Sampling and placement member, sampling and placement device, and sampling and placement method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sampling and placement member, sampling and placement device, and sampling and placement method that can suppress misalignment of the central axis between a sampling pin that cuts out the material to be processed and a placement pin that pushes the cut material out of the sampling pin. [Solution] The sampling and placement member comprises a sampling pin 141, a placement pin 142, and a fixing holder 143. The sampling pin 141 is fixed to the fixing holder 143. The sampling pin 141 includes a sampling pin body 141A and a sampling pin holder 141B. The sampling pin holder 141B can hold the sampling pin body 141A from the outside. The placement pin 142 is inserted into the sampling pin body 141A so as to reach the hollow portion 141D of the sampling pin body 141A, which has a hollow shape. The sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to a member integral with the fixing holder 143 by a first fixing member 151.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sampling arrangement member, a sampling arrangement device, and a sample sampling method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, techniques for selecting target cells and cell populations by analysis using single cells have been rapidly developing. For example, in Non-Patent Document 1 below, a specimen is cut out by pressing a sampling needle on a hollow. Then, it is pushed out by a plunger inserted inside the sampling needle. As a result, the specimen is discharged outside the sampling needle.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Non-Patent Document 1, a sampling needle with an inner diameter of 130 μm and a plunger inserted inside the sampling needle are pushed out by a control system. Therefore, in Non-Patent Document 1, the central axis of the sampling needle may not coincide with the central axis of the plunger. In this case, the outer periphery of the plunger may interfere inside the sampling needle, and there is a possibility that the discharged specimen cannot be arranged with high positional accuracy.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a sampling and placement member, a sampling and placement device, and a sampling and placement method that can suppress misalignment of the central axis between a sampling pin that cuts out the material to be processed and a placement pin that pushes the cut material to be processed out of the sampling pin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sampling and placement member according to this disclosure comprises a sampling pin, a placement pin, and a fixing holder. The sampling pin is capable of cutting and sampling the material to be processed and has a hollow body. The placement pin is inserted into the hollow body of the sampling pin and contacts the material to be processed cut by the pressure of the sampling pin within the hollow body of the sampling pin, pressing the material to be processed and placing it outside the sampling pin. The sampling pin is fixed to the fixing holder. The sampling pin includes a sampling pin body and a sampling pin holder. The sampling pin holder can hold the sampling pin body from the outside. The placement pin is inserted into the sampling pin body so as to reach the hollow body of the sampling pin body. The sampling pin holder is fixed to a member integral with the fixing holder by a first fixing member.

[0007] A sampling and placement apparatus according to this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned sampling and placement member and a holding base for holding the material to be processed to be cut by the sampling pin.

[0008] The sampling and placement method according to this disclosure first involves installing the sampling and placement member described above into the apparatus. By lowering the tip of the sampling pin, the material to be processed, which is positioned below the sampling pin, is cut and collected inside the sampling pin. As the tip of the placement pin descends, it comes into contact with and presses against the material to be processed inside the sampling pin, causing the material to be placed outside the sampling pin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, with the placement pin inserted into the hollow portion of the main body, the sampling pin holder is fixed to the fixing holder by a first fixing member. Therefore, the central axes of the placement pin and the sampling pin coincide. Consequently, misalignment of the central axes of the placement pin and the sampling pin can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of the inside of the sampling and placement device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the sampling and placement mechanism that constitutes the sampling and placement member in Figure 1 in Embodiment 1, as seen from the negative side in the Y direction. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side view of the sampling and placement mechanism as seen from the positive side in the X direction. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the sampling and placement mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a partial internal configuration of Figure 2 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram, enlarged from Figure 6, showing each part of the sampling pin as viewed from the negative side in the X direction, with detailed reference numerals. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the configuration of region VIII enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 7, enlarged from Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the configuration of region VIII enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 7, enlarged from Figure 7. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step in the assembly method of the extraction pin. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step in the assembly method of the extraction pin. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third step in the assembly method of the extraction pin. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the fourth step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. [Figure 17] This is an example of the cross-section of the fixing holder in FIG. 16 as viewed from the negative side in the Y direction. [Figure 18] This is a schematic perspective view showing the aspect of the through-hole in FIG. 17 as viewed from the negative side in the Z direction indicated by arrow XVIII. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the through-hole and the female screw in FIG. 15 as viewed from the negative side in the Z direction. [Figure 20] This is the first perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 2. [Figure 21] This is the second perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 2. [Figure 22] This is the first perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 2 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 23] This is the second perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 2 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 24] This is the first perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 3. [Figure 25] This is the second perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 3. [Figure 26] This is the first perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 3 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 27] This is the second perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 3 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 28] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5 in Embodiment 4. [Figure 29] This is the first perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 4 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 30] This is the second perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 4 being fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view immediately before the sampling pin body is inserted into the sampling pin holder fixed to the intervening member in Embodiment 5. [Figure 32] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one step of the method for assembling the sampling pin in Embodiment 6. [Figure 33]This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7 in Embodiment 6. [Figure 34] This is a perspective view showing the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 7 fixed to the intervening member. [Figure 35] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the area where the sampling pin cuts out the gel plate, immediately after the initial cut. [Figure 38] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the third step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions will be introduced.

[0012] (Collection placement device) Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the interior of the sampling and placement device according to this embodiment. For the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are introduced. As shown in Figure 1, the sampling and placement device 100 is a device for collecting a sample from a gel plate 6, which will be described later. The sampling and placement device 100 mainly comprises a processing chamber, an XY stage 101 for the sample, an XY stage 102 for the container, and a sampling and placement member 104, all located inside the processing chamber. Although the sampling and placement device 100 in Figure 1 has only one sampling and placement member 104, it may include multiple members.

[0013] The sample XY stage 101 is movable horizontally, i.e., along the XY direction (X and Y direction). Specifically, for example, a guide is installed on the lower surface of the sample XY stage 101. This guide is slidably connected to a guide rail installed on the bottom surface of the processing chamber. The upper surface of the sample XY stage 101 (holding base) is a mounting surface on which the gel plate 6 can be fixed. At least a portion of the sample XY stage 101 has a stage penetration portion 101A that penetrates it. It is preferable that the gel plate 6 is fixed in a position that overlaps with the stage penetration portion 101A.

[0014] Below the sample XY stage 101, the container XY stage 102 is positioned. The container XY stage 102 is movable horizontally, i.e., along the XY direction (X and Y directions). Specifically, for example, a guide is installed on the underside of the container XY stage 102. This guide is slidably connected to a guide rail installed on the bottom surface of the processing chamber. The container XY stage 102 fixes a plate 8 on which a container 9A capable of housing a portion of the gel plate 6 is formed. As a result, in Figure 1, the sampling and placement member 104, the gel plate 6, and the plate 8 with the container 9A formed on it are arranged in the order from top to bottom in the Z direction.

[0015] The sampling and placement member 104 and the observation optical system 106 are movable in the Z direction. The sampling and placement member 104 and the observation optical system 106 are connected, for example, to a Z-axis table. In other words, the sampling and placement member 104 and the observation optical system 106 are held within the sample collection device 100 so as to be movable in the Z direction. The observation optical system 106 observes and measures the position of the sample to be collected contained in the gel plate 6. The observation optical system 106 may be equipped with a CCD camera that converts the observed image into an electrical signal. Observation of the gel plate 6 by the observation optical system 106 may be performed using visible light. However, observation of the gel plate 6 is not limited to visible light; it may also be performed using infrared light, X-rays, ultrasound, etc., and depending on the material of the gel plate 6, it may be possible to observe the gel plate 6 using magnetism. The gel plate 6 observed by means other than visible light does not need to be transparent or translucent; it may be opaque.

[0016] Although not shown in the diagram, a control unit is installed outside the processing chamber. The control unit includes a monitor, a control computer, and an operation panel. In the control unit, command values ​​for the operating speed of the needle for sampling, accessed from the operation panel, are input and stored in the control computer's storage device. For example, during sample collection, the command value for the speed is read from the storage device and sent to the control program of the sampling and placement member 104. Based on this command value, the control program of the sampling and placement member 104 determines the rotational speed of the motor included in the sampling and placement member 104 and moves the sampling pin 141 and placement pin 142 up and down at a predetermined speed. This performs the sampling operation of the sampling and placement member 104. If the control computer is communicating with an upstream control system, the above command values ​​may be received from that control system. In addition, parameters corresponding to the material of the gel sheet from which the sample is collected may be stored in the storage device, and the command value for the sampling operation speed may be calculated according to the specified gel sheet material, thickness, and sampling method.

[0017] (Configuration of the collection and placement mechanism) Figure 2 is a front view of the sampling and placement mechanism constituting the sampling and placement member of Figure 1 in Embodiment 1, viewed from the negative side in the Y direction. Figure 3 is a side view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Figure 2, viewed from the positive side in the X direction. More specifically, Figure 3 shows the configuration viewed from the direction indicated by arrow III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism shown in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 1, the sampling and placement member 104 of Figure 1 includes a sampling and placement mechanism 104A, which is a part thereof. The sampling and placement mechanism 104A mainly comprises a sampling pin 141, a placement pin 142, and a fixing holder 143. The sampling pin 141 is a pin (needle-shaped member) for cutting and sampling the material to be processed, including the sample. The placement pin 142 is a pin for releasing the sample and other material collected and grasped by the sampling pin 141 and placing it at a desired position.

[0018] The sampling pin 141 and placement pin 142 are made of a metal such as stainless steel or plastic. However, the sampling pin body 141A may be made of zirconia. The sampling pin holder 141B may be made of aluminum. The sampling pin holder 141B may be made of resin. The placement pin body 142A may be made of resin.

[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial internal configuration of Figure 2 in Embodiment 1. In Figure 5, the entire sampling pin 141 and placement pin 142, and a portion of the fixing holder 143 are shown in cross-sectional view. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Therefore, Figures 5 and 6 show the internal configuration of the sampling and placement mechanism in more detail than Figures 2 and 3. However, in some parts, Figures 5 and 6 may differ in configuration from Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and Figures 2 to 4, the sampling pin 141 has a sampling pin body 141A and a sampling pin holder 141B. The sampling pin body 141A is pin-shaped (pipe-shaped). The sampling pin body 141A is cylindrical with a hollow body portion 141D in the center of a cross-section that intersects the extending direction (vertical direction in Figures 5 and 6: Z direction). The hollow body portion 141D may be considered as the space within the sampling pin body 141A. Alternatively, the hollow portion 141D of the main body may be considered as the inner wall surface of the sampling pin body 141A.

[0020] The sampling pin holder 141B is inserted onto the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the sampling pin body 141A. Therefore, the sampling pin holder 141B also has a hollow holder portion 141E in the center of the cross-section that intersects the Z direction in Figures 5 and 6. For this reason, the sampling pin holder 141B is also cylindrical. The holder portion 141E can be considered as the space inside the sampling pin holder 141B. Alternatively, the holder portion 141E can be considered as the inner wall surface of the sampling pin holder 141B.

[0021] Therefore, the sampling pin 141 has a hollow shape as a whole. That is, the sampling pin 141 has a hollow body portion 141D. In Figure 2, the sampling pin holder 141B can hold the sampling pin body 141A from the outside. The holder hollow portion 141E extends in a first direction. The holder hollow portion 141E can insert the sampling pin body 141A in the first direction. The first direction is the direction along the vertical direction when the sampling pin 141 etc. are incorporated into the sampling arrangement mechanism 104A. That is, the first direction is the direction along the Z direction.

[0022] The sampling pin holder 141B has a first region 141B1 and a second region 141B2, which are aligned in the Z direction. In the state shown in Figure 2, the first region 141B1 is positioned above the second region 141B2 in the Z direction. In a plan view from the Z direction, the first region 141B1 has a larger area than the second region 141B2. In other words, the first region 141B1 has both an area that overlaps with the second region 141B2 in a plan view and an area that extends in the X and Y directions. The area of ​​the first region 141B1 that extends outside the second region 141B2 is flange-shaped relative to the second region 141B2. The flange-shaped first region 141B1 is installed so that its main surface is aligned with the XY plane.

[0023] The outer sides of the first region 141B1, i.e., the outermost sides in the X and Y directions, extend along the Z direction. Similarly, the outer sides of the second region 141B2, i.e., the outermost sides in the X and Y directions, extend along the Z direction. Preferably, the second region 141B2 has a larger dimension in the Z direction than the first region 141B1. Specifically, the dimension of the second region 141B2 in the Z direction may be three times or more, or five times or more, the dimension of the first region 141B1 in the Z direction.

[0024] The fixing holder 143 is capable of holding the sampling pin 141. The fixing holder 143 is positioned above the sampling pin 141 and behind the placement pin 142. The fixing holder 143 may be, for example, plate-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped-shaped). The sampling pin 141 is fixed to the fixing holder 143.

[0025] The fixing holder 143 includes, for example, a vertical section 143A and a horizontal section 143C. The vertical section 143A has a flat main surface that extends along the Z direction. In Figure 2, the vertical section 143A has a main surface that aligns with the ZX plane and is rectangular in shape, extending long in the Z direction. In Figure 3, the vertical section 143A has a dimension in the Y direction that is slightly shorter than the dimension in the X direction. However, the dimension in the Y direction of the vertical section 143A may be, for example, 1 / 10 or less of the dimensions in the Z and X directions. In this case, the entire vertical section 143A is flat. The horizontal section 143C has a flat main surface that intersects with the main surface of the vertical section 143A. The main surface of the horizontal section 143C may be perpendicular to the main surface of the vertical section 143A. In Figure 2, the main surface of the horizontal section 143C aligns with the XY plane. In Figure 2, the horizontal section 143C has a dimension in the Z direction that is, for example, 1 / 10 or less of the dimensions in the X and Y directions. The vertical section 143A and the horizontal section 143C are integrated to form a fixing holder 143.

[0026] The horizontal section 143C is positioned below the vertical section 143A in Figure 2. There is a gap between the lowest part of the vertical section 143A and the horizontal section 143C. The first region 141B1 of the sampling pin holder 141B is inserted into this gap. In other words, as shown in Figure 2, the vertical section 143A, the first region 141B1, and the horizontal section 143C are arranged from top to bottom. In this state, the sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to the horizontal section 143C of the fixing holder 143 by a screw 151, which acts as the first fixing member. The horizontal section 143C is part of the fixing holder 143. Therefore, the horizontal section 143C is an integral part of the fixing holder 143. Thus, the fixing holder 143 itself can be considered an integral part of the fixing holder 143. The screw 151 may be fastened so as to penetrate the horizontal section 143C and the first region 141B1. Alternatively, in addition to the above, the screw 151 may penetrate a portion of the vertical portion 143A. In other words, the tip of the screw 151, which is the uppermost part in the Z direction in Figure 2, may reach into the vertical portion 143A.

[0027] A through hole 143U is formed in the horizontal portion 143C of the fixing holder 143. The through hole 143U penetrates the horizontal portion 143C in the Z direction. Preferably, two through holes 143U are formed in the horizontal portion 143C, for example, as shown in Figure 2. However, the number of through holes 143U formed in the horizontal portion 143C is not limited to this. Three or more through holes 143U, for example, four, may be formed in the horizontal portion 143C. The screw 151 has its tip facing upward in the Z direction and its head positioned downward in the Z direction. The screw 151 penetrates the through hole 143U and is fastened to the picking pin holder 141B. In other words, a hole with a female thread for fastening the screw 151 is formed in the first region 141B1. The screw 151 may, for example, have its tip facing downward in the Z direction and its head positioned upward in the Z direction.

[0028] The horizontal portion 143C is the part of the fixing holder 143 in which the through hole 143U is formed. The horizontal portion 143C is sandwiched between the head of the screw 151 and the first region 141B1. As a result, the horizontal portion 143C is fixed to the sampling pin holder 141B by fastening the screw 151. However, the vertical relationship between the horizontal portion 143C and the first region 141B1 is irrelevant. In other words, unlike in Figure 5, the first region 141B1 may be sandwiched between the head of the screw 151 (located below the tip) and the horizontal portion 143C and fixed by the screw 151. This is the case when the head of the screw 151 is below the tip.

[0029] In the sampling and placement mechanism 104A having the above configuration, a part of the placement pin 142 may be inserted into the hollow part 141D of the main body. The placement pin 142 has a placement pin body 142A and a placement pin holder 142B. The placement pin body 142A is pin-shaped and extends in the Z direction. The placement pin body 142A may, for example, be solid inside. However, the placement pin body 142A only needs to have its lowest surface in the Z direction closed so that it does not have a hole in the center or elsewhere, and its interior may be hollow. The placement pin holder 142B has a larger dimension along the X direction (and Y direction) than the placement pin body 142A. The placement pin holder 142B holds the placement pin body 142A. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the lower surface of the placement pin holder 142B may be connected to the upper surface of the placement pin body 142A, and the two may become one. However, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower surface of the placement pin holder 142B and the upper surface of the placement pin body 142A do not necessarily need to be connected. In Figures 3 and 4, one end of the spring 142C is fixed to a projection extending in the Y direction from the front of the placement pin holder 142B. The other end of the spring 142C is fixed to the uppermost surface of the placement pin body 142A. In this way, the placement pin body 142A and the placement pin holder 142B located above it in the Z direction are connected via the spring 142C. Both the placement pin body 142A and the placement pin holder 142B are columnar. Both the placement pin body 142A and the placement pin holder 142B may be cylindrical.

[0030] The placement pin body 142A has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the hollow portion of the sampling pin body 141A. Therefore, the placement pin body 142A is inserted into the sampling pin body 141A so as to reach the hollow portion 141D of the sampling pin body 141A. At this time, the placement pin 142 moves along the Z direction. As a result, the placement pin body 142A is inserted into the hollow portion 141D of the main body and the hollow portion 141E of the holder. The placement pin body 142A is inserted into the hollow portion 141D of the main body from one end of the sampling pin holder 141B, i.e., the upper end in the Z direction, via the hollow portion 141E of the holder. In other words, the placement pin body 142A can be inserted into the interior of the sampling pin body 141A (hollow portion 141D of the main body). On the other hand, the placement pin holder 142B has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the hollow portion of the sampling pin body 141A. Therefore, the placement pin holder 142B cannot be inserted into the sampling pin body 141A.

[0031] The sampling pin body 141A presses against the material to be processed by descending, cuts off a portion of the material, and can store the cut-off portion inside the cylindrical hollow section. The material to be processed is a gel sheet 4 in which a gel supporting the sample to be collected is formed into a sheet (see Figure 35 below). Subsequently, the placement pin body 142A moves inside the sampling pin body 141A. The placement pin body 142A contacts the material to be processed within the hollow section 141D of the sampling pin 141 and presses against the material. As a result, the placement pin body 142A pushes the material to be processed stored inside the sampling pin body 141A out of the sampling pin 141. The placement pin body 142A can move vertically within the hollow section of the sampling pin body 141A.

[0032] A spring 142C is installed in the area of ​​the placement pin holder 142B adjacent to the placement pin body 142A, that is, in the lowest area of ​​the placement pin holder 142B. The spring 142C connects the placement pin holder 142B to the uppermost part of the placement pin body 142A. The spring 142C absorbs the Z-direction force applied to the placement pin holder 142B when the placement pin body 142A collides with a material to be processed, such as a substrate. The placement pin 142 does not necessarily have to have a spring 142C.

[0033] On the front surface 143f (the negative side in the Y direction) of the fixing holder 143, a first drive unit 144 is provided on the upper side in the Z direction of the arrangement pin holder 142B. The first drive unit 144 includes a first motor 144A, a disc member 144B, and a link member 144C. The first drive unit 144 is attached to the arrangement pin holder fixing part 145.

[0034] The arrangement pin holder fixing portion 145 has a first portion 145a and a second portion 145b. The first portion 145a is plate-shaped, and its main surface on the back side contacts the front surface 143f of the fixing holder 143, and is installed so as to be slidable on the front surface 143f. The second portion 145b is a plate-shaped portion installed on the front side main surface opposite to the main surface of the first portion 145a that contacts the front surface 143f, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first portion 145a. On the front surface 143f of the fixing holder 143, a groove 143K, for example, which will be described later, may be formed so as to extend along the Z direction for the arrangement pin holder fixing portion 145 (arrangement pin holder 142B) to slide.

[0035] The link member 144C is installed on the front side of the disc member 144B in Figure 2. The link member 144C has an elongated shape that extends in the vertical direction, i.e., the Z direction. The main surface on the back side of the disc shape of the disc member 144B is in contact with the front surface 143f of the fixing holder 143. The first motor 144A is mounted at a position that coincides with the circular center of the disc member 144B. At least a part of the first motor 144A may be placed inside the fixing holder 143. The disc member 144B is rotatable around its center by the first motor 144A. The first end of the link member 144C, which is one end in the extending direction, is fixed to a part of the outer circumference of the disc member 144B.

[0036] The second end of the link member 144C, opposite to the first end in the extending direction (Z direction) (the lower end in Figure 2), is fixed to the arrangement pin holder fixing part 145 so as to contact the first portion 145a of the arrangement pin holder fixing part 145. The second end may also be able to contact the second portion 145b of the arrangement pin holder fixing part 145. As the disc member 144B rotates due to the first motor 144A, the link member 144C moves in the vertical direction, causing the second end to move the arrangement pin 142 in the vertical direction.

[0037] To enable this operation, the placement pin holder fixing portion 145 is provided between the second end and the placement pin 142 (placement pin holder 142B) in the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, and the placement pin 142 is fixed to it. The same applies to the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, where the placement pin holder fixing portion 145 is part of the placement pin holder 142B. The placement pin 142 is fixed so as to be in contact with both the first portion 145a and the second portion 145b of the placement pin holder fixing portion 145.

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a detailed representation of each part of the sampling pin as seen from the negative side in the X direction shown in Figure 6, with reference numerals, enlarged from Figure 6. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the configuration of region VIII enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 7, enlarged from Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, a stepped portion 141F is formed in the holder hollow portion 141E. The stepped portion 141F is formed in a part of the wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E that extends along the Z direction. The stepped portion 141F extends inward in a second direction intersecting the Z direction. Specifically, the stepped portion 141F extends and spreads along the Y direction which intersects (is perpendicular to) the Z direction. With respect to the Y direction, the stepped portion 141F extends inward from the portion of the inner wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E that extends in the Z direction toward the center of the annular portion of the holder hollow portion 141E on a plane along the XY plane. The stepped portion 141F may extend in the horizontal direction, that is, along the XY plane, as shown in Figure 8. However, the stepped portion 141F may also extend in a direction that is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0039] The stepped portion 141F is formed adjacent to one end of the holder hollow portion 141E in the Z direction. In other words, the stepped portion 141F is formed adjacent to the upper end of the holder hollow portion 141E in the Z direction. Here, "adjacent to one end" is not limited to cases where it is close enough to contact the end. "Adjacent to one end" includes cases where there is an inclined portion 141G between one end and the stepped portion 141F as described below. More broadly, "adjacent to one end" here may mean that the stepped portion 141F is positioned within a region of the Z direction dimension of the sampling pin holder 141B, from the upper end of the sampling pin holder 141B in the Z direction, within 25% of the Z direction dimension of the sampling pin holder 141B. Alternatively, the stepped portion 141F may be positioned within a region of the above Z direction dimension within 20%, or within a region of 10%.

[0040] The stepped portion 141F has a smaller width (dimension in the X or Y direction) along the XY plane of the space portion of the holder hollow portion 141E compared to the region where the wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E below it in the Z direction extends in the Z direction. The space portion of the holder hollow portion 141E is the space enclosed by the inner wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E.

[0041] The wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E is inclined with respect to the Z direction in the region from the stepped portion 141F to the upper end in the Z direction. Specifically, the diameter of the holder hollow portion 141E gradually increases from the stepped portion 141F towards the upper end of the holder hollow portion 141E (sampling pin holder 141B). The width of the holder hollow portion 141E along the XY plane (dimension in the X or Y direction) gradually increases towards the upper end of the holder hollow portion 141E (sampling pin holder 141B). In this portion, the wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E forms an inclined portion 141G.

[0042] In the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, the inclined portion 141G extends in a straight line. However, the shape of the inclined portion in the cross-sectional view is not limited to a straight line. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the configuration of region VIII enclosed by the dotted line in Figure 7, enlarged from Figure 7. As shown in Figure 9, the shape of the inclined portion 141H in the cross-sectional view may be curved. As shown in Figure 9, the inclined portion 141H may be curved so as to be convex toward the central part of the holder hollow portion 141E on the XY plane. However, conversely to Figure 9, the inclined portion 141H may be curved so as to be concave toward the central part of the holder hollow portion 141E on the XY plane.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the sampling pin body 141A and the sampling pin holder 141B are fixed together by a fixing screw 141C, which serves as a second fixing member. In other words, the sampling arrangement mechanism 104A further includes a fixing screw 141C that can fix the sampling pin holder 141B to the sampling pin body 141A.

[0044] The fixing screw 141C is fastened to the sampling pin holder 141B. Therefore, it is preferable that the sampling pin holder 141B has a through hole for fastening the fixing screw 141C and a female thread formed in the through hole.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the hollow part 141E of the holder. The tip of the fixing screw 141C comes into contact with the sampling pin body 141A. The tip of the fixing screw 141C that comes into contact presses against the side of the sampling pin body 141A. This fixes the sampling pin body 141A to the sampling pin holder 141B so that it does not move. This state is referred to here as the fixed state. At this time, there may be multiple fixing screws 141C. As a result of the above, the sampling pin holder 141B is stably fixed to the sampling pin body 141A.

[0046] (Overall configuration of the sampling and placement components) Although not shown in the figures, the sampling and placement member 104 shown in Figure 1 further includes a second drive unit in addition to the sampling and placement mechanism 104A having the above-described configurations. The second drive unit is located on the positive side in the Y direction of the fixing holder 143, i.e., the rear side in Figure 1. The second drive unit includes a movable holder. The sampling and placement mechanism 104A is attached to the movable holder. The second drive unit is a sliding mechanism that causes the sampling and placement mechanism 104A, including the fixing holder 143, to slide in the Z direction. In other words, the entire sampling and placement mechanism 104A, including the fixing holder 143 and the sampling pin 141, moves vertically due to the second drive unit.

[0047] (Method for assembling the collection pins) Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step of the assembly method for the sampling pin. As shown in Figure 10, the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the holder hollow portion 141E of the sampling pin holder 141B. Preferably, the dimensions of the sampling pin body 141A in the X or Y direction intersecting the Z direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the holder hollow portion 141E in the X or Y direction. Specifically, the upper side of the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the sampling pin holder 141B before the lower side. That is, the upper part of the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the lowest part of the holder hollow portion 141E of the sampling pin 141. After that, the sampling pin body 141A rises within the holder hollow portion 141E as shown by arrow M1 in the figure. Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the sampling pin body 141A is in slight contact with the inner wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E during insertion.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step of the assembly method for the sampling pin. As shown in Figure 11, one end of the inserted sampling pin body 141A reaches the position of the stepped portion 141F formed on the wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E. At this time, one end of the sampling pin body 141A comes into contact with the stepped portion 141F. This completes the upward movement of the sampling pin body 141A.

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third step in the assembly method of the sampling pin. As shown in Figure 12, the fixing screw 141C is inserted into the female thread formed in the sampling pin holder 141B and fastened. The tip of the fixing screw 141C contacts the sampling pin body 141A. In this state, the tip of the fixing screw 141C presses against the side of the sampling pin body 141A. This fixes the sampling pin body 141A in place so that it does not move relative to the sampling pin holder 141B. As a result, a sampling pin 141 is formed, consisting of the sampling pin body 141A and the sampling pin holder 141B.

[0050] (Assembly method of the sampling and dispensing mechanism) Next, the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism 104A after the sampling pin 141 has been formed will be described according to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step of the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. As shown in Figure 13, a placement pin 142 is prepared, in which the placement pin body 142A and the placement pin holder 142B are connected to each other.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the placement pin holder 142B may be positioned directly above the placement pin body 142A, and the two may be connected. In Figure 6, a spring 142C is embedded in the lower part of the placement pin holder 142B. In Figure 6, the spring 142C is interposed between the inside of the placement pin holder 142B and the top of the placement pin body 142A. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the placement pin body 142A may be positioned in front of the placement pin holder 142B, and the two may be connected via the spring 142C. As shown in Figure 3, the back of the spring 142C directly above the placement pin body 142A may be in contact with the front of the placement pin holder 142B.

[0052] The placement pin 142 is inserted into the sampling pin 141 with its lower side preceding its upper side. That is, the lower part of the placement pin body 142A is inserted into the uppermost part of the holder hollow portion 141E of the sampling pin 141. Subsequently, the placement pin body 142A descends within the holder hollow portion 141E and the body hollow portion 141D directly below it. In this way, the entire placement pin 142 descends as shown by arrow M2 in the figure.

[0053] As will be described later, a female thread 141M is formed in the first region 141B1 of the sampling pin holder 141B. The female thread 141M penetrates the first region 141B1 in the Z direction. The same number of female threads 141M are formed as the number of through holes 143U in the fixing holder 143. For example, if two through holes 143U are formed, two female threads 141M are also formed.

[0054] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step of the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. As shown in Figure 14, the descent of the placement pin 142 ends at the desired position. At this point in Figure 14, the placement pin body 142A has only been inserted into the sampling pin body 141A. Here, the straight line extending in the Z direction from the horizontal center of the sampling pin body 141A is defined as the central axis L1 of the sampling pin body 141A. The straight line extending in the Z direction from the horizontal center of the placement pin body 142A is defined as the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A. At this time, the central axes L1 and L2 do not necessarily coincide. The placement pin 142 is not fixed to the sampling pin 141. Therefore, the relative position of the central axis L2 with respect to the central axis L1 may change.

[0055] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. As shown in Figure 15, the placement pin 142 is fixed to the fixing holder 143. Specifically, the fixing holder 143, to which the first drive unit 144 and the placement pin holder fixing unit 145 are attached, is installed on the placement pin 142. This attaches the placement pin holder 142B to the placement pin holder fixing unit 145. However, in some cases, a component equivalent to the placement pin holder fixing unit 145 is already attached to the placement pin holder 142B. For example, in Figures 3 and 4, the placement pin holder fixing unit 145 is integrated with the placement pin holder 142B. In such cases, it is not necessary to install the placement pin holder fixing unit 145 on the fixing holder 143.

[0056] A groove 143K (see Figure 15) extending along the Z direction may be formed on the front surface 143f of the fixing holder 143. In this case, the positioning pin holder 142B may be fitted into the groove 143K, thereby fixing the positioning pin 142 so that it can slide relative to the fixing holder 143. In other words, in this case, the positioning pin 142 is fixed without moving relative to the fixing holder 143 in the X and Y directions. That is, the relative position of the positioning pin 142 with respect to the fixing holder 143 is constant in the X and Y directions. However, the positioning pin 142 slides in the Z direction within the groove 143K of the fixing holder 143 that extends in the Z direction. That is, the relative position of the positioning pin 142 with respect to the fixing holder 143 can change in the Z direction.

[0057] In Figure 15, the axis passing through the center of the fixing holder 143 in the X direction is defined as the central axis L3, which is the horizontal center of the fixing holder 143. In this case, it is preferable that the placement pin 142 is installed on the fixing holder 143 such that the central axis L3 and the central axis L2 coincide, if possible. However, the central axis L3 and the central axis L2 do not necessarily coincide when the placement pin 142 is installed on the fixing holder 143.

[0058] Next, the fixing holder 143 is fixed to the sampling pin 141. Specifically, the through hole 143U and the female thread 141M are positioned so that they overlap in a plan view from the Z direction. Then, the screw 151 is fastened to the female thread 141M so that it passes through the through hole 143U. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the screw 151 has a male thread. The screw 151 is positioned so that its head faces downwards and its tip faces upwards. At this time, the central axis L1 of the sampling pin body 141A and the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A are fixed so that they coincide.

[0059] Specifically, in order to align the central axes L1 and L2, the screw 151 is loosened, allowing the sampling pin holder 141B to move horizontally. Specifically, at this time, the sampling pin holder 141B can move horizontally by about 1 mm. Using this amount of movement, the sampling pin holder 141B is adjusted to the desired position. In order to align the positions of the central axes L1 and L2 with high precision, adjustment may be made by visual estimation.

[0060] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the fourth step in the assembly method of the sampling and placement mechanism. Figure 16 shows the state in which the central axis L1 of the sampling pin body 141A and the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A are aligned after fastening with the screw 151.

[0061] Next, the fixing portion between the fixing holder 143 and the sampling pin holder 141B using screws 151 will be described in detail using Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17 is an example of a cross-section of the fixing holder in Figure 16 viewed from the negative side in the Y direction. Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of the through hole in Figure 17 viewed from the negative side in the Z direction, indicated by arrow XVIII. As shown in Figure 18, the through hole 143U in Figure 17 has a U-shape in a plan view from the Z direction. That is, the wall surface of the through hole 143U consists of a part that has an annular shape in a plan view and a part that extends in a straight line. For example, the wall surface of the through hole 143U consists of a part corresponding to a semicircular arc and a part that extends in a straight line from there. A total of two straight lines extend from each end of the semicircular arc. Let D1 be the diameter of the semicircular wall surface part of the through hole 143U.

[0062] As a result, the through-hole 143U opens at the negative end in the Y direction of the horizontal portion 143C, leading to the outer edge of the end. The through-hole 143U is formed so that its end in the Y direction is partially missing. Therefore, the inner wall surface of the through-hole 143U is exposed when the through-hole 143U is viewed from the side from the negative side in the Y direction. In other words, the inner wall surface of the through-hole 143U can be seen by viewing it from the side. In this specification, a portion having such a shape will be referred to as a through-hole.

[0063] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the through hole and the female screw in Figure 15, as viewed from the negative side in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 19, the first region 141B1 (see Figure 13) of the sampling pin holder 141B is installed directly above the horizontal portion 143C in the Z direction. At this time, the first region 141B1 is positioned so that the female screw 141M is located within the through hole 143U. As shown in Figure 19, the diameter D1 of the arc-shaped portion of the through hole 143U is larger than the diameter D2 of the portion through which the screw 151 penetrates the sampling pin holder 141B. The portion through which the sampling pin holder 141B penetrates here is not limited to a complete penetration in the Z direction. The portion through which the sampling pin holder 141B penetrates includes cases where only a part of it penetrates in the Z direction. The diameter D2 of the portion through which the screw 151 penetrates the sampling pin holder 141B is equal to the diameter of the female screw 141M that the screw 151 fastens. The diameter D2 of the female thread 141M is smaller than the diameter D1 of the arc-shaped portion of the through hole 143U.

[0064] Specifically, if the nominal diameter of the female thread 141M according to the ISO standard is M3, then the diameter D1 in Figure 18 is between 3.9 mm and 4.2 mm. In this case, it is preferable that the diameter D1 in Figure 18 is approximately 4 mm. Also, if the nominal diameter of the female thread 141M is M2, then the diameter D1 in Figure 18 is between 2.3 mm and 2.5 mm. In this case, it is preferable that the diameter D1 in Figure 18 is approximately 4 mm. In any case, it is preferable that the diameter D1 (see Figure 18) is 15% to 40% larger than the diameter D2 (see Figure 19) of the female thread 141M. Among these, it is preferable that the diameter D1 is 20% to 35% larger than the diameter D2, and especially preferable that it is 20% to 30% larger (particularly 25% to 30%). The nominal diameter of the female thread 141M may also be M4 or larger.

[0065] As shown in Figure 19, the axis passing through the center of the left through-hole 143U in a plan view is defined as the central axis L4. The central axis L4 extends in the same Y direction as the straight portion of the U-shaped through-hole 143U. The central axis L4 is the axis passing through the center of the through-hole 143U in the X direction. The axis passing through the center of the right through-hole 143U in a plan view, similarly constructed as described above, is defined as the central axis L5. Because diameter D1 is larger than diameter D2, the center 141OM of the female screw 141M in a plan view does not need to lie on the central axes L4 and L5. As shown in Figure 19, the entire female screw 141M should be positioned so that it fits inside the through-hole 143U in a plan view from the Z direction. Because diameter D1 is larger than diameter D2, even if the center 141OM does not lie on the central axes L4 and L5, the screw 151 can fix both the horizontal portion 143C and the first region 141B1. This is because the screw 151 is positioned to pass through both the through hole 143U and the female screw 141M.

[0066] However, the center 141OM may lie on the central axes L4 and L5. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by having the central axis L3 and the central axis L2 coincide.

[0067] (Effects and Benefits) The sampling and placement member 104 according to this embodiment comprises a sampling pin 141, a placement pin 142, and a fixing holder 143. The sampling pin 141 is capable of cutting and sampling the material to be processed and has a hollow body portion 141D. The placement pin 142 can be inserted into the hollow body portion 141D of the sampling pin 141. The placement pin 142 contacts the material to be processed, which has been cut by the pressure of the sampling pin 141, within the hollow body portion 141D of the sampling pin 141, and by pressing the material to be processed, it places the material to be processed outside the sampling pin 141. The sampling pin 141 is fixed to the fixing holder 143. The sampling pin 141 includes a sampling pin body 141A and a sampling pin holder 141B. The sampling pin holder 141B can hold the sampling pin body 141A from the outside. The placement pin 142 is inserted into the sampling pin body 141A so as to reach the hollow portion 141D of the sampling pin body 141A. The sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to a component integrated with the fixing holder 143 by a screw 151 which serves as the first fixing member. The component integrated with the fixing holder 143 may also be a horizontal portion 143C which is part of the fixing holder 143.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to a component integral with the fixing holder 143 by a first fixing member (screw 151). Therefore, when replacing the sampling pin holder 141B, for example, only the first fixing member needs to be loosened and the sampling pin 141 removed from the sampling placement member 104. Therefore, compared to a device where both the sampling pin 141 and the placement pin 142 must be removed and replaced when replacing only the sampling pin holder 141B, the components can be replaced more efficiently.

[0069] Next, the sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to the fixing holder 143 by the first fixing member (screw 151). By inserting the placement pin 142 into the hollow part 141D of the main body, the sampling pin 141 and the placement pin 142 are aligned. With the sampling pin 141 and the placement pin 142 aligned by insertion, the fixing holder 143 and the sampling pin 141 can be fixed with the screw 151. In other words, the central axis L1 of the sampling pin body 141A and the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A can be aligned so that they lie on the same straight line. As a result, the axial positions of the sampling pin body 141A and the placement pin body 142A coincide. Therefore, interference between the outer surface of the placement pin body 142A and the inner wall surface (hollow part 141D of the main body) of the sampling pin body 141A can be suppressed. Furthermore, the effect of placing the collected sample at the desired position with high positional accuracy can be enhanced.

[0070] Alternatively, the sampling pin 141, placement pin 142, and fixing holder 143 are fixed together by fixing the fixing holder 143. In this case, the central axis L1 of the sampling pin 141 and the central axis L2 of the placement pin 142 can be aligned.

[0071] However, in order to achieve the above effects, it may be necessary, as a prerequisite, that the placement pin 142 and the fixing holder 143 be mechanically connected. In other words, it may be required that one of the placement pin 142 and the fixing holder 143 does not move relative to the other. Here, "not moving relative" means in the direction along the horizontal XY plane, which includes the X and Y directions.

[0072] Therefore, from the viewpoint of achieving the above-mentioned effects, it is preferable that the relative position of the placement pin 142 with respect to the fixing holder 143 remains constant in the sampling and placement member 104 of this embodiment. In other words, it is preferable that the placement pin 142 is fixed so as not to move relative to the fixing holder 143, especially in directions other than the vertical direction (Z direction). If the placement pin 142 moves unintentionally relative to the fixing holder 143, even if the sampling pin 141 is aligned and fixed relative to the fixing holder 143, the axes of the sampling pin 141 and the placement pin 142 may not be aligned.

[0073] On the other hand, if the placement pin 142 does not move relative to the fixing holder 143, the position of the placement pin 142 can be adjusted in conjunction with the position adjustment of the fixing holder 143. The fixing of the fixing holder 143 to the sampling pin 141 fixes the sampling pin 141 to the placement pin 142. Therefore, if the central axes L1 and L2 are adjusted to coincide when fastening with the screw 151, the state in which the central axes L1 and L2 coincide can be maintained even after fastening.

[0074] In the above-described sampling arrangement member 104, the first fixing member is a screw 151. A through hole 143U is formed in the fixing holder 143. The screw 151 passes through the through hole 143U and is fastened to the sampling pin holder 141B. The diameter D1 of the through hole 143U is larger than the diameter D2 of the portion (female thread 141M) through which the screw 151 passes through the sampling pin holder 141B.

[0075] First, immediately before fixing with the screw 151, the sampling pin 141 can be moved to adjust its position so that the central axes L1 and L2 coincide. This is because the sampling pin 141 can move in a direction along the XY plane. After that, the through hole 143U and the female thread 141M can be fixed with the screw 151. At this time, as shown in Figure 19, the diameter D1 is larger than the diameter D2. Therefore, the center 141OM of the female thread 141M may be positioned offset from the central axes L4 and L5. It is sufficient that the entire female thread 141M is positioned within the through hole 141U. Even if the sampling pin 141 is misaligned with respect to the fixing holder 143 due to the adjustment of the sampling pin 141's position, the likelihood of being able to fix it with the screw 151 increases. This is because the diameter of the through hole 143U is large, increasing the likelihood that the screw 151 will fit inside it. Therefore, the sampling pin 141 and the fixing holder 143 can be fixed with the screw 151.

[0076] More details are as follows. In some cases, the fixing holder 143 and the positioning pin 142 may be fixed in such a way that the position of the central axis L3 of the fixing holder 143 is misaligned with the central axis L2 of the positioning pin 142. However, this is not a particular problem. To explain this, it is assumed below that the two through holes 143U (central axes L4 and L5) are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis L3 that passes through the center of the horizontal section 143C in the X direction. It is also assumed that the two female threads 141M are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis L1 that passes through the center of the sampling pin body 141M in the X direction. Under these assumptions, as shown in Figure 19, the position of the female threads 141M is misaligned with respect to the central axes L4 and L5. As a result, the position of the center in the X direction of the positioning pin body 142A, which has a central axis L2 that coincides with the central axis L1 of the female threads 141M, and the fixing holder 143, which has through holes 143U formed with central axes L4 and L5 as its centers, are misaligned. Therefore, the central axes L2 and L3 may be fixed in a misaligned state. In other words, the positioning pin 142 and the fixing holder 143 may be misaligned, but they may be fixed in such a way that they do not move relative to each other in the X direction.

[0077] As shown in Figure 19, even if the positions of the central axis L3 and the central axis L2 are misaligned, the amount of misalignment can be compensated for by the fixing part with the screw 151. This is because the through hole 143U of the fixing holder 143 is larger than the female screw 141M. In other words, as shown in Figure 19, by appropriately adjusting the position of the through hole 143U relative to the female screw 141M so that it is offset from the center, the central axis L1 and the central axis L2 can be adjusted to coincide.

[0078] In addition, the fixing holder 143 may be fixed so that its central axis L3 coincides with the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A. In this case, the female screw 141M should be installed so that its center 141OM rests on the central axes L4 and L5 of the through hole 143U. In such cases, the central axes L1 and L2 can be aligned by visual inspection of the female screw 141M and the through hole 143U.

[0079] In the above-described sampling and placement member 104, the through-hole 143U is U-shaped, forming an opening that leads to the outer edge. This allows the screw 151 to be easily installed into the through-hole 143U from the missing portion of the end face of the fixing holder 143 in which the through-hole 143U is formed.

[0080] In the above-described sampling arrangement member 104, the sampling pin holder 141B has a holder hollow portion 141E. The holder hollow portion 141E has a hollow shape. The holder hollow portion 141E extends in the first direction (Z direction) in which the arrangement pin 142 moves, and the sampling pin body 141A can be inserted in the Z direction. A stepped portion 141F is formed in a part of the wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E extending in the Z direction, extending inward in a second direction (Y direction: X direction) that intersects with the Z direction.

[0081] In this way, when inserting the sampling pin body 141A into the sampling pin holder 141B, the misalignment of the sampling pin body 141A relative to the sampling pin holder 141B in the Z direction can be suppressed. One end of the sampling pin body 141A contacts the stepped portion 141F. This uniquely determines the position of the sampling pin body 141A in the Z direction.

[0082] In the above-described sampling and placement member 104, the stepped portion 141F is formed adjacent to one end (the upper end) of the holder hollow portion 141E in the Z direction. The wall surface of the holder hollow portion 141E is inclined with respect to the Z direction such that the diameter of the holder hollow portion 141E gradually increases from the stepped portion 141F toward one end of the holder hollow portion 141E. The inclined portions 141G and 141H have a shape that allows the placement pin body 142A to be smoothly inserted from one end. This is because the diameter of the holder hollow portion 141E on one end side is larger.

[0083] The above-described sampling arrangement member 104 further includes a second fixing member (fixing screw 141C) capable of fixing the sampling pin holder to the sampling pin body. This allows the sampling pin 141, with the sampling pin holder 141B fixed to the sampling pin body 141A, to be assembled prior to the installation of the arrangement pin 142.

[0084] Furthermore, this configuration allows for easy replacement of either the sampling pin body 141A or the sampling pin holder 141B simply by loosening the second fixing member.

[0085] The sampling and placement apparatus 100 according to this disclosure comprises the sampling and placement member 104 described above and a holding stage (sample XY stage 101) for holding the material to be processed to be cut by the sampling pin 141. The sampling and placement apparatus 100 with this configuration achieves the effects of the sampling and placement member 104 described above.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) (Configuration of the collection and placement mechanism) Figure 20 is a first perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 2. Figure 21 is a second perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 2. Figure 20 is a perspective view from above in the Z direction, and Figure 21 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the sampling and placement mechanism 104A of the sampling and placement member 104 (see Figure 1) of this embodiment differs from the sampling and placement mechanism 104A of Figure 4 in the shape of each member, but the function of each member is basically the same. For this reason, in each figure of this embodiment, members having the same function as those in Embodiment 1, such as those in Figure 4, are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1. The description of each member denoted by the same reference numeral will not be repeated as long as it is the same as in Embodiment 1. Note that the sampling pin body 141A is not shown in Figures 20 and 21. However, in this embodiment as well as in Embodiment 1, the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the holder hollow portion 141E. Also in this embodiment, the placement pin body 142A is inserted into the sampling pin body 141A.

[0087] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, in this embodiment, the fixing holder 143 has a vertical portion 143A and an intervening member 143I. The intervening member 143I is interposed between the vertical portion 143A and the sampling pin holder 141B.

[0088] Figure 22 is a first perspective view showing the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 2 fixed to the intervening member. Figure 23 is a second perspective view showing the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 2 fixed to the intervening member. Figure 22 is a perspective view from above in the Z direction, and Figure 23 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction. The intervening member 143I generally corresponds to the horizontal portion 143C in Embodiment 1. The intervening member 143I has a similar function to the horizontal portion 143C. For this reason, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, a through hole 143U is formed in the intervening member 143I of the fixing holder 143.

[0089] The intervening member 143I mainly has a vertical portion 143AA, a first horizontal portion 143C1, and a second horizontal portion 143C2. The first horizontal portion 143C1 is positioned below the second horizontal portion 143C2 in the Z direction when the intervening member 143I is installed. However, conversely, the first horizontal portion 143C1 may be positioned above the second horizontal portion 143C2 in the Z direction. Also, as shown in Figure 22, the second horizontal portion 143C2 may be formed thicker in the Z direction than the first horizontal portion 143C1. However, conversely, the second horizontal portion 143C2 may be formed thinner in the Z direction than the first horizontal portion 143C1.

[0090] The first horizontal section 143C1 and the second horizontal section 143C2 are generally aligned in the Y direction. A vertical section 143AA is provided between the first horizontal section 143C1 and the second horizontal section 143C2. However, the lowest surface of the first horizontal section 143C1 may partially extend to the side where the second horizontal section 143C2 is located. The lowest surface of the first horizontal section 143C1 extends from the region opposite to the second horizontal section 143C2 relative to the vertical section 143AA to the region that overlaps with the vertical section 143AA and the region of the second horizontal section 143C2 on the first horizontal section 143C1 side when viewed from the Z direction. However, here, the first horizontal section 143C1 is defined as the region opposite to the second horizontal section 143C2 relative to the vertical section 143AA. In other words, the first horizontal section 143C1 is not limited to the region indicated by the bracket in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 22, the first horizontal section 143C1 includes the negative Y-side of the region indicated by the bracket (opposite to the second horizontal section 143C2). In Figure 23, for clarity, only a portion of the region of the first horizontal section 143C1 in the Y-direction is enclosed by the bracket.

[0091] The first horizontal section 143C1 has two through holes 143U, similar to those in Embodiment 1 (see Figures 18 and 19). The outermost surface of the first horizontal section 143C1 may protrude further outward in the X direction than other regions in the most negative Y-direction region (the region furthest from the second horizontal section 143C2) where the through holes 143U are formed. In other words, the distance (width) between the outermost surfaces in the X direction is greater in the most negative Y-direction region of the first horizontal section 143C1 than in other regions.

[0092] The second horizontal section 143C2 has two base fixing holes 143J formed therein. The base fixing holes 143J penetrate the second horizontal section 143C2 in the Z direction. The base fixing holes 143J are holes for fixing the intervening member 143I to the vertical section 143A with fixing members such as screws. As shown in Figure 21, the upper surface of the second horizontal section 143C2 is in contact with the lowest surface of the vertical section 143A in the Z direction. As a result, the vertical section 143A and the intervening member 143I become one, and the fixing holder 143 is formed.

[0093] Two grooves 143K are formed in the vertical portion 143AA. The grooves 143K are similar to the grooves 143K that can be formed along the Z direction on the front surface 143f of the vertical portion 143A in Embodiment 1. Preferably, the grooves 143K are shaped to accommodate the back surface (the positive side surface in the Y direction) of the placement pin holder 142B. For this reason, a projection or the like that that can be fitted into the grooves 143K may be formed on the back surface of the placement pin holder 142B. However, such a projection is not shown in Figures 20 and 21. When the above projection or the like is fitted into the grooves 143K, the placement pin 142 is fixed to the fixing holder 143 without moving in the X and Y directions.

[0094] As shown in Figure 22, two grooves 143K are arranged side by side with a gap in the X direction. The groove 143K may have a smaller dimension in the X direction on the far side than on the near side. The near side is the side of the insertion placement pin holder 142B, the side of the first horizontal section 143C1, and the negative side in the Y direction. The far side is the side of the second horizontal section 143C2, and the positive side in the Y direction. To achieve this, the side surface of the groove 143K may be curved so that its dimension in the X direction is smaller on its far side.

[0095] The vertical portion 143AA may have a so-called C-shaped surface formed on the upper part in the Z direction of the face facing the first horizontal portion 143C1 (sampling pin holder 141B) in the Y direction. This facilitates the insertion of projections on the back side of the placement pin holder 142B into the groove portion 143KK.

[0096] As shown in Figure 23, the first horizontal portion 143C1 may have a region 143L formed between the regions where the two through holes 143U are formed, in which the member of the first horizontal portion 143C1 is cut out larger than the through holes 143U. The second region 141B2 of the sampling pin holder 141B may be inserted into this larger cut-out region 143L from above.

[0097] (Effects and Benefits) As in the sampling arrangement mechanism 104A of this embodiment, the sampling pin holder 141B may be fixed to an intervening member 143I, which is part of the fixing holder 143 having the above-described features. In other words, the sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to the intervening member 143I, which is an integral member of the fixing holder 143. The sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to the intervening member 143I, which is an integral member of the fixing holder 143, by a screw 151 (see Figures 5, 15, and 16). The screw 151 passes through the through hole 143U in Figure 23 and is fastened to the female thread 141M of the sampling pin holder 141B. This provides the same effects as in Embodiment 1.

[0098] (Embodiment 3) (Configuration of the collection and placement mechanism) Figure 24 is a first perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 3. Figure 25 is a second perspective view of the sampling and placement mechanism of Embodiment 3. Figure 24 is a perspective view from above in the Z direction, and Figure 25 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction. Figure 26 is a first perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 3 being fixed to the intervening member. Figure 27 is a second perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 3 being fixed to the intervening member. Figure 26 is a perspective view from above in the Z direction, and Figure 27 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction. As shown in Figures 24 to 27, the sampling and placement mechanism 104A of this embodiment is externally the same as the sampling and placement mechanism 104A of Embodiment 2 shown in Figures 20 to 23. Therefore, the sampling and placement mechanism 104A of this embodiment is identical to Embodiment 2 in both its structural features and effects. For this reason, the explanation of the structural features and effects of this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0099] However, in this embodiment, the intervening member is not part of the fixing holder 143. In this embodiment, the intervening member is arranged as an intervening member 141I, which is part of the sampling pin 141. This is shown in Figures 24 and 25.

[0100] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the intervening member 141I of this embodiment mainly has a vertical portion 141AA, a first horizontal portion 141C1, and a second horizontal portion 141C2. The vertical portion 141AA corresponds to the vertical portion 143AA. The first horizontal portion 141C1 corresponds to the first horizontal portion 143C1. The second horizontal portion 141C2 corresponds to the second horizontal portion 143C2.

[0101] The second horizontal section 141C2 has two base fixing holes 141J. Base fixing holes 141J correspond to base fixing holes 143J. The first horizontal section 141C1 has two through holes 141U. Through holes 141U correspond to through holes 143U. The vertical section 141AA has two grooves 141K. Grooves 141K correspond to grooves 143K.

[0102] As described above, the intervening member 141I in this embodiment is part of the sampling pin 141. The intervening member 141I in this embodiment may also be considered part of the sampling pin holder 141B. If considered in this way, Figures 26 and 27 show the whole as a single sampling pin holder. Except for the names of each component being different from the intervening member 143I of Embodiment 2, all of the intervening members 141I are the same as the intervening member 143I.

[0103] (summary) In this embodiment, the sampling pin holder 141B is fixed to an intervening member 141I, which is an integral component with the fixing holder 143. Alternatively, the sampling pin holders (141B, 141I) in this embodiment are fixed to the fixing holder 143. In this embodiment as well, similar to the above embodiment, the central axes L1 and L2 can be aligned by position adjustment using a through hole 141U having a diameter larger than the diameter of the female screw 141M, and by fixing with a screw 151.

[0104] (Embodiment 4) Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of Embodiment 4, corresponding to Figure 5. Figure 29 is a first perspective view of Embodiment 4 where the sampling pin holder is fixed to the intervening member. Figure 30 is a second perspective view of Embodiment 4 where the sampling pin holder is fixed to the intervening member. Figure 29 is a perspective view from above in the Z direction, and Figure 30 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction. The following description will not repeat features that overlap with Embodiments 1 to 3. As shown in Figures 28, 29 and 30, in this embodiment, a through hole 141U is formed in the first region 141B1 of the sampling pin holder 141B. The through hole 141U has the same size and shape as the through holes 143U and 141U in each of the above embodiments.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first horizontal portion 143C1 of the intervening member 143I is positioned on the first region 141B1. A holder hollow portion 143E is formed in the first horizontal portion 143C1. The holder hollow portion 143E is a hole that penetrates the first horizontal portion 143C1 in the Z direction. A holder hollow portion 141E having the same configuration as in each of the above embodiments is positioned in the portion of the sampling pin holder 141B directly below the holder hollow portion 143E. In other words, the holder hollow portion 141E in Figure 30 penetrates both the first region 141B1 and the second region 141B2. Preferably, the size of the holder hollow portion 143E in a plan view from the Z direction is greater than or equal to the size of the uppermost part of the holder hollow portion 141E in a plan view.

[0106] Two female threads 143M are formed in the first horizontal section 143C1. The female threads 143M are the same size as the female threads 141M in each of the above embodiments. The female threads 143M are formed in the same positions as the female threads 141M in each of the above embodiments. Therefore, as shown in Figure 30, the entire female thread 143M is positioned within the through hole 141U. In this state, for example, a screw 151 passes through the through hole 141U from below in the Z direction and is fastened to the female thread 143M of the fixing holder 143. The diameter of the arc portion of the through hole 141U is larger than the diameter of the portion through which the screw 151 passes through the fixing holder 143 (first horizontal section 143C1).

[0107] In Figures 29 and 30, the intervening member 143I is shown as part of the fixing holder 143, similar to Embodiment 2. However, this is not the only option; in this embodiment, as in Embodiment 3, an intervening member 141I, which is an integral part of the fixing holder 143, may also be used. In this case, as in Embodiment 3, the intervening member 141I and the sampling pin holder 141B may be considered together as the sampling pin holder (part of the sampling pin 141).

[0108] Furthermore, in Figures 28 to 30, the first horizontal section 143C1 is positioned on the upper side in the Z direction, and the first region 141B1 is positioned on the lower side in the Z direction. Therefore, when fastening with a screw 151 whose head is positioned on the lower side in the Z direction, the first region 141B1 is sandwiched between the head of the screw 151 and the first horizontal section 143C1 (horizontal section 143C). However, the relative positions of the first horizontal section 143C1 and the first region 141B1 are irrelevant. In other words, unlike in Figures 28 to 30, the first horizontal section 143C1 (horizontal section 143C) may be sandwiched between the head of the screw 151 and the first region 141B1, and fixed with the screw 151. This is the case when the head of the screw 151 is below the tip.

[0109] (Effects and Benefits) In the sampling arrangement member 104 according to this embodiment, the first fixing member is a screw 151. A through hole 141U is formed in the sampling pin holder 141B. The screw 151 passes through the through hole 141U and is fastened to the fixing holder 143 (intervening member 143I). The diameter D1 of the through hole 141U is larger than the diameter D2 of the portion (female thread 143M) in which the screw 151 passes through the first horizontal portion 143C1 of the fixing holder 143. This provides the same effect as in Embodiment 1, where the screw 151 passes through the through hole 143U of the fixing holder 143 and is fastened to the sampling pin holder 141B.

[0110] In this embodiment as well, similar to the above embodiment, the central axis L1 and the central axis L2 can be aligned by position adjustment using a through hole 141U having a diameter larger than the diameter of the female thread 143M, and by fixing with a screw 151.

[0111] (Embodiment 5) Figure 31 is a perspective view of the moment just before the sampling pin body is inserted into the sampling pin holder fixed to the intervening member in Embodiment 5. Figure 31 also shows a perspective view from below in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 31, the sampling placement mechanism 104A of the sampling placement member 104 (see Figure 1) in this embodiment is basically the same as the sampling placement mechanism 104A of Embodiments 1 to 4, so the same parts will not be explained again. In this embodiment, a key 141KY1 is formed as a projection on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the sampling pin body 141A. In addition, the sampling placement mechanism 104A has a key groove 141KY2 formed as a groove on a part of the inner circumferential surface of the holder hollow portion 141E. The sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the holder hollow portion 141E of the sampling pin holder 141B. As a result, the key 141KY1 fits into the key groove 141KY2. In this way, the sampling pin body 141A can be fixed to the sampling pin holder 141B so that it does not unintentionally rotate in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference of the sampling pin 141. This is because the circumferential position of the key 141KY1 is uniquely determined.

[0112] (Embodiment 6) The following description will not repeat features and other details that overlap with those of Embodiments 1 to 5. Figure 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one step of the assembly method of the sampling pin in Embodiment 6. Similar to Figure 10, Figure 32 shows the state in which the sampling pin body 141A is being inserted into the sampling pin holder 141B. Figure 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7 in Embodiment 6. Similar to Figures 7 and 11, Figure 33 shows the state in which the raising of the sampling pin body 141A has been completed.

[0113] As shown in Figures 32 and 33, in this embodiment, the same process as in Figures 10 and 11, and Figure 7 of Embodiment 1 is basically performed. That is, the sampling pin body 141A rises within the hollow part 141E of the holder, as shown by arrow M1 in Figure 33. For this reason, the sampling pin body 141A is inserted into the sampling pin holder 141B. However, in this embodiment, the sampling pin body 141A and the sampling pin holder 141B are fixed together by a magnet 141MG. The magnet 141MG is installed at the upper end of the sampling pin body 141A and at the stepped portion 141F of the sampling pin holder 141B. However, the position where the magnet 141MG is installed is not limited to these.

[0114] Since a magnet 141MG is used, a fixing screw 141C is not used in this embodiment. However, even in this embodiment, the sampling pin 141 and the fixing holder 143 are fixed together by a screw 151.

[0115] Using the magnet 141MG, the sampling pin body 141A and the sampling pin holder 141B can be fixed more easily than using the fixing screw 141C.

[0116] As yet another example, neither the fixing screw 141C nor the magnet 141MG may be provided, and the sampling pin body 141A and the sampling pin holder 141B may be integrated into one unit.

[0117] (Embodiment 7) The following description will not repeat features and other details that overlap with Embodiments 1 to 6. Figure 34 is a perspective view of the sampling pin holder in Embodiment 7, fixed to the intervening member. Figure 34 is a perspective view from below in the Z direction, similar to Figures 23, 27, and 30. As shown in Figure 34, in this embodiment, a through hole 143O is formed in the first horizontal portion 143C1 of the fixing holder 143 instead of a through hole 143U. The through hole 143O is circular in shape and has an O-shape without a portion extending in a straight line. The through hole 143O is at the negative end in the Y direction of the horizontal portion 143C and does not have an opening that leads to the outer edge of the end. The position where the through hole 143O is formed is the same as when the through hole 143U is formed. The through hole formed in the sampling pin holder 141B, as in Embodiment 4 (Figure 30), may also be O-shaped. In this case as well, similar to the other embodiments described above, the circular diameter of the through hole 143O is larger than the diameter of the female screw 141M that overlaps it in a plan view. This embodiment also provides the same effects as the embodiments described above.

[0118] (Collection arrangement method) The sampling and placement method described below applies to any of the sampling and placement members described in Embodiments 1 to 7 above. The sampling and placement member 104 according to each of the above embodiments is installed, for example, in the sampling and placement device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0119] Figure 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 35, a gel plate 6 is formed comprising a film 2 and a gel sheet 4 placed on the film 2. The gel sheet 4 is a solidified gel in which the sample to be collected is supported, for example, by embedding. The formed gel plate 6 is placed below the sampling pin 141. Subsequently, the gel plate 6 is punctured by the sampling pin 141 descending from above.

[0120] The gel plate 6 is placed on top of the plate 8. The plate 8 is a cell culture plate. The plate 8 has multiple containers 9A formed on it, which serve as collection sections. The multiple containers 9A are recessed areas on the top surface of the plate 8. Because of their recessed shape, a portion of the cut-out gel sheet 4 can be stored inside the containers 9A.

[0121] A sheet fixing member 21 may be placed on top of the gel plate 6. The sheet fixing member 21 suppresses displacement of the gel plate 6 caused by the force applied to the gel from above during the process of cutting the gel sheet 4.

[0122] Figure 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. Figure 37 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion where the sampling pin cuts the gel plate immediately after Figure 36. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the entire sampling and placement member 104, including the sampling pin 141, descends from the state shown in Figure 35. The position where the sampling pin 141 should be lowered is the position where the target sample to be collected is located, as can be seen from the image acquired using the observation optical system (such as the observation optical system 106 in Figure 1). This causes the tip of the sampling pin 141, the portion that punctures the gel sheet 4, to descend.

[0123] The portion of the gel sheet 4 that has been punctured is damaged by the passage of the sharp tip of the sampling pin body 141A. The sampling pin body 141A penetrates the gel sheet 4 while tearing through it. The portion of the gel sheet 4 that is cut off and separated from the original gel sheet 4 by the sampling pin body 141A is the gel sheet portion 4E. Preferably, the cut-off gel sheet portion 4E consists of gel 4D and a sample 4B embedded inside it. In this way, the sample 4B does not flow relative to gel 4D. Therefore, the collapse and dissipation of the sample 4B during the collection and placement of the gel sheet portion 4E inside the sampling pin 141 can be suppressed. The cut-off gel sheet portion 4E is collected (stored) inside the sampling pin body 141A.

[0124] After the gel sheet portion 4E is cut off by the sampling pin body 141A, the sampling pin body 141A continues to descend while holding the gel sheet portion 4E inside (the hollow portion).

[0125] Figure 38 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the third step of the sampling and placement method according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 38, after Figure 37, the placement pin 142 is lowered in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The placement pin body 142A of the placement pin 142 is inserted through the hollow portion inside the sampling pin body 141A. The tip (lowest part) of the lowered placement pin body 142A contacts the gel sheet portion 4E collected by the sampling pin body 141A and presses it downward. As a result, the gel sheet portion 4E is pushed out from inside the sampling pin body 141A and placed outside the sampling pin 141. Specifically, the gel sheet portion 4E is collected on the inside (bottom surface) of the container 9A. The bottom surface of the container 9A may be a dry surface that is not coated with a high-viscosity solution or the like. After the gel sheet portion 4E is placed on the bottom surface of the container 9A, the placement pin body 142A rises again.

[0126] In the sampling and placement method using the sampling and placement member 104 (equipped with a sampling and placement device 100) according to Embodiments 1 to 7, the sampling and placement member 104 is installed in the sampling and placement device 100 (device). By lowering the tip of the sampling pin 141, the material to be processed (gel sheet 4) placed below the sampling pin 141 is cut and collected inside the sampling pin 141. The tip of the placement pin 142 lowers and contacts and presses against the material to be processed inside the sampling pin 141, thereby placing the material to be processed outside the sampling pin 141. As described above, the sampling pin 141 and placement pin 142 are operated with the central axis L1 of the sampling pin body 141A and the central axis L2 of the placement pin body 142A aligned. Therefore, the effect of placing the collected sample at the desired position with high positional accuracy can be enhanced.

[0127] The features described in the embodiments (examples) described above may be applied in appropriate combinations to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0128] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0129] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A sampling pin having a hollow body section that can cut and collect the material to be processed, A positioning pin is inserted into the hollow body of the sampling pin and comes into contact with the material to be processed, which has been cut off by the pressure of the sampling pin, within the hollow body of the sampling pin, and presses the material to be processed to position the material outside the sampling pin. The collection pin is fixed to a fixing holder, The sampling pin includes a sampling pin body and a sampling pin holder capable of holding the sampling pin body from the outside. The arrangement pin is inserted into the sampling pin body so as to reach the hollow portion of the sampling pin body. A sampling arrangement member in which the sampling pin holder is fixed to a member integral with the fixing holder by a first fixing member.

[0130] (Note 2) The first fixing member is a screw, The aforementioned fixing holder has a through hole formed therein. The first fixing member passes through the through hole and is fastened to the sampling pin holder. The sampling arrangement member according to Appendix 1, wherein the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the portion through which the first fixing member penetrates the sampling pin holder.

[0131] (Note 3) The first fixing member is a screw, The aforementioned pin holder has a through hole formed in it. The first fixing member passes through the through hole and is fastened to the fixing holder. The sampling arrangement member as described in Appendix 1, wherein the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the portion through which the first fixing member penetrates the fixing holder.

[0132] (Note 4) The aforementioned through hole forms an opening leading to the outer edge, as described in Appendix 2 or 3 of the sampling arrangement member.

[0133] (Note 5) The sampling arrangement member according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the relative position of the arrangement pin with respect to the fixing holder is constant.

[0134] (Note 6) The sampling pin holder has a hollow holder portion that extends in a first direction in which the arrangement pin moves, into which the sampling pin body can be inserted in the first direction, and which has the hollow shape of the holder. The sampling arrangement member according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein a stepped portion is formed in a part of the wall surface of the holder hollow portion extending in the first direction, extending inward in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0135] (Note 7) The stepped portion is formed at a position adjacent to one end of the holder hollow portion in the first direction, The sampling arrangement member according to Appendix 6, wherein the wall surface of the holder hollow portion is inclined with respect to the first direction such that the diameter of the holder hollow portion gradually increases from the stepped portion toward one end.

[0136] (Note 8) The sampling arrangement member according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, further comprising a second fixing member capable of fixing the sampling pin holder to the sampling pin body.

[0137] (Note 9) The second fixing member is a fixing screw fastened to the sampling pin holder, The sampling pin holder has a hollow holder portion that extends in a first direction in which the arrangement pin moves, into which the sampling pin body can be inserted in the first direction, and which has the hollow shape of the holder. The sampling arrangement member as described in Appendix 8, wherein the tip of the fixing screw contacts the sampling pin body inserted into the hollow portion of the holder, thereby fixing the sampling pin body so that it does not move relative to the sampling pin holder.

[0138] (Note 10) A sampling arrangement member described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9, A sampling and placement device comprising a holding base for holding the material to be processed, which is cut by the sampling pin.

[0139] (Note 11) The process of installing the sampling and placement member described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9 into the apparatus, A sampling and placement method comprising the steps of: lowering the tip of the sampling pin to cut the material to be processed, which is positioned below the sampling pin, and collecting it inside the sampling pin; and lowering the tip of the placement pin to contact and press the material to be processed inside the sampling pin, thereby placing the material to be processed outside the sampling pin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 2 Film, 4 Gel sheet, 4B Sample, 4D Gel, 4E Gel sheet portion, 6 Gel plate, 8 Plate, 9A Container, 21 Sheet fixing member, 100 Sampling and placement device, 101 XY stage for sample, 101A Stage penetration part, 102 XY stage for container, 104 Sampling and placement member, 104A Sampling and placement mechanism, 106 Observation optical system, 141 Sampling pin, 141A Sampling pin body, 141B Sampling pin holder, 141B1 First area, 141B2 Second area, 141C Fixing screw, 141C1,143C1 First horizontal part, 141C2,143C2 Second horizontal part, 141D Hollow part of main body, 141E,143E Hollow part of holder, 141F Stepped part, 141G,141H Inclined section, 141I, 143I Intervening member, 141J, 143J Base fixing hole, 141K, 143K Groove section, 141KY1 Key, 141KY2 Keyway, 141M, 143M Female screw, 141MG Magnet, 141OM Center, 141U, 143U, 143O Through hole, 142 Placement pin, 142A Placement pin body, 142B Placement pin holder, 142C Spring, 143 Fixing holder, 143A, 143AA Vertical section, 143b Rear view, 143C Horizontal section, 143f Front view, 143L Area, 144 First drive section, 144A First motor, 144B Disc member, 144C Link member, 145 Placement pin holder fixing section, 145a First part, 145b Part 2, 151 screws.

Claims

1. A sampling pin having a hollow body section that can cut and collect the material to be processed, A positioning pin is inserted into the hollow body of the sampling pin and comes into contact with the material to be processed, which has been cut off by the pressure of the sampling pin, within the hollow body of the sampling pin, and presses the material to be processed to position the material outside the sampling pin. The collection pin is fixed to a fixing holder, The sampling pin includes a sampling pin body and a sampling pin holder capable of holding the sampling pin body from the outside. The arrangement pin is inserted into the sampling pin body so as to reach the hollow portion of the sampling pin body. A sampling arrangement member in which the sampling pin holder is fixed to a member integral with the fixing holder by a first fixing member.

2. The first fixing member is a screw, The aforementioned fixing holder has a through hole formed therein. The first fixing member passes through the through hole and is fastened to the sampling pin holder. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the portion through which the first fixing member penetrates the sampling pin holder.

3. The first fixing member is a screw, The aforementioned pin holder has a through hole formed in it. The first fixing member passes through the through hole and is fastened to the fixing holder. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the portion through which the first fixing member penetrates the fixing holder.

4. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the through hole forms an opening leading to the outer edge.

5. The sampling arrangement member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relative position of the arrangement pin with respect to the fixing holder is constant.

6. The sampling pin holder has a hollow holder portion that extends in a first direction in which the arrangement pin moves, into which the sampling pin body can be inserted in the first direction, and which has the hollow shape of the holder. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a stepped portion extending inward in a second direction intersecting the first direction is formed in a portion of the wall surface of the holder hollow portion extending in the first direction.

7. The stepped portion is formed at a position adjacent to one end of the holder hollow portion in the first direction, The sampling arrangement member according to claim 6, wherein the wall surface of the holder hollow portion is inclined with respect to the first direction such that the diameter of the holder hollow portion gradually increases from the stepped portion toward one end.

8. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second fixing member capable of fixing the sampling pin holder to the sampling pin body.

9. The second fixing member is a fixing screw fastened to the sampling pin holder, The sampling pin holder has a hollow holder portion that extends in a first direction in which the arrangement pin moves, into which the sampling pin body can be inserted in the first direction, and which has the hollow shape of the holder. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 8, wherein the tip of the fixing screw contacts the sampling pin body inserted into the hollow portion of the holder, thereby fixing the sampling pin body so that it does not move relative to the sampling pin holder.

10. The sampling arrangement member according to claim 1, A sampling and placement device comprising a holding base for holding the material to be processed, which is cut by the sampling pin.

11. A step of installing the sampling and placement member according to claim 1 or 2 into the apparatus, A sampling and placement method comprising the steps of: lowering the tip of the sampling pin to cut the material to be processed, which is positioned below the sampling pin, and collecting it inside the sampling pin; and lowering the tip of the placement pin to contact and press the material to be processed inside the sampling pin, thereby placing the material to be processed outside the sampling pin.

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