, the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A can be determined based on the on and off states of the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35.

[0088] A groove 53a is formed on the contact surface 53 of the first arm 52A, and a groove 63a is formed on the contact surface 63 of the second arm 62A. In this case, the slide 100 can be more reliably sandwiched between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A. Furthermore, since the grooves 53a, 63a are formed on both the contact surfaces 53, 63, when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A close, the slide 100 can be picked up and sandwiched. This makes it possible to easily hold the slide 100. Furthermore, when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A open, the pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100 slide off the grooves 53a, 63a, making it possible to easily release the hold of the slide 100.

[0089] Protrusion 54 is formed on the base end side of contact surface 53 and protrudes toward second arm 62A relative to contact surface 53. Protrusion 64 is formed on the base end side of contact surface 63 and protrudes toward first arm 52A relative to contact surface 63. In this case, when storing slide 100 in cassette 2, the end of slide 100 can be pushed in by protrusions 54, 64, and slide 100 can be securely stored in cassette 2.

[0090] The length L1 along the X direction of the contact surface 53 (contact portion) of the first arm 52A with the slide 100 and the length L1 along the X direction of the contact surface 63 (contact portion) of the second arm 62A with the slide 100 are each 16.5 mm or less. In this case, the slide 100 stored in the cassette 2 can be reliably held.

[0091] In the image acquisition device 1, the pair of wall portions 41b are arranged to extend along the pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100 when the slide 100 is placed on the stage 41. This allows the slide 100 to be placed on the stage 41 while being guided by the pair of wall portions 41b.

[0092] In the image acquisition device 1, when the slide 100 is placed between the pair of wall portions 41b, the pair of wall portions 41b restrict movement of the slide 100 in the Y direction. As a result, even if the slide 100 adheres to the first arm 52A or the second arm 62A due to a label protruding from the slide 100 in the Y direction, for example, it is possible to prevent the slide 100 from moving in the Y direction together with the first arm 52A or the second arm 62A.

[0093] The above-mentioned effects will be specifically described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the slide holding unit 3A to transfer the slide 100 to the placement area R. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the slide holding unit 3A to transfer the slide 100 to the placement area R. In Figures 19 and 20, a label C is affixed to one main surface 103 of the slide 100 in order to identify the slide 100 in the image acquisition device 1.

[0094] 19(a) and 19(b), the slide 100 held by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A is transported to a placement area R provided on a stage of the imaging unit according to the comparative example. Here, if the label C adheres to the first arm 52A, the slide 100 may also adhere to the first arm 52A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19(c), when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move away from each other and the holding of the slide 100 is released, the label C protruding from the slide 100 in the Y direction, for example, causes the slide 100 to adhere to the first arm 52A, and the slide 100 moves in the Y direction together with the first arm 52A.

[0095] 20(a) and 20(b), the slide 100 held between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A is transported to the placement area R on the stage 41 of the imaging unit 4 according to this embodiment. As described above, the label C may adhere to the first arm 52A, causing the slide 100 to adhere to the first arm 52A. However, in FIG. 20(c), when the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move in directions away from each other and the holding of the slide 100 is released, the movement of the slide 100 in the Y direction is restricted by the pair of walls 41b. As a result, the slide 100 is separated from the first arm 52A, and the movement of the slide 100 in the Y direction together with the first arm 52A is suppressed. [Variations]

[0096] In a slide holder unit 3B according to a first modified example shown in FIG. 21 , a first movable part 50B has a first arm 52B instead of the first arm 52A, but has the same configuration as the first movable part 50A. The first arm 52B has the same configuration as the first arm 52A, but does not include the protrusion 54. The first arm 52B includes a contact surface 53. The second movable part 60B has a second arm 62B instead of the second arm 62A. The second arm 62B has the same configuration as the second arm 62A, but does not include the protrusion 64. In the slide holder unit 3B according to the first modified example, the slide 100 can be securely clamped by the first arm 52B and the second arm 62B, as in the slide holder unit 3A according to the above embodiment.

[0097] A slide holder unit 3C according to a second modified example shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 further includes a support member 36. The first movable part 50C has the same configuration as the first movable part 50A except that it has a first arm 52C instead of the first arm 52A. The first arm 52C includes the same configuration as the first arm 52A except that it has a contact surface 53C instead of the contact surface 53. The second movable part 60C has the same configuration as the second movable part 60C except that it has a second arm 62C instead of the second arm 62A. The second arm 62C includes the same configuration as the second arm 62A except that it has a contact surface 63C instead of the contact surface 63.

[0098] The support member 36 is supported by a support portion 86 of the support mechanism 80. The support member 36 is provided so as to be located between the first arm 52C and the second arm 62C when viewed from the Z direction. The support member 36 has, for example, a plate shape extending perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0099] In the first movable part 50C, a contact surface 53C of the first arm 52C with the slide 100 is inclined so as to move away from the second arm 62C as it approaches the support member 36. In the second movable part 60C, a contact surface 63C of the second arm 62C with the slide 100 is inclined so as to move away from the first arm 52C as it approaches the support member 36. As shown in FIG. 23(b), when the drive unit 31 moves both the first movable part 50C and the second movable part 60C in the Y direction, the first arm 52C and the second arm 62C sandwich the slide 100 at the pair of long side portions 101. The first arm 52C and the second arm 62C are in contact with two corners of the slide 100 in a cross section intersecting with the X direction. The support member 36 supports the other main surface 103 of the slide 100 between the pair of long side portions 101.

[0100] In the slide holder unit 3C according to the second modified example, the slide 100 can be securely sandwiched between the first arm 52C and the second arm 62C, similar to the slide holder unit 3A according to the above embodiment.

[0101] When the first arm 52C and the second arm 62C sandwich the slide 100 at the pair of long sides 101, the support member 36 supports the main surface 103 of the slide 100 between the pair of long sides 101 from below in the Z direction. In this case, the slide 100 can be stably held.

[0102] The contact surface 53C of the first arm 52C is inclined so that it moves away from the second arm 62C as it approaches the support member 36. The contact surface 63C of the second arm 62C is inclined so that it moves away from the first arm 52C as it approaches the support member 36. In this case, the slide 100 can be held more stably. Specifically, the slide 100 is pressed against the support member 36 by the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, and the slide 100 is held stably by the first arm 52A, the second arm 62A, and the support member 36.

[0103] In a slide holder unit 3D according to a third modified example shown in Fig. 24, a first movable part 50D has a first arm 52D and a rotation stop arm 55 instead of the first arm 52A, but has the same configuration as the first movable part 50A. A second movable part 60D has a second arm 62D and a rotation stop arm 65 instead of the second arm 62A. Therefore, a pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 are provided on each of the first movable part 50D and the second movable part 60D. Note that the pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 may be provided on either the first movable part 50D or the second movable part 60D.

[0104] 24, in a slide holder unit 3D according to the third modified example, the configuration other than the first arm 52D, the second arm 63D, and the pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 is the same as the configuration in the slide holder unit 3A according to the embodiment, except for the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the X direction as the central axis. Hereinafter, the vertical direction is referred to as the Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction is referred to as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in the slide holder unit 3D according to the third modified example correspond to the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in the slide holder unit 3A according to the embodiment, respectively.

[0105] In the slide holder unit 3D, the first arm 52D has, for example, a rectangular plate shape extending perpendicular to the Y direction. The second arm 62D has, for example, a rectangular plate shape extending perpendicular to the Y direction. The first arm 52D and the second arm 62D face each other in the Y direction.

[0106] 25(a) and 25(b) are side views showing the slide holder unit 3D. In FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b), the rotation stop arms 55, 65 are not shown. The first arm 52D and the second arm 62D sandwich the slide 100 between the pair of main surfaces 103. The drive unit 31 moves both the first movable unit 50D and the second movable unit 60D in the Y direction, causing the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D to sandwich the slide 100 between the pair of main surfaces 103.

[0107] The pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 are configured to extend along a pair of long sides 101 of the slide 100 extending in the X direction when the slide 100 is sandwiched between the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D at the pair of main surfaces 103. For example, the rotation stop arm 55 extends from the base end of the first arm 52D along the short side 102 to one side in the Z direction, and extends along the long side 101 to one side in the X direction. The rotation stop arm 65 extends from the base end of the second arm 62D along the short side 102 to the other side in the Z direction, and extends along the long side 101 to one side in the X direction. When the slide 100 is sandwiched between the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D at the pair of main surfaces 103, the pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 restrict rotation of the slide 100 around an axis parallel to the Y direction.

[0108] In the slide holder unit 3D according to the third modification, the slide 100 is sandwiched between the pair of main surfaces 103 by the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D, and therefore, it is possible to stably sandwich the slide 100. Specifically, the area of ​​the contact portion between the first arm 52D and the slide 100 and the area of ​​the contact portion between the second arm 62D and the slide 100 are sufficiently ensured, so that the slide 100 can be securely sandwiched while preventing damage to the slide 100.

[0109] In the slide holder unit 3D according to the third modified example, when the slide 100 is clamped between the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D at the pair of main surfaces 103, the pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 restrict rotation of the slide 100 around an axis parallel to the Y direction. In this case, the pair of rotation stop arms 55, 65 can restrict rotation of the slide 100 around an axis parallel to the Y direction. This makes it possible to reliably clamp the slide 100 between the first arm 52D and the second arm 62D, similar to the slide holder unit 3A according to the above embodiment.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples. For example, the materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, and various materials and shapes can be used. In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the drive unit 31 moves the first movable unit 50A and the second movable unit 60A in the Y direction so that the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A move symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry A parallel to the X direction. However, the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A do not necessarily move symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry A parallel to the X direction. For example, the drive unit 31 may move the first movable unit 50A and the second movable unit 60A separately.

[0111] Although the first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A move in the Y direction in accordance with the rotation angle of the cam part 72, this is not limiting. For example, the drive part 31 may have a drive mechanism other than those described above instead of the motor 71 and the cam part 72, and the first movable part 50A and the second movable part 60A may move in the Y direction in accordance with the operation of the drive mechanism.

[0112] The cam portion 72 is a so-called plate cam, and the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b slide on the outer peripheral surface 72a of the cam portion 72, but this is not limiting. For example, the cam portion 72 may be a so-called front cam, and the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b may slide in grooves formed in the surface of the cam portion 72. Furthermore, as the drive mechanism for the first movable portion 50A and the second movable portion 60A in the drive unit 31, a drive mechanism using meshing between gears may be used instead of a drive mechanism using sliding between a cam and a cam follower.

[0113] Although the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 are coil springs, it is sufficient that the first biasing member 32 biases the first movable part 50A so that the first arm 52A approaches the second arm 62A, and it is sufficient that the second biasing member 33 biases the second movable part 60A so that the second arm 62A approaches the first arm 52A. For example, the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 may be elastic bodies other than those described above. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the slide 100 from falling due to the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A releasing the clamping of the slide 100, for example, even if the power supply to the slide holding unit 3A is suddenly cut off.

[0114] The slide holding unit 3A may not include the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33. In this case, the cam portion 72 may have a cam groove having a shape in which the dimension in the major axis direction is larger than the dimension in the minor axis direction. The first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b may slide in the cam groove. By arranging the first cam follower 51b and the second cam follower 61b facing each other in the minor axis direction of the cam groove, the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction may be set to the second distance L22. The second distance L22 may be equal to the width of the slide 100. Therefore, the second distance L22 may be equal to or less than the width of the slide 100.

[0115] The first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 are arranged at different positions when viewed from the Y direction, but the first biasing member 32 and the second biasing member 33 may also be arranged at positions where they overlap each other when viewed from the Y direction.

[0116] The slide holding unit does not necessarily have to include the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35. Furthermore, the slide holding unit may have sensors other than the first sensor 34 and the second sensor 35 as long as it can detect the state of the distance L2 between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A in the Y direction.

[0117] As long as the slide 100 can be sandwiched between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A, the contact surfaces 53 and 63 do not necessarily need to have the grooves 53a and 63a formed thereon.

[0118] The first arm 52A is formed on the base end side of the contact surface 53 with the slide 100, and does not necessarily have to have the protrusion 54 that protrudes toward the second arm 62A side of the contact surface 53. It is sufficient that the slide 100 can be sandwiched between the first arm 52A and the second arm 62A.

[0119] The length L1 along the X direction of the contact surface 53 (contact portion) of the first arm 52A with the slide 100 and the length L1 along the X direction of the contact surface 63 (contact portion) of the second arm 62A with the slide 100 may each be greater than 16.5 mm.

[0120] The first arm 52A and the second arm 62A may hold the slide 100 at a pair of short sides 102 instead of a pair of long sides 101. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1...image acquisition device, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D...slide holding unit, 31...drive unit, 32...first biasing member, 33...second biasing member, 34...first sensor, 35...second sensor, 36...support member, 41...stage, 41b...wall portion, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D...first movable portion, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D...first arm, 53, 53C, 63, 63C... Contact surface, 53a, 63a...groove portion, 54, 64...protrusion portion, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D...second movable portion, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D...second arm, 71...motor, 72...cam portion, 100...slide, 101...pair of long side portions (pair of side portions), 103...main surface, A...axis of symmetry, L1...length, L2...distance, L21...first distance, L22...second distance, S...sample.

Claims

1. A slide holding unit for holding a rectangular plate-shaped slide having a pair of sides, a first movable portion having a first arm extending along a first direction; a second movable portion having a second arm extending along the first direction and facing the first arm in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a drive unit that moves the first movable unit and the second movable unit, A slide holding unit in which the drive unit moves both the first movable unit and the second movable unit in the second direction, causing the first arm and the second arm to clamp the slide at the pair of sides.

2. the driving unit moves the first movable unit and the second movable unit in the second direction such that the first arm and the second arm move symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the first direction. The slide holder unit of claim 1 .

3. the drive unit has a motor and a cam unit rotated by the motor, and the first movable unit and the second movable unit move in the second direction according to a rotation angle of the cam unit. The slide holder unit of claim 1 .

4. The cam portion has a shape in which the dimension in the major axis direction is larger than the dimension in the minor axis direction, by arranging the first movable part and the second movable part to face each other in the long axis direction, the distance between the first arm and the second arm in the second direction is set to a first distance, and by arranging the first movable part and the second movable part to face each other in the short axis direction, the distance between the first arm and the second arm is set to a second distance; The first distance is greater than a width of the slide between the pair of sides, and the second distance is less than or equal to the width of the slide. The slide holder unit according to claim 3 .

5. The device further includes a first biasing member that biases the first movable portion so that the first arm approaches the second arm, and a second biasing member that biases the second movable portion so that the second arm approaches the first arm. The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

6. The first biasing member and the second biasing member are disposed at different positions when viewed from the second direction. The slide holder unit according to claim 5 .

7. a first sensor that is turned on and off depending on a position of the first movable part in the second direction, and a second sensor that is turned on and off depending on a position of the second movable part in the second direction, The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged so that, by a combination of on and off of the first sensor and the second sensor, it is possible to distinguish between a first state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm in the second direction is greater than the width of the slide between the pair of sides, a second state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm is equal to the width of the slide, and a third state in which the distance between the first arm and the second arm is smaller than the width of the slide. The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

8. a groove portion extending along the first direction is formed on at least one of a contact surface of the first arm with the slide and a contact surface of the second arm with the slide; The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

9. the groove portion is formed on both a contact surface of the first arm with the slide and a contact surface of the second arm with the slide; The slide holder unit according to claim 8.

10. the first arm has a protruding portion formed on a base end side of a contact surface with the slide, the protruding portion protruding toward the second arm side from the contact surface; The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

11. a length along the first direction of a contact portion of the first arm with the slide and a length along the first direction of a contact portion of the second arm with the slide each being 16.5 mm or less; The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

12. a support member that is provided to be located between the first arm and the second arm when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and that supports a main surface of the slide between the pair of side portions when the first arm and the second arm sandwich the slide at the pair of side portions, The slide holder unit according to claim 1 .

13. a contact surface of the first arm with the slide is inclined so as to move away from the second arm as it approaches the support member, a contact surface of the second arm with the slide inclined so as to move away from the first arm as it approaches the support member; 13. The slide holder unit of claim 12.

14. An image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a sample held on a slide, A slide holder unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a stage on which the slide transported by the slide holding unit is placed; Equipped with the stage has a pair of walls arranged to extend along the pair of sides when the slide is placed on the stage; An image acquisition device, wherein when the slide is placed between the pair of wall portions, the pair of wall portions restrict movement of the slide in the second direction.

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