Section transport device and section preparation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a thin section conveying device that can transport thin sections cut from a sample block by a water flow while maintaining the appropriate orientation until they are picked up by a substrate. [Solution] The section transport device is a section transport device for transporting section slices obtained from a specimen block onto a substrate in a section specimen preparation system, and is located downstream of a section blade that slices the specimen block, and comprises a bottom portion and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom portion, with a water channel configured to allow liquid to flow between the two wall portions, and two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, with the respective belt surfaces facing each other at a predetermined distance between the two wall portions, and the opposing belt portions moving toward the downstream side of the water channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thin-section transport device for transporting thin sections sliced from a specimen block embedded with a biological sample and a thin-section specimen preparation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, pathological examination is known as a method for examining a sample collected from a living body. In pathological examination, first, a specimen block in which a biological sample is embedded with an embedding material such as paraffin is prepared. A thin section obtained by slicing (thin-sectioning) this specimen block to a thickness of about several μm (for example, 2 to 5 μm) is transferred onto a slide glass (also referred to as transfer), and dried and stained to prepare a thin-section specimen. Diagnosis is performed by observing this thin-section specimen under a microscope. The specimen block is also called an embedding block.

[0003] As a device for slicing a specimen block to prepare a thin section, a microtome is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Usually, a technician who prepares a microscope specimen operates a handle provided on the microtome to cut out thin sections one by one from the specimen block, and floats the thin sections on water or hot water in a water tank. Thereby, curls and wrinkles of the thin sections generated during slicing can be stretched. Thereafter, the technician moves the thin sections floating on the water surface one by one onto a slide glass using tweezers, a brush, or the like.

[0004] In recent years, development of a device for automatically performing the operation of transferring the cut thin sections onto a slide glass has also been carried out (for example, see Patent Documents 2 to 6).

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an automated thin section preparation device that automatically prepares thin section specimens by fixing prepared thin sections onto a substrate. In this device, the cut thin sections are suctioned to the tip of an arm and transported, and when the arm reaches above the water tank, the arm is lowered so that its tip is submerged in the water, immersing the thin sections in the water and making them float. These thin sections are then scooped up by a slide glass held by a slide glass handling robot.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a thin section transport device that transports rectangular thin sections, prepared by slicing an embedded block containing a biological sample, from a transport point where the thin section is transported to a processing point where it is scooped up onto a substrate and processed. In this device, the water channel is designed to move the thin section while adjusting its orientation so that when the thin section reaches the processing point, it is facing a predetermined direction.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a thin section specimen preparation apparatus comprising a liquid tank in which the end of a transporter is immersed in a stored liquid, a gripping part that grips a substrate so that the width direction of the substrate is parallel to one side of the thin section, a lifting mechanism that lifts the gripping part along the substrate, and a control unit that controls the operating timing and lifting speed of the mechanism, thereby scooping up thin sections floating on the liquid surface while detaching from the transporter onto the substrate.

[0008] Patent Document 5 discloses a thin section preparation apparatus that prepares thin section specimens by transferring rectangular thin sections, which have been transported by a transport means, to a rectangular substrate positioned at a distance from the transport means. In this apparatus, an intermediate body having a fixing surface to which thin sections can be detachably fixed is moved to the transport means, the thin sections transported by the transport means are received and fixed on the fixing surface, the intermediate body is moved to the substrate, and the thin sections fixed on the fixing surface are detached and transferred to the substrate.

[0009] Patent Document 6 discloses a thin section preparation apparatus comprising: a thin section conveying mechanism for transporting the cut thin sections to a storage tank and floating them on the liquid surface; a slide glass handling mechanism for placing the thin sections floating in the storage tank onto a slide glass; and a rotating body provided between the thin section conveying mechanism and the slide glass handling mechanism, which rotates with the thin sections placed on its outer surface to transport the thin sections toward the slide glass handling mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-534461 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-192606 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-26176 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-180546 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-261794 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-95589 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] Generally, in pathological examinations for diagnostic purposes, more than a dozen specimens are prepared at once from a single specimen block. Depending on the size of the facility, such as a hospital, one technician may handle dozens to over a hundred specimen blocks per day. Therefore, manually slicing and transferring specimens as described above places a significant physical and mental burden on technicians. Furthermore, the quality of the thin sections largely depends on the technician's skill level, and training technicians takes time. In addition, manual work is prone to variations in specimen quality. For example, if a specimen block is to be re-examined at a later date, variations in the quality of the thin sections between the previously prepared specimen and the newly prepared specimen can affect the staining.

[0012] For these reasons, there is a strong need for a system that can automate the entire process from cutting thin sections from specimen blocks to transferring them to glass slides.

[0013] However, when thin sections are transported using conveyors or other transport means or intermediate devices, the cut surface of the section will come into direct contact with the surface of the transport means, raising concerns that the cut surface may be affected in some way.

[0014] On the other hand, when transporting thin sections by water flow, even if the sections are placed in the water flow aligned with the orientation of the slide glass, the orientation of the sections can easily change with even slight changes in the water flow. Therefore, maintaining the orientation of the sections is extremely difficult.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a thin section conveying device and a thin section preparation system that can convey thin sections cut from a specimen block by a water flow while maintaining an appropriate orientation to the position where they are scooped up by a substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, a thin-section transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention is a thin-section transfer device in a thin-section preparation system that transfers a thin section cut from a specimen block onto a substrate. The thin-section transfer device is disposed on the downstream side of a thin-section blade that cuts the specimen block, and includes a water channel having a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom, and two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions. The belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval between them between the two wall portions, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the water channel. The thin section is configured to be floated and conveyed in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions.

[0017] In the above thin-section transfer device, the two sets of rotating belts may be configured to rotate at the same speed.

[0018] In the above thin-section transfer device, the interval between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts may be 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0019] In the above thin-section transfer device, each of the two sets of rotating belts may be formed of a steel or resin material.

[0020] The above thin-section transfer device may further include a pinch roller capable of adjusting the interval between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts.

[0021] In the above thin-section transfer device, the bottom of the water channel may include a first region located on the upstream side of the water channel and having a first depth with respect to the upper ends of the two wall portions, a second region located on the downstream side of the water channel and having a second depth deeper than the first depth, and an intermediate region located between the first region and the second region and having a depth increasing from the first depth toward the second depth.

[0022] In the above-mentioned thin-section transport device, the depth of the first region is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and the depth of the second region may be 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0023] The above-mentioned thin-section transport device may further include one or more nozzles that are arranged in the intermediate region of the bottom and inject liquid upward on the downstream side of the water channel.

[0024] The above-mentioned thin-section transport device may further include a water tank that can accommodate the water channel and store the liquid flowing out of the water channel.

[0025] In the above-mentioned thin-section transport device, the water channel may be attached to the water tank so that the tip side of the water channel can be pulled up.

[0026] The above-mentioned thin-section transport device may further include a holding block that holds the water channel on the downstream side of the water channel, and the holding block is rotatably attached to the water tank around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the water channel.

[0027] The above-mentioned thin-section transport device may further include a motor for driving the two rotating belts and power transmission means for transmitting the power of the motor, and the motor and the power transmission means may be attached to the holding block.

[0028] In the above-mentioned thin-section transport device, at least a part of the height of the rear-end side wall portion of the water channel is lower than the height of the upper ends of the two wall portions of the water channel, and a region for storing the liquid flowing out of the at least a part of the rear-end side wall portion from the water channel may be provided in the water tank.

[0029] The above-mentioned thin-section transport device may further include one or more second nozzles arranged on the upstream side of the water channel and configured to inject liquid into the water channel, and a pump configured to circulate the liquid accumulated in the storage region to the one or more second nozzles.

[0030] The above-described thin section conveying device may be positioned above the storage area and may further include a filter for removing solid matter from the liquid flowing out of the waterway.

[0031] The slice conveying device described above may further include one or more second nozzles positioned upstream of the waterway and configured to inject liquid into the waterway by directing it toward the cutting edge of the slice blade.

[0032] In the above-described thin section conveying device, the water channel is divided into a cold water channel, which is an upstream region, and a hot water channel, which is a downstream region, and the thin section is configured to be able to move from the cold water channel to the hot water channel while floating on the liquid. The device may further include a first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range temperature, and a second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second range temperature higher than the first range.

[0033] In the above-described thin section conveying device, the water channel is divided into a cold water channel, which is an upstream region, and a hot water channel, which is a downstream region, and the thin section is configured to be able to move from the cold water channel to the hot water channel while floating on the liquid, and further comprises a first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range temperature, and a second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second range temperature higher than the first range, wherein the first temperature control system may be configured to control the temperature of the liquid injected into the cold water channel from one or more nozzles to a first range temperature.

[0034] In the above-described thin section conveying device, the first temperature range may be 20°C or less, and the second temperature range may be 40°C or more and 55°C or less.

[0035] The thin slice conveying device described above may further include a water channel having a drain port for discharging liquid when the liquid level in the cold water channel reaches a predetermined height or higher, and a water tank capable of housing the water channel having a first storage section configured to store liquid that flows out of the cold water channel through the drain port, and a second storage section configured to store liquid that flows out of the hot water channel, and the first temperature control system having a cooling unit configured to cool the liquid discharged from the first storage section, and a first pump configured to circulate the liquid cooled by the cooling unit to the cold water channel, and the second temperature control system having a heating unit configured to heat the liquid discharged from the second storage section, and a second pump configured to circulate the liquid heated by the heating unit to the hot water channel.

[0036] In the above-described thin slice conveying device, an insulating region may be provided between the first storage section and the second storage section.

[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention is a thin section preparation system comprising the above-mentioned thin section transport device and a handling unit configured to grasp the substrate and scoop up the thin sections that have been thinned by the thin sectioning blade and flowed between the two sets of rotating belts using the substrate.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention, a further thin section preparation system, comprises the above-mentioned thin section conveying device and a cutter unit attached to the upstream end of the thin section conveying device, which holds the thin sectioning blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel. In the above-described thin sectioning system, the direction in which the cutting edge extends and the longitudinal direction of the water channel do not necessarily have to be perpendicular. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] According to the present invention, thin sections cut from a sample block can be transported by a water stream while maintaining the appropriate orientation until they are picked up by a substrate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a thin sectioning specimen preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a thin sectioning specimen preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a thin slice conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear end. [Figure 4A] This is a top view of a thin slice conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] This is a top view of the conveying channel of the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a side view of the conveying channel of the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a top view of the water tank included in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a side view of the water tank included in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the retaining block that holds the conveying water channel. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the means of power transmission to a rotating belt. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the cutter unit. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the lifted state of the leading end of the transport channel. [Figure 11A] This is a schematic diagram of a thin section conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A is a partial cross-sectional view of the CC surface. [Figure 12A]This is a top view of the conveying channel of a thin section conveying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure 12A is an enlarged view of the DD cross-section. [Figure 13A] This is a top view of the water tank included in the thin section conveying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13B] This is a side view of the water tank included in the thin section conveying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13C] This is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 13A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] The following describes a section transport device and a section preparation system according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0042] The drawings referenced in the following description merely provide a schematic representation of the shape, size, and positional relationships to the extent necessary to understand the content of the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships exemplified in each drawing. Furthermore, there may be differences in the dimensional relationships and proportions between drawings.

[0043] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of the thin sectioning preparation system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a sectioning preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view showing the general configuration of the same system. The sectioning preparation system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that transfers sections 3, which are sectioned from a specimen block 2, onto a substrate 4 such as a glass slide. The specimen block 2 is a biological tissue embedded in an embedding material such as paraffin.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thin section preparation system 1 comprises a cutter unit 20 configured to slice a specimen block 2, a thin section transport device 30 configured to transport the sliced ​​sections 3 by liquid, and a handling unit 40 configured to scoop up the sections flowing from the thin section transport device 30 with a substrate 4. Each of these parts is fixed to a base 1a by bolts or the like. The thin section preparation system 1 may also further include a specimen block slide unit 10, a magazine unit 60 which is a storage container for the substrate 4, a control unit 90, and various sensors. Examples of sensors include a camera 91 located above the thin section transport device 30 and a thin section blade sensor (camera) 93 located near the thin section blade. Furthermore, the thin section preparation system 1 may be provided with a temporary water storage tank 73 for storing water supplied to the thin section transport device 30.

[0045] In the following, the upstream side may be referred to as the leading edge side, and the downstream side as the trailing edge side, based on the direction of transport of the thin section 3 in the thin section transport device 30.

[0046] Here, ordinary water (tap water) can be used as the liquid to transport the thin sections 3, but it is not limited to this. For example, an aqueous solution with a surfactant added, or a specific float solution can also be used. In the following explanation, we will assume that water is used as the liquid to transport the thin sections 3.

[0047] The cutter unit 20 holds the slicing blade and is attached to the tip of the slicing section conveying device 30. Upstream of the cutter unit 20, a specimen block slide unit 10 is installed. The specimen block slide unit 10 holds the specimen block 2 and slides the specimen block 2 while maintaining a predetermined angle relative to the slicing blade. As a result, the portion of the specimen block 2 that is in contact with the slicing blade is thinly sliced.

[0048] The direction in which the sample block 2 is slid relative to the thinning blade (hereinafter also referred to as the sample feeding direction v1) is not particularly limited. Here, as shown in Figure 2, the angle of the sample feeding direction v1 with respect to an axis v0 that is perpendicular to the direction in which the cutting edge of the thinning blade extends (see direction v3 shown in Figure 4A later) in a plane parallel to the cut surface 2a of the sample block 2 is also referred to as the cutting edge inclination angle θ. The cutting edge inclination angle θ is defined as positive when viewed from the downstream side of the transport direction (see Figure 1), with respect to axis v0 in a counterclockwise direction. For example, if the thinning blade is perpendicular to the sample feeding direction v1, the cutting edge inclination angle θ is 0°. Also, for example, in the direction shown in Figure 2, the cutting edge inclination angle θ is in the range of greater than 0° and less than 90°. The cutting edge inclination angle θ may be 0°, greater than 0° and less than 90° (for example, around 30° to 60°, or around 45°), or greater than -90° and less than 0°.

[0049] In the slice conveying device 30, a water flow is formed from the cutter unit 20 side. The slices 3 sliced ​​by the slicing blade are left to float on the water surface of the slice conveying device 30 and are carried downstream by the water flow.

[0050] The handling unit 40 includes a gripping portion 41 for gripping the substrate 4, a swivel mechanism 42 for swiveling the gripping portion 41 around a vertical axis R1, and a swing mechanism 44 for rotating the gripping portion 41 around an axis R2.

[0051] The control unit 90 controls the operation of the entire thin section preparation system 1, including the thin section transport device 30. For example, the control unit 90 controls the operation of the motor 362 so that the belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376, which will be described later, move at an appropriate speed. The control unit 90 also controls the operation of the handling unit 40, which, based on images captured by the camera 91, scoops up the thin sections 3 that have been sliced ​​from the specimen block 2 and transported by the thin section transport device 30 using the substrate 4 and stores them in the magazine unit 60.

[0052] (Operation of the thin sectioning preparation system 1) Next, we will briefly explain the operation of the thin sectioning preparation system 1. First, with a water flow generated in the thin section transport device 30, the specimen block 2 is prepared (pre-cut). That is, the specimen block 2 is slid by the specimen block slide unit 10, and sliced ​​by the slicing blade until the surface containing biological tissue is exposed. At this point, the shavings removed from the specimen block 2 are discharged by the water flow.

[0053] After the pre-cutting is complete, the thin sections 3 are sliced ​​(main cut). Note that between the completion of pre-cutting and the main cut, the operation of the specimen block slide unit 10 may be temporarily stopped, during which time preparations such as having the handling unit 40 hold the substrate 4 may be made. The thin sections 3 sliced ​​from the specimen block 2 are then floated on the water surface of the thin section transport device 30 and transported by the water current. Furthermore, floating the thin sections 3 in the water causes them to unfurl. The handling unit 40 waits with at least a portion of the held substrate 4 inserted into the water channel (the area between the two rotating belts 375 and 376), and scoops up the flowing thin sections 3 with the substrate 4. Afterward, the handling unit 40 stores the substrate 4 in the magazine unit 60.

[0054] (Configuration of the thin section conveying device) Next, the detailed configuration of the slice conveying device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the slice conveying device 30 viewed from the rear end. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the slice conveying device 30 includes a water tank 32 in which a conveying water channel 34 is arranged inside, a water supply unit 72 for supplying and draining water to the water tank 32, and a moving unit 80 for moving the water tank 32 along its longitudinal direction. The configuration of the water supply unit 72 will be described later.

[0055] The mobile unit 80 includes a base 801 to which the water tank 32 is fixed, a slide block 802 attached to the base 801, a slide rail 804 connected to the slide block 802 via a bearing 803, and a motor 805 that drives the slide block 802. The mobile unit 80 can move the water tank 32 in micron units. Each time a thin section 3 is sliced, the mobile unit 80 moves the water tank 32 upstream by a predetermined distance (e.g., several μm), allowing a new surface of the specimen block 2 to be cut out by a slicing blade installed upstream of the water tank 32.

[0056] Figure 4A is a top view of the slice conveying device 30. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a top view of the conveying channel of the slice conveying device 30. Figure 5B is a side view of the same conveying channel. Figure 6A is a top view of the water tank of the slice conveying device 30. Figure 6B is a side view of the same water tank. Note that the moving unit 80 is omitted from Figures 4A and 4B.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the thin section conveying device 30 comprises a water tank 32 and a conveying water channel 34 located inside the water tank 32. The water tank 32 has a capacity to accommodate the conveying water channel 34 and to store the water that flows out from the conveying water channel 34.

[0058] The cutter unit 20 described above is mounted on the outside of the water tank 32 and holds the thin-cut blade at the upstream end of the conveying channel 34 such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conveying channel 34 (i.e., the conveying direction). Here, as shown in Figure 4A, the angle of the direction v3 in which the cutting edge extends with respect to the conveying direction v2 is also referred to as the blade installation angle α. The blade installation angle α is defined as positive when viewed from above, with respect to the conveying direction v2 and counterclockwise. The blade installation angle α may also be set according to the cutting edge inclination angle θ. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is 0°, the blade installation angle α may be set to 90°. Also, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is other than 0°, the conveying direction v2 and the direction v3 do not need to be perpendicular. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is greater than 0°, the blade installation angle α may be less than 90°, and if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is less than 0°, the blade installation angle α may be greater than 90°. Preferably, the blade installation angle α can be set as α = 90° - θ. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is 30° to 60°, the blade installation angle α may be 60° to 30°, and if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is near 45°, the blade installation angle α may be near 45°. When setting the blade installation angle α in this way, by making the cutting edge inclination angle θ greater than 0°, the thin slices 3 that are sent out from the thin slice blade at an oblique angle can be introduced into the conveying water channel 23 so that they are parallel to the conveying direction.

[0059] Upstream of the transport channel 34, one or more nozzles 353 are positioned, configured to direct water toward the cutting edge of the slicing blade and inject it into the transport channel 34. While slicing the specimen block 2, liquid is continuously flowed from the nozzles 353 toward the cutting edge of the slicing blade, allowing the cut slices 3 to smoothly separate from the blade and be introduced into the transport channel 34. In addition, the water flowing into the transport channel 34 can create a water flow within it.

[0060] The nozzles 353 are not limited, but are preferably installed on both ends of the slicing blade, as illustrated in Figure 4A. In this case, it is more preferable that water is discharged from both nozzles 353 at approximately the same flow velocity. As a result, the water discharged from both nozzles 353 meet near the center of the slicing blade and cancels out each other's flow velocities, thereby reducing the force applied to the sliced ​​portion 3 in the direction parallel to the slicing blade. This allows the sliced ​​portion 3 to be introduced into the waterway (the area between the two rotating belts 375 and 376, described later) without displacement.

[0061] The water flow rate released from the nozzle 353 should be sufficient to reach at least the approximate center of the slicing blade, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the blade length of the slicing blade, the distance between the two nozzles 353, the thickness of the sliced ​​piece 3, etc.

[0062] Of course, the nozzle 353 may be provided only near one end of the thin-cutting blade, or multiple nozzles 353 may be provided at multiple locations near the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade.

[0063] The transport channel 34 is held by a retaining block 361 on the downstream side and is attached to the water tank 32 via this retaining block 361. In the first embodiment, the retaining block 361 is rotatably attached to the water tank 32 via an axis 355 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport channel 34.

[0064] The transport channel 34 is installed such that a space is secured between it and the water tank 32 at its rear end. This space becomes an overflow region 331 that receives water flowing out from the rear end of the transport channel 34. A filter mounting section 332 for installing a filter 333 is provided on the inner wall of the overflow region 331. The filter 333 is installed above the overflow region 331 so as to cover the entire overflow region 331. Note that in Figure 4A, the filter 333 is omitted to avoid making the figure unclear. By providing the filter 333, solid matter contained in the water flowing out from the rear end of the transport channel 34 can be removed, and the water that has passed through the filter 333 can be recirculated back into the transport channel 34. Solid matter includes shavings generated during thin slicing and slices generated during pre-cutting.

[0065] The conveying channel 34 has a bottom 340 and two opposing wall sections 341 connected to the bottom 340. Inside the conveying channel 34, along the two wall sections 341, two sets of rotating belts 375 and 376 are provided. The rotating belts 375 and 376 are arranged between the two wall sections 341 such that their respective belt surfaces are parallel to each other and facing each other with a predetermined gap between them. In the first embodiment, these rotating belts 375 and 376 are configured such that the opposing belt sections move toward the downstream side of the conveying channel 34. The sliced ​​pieces 3 are conveyed by floating on the liquid flowing between these belt sections. Preferably, the rotating belts 375 and 376 are controlled to rotate at the same speed as each other. The speed of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be appropriately set according to the slicing frequency in the cutter unit 20, the length of the conveying channel 34, the conveying speed, the type of liquid (such as water), etc. For example, when running tap water, the speed of the straight sections of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be set to approximately 5 to 30 mm / second.

[0066] The spacing w between the opposing belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be determined according to the size of the substrate 4. Here, there are standard sizes for the microscope slides used as substrates 4 for pathological specimens, and generally, sizes of 75 × 25 mm or 76 × 26 mm are used. In addition, the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS R3703) specifies a length of 76.0 mm and a width of 26.0 mm as the size of microscope slides (standard type). In these cases, the spacing w between the belt surfaces can be set to approximately 25 mm to 30 mm. Of course, the size of the substrate 4 that can be used in the thin section preparation system 1 is not limited to the above standard sizes. When using a substrate of a size other than the above standard sizes, the spacing w between the belt surfaces should be adjusted as appropriate.

[0067] In detail, the spacing w between the belt surfaces is set to be the same as or slightly longer than the length (width) of the shorter side of the substrate 4 used. In other words, the spacing w is such that when the substrate 4 is inserted into the water channel, the substrate 4 fits just between the opposing belt surfaces, or there is a small gap between the substrate 4 and the belt surfaces on both sides. Specifically, it is preferable that the spacing w be the length of the shorter side of the substrate 4 plus 4 mm (a gap of 2 mm on each side) or less, more preferably the length of the shorter side plus 3 mm (a gap of 1.5 mm on each side) or less, and even more preferably the length of the shorter side plus 2 mm (a gap of 1 mm on each side) or less.

[0068] For example, when using a substrate 4 with a short side length of 25 mm, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the spacing w to 25 mm or more and the upper limit to 29 mm or less, more preferably to 28 mm or less, and even more preferably to 27 mm or less. Also, when using a substrate 4 with a short side length of 26 mm, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the spacing w to 26 mm or more and the upper limit to 30 mm or less, more preferably to 29 mm or less, and even more preferably to 28 mm or less.

[0069] Two pulleys are arranged inside the two walls 341 of the conveying water channel 34 at predetermined intervals. The rotating belt 375 rotates around pulleys 371 and 373, and the rotating belt 376 rotates around pulleys 372 and 374. Of these, the upstream pulleys 373 and 374 are attached to the conveying water channel 34 by fitting their rotating shafts into through holes 345 and 346 (see Figure 5A) formed in the bottom 340 of the conveying water channel 34. The downstream pulleys 371 and 372 are attached to the holding block 361 (see Figure 4B). As will be described later, the motor 362 (see Figure 3) and power transmission means for transmitting power from the motor 362 to the pulleys 371 and 372 are also attached to the rotating belt 375 on the holding block 361.

[0070] Each rotating belt 375, 376 may be further provided with pinch rollers 381 on its inside, which allow for adjustment of the spacing w between the belt surfaces. In this case, the pinch rollers 381 can be installed via a roller unit 38 fixed to the holding block 361.

[0071] The material of each rotating belt 375, 376 is not particularly limited, as long as it is resistant (e.g., corrosion resistant) to the liquid (e.g., water) flowing through the conveying water channel 34. Specifically, for example, steel belts or resin belts can be used as rotating belts 375, 376. Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface properties of the rotating belts 375, 376 are non-adhesive or have very low adhesiveness. This is to prevent the thin slices 3 from getting caught in the rotating belts 375, 376 if they come into contact with them.

[0072] In this way, by installing rotating belts 375 and 376 inside the conveying channel 34 and moving the opposing belt portions together downstream, a stable water flow with less variation in flow velocity can be formed. As a result, rotation of the thin sections 3 on the water surface during conveyance can be suppressed, and the thin sections 3 can be conveyed to the scooping point P1 while remaining in almost the same orientation as when they were introduced into the conveying channel 34.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the entire rotating belts 375 and 376 are positioned inside the conveying channel 34, but a portion of the rotating belts 375 and 376 may extend outside the conveying channel 34. In short, it is sufficient that the opposing belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376 are positioned inside the conveying channel 34.

[0074] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the bottom 340 of the transport channel 34 includes a first region 342 located upstream of the transport channel 34 and having a first depth d1 relative to the upper ends of the two wall portions 341, a second region 343 located downstream of the transport channel 34 and having a second depth d2 that is deeper than the first depth d1, and an intermediate region 344 located between the first region 342 and the second region 343, with its depth increasing from the first depth d1 to the second depth d2. The substrate 4, gripped by the handling unit 40, is inserted into the second region 343 and awaits the thin slices 3 flowing through the transport channel 34.

[0075] The depth d1 of the first region 342 is preferably 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. By setting the depth d1 within this range, the flow velocity can be made uniform in the depth direction, forming a stable water flow. This allows the thin slices 3, after being separated from the thin slicing blade and introduced into the transport channel 34, to be transported stably. On the other hand, the depth d2 of the second region 343 is preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. By setting the depth d2 within this range, it is possible to prevent the substrate 4 from coming into contact with the bottom 340 of the transport channel 34 when the handling unit 40 scoops up the substrate 4 and inserts it into region P1.

[0076] One or more (two in Figures 5A and 5B) through-holes 347 are formed in the intermediate region 344, and one or more (same as above) nozzles 348 are fitted into each of these through-holes 347 to inject water upward toward the downstream side. Water is supplied to these nozzles 348 from an external pump (not shown). By injecting water from the nozzles 348, the decrease in flow velocity that occurs with increasing depth in the intermediate region 344 can be suppressed.

[0077] The bottom 340 at the rear end of the conveying channel 34 is provided with bolt holes 350 for fixing the conveying channel 34 to the retaining block 361. As shown in Figure 5A, the rear end of the conveying channel 34 itself is open, and by attaching the conveying channel 34 to the retaining block 361, the rear end side wall of the conveying channel 34 can be provided.

[0078] Furthermore, the tip region 351 of the conveying water channel 34 is provided with a nozzle holding section 352 for holding a nozzle 353 that sprays water onto the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade. Furthermore, the conveying channel 34 may be provided with a handle 357 for lifting the conveying channel 34.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the water tank 32 has left, right, and rear end walls 321 and a bottom 322. The bottom 322 may be provided on the same plane throughout the entire water tank 32, but as shown in Figure 6B, a part of the front end of the bottom 322 (raised bottom 323) may be raised. By providing a raised bottom 323 in a range that does not interfere with the transport water channel 34, the capacity of the water tank 32 can be reduced.

[0080] The water tank 32 is provided with a fixing part 324 for fixing the water tank 32 to the base 801 (see Figure 2) from above with bolts, and a fixing part 325 for fixing it from the side with bolts. By fixing the water tank 32 to the base 801 from two directions in this way, it is possible to prevent the water tank 32 from shifting position relative to the base 801.

[0081] One side wall 321 of the water tank 32 is provided with openings 326 and 327 for draining water from the water tank 32. Opening 326 is located near the upper end upstream of the overflow area 331 to prevent overflow from the water tank 32. The drain pipe 721 of the water supply unit 72 (see Figure 3) is connected to opening 326. The water that flows out of the drain pipe 721 is drained through the drainage tank 724 (see Figure 2).

[0082] The other opening 327 is located near the lower end of the overflow area 331. A drain pipe 722 (see Figure 3) is connected to this opening 327. A valve 723 is provided on the drain pipe 722, and by opening the valve 723, water in the tank 32 can be discharged. The water that flows out of the drain pipe 722 is drained through the drain tank 724.

[0083] Inside the water tank 32, there is a plug 329 for closing the through hole 36g (described later) provided in the retaining block 361, and a support part 328 for supporting the plug 329.

[0084] The tip region 334 of the tank 32 has a hole in the bottom. The cutter unit 20 is fitted into this tip region 334.

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the retaining block 361 that holds the transport water channel 34. Of these, Figure 7(a) shows the top surface, Figure 7(b) shows the rear end surface, Figure 7(c) shows the right side surface, Figure 7(d) shows the left side surface, and Figure 7(e) shows the bottom surface.

[0086] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(e), the retaining block 361 is a member connected such that the ceiling plate 36a, the wall portion 36b, and the bottom plate 36c form a roughly U-shape. The transport water channel 34 is fitted into the U-shaped opening 36d and fastened in the bolt hole 36e shown in Figure 7(e) (see bolt hole 350 shown in Figure 5A). As a result, the wall portion 36b becomes the rear end side wall portion of the transport water channel 34.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7(b), the upper part of the wall 36b is largely cut out. The height of the cutout 36f is lower than the upper end surface 34a of the wall 341 of the transport channel 34, as shown in Figure 3. This cutout 36f serves as an outlet for water to flow from the rear end of the transport channel 34 into the overflow area 331 of the water tank 32.

[0088] A through-hole 36g is formed below the wall portion 36b. The through-hole 36g is an outlet for discharging water from the transport water channel 34, and as shown in Figure 4B, it is blocked by a plug 329 during slice formation.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7(a), the ceiling plate 36a has a recess 36h for fitting the motor 362 (see Figure 3), a through hole 36i through which the rotating shaft of the motor 362 is inserted, and through holes 36j and 36k through which the rotating shafts of the pulleys 371 and 372 are inserted. In addition, as shown in Figure 7(e), the bottom plate 36c has through holes 36l, 36m, and 36n corresponding to the through holes 36i, 36j, and 36k, as well as through holes 36p and 36q through which the rotating shafts of the gears are inserted.

[0090] As shown in Figure 7(c), the retaining block 361 has a through hole 36r that extends in the lateral direction. A shaft 355, which is fixed to the water tank 32, is inserted through the through hole 36r.

[0091] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the means for transmitting power to the rotating belts 375 and 376. Below the holding block 361 (see also Figure 3), gears 363, 364, 365, 366, and 367 are mounted. These gears 363, 364, 365, 366, and 367 are fixed to a rotating shaft inserted through through holes 36l, 36m, 36p, 36q, and 36n. The rotation of the motor 362 is transmitted to the pulley 371 via gears 363 and 364, and further transmitted to the pulley 372 via gears 365, 366, and 367 which mesh with gear 364, thereby allowing the opposing belt portions of the rotating belts 375 and 376 to move in the same direction.

[0092] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutter unit 20. As shown in Figure 9, the cutter unit 20 includes a thin-cutting blade 201 and a first block 202 and a second block 203 that hold the thin-cutting blade 201. The first block 202 and the second block 203 are fastened together by bolts 204, and the thin-cutting blade 201 can be removed and replaced by loosening the bolts 204. The cutter unit 20 holds the thin-cutting blade 201 such that its cutting edge is approximately at the same height as the two walls 341 of the conveying water channel 34.

[0093] The cutter unit 20 is fitted into the tip region 334 of the water tank 32 shown in Figure 6A and fixed to the base 801 of the mobile unit 80 by bolts 205. The upper part of the second block 203 has a flat portion 206 that receives the tip region 351 (see Figure 5A) of the bottom 340 of the transport water channel 34. A sealing member 359 may be attached to the tip region 334 of the water tank 32 to prevent water leakage between it and the upper end of the second block 203. The sealing member 359 can be made of, for example, a rubber sheet.

[0094] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the tip end of the conveying channel 34 is raised. As described above, the conveying channel 34 is rotatably mounted to the water tank 32 around the axis 355. Therefore, by lifting the handle 357, the tip end of the conveying channel 34 can be raised as shown in Figure 10. This makes it easy to replace the thin-cutting blade 201 in the cutter unit 20.

[0095] When the tip of the transport channel 34 is pulled up, the plug 329 is removed from the through hole 36g of the holding block 361. This allows the water accumulated in the transport channel 34 to be discharged from the through hole 36g into the water tank 32.

[0096] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, two sets of rotating belts 375 and 376 are provided in the transport channel 34, and the opposing belt portions move in the same direction inside the transport channel 34. This makes it possible to form a stable water flow between the opposing belt portions. Therefore, the thin sections 3 cut from the sample block 2 can be transported on this water flow while maintaining the appropriate orientation until they are scooped up by the substrate 4.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, by setting the blade installation angle α with respect to the conveying direction according to the cutting blade inclination angle θ when slicing, even when the cutting blade inclination angle θ is greater than 0°, the sliced ​​pieces 3 can be introduced into the conveying water channel 23 so that they are oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0098] <Variation> In the first embodiment, two rotating belts 375 and 376 provided in the conveying channel 34 are driven by one motor 805, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move in the same direction at the same speed. However, two motors may be provided to rotate each of these rotating belts 375 and 376. Alternatively, the rotational speed and direction of the rotating belts 375 and 376 may be controlled individually. For example, the rotational speeds of the two rotating belts 375 and 376 may be made different, or one of the rotating belts may be temporarily stopped. Or, the two rotating belts 375 and 376 may be temporarily rotated in opposite directions (the opposing belt portions moving in opposite directions). By performing such control, it is possible to adjust the posture of the thin slices 3 being conveyed in the channel (the region between the two rotating belts 375 and 376).

[0099] The control unit 90 may also control the rotational speed and direction of each rotating belt 375, 376 based on images captured by a camera 91 located above the thin slice conveying device 30, or by an additional camera located upstream of camera 91.

[0100] <Second Embodiment> Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of a thin section conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of Figure 11A in the CC plane. Figure 12A is a top view of the conveying water channel of the thin section conveying device. Figure 12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 12A in the DD plane. Figure 13A is a top view of the water tank of the thin section conveying device. Figure 13B is a side view of the water tank. Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13A in the EE plane.

[0101] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the section conveying device 30A according to the second embodiment includes a system for controlling the temperature of the liquid (e.g., tap water) flowing through the section conveying device 30A. Such a section conveying device 30A can be applied in place of the section conveying device 30 (see Figures 4A and 4B) in the section preparation system 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0102] Here, the sectioning of the specimen block 2 with the sectioning blade is preferably performed in a low-temperature environment (for example, below 20°C) to prevent softening of the specimen block 2, although this depends on the type of specimen. On the other hand, after sectioning, it is preferable to spread the section 3 by immersing it in a warm liquid (for example, around 40°C). Therefore, in the section conveying device 30A, a low-temperature liquid (for example, cold water) is circulated in the water channel on the upstream side (cutter unit 20 side), and a warm liquid (for example, hot water) is circulated in the water channel on the downstream side (handling unit 40 side). The configuration of the section conveying device 30A will be explained below using the case where tap water is circulated as the liquid as an example.

[0103] As shown in Figure 11A, the slice conveying device 30A includes a conveying water channel 34A located downstream of the slice cutting blade. As will be described in detail later, the conveying water channel 34A is divided into an upstream region, a cold water channel 74a, and a downstream region, a hot water channel 74b, and is configured so that the slices 3 can move from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b while floating on the water. The slice conveying device 30A also includes a cold water control system (first temperature control system) 76 configured to control the temperature of the water flowing through the cold water channel 74a to a first temperature range, and a hot water control system (second temperature control system) 78 configured to control the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water channel 74b to a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

[0104] The temperature range of the water (chilled water) flowing through the chilled water channel 74a is not limited, but is preferably 20°C or lower, and can be, for example, around 10°C to 20°C. The chilled water control system 76 injects chilled water within a predetermined temperature range into the chilled water channel 74a from one or more nozzles (for example, nozzles 353 for spraying water onto the cutting blades). The temperature of the injected chilled water may be within the above temperature range (for example, around 10°C to 20°C), or, considering the possibility of a slight temperature rise in the chilled water channel 74a, chilled water at a lower temperature than the above temperature range may be injected.

[0105] The temperature range of the water (hot water) flowing through the hot water channel 74b is a temperature range that allows the thin section 3 to be spread, and is not limited to this range, but can be approximately 40°C to 55°C. The hot water control system 78 injects hot water within a predetermined temperature range into the hot water channel 74b from one or more nozzles (for example, a nozzle 348 that injects water into the intermediate region 344). The temperature of the injected hot water may be within the above temperature range (for example, approximately 40°C to 55°C), or, considering the possibility of a slight temperature drop in the hot water channel 74b, hot water at a higher temperature than the above temperature range may be injected, as long as the embedding material such as paraffin does not melt.

[0106] The chilled water control system 76 and the hot water control system 78 may operate under the control of the control unit 90, or they may be operated manually.

[0107] As shown in Figure 12A, the overall configuration of the transport channel 34A is generally the same as that of the transport channel 34 in the first embodiment, but the transport channel 34A in the second embodiment is provided with a partition 741 that divides the transport channel 34A into an upstream region and a downstream region. The region upstream of this partition 741 is a cold water channel 74a through which cold water flows, and the region downstream of the partition 741 is a hot water channel 74b through which hot water flows. The partition 741 is preferably located within the first region 342 located upstream of the bottom 330, or near the boundary between the first region 342 and the intermediate region 344. The nozzle 348 located in the intermediate region 344 will be located on the hot water channel 74b side.

[0108] As shown in Figure 12B, a notch 742 is formed in a part of the upper end surface of the partition 741. The width of the notch 742 is about the same as the width of the thin section 3, or slightly larger than the width of the thin section 3. Also, the height h1 of the notch 742 is lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341 of the conveying water channel 34A. As a result, a gap is created between the notch 742 and the upper end surface of the conveying water channel 34A, and by raising the water level (see liquid surface 5) higher than the height of the notch 742, the thin section 3 can move from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b while floating on the water. Alternatively, instead of forming the notch 742, the overall height of the partition 741 may be lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341.

[0109] The partition 741 has four slits 743 into which the rotating belts 375 and 376 are inserted, in order to prevent interference with the rotating belts 375 and 376. By providing such a partition 741, the thin sections 3 can be transported from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b by the water flow, while the amount of cold water flowing from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b can be suppressed.

[0110] Drain ports 745 are provided at one or more locations (two locations in Figure 12A) of the cold water channel 74a. As shown in Figure 12A, the drain ports 745 are cylindrical with an open top and are provided to discharge cold water when the water level in the cold water channel 74a exceeds a predetermined height. As shown in Figure 12B, the height of the opening of the drain port 745 is higher than the height h1 of the notch 742 of the partition 741 and lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341. This makes it possible to maintain a water level that allows the thin section 3 to pass over the notch 742 while preventing cold water from overflowing from the cold water channel 74a into the warm water channel 74b or the surrounding area.

[0111] The shape of the opening of the drain port 745 is not particularly limited; it may be rectangular as shown in Figure 12A, or it may be other shapes (for example, circular or elliptical). Also, the position of the drain port 745 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with the rotating belts 375, 376 or the thin slices 3 flowing between them. In Figure 12A, the drain port 745 is located inside each of the rotating belts 375, 396.

[0112] An intermediate region 344 located in the hot water passage 74b has a through-hole 746 through which a nozzle 789 (see Figure 11B), which is provided separately from the nozzle 348, is inserted.

[0113] Referring again to Figures 11A and 11B, the thin section conveying device 30A further includes a water tank 32A capable of accommodating the conveying water channel 34A and storing the liquid that flows out from the conveying water channel 34A. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the overall configuration of the water tank 32A is generally the same as that of the water tank 32 in the first embodiment, but the water tank 32A in the second embodiment is provided with partitions 751 and 752 that divide the water tank 32A into an upstream side and a downstream side. The upstream side of partition 751 is a chilled water storage section (first storage section) 75a configured to store chilled water that flows out from the drain port 745 of the chilled water channel 34a, and the downstream side of partition 752 is a hot water storage section (second storage section) 75b configured to store hot water that flows out from the rear end of the hot water channel 74b. The raised base portion 323 (see Figure 4B) described in the first embodiment may or may not be installed, as long as it does not interfere with the piping described later.

[0114] Partitions 751 and 752 have the same shape. As shown in Figure 13C, notches 754 are formed on the upper surfaces of partitions 751 and 752 for fitting the transport water channel 34A. In addition, a space 753 is provided between partitions 751 and 752 as an insulating area. This provides an insulating effect between the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b. The space 753 may be filled with insulating material. Of course, it is also possible to provide only one partition, and in this case, the partition may be formed with insulating material.

[0115] As shown in Figure 13B, each side of the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b is provided with an opening 326 to which a drain pipe 721 (see Figure 2) is connected, and an opening 327 to which a drain pipe 722 (same as above) is connected. The opening 326 is provided near the upper end to prevent overflow from the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b. The opening 327 is provided near the lower end for drainage from the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b.

[0116] Alternatively, instead of installing partitions 751 and 752 in an integrated tank, the cold water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b may be formed separately and connected to constitute the tank 32A.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13A, the tip region 334 of the water tank 32A has a hollow bottom because the cutter unit 20 is fitted into it. Therefore, to prevent water leakage in the gap between the tip of the bottom 322 and the cutter unit 20, a sealing member may be attached to the tip of the bottom 322. Alternatively, a side wall conforming to the side shape of the cutter unit 20 may be provided at the tip of the bottom 322.

[0118] One or more (one in Figure 13A) through-holes 755 are formed in the upstream region of the bottom 322 of the chilled water storage section 75a, through which one or more nozzles 767 (see Figures 11A and 11B) are inserted. In addition, one or more (three in Figure 13A) through-holes 756 are formed in the downstream region of the bottom 322 of the chilled water storage section 75a, which serve as drainage ports.

[0119] One or more (three in Figure 13A) through-holes 757 are formed in the upstream region of the bottom 322 of the hot water storage section 75b, through which one or more nozzles 787 (see Figure 11B) are inserted. In addition, one or more (three in Figure 13A) through-holes 758 are formed in the downstream region of the bottom 322 of the hot water storage section 75b, which serve as drainage ports.

[0120] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the chilled water control system 76 includes a cooling unit 761 configured to cool the water supplied to the chilled water channel 74a, and piping 764, 765, and 766. Of these, the cooling unit 761 includes a chilled water tank 762 and a chiller 763, and pumps P1 and P2 that supply chilled water to piping 765 and 766, respectively.

[0121] The chilled water tank 762 is equipped with a water level sensor S1 and a temperature sensor T1. When it is detected that the water level in the chilled water tank 762 falls below a predetermined value, tap water is supplied to the chilled water tank 762 from an external source. Also, when it is detected that the water temperature in the chilled water tank 762 rises above a predetermined value, the water chiller 763 is activated to cool the water in the chilled water tank 762.

[0122] A pipe 764 is connected to a through-hole 756 in the chilled water storage section 75a. The pipe 764 is arranged to pass through the chilled water tank 762 and is connected to a pipe 765 that supplies chilled water to the nozzle 353 via a pump P1.

[0123] A valve B1 is provided in the piping 765, and when the thin slices 3 are being transported, valve B1 is opened. This allows cold water to be injected from the nozzle 353 into the cold water channel 74a. The flow of this cold water, along with the rotation of the rotating belts 375 and 376, creates a water flow for transporting the thin slices 3. Some of the cold water flows over the partition 741 into the hot water channel 74b, and the remainder flows through the drain port 745 into the cold water storage section 75a.

[0124] Water flowing into the pipe 764 from the through-hole 756 of the chilled water storage section 75a is cooled by passing through the chilled water tank 762 and supplied to the pipe 765 via the pump P1. In this way, chilled water circulates.

[0125] A water level sensor S2 is installed in the chilled water storage section 75a. When it is detected that the water level in the chilled water storage section 75a has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P2 draws chilled water from the chilled water tank 762 and the valve B2 is opened, and chilled water is injected into the chilled water storage section 75a through the piping 766 and nozzle 767.

[0126] A temperature sensor T2 is installed in the chilled water channel 74a. When it is detected that the water temperature in the chilled water channel 74a has risen above a predetermined value, the chiller 763 is activated, and the water in the chilled water tank 762 and the piping 764 installed in the water are cooled.

[0127] The hot water control system 78 includes a heating unit 781 configured to heat the water supplied to the hot water passage 74b, and piping 784, 785, 786, and 788. Of these, the heating unit 781 includes a hot water tank 782 and a heater 783, and pumps P3, P4, and P5 that supply hot water to piping 785, 786, and 788, respectively.

[0128] The hot water tank 782 is equipped with a water level sensor S3 and a temperature sensor T3. When it is detected that the water level in the hot water tank 782 has fallen below a predetermined value, tap water is supplied to the hot water tank 782 from an external source. Also, when it is detected that the water temperature in the hot water tank 782 has fallen below a predetermined value, the heater 783 is activated to heat the water in the hot water tank 782.

[0129] A pipe 784 is connected to a through-hole 758 in the hot water storage section 75b. The pipe 784 passes through the hot water tank 782 and is then arranged to branch. One of the branched pipes is connected to a pipe 785 that supplies hot water to a nozzle 348 via a pump P3, and the other pipe is connected to a pipe 786 that supplies hot water to a nozzle 787 via a pump P4.

[0130] A valve B3 is provided in the piping 785, and when the thin sections 3 are being transported, valve B3 is opened. As a result, hot water is injected from the nozzle 348 into the hot water channel 74b. The flow of this hot water, along with the rotation of the rotating belts 375 and 376, creates a water flow for transporting the thin sections 3.

[0131] The hot water supplied to the hot water channel 74b flows out from the rear end of the transport channel 34A, passes through the filter 333 located in the overflow area 331, and flows into the hot water storage section 75b. The water that flows into the piping 784 from the through-hole 758 of the hot water storage section 75b is heated by passing through the hot water tank 782 and supplied to the piping 785 via the pump P3. In this way, the hot water circulates.

[0132] A valve B4 is provided in the piping 786, and when this valve B4 is opened, hot water is injected from the nozzle 787 into the hot water storage section 75b. As a result, the hot water circulates in the hot water storage section 75b, and the water temperature is kept uniform.

[0133] A water level sensor S4 is installed in the hot water channel 74b. When it is detected that the water level in the hot water channel 74b has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P5 draws hot water from the hot water tank 782 and the valve B5 is opened, and the hot water is injected into the hot water channel 74b through the piping 788 and nozzle 789.

[0134] A temperature sensor T4 is installed in the hot water channel 74b. Similarly, if it is detected that the water temperature in the hot water channel 74b has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P5 will draw hot water from the hot water tank 782 and the valve B5 will be opened, and the hot water will be injected into the hot water channel 74b through the nozzle 789.

[0135] The pipes 765, 766 for supplying cold water and the pipes 785, 786, 788 for supplying hot water are preferably covered with an insulating material. Alternatively, the pipes 765, 766, 785, 786, 788 may be formed from a material with thermal insulation properties. The types of pumps P1 to P5 are not particularly limited, and general pumps such as diaphragm pumps can be used. The layout of the pipes 785, 788 connected to the nozzles 348, 789 for injecting hot water into the hot water passage 74b is not particularly limited, and for example, they may be installed to penetrate the bottom 322 of the water tank 32A or to penetrate the wall 321.

[0136] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after slicing the sample block 2 in a cold water channel 74a under low temperature conditions, the slices 3 are spread out in a warm water channel 74b, and the spread slices 3 can be scooped up by the substrate 4.

[0137] The temperature control system in the slice conveying device 30A according to the second embodiment described above can be applied not only to the slice conveying device 30A equipped with rotating belts 375 and 376, but also to general slice conveying devices that convey sliced ​​slices by water flow.

[0138] The present invention described above is not limited to the first and second embodiments and their variations, and various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the first and second embodiments and their variations. For example, the invention may be formed by excluding some components from all the components shown in the first and second embodiments and their variations, or by appropriately combining the components shown in the first and second embodiments and their variations.

[0139] (Note 1) In a thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections, which are sliced ​​from a specimen block, onto a substrate, the thin section transport device transports the thin sections, A water channel located downstream of a slicing blade for slicing a sample block, the water channel being divided into an upstream region which is a cold water channel and a downstream region which is a warm water channel, and configured such that the slices can move from the cold water channel to the warm water channel while floating in the liquid, A first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range of temperatures, A second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second temperature range higher than the first range, A thin section conveying device equipped with the following features.

[0140] (Note 2) In a thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections, which are sliced ​​from a specimen block, onto a substrate, the thin section transport device transports the thin sections, A water channel located downstream of a slicing blade for slicing a sample block, the water channel being divided into an upstream region which is a cold water channel and a downstream region which is a warm water channel, and configured such that the slices can move from the cold water channel to the warm water channel while floating in the liquid, One or more nozzles are positioned upstream of the waterway and configured to inject liquid into the waterway by directing it toward the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade, A first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range of temperatures, A second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second temperature range higher than the first range, Equipped with, A thin section conveying device, wherein the first temperature control system is configured to control the temperature of the liquid injected into the chilled water channel from one or more nozzles to a first range of temperatures.

[0141] (Note 3) The water channel is provided with a drain port for discharging the liquid when the liquid level in the cold water channel reaches a predetermined height or higher. A water tank capable of housing the aforementioned waterway, further comprising: a first storage section configured to store liquid flowing out from the cold waterway through the drain port; and a second storage section configured to store liquid flowing out from the hot waterway, The first temperature control system is A cooling unit configured to cool the liquid discharged from the first storage unit, A first pump configured to circulate the liquid cooled by the cooling unit through the cold water channel, It has, The second temperature control system is A heating unit configured to heat the liquid discharged from the second storage unit, A second pump configured to circulate the liquid heated by the heating unit into the hot water channel, A thin slice conveying device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, having the following features.

[0142] (Note 4) The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 3, wherein an insulating region is provided between the first storage section and the second storage section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 1…Sectional specimen preparation system, 1a…Base, 2…Specimen block, 2a…Cut surface, 3…Section, 4…Substrate, 5…Liquid level, 10…Specimen block slide unit, 20…Cutter unit, 30·30A…Sectional specimen transport device, 32·32A…Water tank, 34·34A…Transport water channel, 34a…Upper end surface, 36a…Ceiling plate, 36b…Wall section, 36c…Bottom plate, 36d…Opening section, 36e…Bolt hole, 36f…Notch section, 36g·36i·36j·36K·36l·36m·36n·36p·36q·36r·746·755·756·757·758…Through hole, 36h…Recess, 3 8...Roller unit, 40...Handling unit, 41...Gripping unit, 42...Swivel mechanism, 44...Swing mechanism, 60...Magazine unit, 72...Water supply unit, 73...Temporary water storage tank, 74a...Cold water channel, 74b...Hot water channel, 75a...Cold water storage section, 75b...Hot water storage section, 76...Cold water control system, 78...Hot water control system, 80...Movement unit, 90...Control unit, 91...Camera, 93...Thin cutting blade sensor, 201...Thin cutting blade, 202...First block, 203...Second block, 204-205...Bolts, 206...Flat section, 321...Wall section, 322...Bottom section 323...Raised base, 324-325...Fixing part, 326-327...Opening, 328...Support part, 329...Plug, 331...Overflow area, 332...Filter mounting part, 333...Filter, 334...Tip area, 340...Bottom part, 341...Wall part, 342...First area, 343...Second area, 344...Intermediate area, 345-346-347...Through hole, 348-353-767-787-789...Nozzle, 350...Bolt hole, 351...Tip area, 352...Nozzle holding part, 357...Handle, 359...Sealing member, 355...Shaft, 361...Holding block, 362...Motor 363, 364, 365, 366, 367... Gears, 371, 372, 373, 374... Pulleys, 375, 376... Rotating belts, 381... Pinch rollers, 721, 722... Drain pipes, 723... Valves, 724... Drain tanks, 743... Slits, 745... Drain ports, 741, 751, 752... Partitions, 753... Spaces, 761... Cooling units, 762... Chilled water tanks, 763... Water coolers, 764, 765, 766, 784, 785, 786, 788... Piping, 781... Heating units, 782... Hot water tanks, 783... Heaters, 801... Bases, 802... Slide blocks,803...Bearing, 804...Slide rail, 805...Motor, B1~B5...Valve, P1~P5...Pump, S1~S4...Water level sensor, T1~T4...Temperature sensor,

Claims

1. In a thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections, which are sliced ​​from a specimen block, onto a substrate, the thin section transport device transports the thin sections, A channel is positioned downstream of the slicing blade that slices the sample block, and has a bottom and two opposing wall sections connected to the bottom, Two sets of rotating belts provided along the two walls, wherein the belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts are arranged so as to face each other with a predetermined distance between them, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the waterway, Equipped with, A thin slice conveying device configured to convey the thin slices by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions.

2. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the two sets of rotating belts are configured to rotate at the same speed to each other.

3. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts is 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

4. The thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the two sets of rotating belts is formed of steel or resin material.

5. The thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising pinch rollers that can adjust the distance between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts.

6. The bottom of the aforementioned waterway is A first region located upstream of the waterway and having a first depth relative to the upper ends of the two wall sections, A second region located downstream of the aforementioned waterway and having a second depth greater than the first depth, An intermediate region located between the first region and the second region, the depth increasing from the first depth toward the second depth, including, A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The depth of the first region is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The depth of the second region is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 6.

8. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising one or more nozzles positioned in the intermediate region of the bottom and injecting liquid upward toward the downstream side of the waterway.

9. A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a water tank capable of accommodating the water channel and storing the liquid discharged from the water channel.

10. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 9, wherein the water channel is attached to the water tank so that the tip of the water channel can be lifted up.

11. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 10, further comprising a holding block for holding the waterway downstream of the waterway, the holding block being rotatably mounted to the water tank around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waterway.

12. The system further comprises a motor for driving the two rotating belts and a power transmission means for transmitting power from the motor, The motor and the power transmission means are attached to the holding block. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 11.

13. The height of at least a portion of the rear end side wall of the waterway is lower than the height of the upper ends of the two walls of the waterway. The water tank is provided with a region for storing liquid that has flowed out from the waterway through at least a portion of the rear end side wall. A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. One or more second nozzles are positioned upstream of the waterway and configured to inject liquid into the waterway, A pump configured to circulate the liquid accumulated in the storage area to one or more second nozzles, The thin slice conveying device according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

15. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 14, further comprising a filter disposed above the storage area for removing solid matter from the liquid flowing out of the waterway.

16. The slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising one or more second nozzles positioned upstream of the waterway and configured to inject liquid into the waterway by directing it toward the cutting edge of the slice blade.

17. The waterway is divided into a cold water channel, which is the upstream region, and a warm water channel, which is the downstream region, and is configured so that the thin slices can move from the cold water channel to the warm water channel while floating in the liquid. A first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range of temperatures, A second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second temperature range higher than the first range, A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising:

18. The waterway is divided into a cold water channel, which is the upstream region, and a warm water channel, which is the downstream region, and is configured so that the thin slices can move from the cold water channel to the warm water channel while floating in the liquid. A first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first range of temperatures, A second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second temperature range higher than the first range, Furthermore, The first temperature control system is configured to control the temperature of the liquid injected into the chilled water channel from one or more nozzles to a first range of temperatures. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 16.

19. The first temperature range is 20°C or lower. The second temperature range is 40°C or higher and 55°C or lower. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 17 or 18.

20. The water channel is provided with a drain port for discharging the liquid when the liquid level in the cold water channel reaches a predetermined height or higher. A water tank capable of housing the aforementioned waterway, further comprising: a first storage section configured to store liquid flowing out from the cold waterway through the drain port; and a second storage section configured to store liquid flowing out from the hot waterway, The first temperature control system is A cooling unit configured to cool the liquid discharged from the first storage unit, A first pump configured to circulate the liquid cooled by the cooling unit through the cold water channel, It has, The second temperature control system is A heating unit configured to heat the liquid discharged from the second storage unit, A second pump configured to circulate the liquid heated by the heating unit into the hot water channel, A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising:

21. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 20, wherein an insulating region is provided between the first storage section and the second storage section.

22. A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, A handling unit is configured to grip the substrate and scoop up the thin slices that have been sliced ​​by the thin-slicing blade and flowed between the two sets of rotating belts using the substrate, A thin sectioning preparation system equipped with the following features.

23. A thin slice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, A cutter unit is attached to the upstream end of the slice conveying device and holds the slice blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel. A thin sectioning preparation system equipped with the following features.

24. The thin sectioning specimen preparation system according to claim 23, wherein the direction in which the cutting edge extends and the longitudinal direction of the water channel are not perpendicular to each other.

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