Section preparation device and support member

Abstract

To provide a slice preparation device that can solve the problems of wrinkles and breakage or the like arising in a slice depending on the type of slice and the skills of an operator, and that provides a technique for stably placing a slice on a grid and improves work efficiency as much as possible.SOLUTION: A slice preparation device comprises: a blade 3 that prepares slices by slicing a sample; a liquid storage part 2 that stores a liquid for making the slices float; and a support member 20 having a grid support structure 21 for supporting a grid G on which the slices floating on the liquid are placed. The grid support structure 21 comprises: a lower support surface 21b for supporting a lower surface of the grid G so that an upper surface of the grid G forms a downward inclination toward the slices floating on the liquid; and an upper support surface 21c arranged so that it can abut on the upper surface of the grid G.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sectioning device.

Background Art

[0002] In order to observe a sample with an electron microscope or the like, a sample embedded in resin or the like is thinly sliced by a microtome. For example, refer to Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The sections sliced as described above are placed on the mesh of a grid or on a Formvar support film for observation, analysis, etc. To perform this placement, the section immediately after slicing is floated on the liquid surface of water or the like, and the section is guided to the position of the mesh of the grid or the position of the support film using an eyelash tool. The grid, the section, and the tip of the eyelash tool are all small. Therefore, depending on the type of section and the skill of the operator, wrinkles, breakage, etc. may occur in the section. Therefore, a technique that can stably place the section on the grid is desired. In addition, since there are often cases where a large number of sections need to be placed on the grid, it is also desired to improve the work efficiency as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The sectioning apparatus of the first embodiment comprises a blade for slicing a sample to create sections, a liquid reservoir for storing a liquid on which the sections float, and a support member having a grid support structure for supporting a grid on which the sections floating in the liquid are placed, wherein the grid support structure has a lower support surface that supports the lower surface of the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward the sections floating in the liquid, On the lower side of the downward slope of the upper surface of the grid The aforementioned grid The aforementioned An upper support surface positioned to be in contact with the upper surface, and picture , The grid support structure supports the grid such that the upper side of the downward slope on the upper surface of the grid is above the liquid level of the liquid reservoir. .

[0006] A sectioning apparatus in a second embodiment comprises a blade for slicing a sample to create sections, a liquid reservoir for storing a liquid on which the sections float, and a support member for supporting a grid on which the sections floating in the liquid are placed, wherein the support member comprises a grid support structure that supports the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward one end of the support member, and at least one slit that penetrates the support member in the vertical direction, wherein at least a portion of the at least one slit is positioned below the grid supported by the grid support structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the boat of the sectioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the boat of the sectioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the boat of the sectioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the boat of the sectioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the boat of the sectioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the support member of the sectioning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the section preparation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the support member of the section cutting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the section cutting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the section cutting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram of the main part of the section cutting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] [[ID=I18]]It is a plan view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a plan view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of the main part of the section cutting device according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of the main part of the section cutting device according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. [[ID=Z29]] [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] It is an exploded perspective view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a plan view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a side view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] It is an exploded perspective view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a side view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the fourth embodiment. <G [Figure 24] It is a plan view of the support member of the section cutting device according to the fifth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The microtome according to the first embodiment will be described below while using the drawings. The microtome of this embodiment is sometimes called a knife in order to slice a sample and create a thin section. The thin section is used for observation, analysis, etc. by an electron microscope, an optical microscope, an infrared absorption analyzer, an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, etc. Also, as an example of a microtome, diamond is used to produce an ultra-thin section, and in this case, it is also called a diamond knife. The microtome is mounted on a known microtome or ultramicrotome and used. The sample can be bacteria, viruses, cells or tissues of animals and plants, materials, metals, composites, relics, meteorites, etc., and other samples can also be targeted. In one example, a sample embedded in resin or the like is sliced by the microtome.

[0009] FIGS. 1 to 4 show the microtome 1 with the support member 20 (FIG. 6) removed. The microtome 1 includes a boat (liquid storage section) 2 with an open upper side, a blade 3 and a drainage channel 4 provided in the boat 2, and a support base 5 that can support a substrate P (FIG. 5) disposed in the boat 2. The substrate P has conventionally been used to place a section (FIG. 13) floating in the liquid (such as water) in the tank 2a.

[0010] The boat 2 has front-back, left-right, and up-down directions that are orthogonal to each other, with the front-back and left-right directions corresponding to the horizontal direction and the up-down direction corresponding to the vertical direction. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the X direction is the front-back direction, the Y direction is the left-right direction, and the Z direction is the up-down direction. Hereinafter, the side with the blade 3 in the X direction will be described as the front side of the boat 2, and the other end side in the X direction will be described as the rear side of the boat 2. The boat 2 is formed of metal, plastic, or the like.

[0011] Boat 2 has, for example, a tank 2a surrounded by a front side wall 2b, a rear side wall 2c, and a pair of side walls 2d, 2e, and can store liquid (such as water) for floating the sections in the tank 2a. As shown in Figure 5, boat 2 is a known type in which a substrate P such as a cover glass, a slide glass, or a silicon wafer can be placed in the tank 2a, but it is also possible to use boats with other shapes and structures.

[0012] On the underside of boat 2, there is a fixing part 8 for fixing the sectioning device to a microtome or ultramicrotome. A blade 3 is fixed to the front end of boat 2. In one example, the upper end of the blade 3 is made of diamond, and the slices cut by the diamond blade 3 float in the liquid stored in tank 2a.

[0013] The drainage channel 4, which serves as a means of discharge, is provided to discharge liquid from the inside of the boat 2 to the outside. The drainage channel 4 is provided to communicate with the tank 2a, and more specifically, it opens into the bottom of the tank 2a, the front side wall 2b, the rear side wall 2c, and the side walls 2d, 2e, etc. A fitting 7 for connecting a tube (not shown) is attached to the outlet of the drainage channel 4, and the drainage channel 4 communicates with the inside of the fitting 7.

[0014] In this embodiment, the support base 5 has a first support portion 11 and a second support portion 12 aligned in the X direction, but only one of the first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12 may be placed in the tank 2a. The support portions 11 and 12 are formed from metal, plastic, or the like.

[0015] In one example, the first support portion 11 is fixed to the boat 2 or is integrally formed with the boat 2. The second support portion 12 can be positioned at any location in the X direction within the tank 2a. The first support portion 11 has a plurality of steps 11a that gradually decrease in height toward the rear end of the boat 2. The second support portion 12 has a plurality of steps 12a that gradually decrease in height toward the front side of the boat 2. The height position of the support member 20 can be easily adjusted by placing the support member 20, described later, on any of the steps 11a, 12a, which constitute the support height adjustment structure. This is useful for facilitating the setting work by the operator. Further reducing the height dimension of each step 11a, 12a allows for more precise setting work.

[0016] The sectioning apparatus of this embodiment includes a support member 20. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the support member 20 has a grid support structure 21 that supports a grid G. The grid G ​​is for placing section S on, and its shape and structure are not limited to those described in this embodiment. In one example, the grid support structure 21 is provided by forming a gap 21a on the upper surface of the support member 20, and in this embodiment, the gap 21a is formed by wire cutting or the like. As shown in Figure 10, it is also possible to form the gap 21a by fixing another member 20a to the support member 20, and it is also possible to form the gap 21a by other methods.

[0017] The support member 20 is made of metal. The support member 20 may be made of other materials. In this embodiment, the support member 20 is made of aluminum and has a color anodized finish on its surface. This color anodized finish contributes to improving the visibility of the support member 20, grid G, section S, etc., when viewing them with a microtome microscope. In the following, one end of the support member 20 in the X direction may be described as the front side, the other end of the support member 20 in the X direction may be described as the rear side, and the Y direction of the support member 20 may be described as the width direction. The aforementioned one end of the support member 20 is the side closer to the blade 3 of the boat 2.

[0018] The gap 21a extends diagonally downward toward the front. In this embodiment, the gap 21a is provided over the entire width of the support member 20. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when one end (front end) of the grid G ​​is inserted into the gap 21a, the grid G ​​is supported by the grid support structure 21. The grid support structure 21 has a lower support surface 21b that slopes downward toward the front, and an upper support surface 21c that faces the lower support surface 21b.

[0019] In this embodiment, an upper support surface 21c is provided opposite the lower support surface 21b by forming a gap 21a. The lower surface of the grid G ​​is supported by the lower support surface 21b, and in this state, the upper support surface 21c can contact the upper surface of the front end of the grid G. In one example, the thickness of the grid G ​​is about 0.03 mm. In this embodiment, the distance D (Figure 7) between the lower support surface 21b and the upper support surface 21c in the gap 21a is 0.06 mm or more, and more preferably 0.1 mm or more. Therefore, a part of the grid G ​​(front end side) can be easily inserted into the gap 21a, and even a grid G ​​that is slightly curved can be easily inserted into the gap 21a in the same way. Also, the grid G ​​is thin and easily deformed by handling tools such as tweezers. Having a distance D that is sufficiently larger than the thickness of the grid G ​​is useful in preventing the aforementioned deformation.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the support member 20 is supported by a support base 5 inside the boat 2. Also, as shown in Figure 11, liquid is placed in the tank 2a of the boat 2, and the upper end (rear end) of the grid G ​​supported by the support member 20 is above the liquid surface WS. In this state, the section S is placed on the grid G. In the case of a grid G ​​having holes H as shown in Figure 9, a support film of Formvar is formed in the holes H. Instead of this grid G, a known grid with multiple holes H, a known grid with a mesh formed at the positions of the holes H, or a known grid of other forms can be used. As the grid G, grids manufactured by Beco, Gilder, etc. can be used.

[0021] The grid G ​​tends to float in liquid due to surface tension and other phenomena. Therefore, when an operator places a section S on the grid G ​​using a handling device and positions the grid G ​​in the liquid, the buoyancy of the liquid may make it difficult to determine the position of the grid G. In this embodiment, when the grid G ​​is supported by the grid support structure 21, the lower surface of the grid G ​​is supported by the lower support surface 21b. The upper support surface 21c is positioned so as to be able to contact the upper surface of the front end of the grid G. In other words, the movement of the grid G ​​is restricted by the upper support surface 21c and the lower support surface 21b.

[0022] With the above configuration, the aforementioned problems are less likely to occur when the grid G ​​is supported by the grid support structure 21. This effect can be sufficiently obtained if the distance D (Figure 7) between the lower support surface 21b and the upper support surface 21c is 5 times or less the thickness of the grid G, and can also be sufficiently obtained even if it is 10 times or less. The thickness of grid G ​​from companies such as Beco and Gilder is often around 0.03 mm, in which case 5 times the thickness of the grid G ​​is 0.15 mm. The outer diameter of grid G ​​from companies such as Beco and Gilder is about 3 mm, and if the distance D is 1 / 6 or less the outer diameter of the grid G ​​(0.5 mm or less), the above effect or a similar effect can be achieved. It is sufficient if the above effect can be obtained even if the distance D is greater than the above value.

[0023] As mentioned above, if the distance D is sufficiently larger than the thickness dimension of the grid G, the grid G ​​can be easily attached to and detached from the grid support structure 21. The distance D must be greater than or equal to the thickness dimension of the grid G, but considering the attachment and detachment of the grid G, it is more preferable that the distance D is 2.5 times or more the thickness dimension of the grid G, and even more preferable that it is 3 times or more. In this embodiment, a contact portion 21d is provided within the gap 21a, in which a part of the grid G ​​abuts in the direction of insertion of the grid G. This is useful for keeping the amount of protrusion of the grid G ​​from the liquid surface WS constant.

[0024] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the section S created by the blade 3 is placed in a predetermined position on the grid G ​​by a section guide device, such as an eyelash tool. The predetermined position is the position of the hole H or mesh. In Figure 13, one section S separated from a series of connected sections S is placed on the grid G, but in some cases, multiple connected sections S may be placed on the grid G. In one example, as shown in Figure 13, part or all of the section S rides up onto the grid G, thereby placing the section S on the grid G.

[0025] Here, as shown in Figures 10 and 13, the upper surface of the grid G ​​supported by the lower support surface 21b slopes downward toward the section S created by the blade 3 and floating in the liquid. This allows the section S to be smoothly guided so that part or all of it rides onto the grid G. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the angle α formed by the lower support surface 21b and the lower reference surface (horizontal plane) 20b of the support member 20 when viewed from the Y direction is 30°. To improve workability, such as facilitating the attachment and detachment of the grid G ​​when the tank 2a contains liquid, it is preferable that the angle α be 15° or more. Furthermore, to make it easier to see the state of the section S on the grid G ​​from the microtome microscope, it is preferable that the angle α be 70° or less, and more preferably 45° or less. The lower reference surface 20b can be any surface that is horizontal on the support member 20 or boat 2 in use. Also, the angle α may be the angle that the upper surface of the grid G ​​supported by the grid support structure 21 makes with the horizontal plane. The same angle range applies in this case as well.

[0026] In the X-direction where the grid G ​​is inclined, the upper support surface 21c can contact the upper surface of one end of the grid G. In this embodiment, the one end is the lower side of the inclined grid G. More specifically, the one end can be defined as the side lower than the center C (Figure 13) of the grid G, and it is sufficient that the upper support surface 21c can contact the upper surface of any part of that side. In other words, the leading edge of the grid G ​​in the X-direction may or may not contact the upper support surface 21c.

[0027] Here, the lower surface of the grid G ​​may be supported not by a single lower support surface 21b but by multiple lower support surfaces 21b. In this embodiment as well, one grid G ​​is supported by two lower support surfaces 21b separated in the Y direction. The lower surface of the grid G ​​may be supported by multiple small lower support surfaces. This deformation is also possible with the upper support surface 21c.

[0028] The upper support surface 21c suppresses the lifting and movement of the grid G. Furthermore, contact between the lower surface of the grid G ​​and the lower support surface 21b also contributes to suppressing the lifting and movement of the grid G.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the grid G ​​can be easily attached and detached, thereby improving work efficiency. Moreover, the lower support surface 21b and the upper support surface 21c maintain the grid G ​​in a constant position, which facilitates the process of placing the section S onto the grid G, prevents wrinkles and damage to the section S, and enables accurate placement of the section S onto the grid G. Furthermore, the grid G ​​is supported by the lower support surface 21b such that the upper surface of the grid G ​​slopes downward toward the front wall 2b where the blade 3 is positioned in the boat 2. This configuration is useful for smoothly guiding the section S toward the grid G.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the lower support surface 21b may be positioned such that the upper surface of the grid G ​​slopes downward toward the side wall 2e where the blade 3 is not located. Even in this case, if the upper surface of the grid G ​​slopes downward toward the section S created by the blade 3 and floating in the liquid, the same effects described above can be achieved.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, it is also possible to provide a grid support structure 21 in which the upper support surface 21c can contact only the upper surface of one end of the grid G ​​in the width direction (Y direction). In this case, the worker inserts one end of the grid G ​​in the Y direction into the gap 21a. In addition, the upper support surface 21c of the grid support structure 21 may be configured to contact other parts of the upper surface of the grid G. Even in these cases, the suppression of the lifting of the grid G ​​and the suppression of the movement of the grid G ​​described above are achieved.

[0032] The worker removes the grid G ​​on which the section S is placed from the grid support structure 21 using a handling tool such as tweezers, and similarly attaches a new grid G ​​to the grid support structure 21 using the same handling tool. In this embodiment, the upper end (rear end) of the grid G ​​is above the liquid level WS, which contributes to accurate holding of the grid G ​​by the handling tool and improves the efficiency of the grid G ​​handling work. A structure that allows the upper end of the grid G ​​to be held by the handling tool without lowering the liquid level WS contributes to improved work efficiency.

[0033] Alternatively, when removing the grid G ​​from the grid support structure 21, the liquid level WS in the tank 2a can be lowered, and for this purpose, liquid is discharged from the drainage channel 4. In this case, the section S is stably supported by the grid G, which is useful in preventing defects that may occur depending on the skill of the worker and the type of section S. These defects include wrinkles and damage to the section S.

[0034] The support member 20 has a first slit 22 and a second slit 23 that penetrate the support member 20 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first slit 22 and the second slit 23 are formed from one end (front end) in the X direction of the support member 20 and extend toward the other end (rear end) in the X direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first slit 22 extends from one end (front end) of the support member 20 in the X direction toward the support position of the grid G ​​by the grid support structure 21. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first slit 22 is formed to extend behind the rear end of the grid G ​​supported by the grid support structure 21. In this configuration, when holding the upper end of the grid G ​​with a handling tool, it is possible to insert the tip of the handling tool into the first slit 22, which contributes to improved work efficiency.

[0036] It is also possible to provide the first slit 22 to the position indicated by the dashed line 22c in Figure 9. In this case as well, the first slit 22 opens into the wall 21e (Figures 6 and 9) that extends downward or diagonally downward from the rear end of the lower support surface 21b. Therefore, the tip of the handling tool can be inserted into the first slit 22 through this opening, and the tip of the handling tool can be positioned below the grid G ​​using the first slit 22.

[0037] When the section S is placed on the grid G ​​using the section guide device, a small amount of liquid flows in accordance with the movement of the section S, and this flowing liquid flows through the first slit 22. This configuration is advantageous for smoothly guiding the section S onto the grid G. In this embodiment, it is also thought that the flowing liquid may flow through the second slit 23, which is substantially parallel to the first slit 22, and this configuration also contributes to the smooth guidance of the section S. If the angle between the first slit 22 and the second slit 23 is 15° or less, then the first slit 22 and the second slit 23 can be said to be substantially parallel.

[0038] In this embodiment, multiple second slits 23 are provided on both sides of the first slit 22. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one second slit 23 is provided on either side or one of the first slits 22, or to adopt a configuration without any second slits 23.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the width W1 of the first slit 22 is 1 mm or more, and the width W2 of the second slit 23 is 0.5 mm or less. In other words, the width W1 is at least twice the width W2. This configuration is thought to contribute to smoother liquid flow in this embodiment. A similar effect can be achieved if the width W1 is at least 1.5 times the width W2. It is preferable that the width W1 is 0.5 mm or more. It is even more preferable that the width W1 is at least three times the width W2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, etc., it is often preferable for the width W1 to be equal to or greater than the width dimension of the holes H in the grid G ​​in order to smoothly guide the section S to the grid G.

[0040] As mentioned above, when lowering the liquid level WS to attach the section S to the grid G, the slits 22 and 23 contribute to the smooth movement of the liquid. The structure, which makes it difficult for liquid to remain on the support member 20 when lowering the liquid level WS, contributes to the stable attachment of the section S to the grid G. As shown in Figure 8, the upper surface 25 of the support member 20 on the front end side of the grid support structure 21 is a convex curved surface. The convex curved surface forms an arc in the X direction and / or Y direction. In this embodiment, for example, more than 70% of the upper surface 25 is the curved surface. In addition, the lower support surface 21b is inclined in the X direction, and the first slit 22 extends to the support position of the grid G ​​in the grid support structure 21. Therefore, when lowering the liquid level WS, it is difficult for liquid to remain at the support position. These configurations are advantageous in preventing liquid residue when lowering the liquid level WS, and this contributes to the stable attachment of the section S to the grid G. It should also be considered to incline or curve the lower support surface 21b in the Y direction to reduce liquid residue.

[0041] In this embodiment, the presence of the grid support structure 21 and the first slit 22 improves work efficiency and enables smooth and stable attachment and detachment of the grid G ​​at a high level. Furthermore, even when the section S is attached to the grid G ​​by lowering the liquid level WS, less liquid remains around the grid G, thus improving work efficiency and allowing the section to be placed stably on the grid G.

[0042] In this embodiment, the slits 22 and 23 open at the front end of the support member 20, but the slits 22 and 23 may also open at the rear end of the support member 20, the end in the Y direction, etc. The slits 22 and 23 may not be straight. The slits 22 and 23 may not be substantially parallel to each other. If the support member 20 is provided with a hole larger than a circle with a diameter of, for example, 3 mm, and the hole penetrates the support member 20 in the vertical direction, the first slit 22 and / or the second slit 23 may extend from the hole to the support position of the grid G. In these cases as well, the same effects as described above can be achieved.

[0043] As shown in Figure 14, it is also possible to provide a central hole 22a and side holes 23a that penetrate the support member 20 vertically, instead of the first slit 22 and the second slit 23. In this case as well, the flowing liquid flows through the holes 22a and 23a as described above, so the same effects as described above can be achieved. By placing the tip of the handling device into the central hole 22a, the tip of the handling device can be positioned below the grid G.

[0044] Furthermore, by draining the liquid from the drainage channel 4 at a predetermined flow rate while supplying liquid to the vicinity of the blade 3 in the tank 2a at a predetermined flow rate, the liquid in the tank 2a can be made to flow, thereby allowing the section S to move smoothly toward the grid G. Alternatively, the liquid in the tank 2a can be made to flow using the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-33312. In these cases, the slits 22, 23 and holes 22a, 23a facilitate the smooth flow of the liquid.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slits 22 and 23 penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the support member 20, but it is also possible to form grooves at the positions of the slits 22 and 23 that do not penetrate to the lower surface of the support member 20. Even in this case, when the liquid level WS is lowered, the liquid is smoothly discharged from around the grid G, or the liquid flows smoothly from the front end to the rear end of the support member 20 through the grooves. In addition, by placing the tip of the handling tool into the groove, the tip of the handling tool can be positioned below the grid G.

[0046] In this embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the support member 20 does not have any of the slits 22, 23, holes 22a, 23a, or grooves. Even in this case, the aforementioned smooth and stable attachment and detachment of the grid G ​​to the grid support structure 21 can be achieved.

[0047] In this embodiment, notches 24 are formed on both sides of the support member 20 in the width direction, and the notches 24 penetrate the support member 20 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, when the support member 20 is placed in the tank 2a containing the liquid, the liquid flows vertically through the notches 24, improving the workability when placing the support member 20. Slits, holes, etc. may be provided instead of notches 24.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the lower support surface 21b of the support member 20 has no portion higher than the top 21f on the front side of the top 21f. In other words, the upper surface 25 on the front side is lower than the top 21f. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, it is easy to set the upper surface 25 below the liquid surface WS, and this setting is important for the smooth guidance of the section S to the grid G.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, it is also possible to provide multiple first slits 22 in the support member 20. In this case, multiple grids G can be positioned at locations corresponding to the multiple first slits 22. With this configuration, it becomes possible to place sections S on multiple grids G at once.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in the second embodiment in Figure 18, one or more legs 26 extending downward from the support member 20 may be provided. The configuration of the boat 2 and other components not described in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment. The legs 26 may be integrally provided with the support member 20. By providing the legs 26, the legs 26 fixed to the support member 20 come into contact with the internal structure of the tank 2a, such as the bottom surface, and the support member 20 is positioned in the tank 2a without using the support base 5. Preferably, the height dimension of the legs 26 is set so that the upper end (rear end) of the grid G ​​supported by the support member 20 protrudes slightly above the liquid surface of the tank 2a. In this structure, since there is no need to use the support base 5, the position and orientation of the support member 20 in the tank 2a tend to be stable. In addition, in this structure, the liquid can flow in the X direction along the lower surface of the support member 20, making it easier for the liquid to flow in the tank 2a. This is useful when guiding the section S on the liquid surface WS or when lowering the liquid surface WS.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in the third embodiment in Figures 19 to 21, a height adjustment mechanism 30 for adjusting the height of the support member 20 may be provided. The undescribed components of the boat 2 and other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The height adjustment mechanism 30 includes, for example, a base 31 supported by the internal structure of the tank 2a, such as the bottom surface, a screw member 32 screwed into the base 31, and a movable member 33 that moves up and down relative to the base 31 by rotating the screw member 32. In this embodiment, the rear end of the support member 20 is fixed to the movable member 33 by a bolt (fastening member) B. The support member 20 in Figures 19 to 21 is the same as described above, except that the shape of the rear end is changed for attachment to the movable member 33. For this reason, the support member 20 will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The rotation axis of the screw member 32 extends in the vertical direction. The screw member 32 has a male screw 32a on its lower end that screws into the female screw hole 31a of the base 31, and an engaging portion 32c formed on its upper end for engagement with a screwdriver tool. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 32c is a straight groove, but it may be a hole for engagement with a hex wrench. A mounting member 40, such as a retaining ring, is attached to the middle part of the screw member 32 in the vertical direction. For example, a groove 32b is provided around the entire circumference of the middle part of the screw member 32, and the mounting member 40 is fitted into the groove 32b. The retaining ring is a known E-ring or the like. As the mounting member 40, a protruding portion such as a flange that protrudes horizontally may be formed on the middle part of the screw member 32, or a plate extending horizontally may be fixed to the middle part.

[0053] The movable member 33 includes, for example, a lower member 34 and an upper member 35, which are fixed to each other by bolts (fastening members) B. The lower member 34 is provided with a through hole 34a through which a screw member 32 is inserted in the vertical direction, and an engaging portion 34b that engages with a guide portion 31b provided on the base 31 in the first horizontal direction. The guide portion 31b extends in the vertical direction and can be constructed of grooves, slits, rails, etc. A stopper portion 34c is provided on the engaging portion 34b, and in this embodiment, the member constituting the stopper portion 34c is fixed to the engaging portion 34b by bolts (fastening members) B.

[0054] The stopper portion 34c is engageable with the base 31 in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and is engageable with the base 31 from below. This restricts the movement of the movable member 33 relative to the base 31 in the first and second horizontal directions. Restriction of movement in the first horizontal direction is useful for facilitating the vertical positioning work of the movable member 33, which will be described later.

[0055] The upper member 35 is provided with a through hole 35a through which the screw member 32 is inserted vertically. The screw member 32 passes through the movable member 33 vertically via the through holes 34a and 35a. A marker (scale) 36 is provided on the upper surface of the upper member 35, and the marker 36 serves as a marker for the rotational position of the screw member 32. If a marker 37 is provided on the upper surface of the screw member 32, the operator can more easily recognize the rotational position of the screw member 32.

[0056] With the lower member 34 and the upper member 35 fixed to each other, a space 33a (Figure 19) is formed between the lower member 34 and the upper member 35 for positioning the E-ring. The space 33a is formed, for example, by counterbores formed on the upper surface of the lower member 34 and / or the lower surface of the upper member 35. The space 33a may also be provided between the lower member 34 and the upper member 35 by spacers. The space 33a communicates with the through holes 34a and 35a.

[0057] With the above structure, the upper member 35 of the movable member 33 rests on the mounted member 40. As a result, when the screw member 32 is rotated around its axis, the screw member 32 moves up and down, causing the movable member 33 and the support member 20, which are resting on the mounted member 40, to move up and down. With the height adjustment mechanism 30 and the support member 20 positioned in the tank 2a, the operator can fine-tune the height of the support member 20 using the screw member 32. This is useful for facilitating adjustment work. Also, since the movable member 33 rests on the mounted member 40, the support member 20 is less likely to tilt during the fine-tuning process. This is useful for facilitating adjustment work and for accurately placing the section S on the grid G. Even if the movable member 33 does not have a lower member 34 and there is no space 33a, the same effects as described above can be achieved as long as the upper member 35 is configured to rest on the mounted member 40.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in the fourth embodiment in Figures 22-23, a height adjustment mechanism 50 for adjusting the height of the support member 20 may be provided. The undescribed components of the boat 2 and other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The height adjustment mechanism 50 includes, for example, a base 51 supported by the internal structure of the tank 2a, such as the bottom surface, and a movable member 53 attached to the base 51 by a guide member 52 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The height adjustment mechanism 50 also has a screw member 54 that is screwed into the movable member 53 and, when rotated, moves the movable member 53 up and down relative to the base 51. In this embodiment, the rear end of the support member 20 is fixed to the movable member 53 by a bolt (fastening member) B. The support member 20 in Figures 22-23 is the same as described above, except that the shape of the rear end is changed for attachment to the movable member 53. For this reason, the support member 20 will not be described in detail here.

[0059] The lower end of the guide member 52 is inserted into a hole 51a formed in the base 51, and the lower end of the guide member 52 is fixed to the hole 51a by a set screw 51b having an axis in the horizontal direction. The set screw 51b is screwed into the base 51. In this embodiment, the hole 51a is an elongated hole that is long in the X direction, and the lower end of the guide member 52 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the hole 51a by the set screw 51b.

[0060] The movable member 53 is provided with a hole 52a at a position corresponding to the guide member 52, and the guide member 52 is inserted through the hole 52a in the vertical direction. The guide member 52 has a ring member 55 inserted through it, and the ring member is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the guide member 52 and the inner circumferential surface of the hole 52a. The ring member 55 is a ring with a portion cut off in the circumferential direction. The upper or middle portion or upper end of the guide member 52 in the vertical direction is fixed to the hole 52a by a set screw 52b having an axis in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the set screw 52b pushes the ring member 55, and the pushed ring member 55 clings to the guide member 52, thereby fixing the guide member 52 to the hole 52a. However, the guide member 52 may be fixed to the hole 52a by the set screw 52b without using the ring member 55.

[0061] The rotation axis of the screw member 54 extends vertically, and the lower end of the screw member 54 abuts against the upper surface of the base 51. Therefore, by rotating the screw member 54 while the pressure of the guide member 52 or ring member 55 against the hole 52a in the middle portion is loosened by the set screw 52b, the movable member 53 can be moved up and down relative to the base 51. After the height position of the movable member 53 is adjusted, the position of the movable member 53 is fixed by pressing the guide member 52 or ring member 55 against the hole 52a with the set screw 52b. Because the above pressing by the set screw 52b is used, it is also possible to adjust the slight tilt of the movable member 53. Even with this configuration, the operator can finely adjust the height of the support member 20 by using the screw member 54 while the height adjustment mechanism 50 and support member 20 are positioned in the tank 2a.

[0062] The guide member 52 only needs to guide the movable member 53 so that it can move vertically relative to the base 51. For this reason, it is also possible to use other guide members such as rails that have the same function. The guide member 52 may engage with a groove formed on the outer or inner surface of the movable member 53, thereby attaching the movable member 53 to the base 51 so that it can move vertically.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in the fifth embodiment in Figure 24, the grid support structure 21' can also be a recess 60 formed on the upper surface of the support member 20'. The undescribed components of this embodiment, such as the boat 2, are the same as in the first embodiment. The front end (lower end) of the grid G ​​in the X direction abuts against the lower part of the inner wall 60a on the blade 3 side of the recess 60, and the lower surface of the middle part of the grid G ​​in the X direction abuts against the upper end of the inner wall 60b on the side of the recess 60 away from the blade 3. The X direction in Figure 24 is the same as the X direction in Figure 1. As a result, the grid G ​​is supported by the recess 60 so as to form a downward slope toward the section S created by the blade 3 and floating in the liquid. The support member 20' communicates with grooves 61, 62 and / or holes 63, 64. It communicates with the inside of the recess 60.

[0064] The grooves 61, 62 and holes 63, 64 penetrate the support member 20' in the vertical direction. In Figure 24, the shaded area indicates the portion of the recess 60 where the grooves 61, 62 and holes 63, 64 are not provided, i.e., the portion that does not penetrate the support member 20' in the vertical direction. In Figure 24, groove 61 extends from the rear end of the support member 20' to the recess 60, and groove 62 extends from the front end of the support member 20' to the recess 60. This allows the liquid in the recess 60 to drain smoothly when the liquid level WS is lowered.

[0065] In Figure 24, a portion of hole 63 is located within recess 60, while the other portion of hole 63 is located outside recess 60. Also in Figure 24, the entirety of hole 64 is located within recess 60. Depending on the size of grooves 61, 62 and holes 63, 64, grooves 61, 62 are more effective than holes 63, 64 in improving waste liquid efficiency within recess 60 when lowering the liquid level WS. Grooves 61, 62 may open at the Y-direction end of the support member 20', or they may open into a large hole provided in the support member 20', for example, with a diameter of 3 mm or more. These configurations can produce similar effects.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the support member 20, the leg portion 26, and the bases 31 and 51 of the height adjustment mechanisms 30 and 50 may be attached to the boat 2, or they may be formed integrally with the boat 2. In these cases as well, similar effects can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 2. Boat (liquid storage section) 3 blades 20 Support members 21 Grid support structure 21a Gap 21b Lower support surface 21c Upper support surface 21d Contact part 22. First Slit 23. Second Slit 24 Notches 26 Legs 30, 50 Height adjustment mechanism S-intercept G Grid WS liquid level

Claims

1. A blade that slices the sample to create sections, A liquid storage section for storing the liquid on which the aforementioned slices are suspended, The system comprises a support member having a grid support structure that supports a grid for supporting the section that floats in the liquid, The aforementioned grid support structure is A lower support surface that supports the lower surface of the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward the section floating in the liquid, An upper support surface is provided on the lower side of the downward slope of the upper surface of the grid, and is positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the grid. Equipped with, The grid support structure is a sectioning device that supports the grid such that the upper side of the downward slope on the upper surface of the grid is above the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

2. The segment preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper support surface faces the lower support surface.

3. A blade for slicing a sample to create sections, A liquid storage section for storing the liquid on which the aforementioned slices are suspended, The system comprises a support member having a grid support structure that supports a grid for supporting the section that floats in the liquid, The aforementioned grid support structure is A lower support surface that supports the lower surface of the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward the section floating in the liquid, An upper support surface is disposed so as to be able to contact the upper surface of the grid, Equipped with, The support member is provided with at least one slit and / or at least one hole that penetrates the support member in the vertical direction, Sectioning device wherein at least a portion of the at least one slit and at least a portion of the at least one hole are positioned below the grid, which is supported by the grid support structure.

4. The section preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the lower support surface and the upper support surface is 0.5 mm or less or 1 / 6 or less of the outer diameter of the grid.

5. A blade that slices the sample to create sections, A liquid storage section for storing the liquid on which the aforementioned slices are suspended, The system comprises a support member that supports a grid for placing the slices floating in the liquid, The aforementioned support member is A grid support structure that supports the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward one end of the support member, The support member comprises at least one slit that penetrates vertically, Equipped with, Sectioning apparatus wherein at least a portion of the at least one slit is positioned below the grid, which is supported by the grid support structure.

6. The segment preparation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the slit extends from one end of the support member toward a position in the grid support structure that supports the grid.

7. The segment preparation apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support member is provided with a plurality of slits that are substantially parallel to each other.

8. The segment preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, wherein the liquid storage section is provided with means for discharging the liquid.

9. A segment preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the support member.

10. A support member used in conjunction with a sectioning device that includes a liquid reservoir for storing liquid in which sliced ​​sections are suspended, The system includes a grid support structure that supports a grid for supporting the section that floats in the liquid, The aforementioned grid support structure is A lower support surface that supports the lower surface of the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward the section floating in the liquid, An upper support surface is provided on the lower side of the downward slope of the upper surface of the grid, and is positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the grid. Equipped with, The grid support structure is a support member that supports the grid such that the upper side of the downward slope on the upper surface of the grid is above the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir.

11. A support member used in conjunction with a sectioning apparatus having a liquid reservoir for storing a liquid on which sliced ​​sections are floated, and which supports a grid on which the sections floating in the liquid are placed, A grid support structure that supports the grid such that the upper surface of the grid slopes downward toward one end of the support member, The support member comprises at least one slit that penetrates vertically, Equipped with, A support member wherein at least a portion of the at least one slit is positioned below the grid, which is supported by the grid support structure.

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