Specimen repository and specimen preparation device

Abstract

This specimen repository is for storing an observation specimen obtained by applying an object to be observed onto a light-transmitting plate. The specimen repository comprises: an opening / closing member attached to a body of the specimen repository so as to be slidable in one direction; and a contact member configured so as to be capable of abutting a case for storing the observation specimen. The contact member is rotatably fixed to the body of the specimen repository such that the contact member abuts on the case when the opening / closing member is in a closed state, and is separated from the case when the opening / closing member is in an open state.

Description

Specimen storage and specimen preparation equipment

[0001] The present invention relates primarily to specimen storage.

[0002] An observation specimen used in microscopic observation or the like is generally prepared by placing an object to be observed, such as a tissue fragment, on a light-transmitting plate also called a microscope slide or the like (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2010-266394 A JP 2010-054473 A JP 2014-095587 A

[0004] In specimen preparation devices for preparing specimens for observation, the specimens prepared as described above are stored or held in a predetermined position within the device until they are removed from the device (see Patent Documents 2 and 3). Therefore, there is a general demand for technology that enables the specimens for observation to be appropriately stored in a predetermined position.

[0005] An exemplary object of the present invention is to realize storage of an observation sample at a predetermined position with a relatively simple configuration.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a specimen storage facility, the specimen storage facility being a specimen storage facility for storing observation specimens each having an observation object attached to a light-transmitting plate, the specimen storage facility comprising: a case mounting section on which a plurality of cases for storing the observation specimens can be mounted in a predetermined direction in a line; a main body provided with an opening communicating the outside of the specimen storage facility with the case mounting section; an opening / closing member attached so as to be movable in one direction relative to the main body; a contact member configured to be able to come into contact with the case for storing the observation specimen; and a movement mechanism for moving the contact member in accordance with movement of the opening / closing member, the opening / closing member being movable between an open position at which it opens the opening and a closed position at which it closes the opening, and the contact member being movable between an abutting position at which it comes into contact with the case placed on the case mounting section and a spaced position away from the case so that the case can be removed from the case mounting section, The moving mechanism is characterized in that it moves the abutment member to the abutment position in response to movement of the opening / closing member to the closed position, and moves the abutment member to the separated position in response to movement of the opening / closing member to the open position.

[0007] According to the present invention, the observation specimen can be stored in a predetermined position with a relatively simple configuration.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a specimen preparation system. FIG. 2 is a top view and a front view showing an example of the configuration of a specimen preparation system. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a specimen preparation device from diagonally above the front. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a specimen preparation device from diagonally above the rear. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a specimen preparation device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining each mechanism of an observation object providing unit. FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining an example of work content in a specimen preparation device. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a mounting member. FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining each mechanism of an observation object providing unit. FIG. 10 is a schematic view for explaining an example of a method for preparing an observation specimen. FIG. 11 is a schematic view for explaining an example of a method for preparing an observation specimen. FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of a post-processing unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a specimen storage unit. FIG. 14 is a schematic side view showing an example of the configuration of an open / close member. FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing an example of the configuration of an open / close member. FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the system configuration of a specimen preparation device. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display image for managing observation specimens. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a specimen storage unit.

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a specimen preparation system SY according to an embodiment. The system SY includes a specimen preparation device 1, a workbench 91, an observation object preparation device 92, a chair 93, an input device 94, a computer 95, a display terminal 96, and an input terminal 97.

[0011] Here, for ease of understanding, the figure shows the mutually intersecting X, Y, and Z directions (these may also be shown in other figures described below). The X direction is one direction in the horizontal direction of the specimen preparation apparatus 1, and corresponds to the left-right or width direction. The Y direction is another direction perpendicular to the one horizontal direction of the specimen preparation apparatus 1, and corresponds to the front-back or depth direction. The Z direction is the vertical direction of the specimen preparation apparatus 1, and corresponds to the up-down or height direction. For example, the -Y direction side corresponds to the front side, and the +Y direction side corresponds to the back side. Furthermore, for example, the +Z direction side corresponds to the upper side, and the -Z direction side corresponds to the lower side.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a top view 2uf and a front view 2ff of the system SY.

[0013] The specimen preparation device 1, details of which will be described later, prepares a predetermined observation specimen using an observation object provided by an operator. Here, the observation object is a tissue fragment obtained by slicing a block of tissue collected from a patient or other subject and solidified with paraffin or the like (observation object OB, described below). The observation specimen is prepared by placing the observation object on a light-transmitting plate (observation specimen SPL, described below). This plate can also be referred to as a glass slide (microscope slide), a specimen plate, an observation object placement plate, an optical observation plate, or the like (plate PL, described below). The operator is an entity that performs work related to specimen preparation, and is typically an operator such as a technician, but may also be a work robot equipped with an attachment mechanism (e.g., a manipulator) for attaching the observation object. In this embodiment, the operator is referred to as the "operator," and hereinafter simply referred to as the "operator."

[0014] The workbench 91 is a desk on which an operator performs work associated with the preparation of an observation specimen. An observation object preparation device 92, a display terminal 96, and an input terminal 97 are installed on the workbench 91. The operator can use these devices to perform work on the workbench 91 (e.g., managing and recording information related to the observation specimen). The operator can also perform other work (e.g., writing). The specimen preparation device 1 and the workbench 91 are arranged side by side in the X direction; that is, the workbench 91 is installed to the side of the specimen preparation device 1 (here, on the +X direction side).

[0015] In this embodiment, the observation object preparing device 92 is a microtome that prepares tissue pieces as the observation object, but in other embodiments, it may be other devices such as medical equipment, laboratory equipment, etc. The observation object preparing device 92, the details of which will be described later, is installed on the work table 91 on the side of the specimen preparing device 1.

[0016] In this embodiment, the chair 93 is a chair with casters, which allows the operator to easily move between the specimen preparation device 1 and the work table 91 while sitting on the chair 93.

[0017] In this embodiment, the input device 94 is a foot switch installed below the workbench 91, and the operator can perform a predetermined operation input by pressing the input device 94 with his / her foot. The input device 94 is electrically connected to the specimen preparation apparatus 1 by a cable (not shown), and the specimen preparation apparatus 1 proceeds with a work step in response to a predetermined operation input to the input device 94, as will be described in detail later.

[0018] In another embodiment, the input device 94 may be wirelessly connected to the specimen preparation apparatus 1. In another embodiment, the input device 94 may be installed on the workbench 91. Furthermore, instead of a foot switch, a lever, joystick, or the like that is operated by the operator's hands or feet may be used, or various motion sensors, or the like that are operated by movements of the head, eyes, hands, or feet may be used. Furthermore, the input device 94 may be a device that performs input by recognizing the operator's voice, thoughts, etc.

[0019] The computer 95 is a general-purpose computer, and is installed below the workbench 91 in this example. In this case, installing the computer 95 on the opposite side from the specimen preparation apparatus 1 prevents the operator from accidentally interfering with the computer 95. A known display or monitor, such as a liquid crystal display, may be used as the display terminal 96. A known input operator, such as a keyboard or mouse, may be used as the input terminal 97. For example, the operator can use the input terminal 97 to manage information related to the observation specimen while visually checking information indicating the plate and the observation object on the display terminal 96.

[0020] [Regarding the specimen preparation device] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the specimen preparation device 1, viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 3 shows the specimen preparation device 1 in a state in which multiple opening / closing members are open (hereinafter simply referred to as the "open state"). Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the specimen preparation device 1, viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 4 shows the specimen preparation device 1 in a state in which multiple opening / closing members are closed (hereinafter simply referred to as the "closed state"). The device 1 includes a housing 100 including an exterior panel, and multiple units (described below) that realize the functions of the device 1 are housed within the housing 100.

[0021] The specimen preparation device 1 further includes elements 191 to 197 attached to various portions (such as F11 described below) of the housing 100. While individual details will be described later, for example, the front wall (front panel) F11 of the housing 100 is provided with the above-mentioned elements, such as an open / close member 191, an open / close member 192, a storage section 193, and a plate member 196. For example, an open / close member 194 is provided on a side wall (side panel) F12 of the housing 100 on the workbench 91 side. For example, an open / close member 195 is provided on a side wall (side panel) F14 of the housing 100 opposite the side wall F12. Furthermore, for example, a window member 197 is provided on a rear wall (rear panel) F15 of the housing 100.

[0022] Although details will be described later, among the opening / closing members 191, 192, 194, and 195, at least the opening / closing member 192 is a sliding door attached so as to be slidable in one direction, and in this case, it is assumed to slide in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the other opening / closing members 191, 194, and 195 are pivoting doors pivotally supported at one end, but they may be doors of other known types or may be sliding doors similar to the opening / closing member 192.

[0023] A corner side wall (corner panel) F13 is provided at the corner between the front wall F11 and the side wall F12, and the corner side wall F13 is connected to one end (or one edge) of the front wall F11 and one end of the side wall F12. In other words, the housing 100 has a chamfered shape at the corner. The above-mentioned walls F11 to F15 form the exterior panels of the housing 100, and some or all of these may be integrally molded or may be separate bodies. The side wall F12 corresponds to one side wall, and the side wall F14 corresponds to the other side wall.

[0024] An operation display panel 181 is provided on the front upper portion of the housing 100, and an operator can check the operating status (including the progress of work, etc.) of the specimen preparation device 1 based on the display contents displayed on the operation display panel 181. In addition, various settings for the specimen preparation device 1 can be input to the operation display panel 181. Examples of inputting various settings include inputting information such as identification information 1131 (described below), inputting a temperature control time setting for the heating unit 122 (described below), and inputting a temperature setting inside the specimen preparation device 1. In addition, the operation display panel 181 can also be used to input operations for manually operating various units and automatic operation operations for automatically operating various units.

[0025] It should be noted that a known touch panel display may be used for the operation display panel 181, and the operation display panel 181 may simply be referred to as an operation panel, a display panel, etc. The function of the operation display panel 181 may be realized by the display terminal 96, in which case the operation display panel 181 may be omitted.

[0026] 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the specimen preparation apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 further comprises a pre-processing section 11, a post-processing section 12, a specimen storage section 13, a transfer unit 14, and a unit 15 for attaching an object under observation. Details will be described later, but the pre-processing section 11 includes units 111 to 114 that perform pre-processing, which is processing before the object under observation is attached. Furthermore, the post-processing section 12 includes units 121 to 123 that perform post-processing, which is processing after the object under observation has been attached.

[0027] The specimen storage section 13 is a unit that stores (or houses or keeps) prepared observation specimens. This specimen storage section 13 may be simply referred to as a storage section, or may be referred to as a specimen storage section (or simply as a storage section), a specimen storage section (or simply as a storage section), etc. The specimen storage section 13 is surrounded by the exterior panel of the housing 100 and is sealed by the opening / closing member 192 in the closed state, and therefore may be referred to as a specimen storage cabinet, specimen storage cabinet, specimen storage cabinet, etc., in which case the opening / closing member 192 may be part of the specimen storage section 13.

[0028] In this embodiment, the transfer unit 14 is a manipulator capable of gripping a plate, and receives a plate to which an object to be observed has been attached from the post-processing unit 12 as an observation specimen SPL, and transfers it to the specimen storage unit 13 .

[0029] The observation object attachment unit 15, details of which will be described later, is configured to be accessible by the operator when attaching an observation object. The unit 15 is installed at an access point (referred to as the observation object attachment position or simply attachment position P10) for the operator when attaching an observation object. The unit 15 may be referred to as an operator-subject access unit or the like in terms of the unit being accessed by the operator, or as an observation object receiving unit or the like in terms of receiving an observation object from the operator.

[0030] The specimen preparation apparatus 1 further includes control units 172 and 173. For example, the control unit 172 controls the driving of the pre-processing unit 11, the unit 15, and the post-processing unit 12, and also manages and controls the entire specimen preparation apparatus 1. The control unit 173 also controls the driving of the transfer unit 14. In other embodiments, some of the functions of any of the units (for example, unit 173) may be realized by another unit (for example, unit 172), or some or all of the functions may be realized by a single unit.

[0031] The control units 172-173 may typically be configured with a built-in control board on which electronic components such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) are mounted, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, the control units 172-173 may be configured to include a CPU (central processing unit) and memory, and their functions may be realized by a computer executing a program. In other words, the individual functions of the control units 172-173 may be realized by either hardware or software.

[0032] Each of the above-mentioned elements is fixed to a frame member or base supporting the exterior panel of the housing 100 by fastening, for example, with bolts, screws, or the like. In this embodiment, the housing 100 includes an upper support member UF, a lower support member LF, and a connecting support member CF. The pre-processing section 11, the post-processing section 12, and the unit 15 are disposed on the upper support member UF. The lower support member LF is disposed below the upper support member UF with a gap therebetween. The connecting support member CF connects the upper support member UF and the lower support member LF. The housing 100 is divided into an upper space US and a lower space LS, bounded by the upper support member UF. The upper space US is the space in which the pre-processing section 11, the post-processing section 12, and the unit 15 are disposed, and the lower space LS is the space in which the specimen storage section 13 is disposed. The upper space US and the lower space LS are connected to form a communicating space CS. The communication space CS is a transfer space for the observation specimen SPL transferred from the post-treatment section 12 to the specimen storage section 13 by the transfer unit 14 .

[0033] The preprocessing unit 11 and the unit 15 are installed within the housing 100 on the front wall F11 side and approximately in the center in the Z direction. The housing 100 further includes a preprocessing arrangement part 11S on the front wall F11 side at a predetermined height, where the preprocessing unit 11 is arranged, and an observation object attachment arrangement part 15S on which the unit 15 is arranged. The preprocessing unit 11 is located on the side wall F14 side, and the unit 15 is located on the side wall F12 side. The unit 15 is located close to the corner side wall F13. Similarly, the preprocessing arrangement part 11S is located on the side wall F14 side, the observation object attachment arrangement part 15S is located on the side wall F12 side, and the observation object attachment arrangement part 15S is located in a position close to the corner side wall F13. In this embodiment, the preprocessing arrangement part 11S and the observation object attachment arrangement part 15S are mounted on the upper support member UF.

[0034] The post-processing unit 12 is installed within the housing 100 on the side wall F12 side and approximately in the center in the Z direction, and is arranged alongside the unit 15 in the Y direction. The housing 100 further includes a post-processing arrangement 12S located close to the side wall F12. In this embodiment, the post-processing arrangement 12S is provided on the lower support member LF. The specimen storage unit 13 is installed below the pre-processing unit 11 within the housing 100. The housing 100 further includes a specimen storage arrangement 13S below the pre-processing arrangement 11S. In this embodiment, the specimen storage unit 13 is arranged in the lower space LS, and the specimen storage arrangement 13S is provided on the upper support member UF.

[0035] The control unit 172 is installed below the post-processing unit 12 within the housing 100. The control unit 173 is installed at an upper portion within the housing 100. The housing 100 further includes a first control unit arrangement portion 172S below the post-processing arrangement portion 12S, where the control unit 172 is arranged. In the present embodiment, the first control unit arrangement portion 172S is provided on the lower support member LF. The housing 100 further includes a second control unit arrangement portion 173S where the control unit 173, which is installed at an upper portion within the housing, is arranged. In the present embodiment, the second control unit arrangement portion 173S is provided on the connecting member RF, which is installed on the connecting support member CF on the upper space US side above the upper support member UF.

[0036] The transfer unit 14 is installed on the rear wall F15 side within the housing 100. The transfer unit 14 can move its tip in the Z direction and rotate around an axis in the Z direction, and this installation mode allows access to both the post-processing section 12 and the specimen storage section 13. The housing 100 further includes a transfer unit placement section 14S on the rear wall F15 side. In this embodiment, the transfer unit placement section 14S is provided on the lower support member LF. The tip of the transfer unit 14 is arranged to be movable across the upper space US, lower space LS, and communication space CS.

[0037] Furthermore, a storage section 193 that stores a liquid tank 1931 is further installed below the unit 15 within the housing 100. The liquid tank 1931 stores a liquid used in preparing an observation specimen, which will be described later. The liquid tank 1931 may also be referred to as a liquid storage section (or simply a storage section), a container, or the like. The storage section 193 includes a storage member 193a that stores the liquid tank 1931, and a movement mechanism 193b that configures the storage member 193a to be movable between a stored position and a pulled-out position. The storage member 193a can be pulled out in the -Y direction from a state where it is housed within the housing 100 by the movement mechanism 193b, as shown in FIG. 3 . This allows the operator to access the liquid tank 1931 stored in the housing 100 (storage member 193a). For example, by pulling out this accommodation member 193a, an operator can refill the liquid tank 1931 with liquid or replace the old liquid tank 1931 accommodated in the accommodation member 193a with a new one. In this embodiment, the accommodation arrangement portion 193S is provided on the lower support member LF.

[0038] [Regarding the Unit for Applying an Observation Subject] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the aforementioned unit 15 for applying an observation subject and its surrounding area. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the unit 15. The unit 15 includes a moving unit 151, a tilting mechanism 152, and a liquid supply unit 153. The unit 15 also includes a transfer unit 155 that transfers the observation specimen SPL between the unit 15 and the post-processing section 12.

[0039] The moving unit 151 includes a base 1510 , a moving support table (or a rotating support table) 1511 , a holding portion 1512 , and a tilting mechanism 152 .

[0040] The tilting mechanism 152 includes a tilting fixed body 1514b, a tilting moving body 1514a, an engaging portion 1515, and an elevating mechanism 1522. The tilting fixed body 1514b is supported by a movable support base 1511. The tilting moving body 1514a is supported movably relative to the tilting fixed body 1514b. The engaging portion 1515 is connected to an elevating mechanism 1522 formed on one end side of the tilting moving body 1514a. The elevating mechanism 1522 engages with the engaging portion 1515 and moves the tilting moving body 1514a. The elevating mechanism 1522 includes a moving engaging portion 1521 that engages with the engaging portion 1515, and an elevating drive portion 1522a that moves the moving engaging portion 1521. In this embodiment, a lifting mechanism is used as the moving mechanism for moving the tilting movable body 1514a, but a moving mechanism that can tilt the tilting movable body 1514a back and forth, such as a swing mechanism or a cam mechanism, may also be used.

[0041] The movable support base 1511 is supported on the base 1510 so as to be movable (rotatable) in a predetermined direction, and a tilting fixed body 1514b is arranged on the upper surface of the movable support base 1511. In this embodiment, four tilting fixed bodies 1514b are arranged at predetermined intervals, specifically, at 90-degree intervals radially from the rotation axis of the movable support base 1511. The tilting fixed bodies 1514b movably (rotatably) support the tilting movable body 1514a, which supports the holding portion 1512, so that one end and the other end of the tilting movable body 1514a are at different heights.

[0042] The holding portion 1512, the details of which will be described later, is configured to be able to hold the plate PL and is attached to the upper part of the tilting movable body 1514a. In this embodiment, four holding portions 1512 are provided, but the number of holding portions 1512 may be one or more. These four holding portions 1512 are arranged at predetermined intervals around a moving (rotating) axis 1511C extending in the vertical direction of the moving (rotating) support base 1511 and are moved.

[0043] The holding locking portion 1513 is provided on each of the four holding portions 1512, and functions as a fall prevention member that locks the plate PL so that it does not fall when held by the holding portion 1512. The holding locking portion 1513 is provided on the engaging portion 1515 side of the tilting movable body 1514a.

[0044] One engaging portion 1515 is provided for each of the four holding portions 1512. The engaging portion 1515 is a member formed in a generally C-shape with one end open below the holding portion 1512, and is provided with the open side facing radially outward from the base 1510.

[0045] The movable locking portion 1521 is an inverted L-shaped member in a side view, and includes a pair of left and right plate portions 1521a and 1521b extending radially inward from the upper end of the main body portion 1521mb of the base 1510. A fixed shaft 1521f, on which a roller 1521r is fitted, is provided between the plate portions 1521a and 1521b. The roller 1521r is rotatably provided on the fixed shaft 1521f. The roller 1521r is engaged with one of the four engaging portions 1515 at a predetermined position. Specifically, as the movable support base 1511 rotates and the engaging portion 1515 moves horizontally, the open portion of the engaging portion 1515 fits into (sandwiches) the movable locking portion 1521. As a result, the movable locking portion 1521 (roller 1521r) and the engaging portion 1515 engage with each other, and as will be described in detail later, the holding portion 1512 is supported so as to be tiltable.

[0046] As described above, the holding portion 1512 is rotatably supported by the tilting movable body 1514a and the tilting fixed body 1514b. Therefore, by raising and lowering (moving up and down) the lifting drive portion 1522a with the moving locking portion 1521 engaged with the engaging portion 1515, the tilting movable body 1514a is rotated relative to the tilting fixed body 1514b, thereby tilting the holding portion 1512. In other words, of the four holding portions 1512, only the holding portion 1512 engaged with the moving locking portion 1521 can be tilted by the lifting drive portion 1522a.

[0047] While the embodiment in which the engaging portion 1515 houses the movable locking portion 1521 has been exemplified here, in other embodiments, the movable locking portion 1521 and the engaging portion 1515 may be configured so that their functions are reversed. That is, the movable locking portion 1521 may be provided with a pair of upper and lower plate portions extending radially inward of the base 1510 from the upper end of its main body portion 1521mb, and a roller that fits between the pair of upper and lower plate portions may be provided on the engaging portion 1515 side.

[0048] To summarize the moving unit 151 and tilting mechanism 152, when one of the four holders 1512 moves to the application position P10 as a result of the rotation of the rotary support base 1511, the engaging portion 1515 corresponding to that holder 1512 engages with the locking portion 1521. In this state, the moving locking portion 1521 moves up and down, causing the holder 1512 to rotate, i.e., the holder 1512 and the plate PL it holds can be tilted. With this configuration, the position of the plate PL can be changed, for example, to a horizontal position or an inclined position.

[0049] The moving unit 151 can stop the holder 1512 and the plate PL held therein in at least three regions / positions. First, the moving unit 151 stops the holder 1512 in a region where the moving unit 151 receives the plate PL from the pretreatment unit 11 and causes the holder 1512 to hold the plate PL. Second, the moving unit 151 stops the holder 1512 and the plate PL held therein in a region where an operator applies an observation object to the plate PL. Third, the moving unit 151 stops the holder 1512 and the plate PL held therein in a region where the transfer unit 155, described below, removes the plate PL with the application object from the holder 1512 as an observation specimen. Here, a rotation drive mechanism is built into the base 1510, and the control unit 172 intermittently drives the rotation support table 1511 so that at least one of the four holders 1512 is located in one of the three regions. These details will be described later.

[0050] The moving unit 151 may be expressed as a transport unit, a transfer unit, etc., from the viewpoint of sequentially moving the plate PL held by the holder 1512 to a predetermined position. The tilting mechanism 152 may be expressed as a posture changing unit, a posture adjusting unit, etc., from the viewpoint of changing the posture of the plate PL.

[0051] The liquid supply unit 153 includes a nozzle 1531 capable of discharging liquid, and a movement mechanism 154 that moves the nozzle 1531 between a liquid supply position and a standby position. The liquid supply unit 153 also includes a supply mechanism (e.g., a pump) (not shown) that sucks liquid from a liquid tank 1931 and discharges the liquid from the nozzle 1531. This enables the liquid supply unit 153 to move the nozzle 1531 to the liquid supply position and supply (supply) liquid onto the plate PL held by the holder 1512. As will be described in detail later, this allows a pool of liquid to be formed on the plate PL.

[0052] In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 154 is a slide mechanism and is capable of moving the liquid supply unit 153 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 154 moves the liquid supply unit 153 between a position for supplying liquid onto the plate PL (liquid supply position) and a standby position also referred to as a home position or the like. For example, the movement mechanism 154 keeps the liquid supply unit 153 waiting at the standby position when liquid supply is not being performed, and when liquid supply is to be performed, moves the liquid supply unit 153 to the liquid supply position so that the nozzle 1531 is positioned above the plate PL.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transfer unit 155 is a manipulator capable of grasping the plate PL, and as will be described in detail later, it receives the plate PL to which the object to be observed has been attached from the holder 1512 as an observation specimen and transfers it to the post-processing unit 12.

[0054] 5, the specimen preparation device 1 further includes a storage tank 171. Excess or falling liquid supplied by the liquid supply unit 153 is guided to the storage tank 171 and stored therein.

[0055] [Work Flow in the Specimen Preparation Apparatus] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the work content in the pre-processing section 11, the work content in the unit 15, and the work content in the post-processing section 12. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The pretreatment unit 11 includes a plate storage unit 111, a transport unit 112, a printing unit 113, and a reading unit 114. The plate storage unit 111 is a magazine (which may also be expressed as a cartridge, cassette, or the like) that stores plates PL before an observation object is attached thereto, i.e., washed or unused plates PL to be used for preparing an observation specimen. The plate storage unit 111 stores multiple plates PL and can sequentially send these multiple plates PL to the transport unit 112. In this embodiment, the multiple plates PL are stored stacked within the plate storage unit 111. The transport unit 112 is a transport belt in this embodiment, and transports the plates PL sent out from the plate storage unit 111 one by one toward the unit 15.

[0057] The printing unit 113 is an inkjet recording head in this embodiment, and prints on the plate PL being transported by the transport unit 112, and provides, for example, predetermined identification information 1131. For example, a two-dimensional code is used as the identification information 1131, but letters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc. may also be used alternatively / additionally.

[0058] The reading unit 114 can read the identification information 1131 attached to the plate PL and output the result to the computer 95. The computer 95 can also display the content indicating the identification information 1131 on the display terminal 96. This makes it possible to associate the identification information 1131 with (information about) the object under observation attached to the plate PL to which it is attached, and to manage this information.

[0059] As shown in detail in FIG. 13 , the post-processing section 12 includes a transfer unit 121, a heating unit 122, and a confirmation unit 123. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 121 is a walking beam type transfer device, and includes a specimen mounting section 1211 and a specimen transfer mechanism 1212. The specimen mounting section 1211 is a long plate on which multiple observation specimens can be mounted one by one. The specimen mounting section 1211 may also be simply referred to as a mounting section. In addition, a confirmation unit 123 (described below) is disposed at a transfer terminal end 1211a of the specimen mounting section 1211, and the state of the observation specimens transferred to the transfer terminal end 1211a is confirmed.

[0060] The specimen transfer mechanism 1212 includes a pair of beam members arranged on both sides of the specimen mounting section 1211 and a drive mechanism for driving them. Driven by the drive mechanism, the pair of beam members move up and down and horizontally simultaneously in parallel. Specifically, the pair of beam members are successively operated in this order: upward movement, movement in one transport direction (feed operation), downward movement, and movement in the other transport direction (return operation), thereby intermittently transferring the observation specimen on the specimen mounting section 1211 in one direction. The specimen transfer mechanism 1212 may be simply referred to as a transfer mechanism, a specimen transport mechanism (or simply a transport mechanism), etc.

[0061] The heating unit 122 is installed below the transport unit 121 and heats the observation specimen placed on the specimen mounting section 1211 while being transported by the specimen transport mechanism 1212. This causes the observation object on the plate PL to stretch. The heating unit 122 may be referred to as a temperature processing unit or the like, or from a similar perspective, may be referred to as a temperature processing unit, observation object stretching unit, or the like.

[0062] The confirmation unit 123 confirms the processing status of the observation specimen heated by the heating unit 122. In this embodiment, the confirmation unit 123 includes an illumination device 1231 and an imaging device 1232. The illumination device 1231 may be a known lamp equipped with an LED or the like as a light source. The imaging device 1232 may be a known camera equipped with a CCD / CMOS image sensor. The confirmation unit 123 illuminates the observation specimen with light from the illumination device 1231, captures an image of the observation specimen with the imaging device 1232, records the image information, and associates it with the identification information 1131. The confirmation unit 123 can also confirm the processing status of the observation specimen, make a predetermined judgment, and output the results of the judgment and determination to the computer 95. This allows the observation object attached to the plate PL to be properly managed using the identification information 1131 attached to the plate PL, along with information indicating the results of the judgment and determination. The computer 95 can also display information indicating whether the observation specimen was properly prepared on the display terminal 96. In another embodiment, the above checking and determination may be performed by the computer 95 .

[0063] 7 again, to summarize the work contents in the pre-processing unit 11, unit 15, and post-processing unit 12, in the pre-processing unit 11, identification information 1131 is assigned to the plate PL being transported toward the unit 15 (shown as "plate PL0" for the sake of distinction). The unit 15 receives the plate PL from the pre-processing unit 11 (shown as "plate PL1" for the sake of distinction). Thereafter, the unit 15 moves the plate PL received from the pre-processing unit 11 to a position (shown as "plate PL2" for the sake of distinction) where an operator can assign (place) an object under observation (referred to as object under observation OB) to the plate PL.

[0064] As will be described in detail later, a liquid is supplied to the plate PL by the liquid supply unit 153, forming a liquid pool. The operator can place the object under observation OB in the liquid pool on the plate PL using a tool T11 such as tweezers. The tilting mechanism 152 then tilts the plate PL, removing the liquid pool from the plate PL. Note that any solution or chemical that has no substantial chemical effect on the object under observation OB may be used as the liquid; in this embodiment, pure water is used, but in other embodiments, physiological saline solution or the like may be used.

[0065] Thereafter, the unit 15 moves the plate PL with the observation object OB attached thereto to a position accessible by the transfer unit 155 (shown as "plate PL3" for distinction). The transfer unit 155 then removes the plate PL with the observation object OB attached thereto from the unit 15 as an observation specimen and transfers it to the transport unit 121 (shown as "plate PL4" for distinction). The plate PL is then transported in a predetermined direction by the transport unit 121 and subjected to a heating treatment by the heating unit 122, thereby stretching the observation object on the plate PL. At the end of the transport by the transport unit 121, the confirmation unit 123 confirms whether the observation specimen has been properly prepared (shown as "plate PL5" for distinction). The transfer unit 14 removes the plate PL and the observation object OB thereon from the transport unit 121 as an observation specimen and stores them in the specimen storage section 13.

[0066] The timing of driving the unit 15 (e.g., the timing of moving the plate PL) can be determined by the operator pressing with his / her foot the input device 94 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) connected to the control unit 172. For example, after the plate PL from the pre-treatment unit 11 has been moved to a predetermined position by the unit 15, the operator can apply an object under observation OB onto the plate PL and then press the input device 94.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the specimen storage unit 13. The specimen storage unit 13 includes a frame member 130, an upper plate member 131A, a lower plate member 131B, and an atmosphere adjustment unit 132. The plates 131A and 131B are mounted on the frame member 130 while being inclined at a predetermined angle, and these plates 131A and 131B form a two-tiered rack 131. A plurality of storage units 1312 are provided at predetermined positions on the plates 131A and 131B. Each storage unit 1312 is formed by a pair of guide members 1312a and 1312b provided at a predetermined interval, allowing the case 1311 to be placed on and removed from the case 1311 in the first inclined direction d1. With such a pair of guide members 1312a and 1312b as one set of storage units 1312, multiple sets of storage units 1312 are provided on each of the plates 131A and 131B. With this configuration, the case 1311 is placed in one of the accommodation sections 1312 in a position inclined in the first inclination direction d1.

[0068] On the other hand, for the case 1311 placed in the storage section 1312 while inclined in the first inclined direction d1, the transfer unit 14 can store the observation specimen SPL from the second inclined direction d2 intersecting the first inclined direction d1, and can efficiently store it in the case 1311. Furthermore, since the inclined direction for placing the case 1311 in the storage section 1312 and removing the case 1311 from the storage section 1312 is set to the first inclined direction d1, the case 1311 can be handled easily and efficiently by an operator.

[0069] That is, the rack 131 is configured so that the case 1311 can be inserted and removed freely in a first inclined direction d1, and the case 1311 is configured so that the observation specimen SPL can be inserted and removed freely in a second inclined direction d2 while being held by the rack 131. As shown in Fig. 14 , the first inclined direction d1 is a direction facing inward and outward from the specimen storage unit 13 and obliquely upward, and the second inclined direction d2 is a direction facing inward and outward from the specimen storage unit 13 and obliquely downward.

[0070] In this configuration, the plate members 131A and 131B function as first defining portions 131s1 for defining the position in the direction d1 of each inserted case 1311. The guide members 1312a and 1312b function as second defining portions 131s2 for defining the position in the left-right direction of each inserted case 1311.

[0071] Here, for the second defining portion 131s2, a concave or valley-shaped engaging portion 1312cc is formed on each of the guide members 1312a and 1312b. Correspondingly, a convex or mountain-shaped engaging portion 1311cv is formed on each side surface of the case 1311. Such engaging portions 1311cv and engaged portions 1312cc guide the sliding of the case 1311 in the first inclined direction d1. From this perspective, the second defining portion 131s2 also contributes to defining the position of each inserted case 1311 in the direction d2. Note that the engaging portions 1311cv and engaged portions 1312cc may be formed in a concave or valley shape, and the engaged portions 1312cc may be formed in a convex or mountain shape, as long as they are capable of guiding the sliding of the case 1311.

[0072] Here, two plate materials, plate materials 131A and 131B, are illustrated, but the number of plate materials (i.e., the number of tiers of the rack) is not limited to this. Furthermore, the storage section 1312 of each of the plate materials 131A and 131B can store one or more cases 1311, each capable of storing a predetermined number of observation specimens SPL as one set. This makes it easier for the operator to manage multiple observation specimens SPL. This configuration allows multiple cases 1311 to be arranged side by side and vertically (in this embodiment, six cases 1311 in the horizontal direction and two cases 1311 in the vertical direction, for a total of 12 cases 1311, can be arranged). The rack 131 may be referred to as a case mounting section, and the frame member 130 and the plate materials 131A and 131B may be collectively referred to as the case mounting section.

[0073] In this embodiment, the atmosphere adjustment unit 132 is a blower installed below the plates 131A and 131B, and adjusts the atmosphere in the specimen storage section 13 to a desired environment. For example, the atmosphere adjustment unit 132 includes an environmental adjustment unit (not shown) that can maintain the atmosphere in the specimen storage section 13 at a desired temperature and / or a desired humidity. The atmosphere adjustment unit 132 may also be referred to as an environmental maintenance unit, an environmental management unit, an air conditioning unit, etc. Note that if the environment in which the specimen preparation device 1 (or specimen preparation system SY) is installed can itself be maintained at predetermined conditions, the atmosphere adjustment unit 132 may be omitted.

[0074] 3 and 4, opening / closing members 191, 192, 194, and 195, a plate 196, and a window member 197 are attached to the housing 100 so that the worker can see inside the housing 100 and / or can access the inside of the housing 100 as needed. All of these are partition members that, together with the housing 100, separate the inside and outside of the housing 100. An alarm lamp 182 is provided on the top of the housing 100, and the alarm lamp 182 lights up or flashes to notify the worker when access to the inside of the housing 100 is required.

[0075] The opening / closing member 191 is a light-transmitting cover that is provided on the upper part of the front wall portion F11 in a freely openable and closable manner, and in this embodiment is a pivoting door. By opening the opening / closing member 191, an operator can access the pre-treatment portion 11, and can, for example, replenish plates PL in the plate storage portion 111 or replace the plate storage portion 111 with a new one.

[0076] The opening / closing member 192 is a light-transmitting cover that is provided on the front wall F11 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. By opening the opening / closing member 192, the operator can access the specimen storage unit 13. For example, the operator can remove the observation specimen SPL by removing the case 1311 from the specimen storage unit 13.

[0077] The opening / closing member 194 is a door member that is provided on the side wall portion F12 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely and that includes a window member. By opening the opening / closing member 194, the operator can access each element of the post-processing portion 12, and can, for example, remove an observation specimen that has been determined by the confirmation unit 123 to have been improperly prepared.

[0078] The opening / closing member 195 is a door member that is provided on the side wall portion F14 so as to be able to open and close freely, and includes a window member, and in this embodiment is a pivoting door. The opening / closing member 195 is provided on the side wall portion F1 with a size that encompasses the operating range of the loading / unloading unit 14, for example, and opening the opening / closing member 195 allows an operator to easily perform maintenance inside the housing 100. The opening / closing member 195 may also be referred to as a maintenance door or the like.

[0079] By opening and closing each of the opening and closing members 191, 192, 194, and 195, it is possible to open or close an opening that communicates between the inside and outside of the specimen preparation device 1. For example, by opening and closing the opening and closing member 192, the opening OP13 that communicates between the inside and outside of the specimen storage facility is opened or closed.

[0080] The window member 197 is a light-transmitting plate member provided on the rear wall portion F15, allowing the operator to view the inside of the housing 100 from the rear side of the apparatus 1.

[0081] In this embodiment, the plate 196 is a light-transmitting plate fixed to the upper part of the front wall F11. The plate 196 exposes a part of the unit 15 (see FIGS. 6, 9, and 7) to the outside of the housing 100 as an area (application area) accessible to an operator for applying the object under observation OB. The application position P10 described with reference to FIG. 3 is included in this application area.

[0082] 3, a work auxiliary unit P11 on which the operator can place part of their arm or hand is provided near the application position P10. This allows the operator to place part of their own arm or hand on (contact with) the work auxiliary unit P11 to fix (stabilize) the object under observation OB when applying (placing) it on the plate PL at the application position P10, enabling the operator to apply the object under observation OB on the plate PL in a stable position. In this embodiment, the work auxiliary unit P11 is the upper edge of the corner side wall unit F13, but a dedicated member such as an armrest member may also be installed and utilized.

[0083] Here, in the unit 15, the rotary support base 1511 rotates, thereby moving one of the four holders 1512 to the application position P10. Meanwhile, the other three holders 1512 are positioned inside the housing 100. A predetermined gap is formed below the plate material 196 (between the plate material 196 and the upper surface of the rotary support base 1511 in this embodiment), and as the rotary support base 1511 rotates, each of the holders 1512 passes through this gap.

[0084] 3, the observation object attachment unit 15 and attachment position P10 (a part of the unit 15 exposed by the plate material 196) are provided close to a corner of the housing 100 (on the side of the corner side wall portion F13) and are set as the attachment region. Here, "close to the corner" means closer than other corners. This allows the operator to work efficiently with the specimen preparation device 1 and the work table 91.

[0085] In this embodiment, the distance between the observation object preparation device 92 and the unit 15 (at the attachment position P10) is short. This allows the operation of removing the observation object OB from the device 92 and transferring it to the unit 15 to be carried out efficiently. It is preferable that the vertical distance (height difference) between the unit 15 and the device 92 is short (for example, 50 cm or less, preferably 30 cm or less, and more preferably 20 cm or less). By positioning both of them above the waist and below the shoulders (lower), the burden on the operator's body is reduced, allowing the operator to work more efficiently. The height of the specimen preparation device 1 and / or the work table 91 may be adjusted so that these conditions are met.

[0086] Furthermore, the housing 100 of the specimen preparation device 1 has chamfered corners (including the corner sidewalls F13), thereby reducing interference between the operator's legs and the housing 100. To appropriately achieve this, the horizontal width of the corner sidewalls F13 may be, for example, approximately 10 cm, preferably approximately 15 cm or more. Furthermore, the first angle (interior angle) between the front wall F11 and the corner sidewalls F13 and the second angle between the side wall F12 and the corner sidewalls F13 may both be, for example, approximately 110 to 160 degrees, preferably approximately 130 to 140 degrees.

[0087] As can be seen from FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the corners of the housing 100 are chamfered by corner side wall portions F13 arranged over the entire area from the top to the bottom, but in other embodiments, the chamfered shape may be provided partially (for example, at the top and middle portions), as long as it is provided in the required locations.

[0088] [Configuration of the Holding Unit] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the holding unit 1512. The holding unit 1512 includes a mounting portion 201 and a wall portion 202. The mounting portion 201 forms a mounting surface for mounting the plate PL. It is preferably made of a material that is non-slip and has a shape (here, a long shape) that corresponds to the size of the plate PL. The mounting surface has an uneven surface. In this embodiment, contact portions (convex portions) 2011 that contact the back surface of the plate PL and non-contact portions (concave portions) 2012 that do not contact the back surface of the plate PL are alternately arranged in the lateral direction and in the longitudinal direction in a groove-like pattern. For example, if an excess amount of liquid is supplied onto the plate PL, the excess liquid will enter the non-contact portions 2012, thereby reducing adhesion that may occur due to the surface tension of the liquid that seeps into the contact portions (convex portions) 2011 that contact the back surface of the plate PL.

[0089] The wall portion 202 is provided on three sides of the mounting portion 201, and in this embodiment, includes side wall portions 2021 and 2022 and an end wall portion 2023. The side wall portions 2021 and 2022 are provided along the longitudinal direction at both ends in the shorter side direction of the mounting portion 201. The end wall portion 2023 is provided along the shorter side direction at one end of the longer side direction of the mounting portion 201. In this embodiment, the wall portions 2021 to 2023 are connected to each other; that is, the wall portion 202 is integrally molded in a substantially U-shape so that three sides of the mounting portion 201 are closed and the remaining side is open. Furthermore, the side walls 2021 and 2022 and the end wall 2023 include wall surfaces that extend upward from the mounting surface of the abutment portion 2011 to a height equal to or greater than the thickness of the plate PL, i.e., an inner peripheral surface is formed by a side wall surface 2021w included in the side wall 2021, a side wall surface 2022w included in the side wall 2022, and a side wall surface 2023w included in the end wall 2023. With this configuration, when the plate PL is placed on the mounting portion 201, the wall 202 surrounds three sides of the plate PL. The wall 202 may also be expressed as a frame or the like.

[0090] The wall 202 includes a lyophobic portion (liquid-repellent portion) at least on the surface. That is, at least the surface of the wall 202 is made of a lyophobic material that is difficult for liquid to mix with, or is surface-treated with a lyophobic material. For example, when water is used as the liquid, a hydrophobic or water-repellent silicone resin, fluororesin, or the like is used. The lyophobicity is a relative property that indicates the properties of a certain upper surface with respect to a liquid, and is typically determined based on whether the contact angle of a liquid droplet on the upper surface satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, when the contact angle of a liquid droplet is expressed as θ Ｗ When, for example, 45°<θ Ｗ , preferably 60°<θ Ｗ If the above condition is satisfied, the material may be determined to have lyophobicity.

[0091] In this embodiment, the mounting portion 201 and the wall portion 202 are integrally molded, but in another embodiment, all or part of the wall portion 202 may be configured as a separate member that can be attached to the mounting portion 201. Also, a member that has been subjected to a lyophobic treatment may be disposed on the upper part of the wall portion 202.

[0092] With this configuration, the holder 1512 properly holds the plate PL placed on the mounting unit 201 while surrounding it with the wall 202. The holder 1512 may also be referred to as a plate mounting member (or simply a mounting member), a base plate, a jig for preparing an observation specimen, or the like. When liquid is supplied onto the plate PL by the liquid supply unit 153, the liquid remains on the plate PL with a liquid level higher than the upper surface of the wall 202 due to the lyophobic portion of the wall 202, thereby properly forming a liquid pool on the plate PL. Furthermore, when the tilting mechanism 152 tilts the holder 1512 and the plate PL toward the open side of the wall 202 (the side where the wall 202 is not provided, the side opposite the end wall 2023), the liquid in the liquid pool flows toward the open side of the approximately U-shaped wall 202 and is discharged, thereby removing the liquid pool from the plate PL.

[0093] 10 shows a top view showing the configuration of the holder 1512 and a cross-sectional view taken along line dx1-dx1 illustrated at approximately the middle of the top view (hereinafter simply referred to as a "cross-sectional view." The same applies to other cross-sectional views of this embodiment). State S100 shows a top view and a cross-sectional view showing the state before the plate PL is placed on the holder 1512 (the state of only the holder 1512). State S101 shows a top view and a cross-sectional view showing the state after the plate PL is placed on the holder 1512. In this embodiment, the plate PL includes a placement portion 211 on which the observation object OB is to be placed, and a frosted portion 212 on which identification information 1131 can be printed.

[0094] As described above, tilting the plate PL using the tilting mechanism 152 allows the liquid in the liquid pool to be discharged (drained) from the open side of the approximately U-shaped wall portion 202, thereby making it possible to remove the liquid pool from the plate PL. That is, one end of the plate PL on the open side of the wall portion 202 corresponds to the end that is downstream in the direction of liquid flow (movement direction) when the liquid is discharged (the downstream end of the liquid drainage), and the other end on the opposite side (the side of the end wall portion 2023) corresponds to the end that is upstream (the upstream end of the liquid drainage). From this perspective, the end of the holder 1512 on the open side of the wall portion 202 may also be referred to as a drainage portion or the like.

[0095] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing each step of the preparation of the observation specimen SPL in the unit 15. The method of preparing the observation specimen SPL can be broadly divided into a step of forming a liquid pool W1 on the plate PL held by the holding part 1512, a step of placing the observation object OB on the liquid pool W1, and a step of fixing the observation object OB on the plate PL while removing the liquid pool W1.

[0096] State S200 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of tilting the plate PL together with the holder 1512 and then supplying liquid onto the plate PL. First, the holder 1512 and the plate PL, which are in a horizontal position, are tilted in a first direction indicated by the arrow to assume a first tilted position. As a result, the other end of the plate PL on the side of the end wall 2023 becomes lower than one end on the open side of the wall 202. The tilt angle at this time (the angle between the surface (upper surface) of the plate 1 and the horizontal plane: θ ２００ ) may be set to, for example, about 0.5 to 5 degrees, and in this embodiment, it is set to about 1 degree.

[0097] Next, the nozzle 1531 (of the liquid supply unit 153) supplies liquid onto the plate PL in state S200. As described above, the holder 1512 includes the lyophobic wall portion 202. Therefore, the inclination angle θ ２００ On the plate PL in the tilted position, the supplied liquid is blocked by the wall 202 and appropriately retains on the plate PL, thereby forming a liquid pool W1 on the plate PL. Specifically, the supplied liquid is repelled by the lyophobic effect of the wall 202 and retains on the plate PL, forming the liquid pool W1 so that its surface (the surface on which the object under observation OB will be placed later) is located above the upper surface of the wall 202. The depth of the liquid in the liquid pool W1 is deeper at the other end side, which is the end wall 2023 side, than at one end side, which is the open side of the wall 202.

[0098] State S201 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of placing the observation object OB on the liquid pool W1. The operator places the observation object OB on the liquid pool W1 using the tool T11. As described above, the liquid depth of the liquid pool W1 is deeper at the other end side, which is the end wall 2023 side, than at one end side, which is the open side of the wall 202. As will be described in detail later, at this stage, the operator may use the tool T11 to press and hold the observation object OB against the liquid pool W1 so that its position does not change. Note that the tilt angle in state S201 is defined as the tilt angle θ ２０１ (=θ ２００ ) is shown in the figure.

[0099] In state S202, the plate PL on which the object under observation OB is placed on the liquid reservoir W1 is tilted in a second direction opposite to the state S201 to assume a second tilted posture (tilt angle θ ２０２ ), and at the same time, a cross-sectional view showing a step of starting to discharge the liquid from the liquid reservoir W1. As a result, the liquid in the liquid reservoir W1 is guided to the one end side, which is the open side of the wall portion 202.

[0100] Here, in state S202, the liquid depth of the liquid pool W1 is shallower at the other end side, which is the end wall 2023 side, than at the one end side, which is the open side of the wall 202. Therefore, the object under observation OB is placed close to the surface of the plate PL at least from the other end side, and can come into direct contact with the surface of the plate PL at the other end side.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of further tilting the plate PL in the second direction to promote and complete the discharge of the liquid from the liquid pool W1 on the plate PL.

[0102] In state S203, the inclination angle of the plate PL is further increased (to an inclination posture steeper than the second inclination posture) to assume a third inclination posture (inclination angle θ ２０３ (>θ ２０２ )). In state S203, as the liquid in the liquid reservoir W1 is discharged, the liquid level of the liquid drops (the liquid moves toward the open side of the wall 202). As a result, the object under observation OB on the liquid reservoir W1 comes into direct contact with the surface of the plate PL at the other end side (the end wall 2023 side), and / or the area of ​​this contact increases. Meanwhile, at one end side (the open side of the wall 202), the object under observation OB remains located above the liquid reservoir W1.

[0103] In this state 203 (or the state 202 described above), the observation object OB is at least partially fixed on the plate surface on the upstream side of the drainage liquid, so the operator may remove the tool T11 from the observation object OB.

[0104] In state S204, the tilt angle of the plate PL is further increased (to a tilt posture steeper than the third tilt posture) to assume a fourth tilt posture (tilt angle θ ２０４ (>θ２０３ ) In state S204, the area where the object under observation OB on the liquid pool W1 is in contact with the surface of the plate PL becomes even larger. Accordingly, the object under observation OB can be attached to the surface of the plate PL without causing wrinkles, creases, etc. in the object under observation OB.

[0105] In state S205, the tilt angle of the plate PL is further increased (to a tilt attitude steeper than the fourth tilt attitude) to a fifth tilt attitude (tilt angle θ ２０５ (>θ ２０４ ) In state S205, the discharge of the liquid from the liquid pool W1 is completed, and the entire observation object OB is attached to the surface of the plate PL, thereby preparing the observation specimen SPL. ２０５ is, for example, about 40 to 60 degrees, and in this embodiment, it is about 55 degrees.

[0106] In summary, according to the steps of states S200 to S205, the observation object OB is continuously attached to the surface of the plate PL from the other end side (the end wall 2023 side) toward one end side (the open side of the wall 202) as the liquid spreading on the surface of the plate PL is discharged (the liquid flows out from between the observation object OB and the surface of the plate PL). That is, after the observation object OB is partially brought into contact with the surface of the plate PL on the upstream side of the drainage, the observation object OB comes into contact with the surface of the plate PL in order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the drainage. This ultimately makes it possible to fix the observation object OB to the surface of the plate PL. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the observation object OB is in a state where wrinkles, creases, etc. are eliminated on the plate PL, making it easier to observe, and the observation specimen SPL can be appropriately prepared.

[0107] [Regarding the Opening and Closing Member in the Specimen Storage Section] As described above, the transfer unit 14 transfers the observation specimen SPL from the transport unit 121 to the specimen storage section 13. Therefore, the case 1311 in which the observation specimen SPL is to be stored needs to be fixed at a predetermined position in the specimen storage section 13.

[0108] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the specimen storage unit 13 according to this embodiment. As described above, the opening / closing member 192 may be part of the specimen storage unit 13, and the specimen storage unit 13 may be expressed as a specimen storage facility 13. Here, to facilitate understanding of the internal structure, the exterior panels of the housing 100 are not shown. FIG. 16A shows a schematic side view of the opening / closing member 192 in an open state, and FIG. 16B shows a schematic side view of the opening / closing member 192 in a closed state. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the opening / closing member 192 in a closed state, showing a perspective view of the internal structure of the specimen storage unit 13.

[0109] The specimen storage unit 13 may further include an abutting member 81 that can abut against the case 1311. The abutting member 81 is rotatably fixed to the specimen storage unit 13 main body (here, a frame member or base, such as the connecting support member CF, that supports the exterior panel of the housing 100 of the specimen preparation device 1). The rotation axis of the abutting member 81 is illustrated as axis AX81 in FIG. 16A. That is, the axis AX81 functions as a rotation support that rotatably supports the abutting member 81 and is fixed to, for example, the rack 131. A plate-shaped member may typically be used for the abutting member 81, but it may be configured to abut against the case 1311. The abutting member 81 may be provided with a contact portion 811 as in this example, or the contact portion 811 may be omitted, and is not limited to this example. Because the case 1311 is pressed by abutment, the abutting member 81 may also be referred to as a pressing member. The plate-like member used as the abutting member 81 has a predetermined length in the left-right direction in which the multiple cases 1311 are arranged. Furthermore, if the rack 131 is made of metal or the like, the abutting member 81 may additionally be equipped with a magnet. In this case, the abutting member 81 can be fixedly abutted against the rack 131 and maintain a pressing state by the magnet being attracted to the rack 131. In this embodiment, a magnet that can achieve this is provided as the pressing member holder 812.

[0110] An engaging portion 82 is attached to the opening / closing member 192, and an engaged portion 83 is attached to the abutting member 81. The engaging portion 82 includes a roller 82a and a bracket 82b that axially supports the roller 82a so that it can rotate freely. The roller 82a may be attached to the bracket 82b using bolts, nuts, spacers, etc.

[0111] The engaged portion 83 includes a central portion 83c fixed to the abutting member 81, an end portion 83u extending from one side of the central portion 83c, and an end portion 83d extending from the other side of the central portion 83c. A C-shaped arm member is used for the engaged portion 83, and the shape connecting the central portion 83c, the end portions 83u, and the end portions 83d is illustrated as being bent in this example, but in other examples, the shape may be curved. Furthermore, the end portions 83u and 83d extending from the central portion 83c can each be referred to as arm portions, and the C-shaped arm member can also be expressed as a C-shaped member having two arm portions (C-shaped member).

[0112] When the open-close member 192 is in the open position (as shown in FIG. 16A ), the open-close member 192 is in the open position, and the abutting member 81 is tilted outward (toward the direction in which the case 1311 is removed) in a side view. In this state, the end 83u of the engaged portion 83 overlaps the roller 82a of the engaging portion 82 in the Z direction and is positioned outward relative to the end 83d. Therefore, when the open-close member 192 slides upward, the roller 82a moves upward and engages with the end 83u, causing the abutting member 81 to rotate inward. In this way, the open-close member 192 is in the closed state, and the abutting member 81 is tilted inward (see FIG. 16B ). In this state, the end 83u functions as a first engaged portion. According to this configuration, when the open / close member 192 is in the open state, the inside of the C-shaped arm member serving as the engaged portion 83 has a receiving opening facing downward for receiving the roller 82a from below.

[0113] When the open-close member 192 is in the closed position (see FIG. 16B ), the open-close member 192 is in the closed position, and the abutting member 81 is tilted inward, as described above. In this position, the end 83d of the engaged portion 83 overlaps the roller 82a of the engaging portion 82 in the Z direction and is positioned outward relative to the end 83u. Therefore, when the open-close member 192 slides downward, the roller 82a moves downward and engages with the end 83d, rotating the abutting member 81 outward as shown by the dashed arrow. In this manner, the open-close member 192 is in the open position, during which the abutting member 81 is tilted outward (see FIG. 16A ). In this case, the end 83d functions as a second engaged portion. According to this configuration, when the open-close member 192 is in the closed position, the inner side of the C-shaped arm member serving as the engaged portion 83 faces upward, with the receiving opening for receiving the roller 82a from above.

[0114] In view of the above, the end portion 83u may be expressed as the upper engaged portion, the end portion 83d may be expressed as the lower engaged portion, and the central portion 83c may be expressed as a connecting portion or a joining portion that joins / connects them.

[0115] The above-described positional relationship can be expressed as follows in terms of the movement locus Tr drawn by the roller 82a when the opening / closing member 192 is opened or closed: when the opening / closing member 192 is in the open position, the end 83u is located within the movement locus Tr, and the end 83d is located outside the movement locus Tr (see FIG. 16A). On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed position, the end 83d is located within the movement locus Tr (see FIG. 16B).

[0116] The specimen storage unit 13 main body may be provided with a sensor, such as a solenoid switch, that detects the open / close state of the opening / closing member 192, and may further be provided with an electromagnetic lock for determining the closed state of the opening / closing member 192. As an example, as shown in FIG. 19 , a sensor 84c that detects the position of the opening / closing member 192 may be provided (details of the operation of the sensor 84c will be described later). The sensor 84c is inserted into an insert member 1924 that is integrated with the opening / closing member 192 via a flange 1923, thereby enabling detection of the position (open or closed) of the opening / closing member 192. The electromagnetic lock may be installed so that the insert member 1924 is engaged within the sensor 84c, thereby fixing the opening / closing member 192 in the closed position.

[0117] 16A and 16B, the dashed arrows indicate the trajectories of the contact portion 811, the end portion 83u, and the end portion 83d when the abutting member 81 rotates. The angle between the central portion 83c and the end portion 83u, and the angle between the central portion 83c and the end portion 83d may be set so that the abutting member 81 rotates appropriately when the opening / closing member 192 moves up and down.

[0118] With this configuration, the abutting member 81 abuts against the case 1311 when the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed state, and moves away from the case 1311 when the opening / closing member 192 is in the open state. For example, an operator can open the opening / closing member 192 to move the abutting member 81 away from the case 1311 and remove the observation specimen SPL together with the case 1311 from the specimen storage unit 13. Thereafter, the operator can install a new case 1311 (or a case 1311 from which the observation specimen SPL has been collected) in the specimen storage unit 13 and close the opening / closing member 192 again. When the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed state, the newly installed case 1311 is pressed by the abutment of the abutting member 81 and fixed at a predetermined position (predetermined height). This allows the transfer unit 14 to appropriately transfer the observation specimen SPL from the transport unit 121 to the specimen storage section 13, and for example, allows the observation specimen SPL to be stored at a desired position in the case 1311.

[0119] It is possible that the case 1311 may be installed in an incorrect position relative to the rack 131 due to, for example, the case 1311 getting caught on the rack 131. In such a case, when the opening / closing member 192 transitions from the open state to the closed state, the abutting member 81 will abut against the case 1311 midway. In such a case, the opening / closing member 192 will be unable to transition to the closed state and will be restricted midway.

[0120] As described above, as the opening / closing member 192 opens and closes, the engaging portion 82 engages with the engaged portion 83 to move the abutting member 81 between a position where it abuts against the case 1311 and a position where it is spaced apart from the case 1311. From this perspective, the engaging portion 82 and the engaged portion 83 may be referred to as a movement mechanism. The opening / closing mechanism of the opening / closing member 192 may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, an air cylinder may be provided as a movement assist mechanism 1921 that assists the up-down movement of the opening / closing member 192 (see FIG. 15 ). Furthermore, a magnet may be provided as an opening / closing member holder 1922 that holds the opening / closing member 192 in the closed position (see FIG. 19 ).

[0121] Although a single case 1311 has been described as an example here, the same applies to the case where there are two or more cases 1311. That is, when the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed state, the two or more cases 1311 can all be fixed in a predetermined position by the abutment of the abutment member 81. The predetermined position is the position where the bottom 1311d of the case 1311 abuts against the first defining portion 131s1 of the plate member 131A or 131B (see FIGS. 16A and 16B ).

[0122] In this example, the rack 131 has two stages (a configuration using two plate materials, 131A and 131B), so two abutment members 81 are required, but the number of stages of the rack 131 is not limited to this example. For example, the rack 131 may have one stage, or three or more stages. When multiple abutment members 81 are provided (when the rack 131 has multiple stages), the multiple abutment members 81 rotate sequentially as the opening / closing member 192 moves up and down.

[0123] 17 shows an example of the system configuration of the specimen preparation apparatus 1. The control units 172 and / or 173 perform predetermined arithmetic processing based on, for example, a control signal received from outside the specimen preparation apparatus 1 (such as the input device 94), and perform specimen preparation based on the results. For example, as described above, the control unit 172 controls the drive of the pre-processing unit 11, the unit 15, and the post-processing unit 12. The specimen storage unit 13 further includes a sensor 84 capable of detecting the presence or absence of the observation specimen SPL held in the case 1311, and the control unit 173 can control the drive of the transfer unit 14 based on the detection result of the sensor 84. An infrared sensor or the like can be typically used as the sensor 84.

[0124] For example, if one or more observation specimens SPL remain in a case 1311 that has been newly installed in the specimen storage section 13, a signal indicating this is output by the sensor 84 to the control unit 173. Based on this signal, the control unit 173 controls the transfer unit 14 so as not to transfer the specimen to the case 1311 in which one or more observation specimens SPL remain. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which unrelated observation specimens SPL are mixed in the same case 1311 (for example, a situation in which old observation specimens SPL and new observation specimens SPL are mixed), and makes it possible to appropriately manage the observation specimens SPL on a case-1311 basis.

[0125] With this configuration, an operator can, for example, open the opening / closing member 192 to access the case 1311 in which one or more observation specimens SPL remain, and collect the remaining observation specimens SPL or replace them with other cases 1311.

[0126] Alternatively / additionally, the detection result by the sensor 84 may be output to the display terminal 96 and / or the operation display panel 181 as a status display unit. Fig. 18 shows an example of an image Im1 displayed on the display terminal 96 and / or the operation display panel 181.

[0127] Image Im1 includes images Im11, Im12, and Im13. Image Im11 can be clicked with a cursor or touched. For example, while specimen preparation is being performed in the specimen preparation device 1, the openable / closable member 192 is locked in a closed state, and the operator can unlock the openable / closable member 192 by inputting an operation to image Im11. This allows the operator to open and close the openable / closable member 192 by moving it up and down.

[0128] In this example, it is assumed that six storage sections 1312 are provided in the rack 131, and the six images Im12 here show the states of the six cases 1311 in the rack 131, respectively.

[0129] Each of the images Im12 indicates whether or not a case 1311 is stored in the corresponding storage section 1312, and, if a case 1311 is stored, whether or not an observation specimen SPL can be stored in the case 1311 by the transfer unit 14. For example: image Im12a indicates that the case 1311 is not stored; image Im12b indicates that the case 1311 is stored and that the case 1311 can store an observation specimen SPL (there is space for storing the observation specimen SPL); and image Im12c indicates that the case 1311 is stored, but that the case 1311 cannot store an observation specimen SPL (it is already filled with the observation specimen SPL).

[0130] The image Im12 described above is displayed based on the detection result by the sensor 84, but may also be displayed based on the detection result by other known sensors. For example, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the sensor 84 may be a first sensor 84, and a second sensor 84b may be provided that detects the presence or absence of the case 1311. Additionally / additionally, a third sensor 84c may be provided that detects the position of the opening / closing member 192, and in that case, the image Im12 may further indicate the open / closed state of the opening / closing member 192.

[0131] Specimen preparation in the specimen preparation device 1 is controlled based on the detection results of the above-mentioned sensors 84, 84b, and 84c, and can be suppressed or interrupted if the state of the device does not meet the criteria. For example, the control unit 173 (or 172) can output a stop command to stop the operation of the transfer unit 14. As an example, during the transfer operation of the transfer unit 14, the open / close member 192 is in a closed state (the third sensor 84c outputs an ON signal), the case 1311 is properly present (the second sensor 84b outputs an ON signal), and the observation specimen SPL can be stored (the first sensor 84 outputs an OFF signal or an ON signal. Note that the first sensor 84 outputs an OFF signal when there is no observation specimen SPL). Thereafter, for example, when an operator removes the case 1311 to retrieve the observation specimen SPL, the opening / closing member 192 is opened (the third sensor 84c outputs an OFF signal), and the case 1311 is removed together with the observation specimen SPL (the first and second sensors 84 and 84b output OFF signals). In other words, the first to third sensors 84, 84b and 84c all output OFF signals.

[0132] From this state, if all of the observation specimens SPL are collected, and the empty case 1311 is reinserted (the first sensor 84 outputs an OFF signal, and the second sensor 84b outputs an ON signal), it can be said that the transfer by the transfer unit 14 can be resumed. Therefore, in such a case, the output of a stop command can be suppressed. On the other hand, if all of the observation specimens SPL are not collected, and the case 1311 with some of the observation specimens SPL remaining is reinserted (the first sensor 84 outputs an ON signal, and the second sensor 84b outputs an ON signal), it can be said that the resumption of transfer by the transfer unit 14 should be suppressed from the perspective of preventing the mixing of the observation specimens SPL. Therefore, if the first sensor 84 outputs an ON signal when the second and third sensors 84b and 84c output ON signals after the first to third sensors 84, 84b, and 84c all output OFF signals, the stop command can be output.

[0133] In such a configuration, the control unit 173 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not to output a stop command, and makes this determination based on the detection results of the above-mentioned sensors 84, 84 b, and 84 c. By performing such control, it is possible to appropriately prevent situations unintended by the operator, such as incorrect management of the observation specimen SPL or incorrect preparation of the observation specimen SPL.

[0134] Moreover, here, the six images Im13 respectively indicate the types of the six cases 1311 described above. For example, each of the images Im13 indicates types A to C of the observation specimen SPL that is / should be stored in the case 1311 that is stored in the corresponding storage section 1312. For example, image Im13a indicates that the type of observation specimen SPL that should be stored in the case 1311 of the corresponding storage section 1312 is "type A." These types A to C may, for example, indicate the location of the observation object OB, the type of test for the observation object OB, or other uses. Here, three types A to C are exemplified, but there may be two or fewer types, or four or more types.

[0135] With this configuration, the operator can, for example, relatively easily recognize the purpose of the observation specimens SPL stored in each case 1311 and the availability of each case 1311, thereby making it possible to properly manage the observation specimens SPL on a case-by-case basis.

[0136] Summary of the Embodiment As described above, according to this embodiment, the specimen storage unit (specimen storage cabinet) 13 includes an opening / closing member 192 and an abutment member 81, which enable storage of an observation specimen SPL, which is a plate PL with an observation object OB attached thereto. The opening / closing member 192 is a sliding door attached to the specimen storage unit 13 body so as to be slidable in one direction (here, the Z direction) relative to the specimen storage unit 13 body. The abutment member 81 is rotatably fixed to the specimen storage unit 13 body, abuts against the case 1311 when the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed state, and moves away from the case 1311 when the opening / closing member 192 is in the open state. With this configuration, the case 1311, which stores the observation specimen SPL, is fixed in a predetermined position by the abutment member 81 when the opening / closing member 192 is in the closed state. This allows the observation specimen SPL to be properly stored in the case 1311, and the transfer unit 14 can properly transfer the observation specimen SPL from the transport unit 121 to the specimen storage unit 13.

[0137] In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 192 is a sliding door, but the opening / closing member 192 may be a door of another type, such as a revolving door, like the other opening / closing members 191, 194, and 195. In the case of a revolving door, a rotation shaft rotates when the door is opened or closed, and the engaging portion 82 simply needs to be attached to the rotation shaft, thereby rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft. Furthermore, the engaged portion 83 simply needs to be attached to the abutting member 81 so as to be engaged with the rotating engaging portion 82. That is, regardless of the type of door, the engaging portion 82 and the engaged portion 83 simply need to be installed so as to engage with or interfere with each other when the opening / closing member 192 is opened or closed.

[0138] In the above description, for ease of understanding, each element is denoted by a name related to its function. However, each element is not limited to having the content described in the embodiment as its main function, but may have such a function as an auxiliary function. Furthermore, the individual terms used in this specification are merely used for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the strict meaning of the terms. For example, the term "apparatus" may be replaced by "unit," "assembly," "device," "module," etc., and vice versa. Furthermore, the term "move" regarding an object may be replaced by "convey," "transfer," etc., and vice versa.

[0139] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0140] 13: specimen storage (specimen storage section), PL: plate, OB: object under observation, SPL: specimen to be observed, 192: opening / closing member, 81: contact member.

Claims

1. A specimen storage container for storing an observation specimen in which an object to be observed is attached to a plate, comprising: a case mounting section on which a case for storing the observation specimen can be mounted; a main body having an opening through which the case can move; an opening / closing member attached to the main body so as to be movable in one direction; a contact member configured to be able to contact a case for storing the observation specimen; a movement mechanism that moves the opening / closing member, the opening / closing member is provided to be movable between an open position at which the opening is opened and a closed position at which the opening is closed, the abutment member is provided to be movable between an abutment position where it abuts against the case placed on the case placing section and a spaced position where it is spaced from the case so that the case can be removed from the case placing section, The movement mechanism moves the contact member in response to movement of the opening / closing member. A specimen storage facility characterized by:

2. The moving mechanism moves the abutting member to the abutting position in response to movement of the opening / closing member to the closed position, and moves the abutting member to the separated position in response to movement of the opening / closing member to the open position.

2. The specimen storage facility of claim 1.

3. The moving mechanism includes: an engagement portion attached to the opening / closing member; an engaged portion attached to the abutting member and engaged with the engaging portion; Contains 2. The specimen storage facility of claim 1.

4. the engaged portion includes a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion, the first engaged portion engages with the engaging portion when the opening / closing member moves from the open position to the closed position; The second engaged portion engages with the engaging portion when the opening / closing member moves from the closed position to the open position.

4. The specimen storage facility according to claim 3.

5. the engaged portion further includes a connecting portion fixed to the abutting member, and the first engaged portion extending from one side of the connecting portion and the second engaged portion extending from the other side of the connecting portion form a C-shaped arm member; The case mounting portion has a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the abutting member.

5. The specimen storage facility according to claim 4.

6. The engaged portion is when the opening / closing member is located at the open position, the first engaged portion is located within a movement locus of the engaging portion, and the second engaged portion is located outside the movement locus of the engaging portion; When the opening / closing member is located at the closed position, the second engaged portion is located within the movement locus of the engaging portion. It is set up as follows:

6. The specimen storage facility according to claim 5.

7. The case placement section is a first determining portion that determines a position of the case in an insertion / removal direction in which the case can be inserted into or removed from the case placement portion; a second determining portion that determines the position of the case in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction; Further provided with 7. A specimen storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The opening / closing member is configured to be movable in the up and down direction, The body includes: a movement assisting mechanism that assists the opening / closing member in moving in the up and down direction; an opening / closing member holding portion that holds the opening / closing member at the closed position; Contains A specimen storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The case is configured to be able to accommodate one or more of the observation specimens, The body includes: a first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the observation specimen held in the case; a second sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the case placed on the case placement section; Contains A specimen storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a specimen storage facility according to claim 9; a status display unit that displays the status of the specimen storage facility; The state display unit displays the presence or absence of an observation specimen and / or a case for each of the plurality of cases arranged in a predetermined direction according to the detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor. A specimen storage device characterized by:

11. a third sensor for detecting the position of the opening / closing member; The state display unit displays, in response to a detection result of the third sensor, that the opening / closing member is in the closed position.

11. The specimen storage device of claim 10.

12. a transfer unit that transfers the observation specimen to the case; a control unit that controls the driving of the loading / unloading unit, The control unit controls the driving of the loading / unloading unit in accordance with the detection results of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor.

12. The specimen storage device of claim 11.

13. the control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether to output a stop command to stop the operation of the loading / unloading unit, the first sensor outputs an ON signal when the observation specimen is present, and outputs an OFF signal when the observation specimen is not present; the second sensor outputs an ON signal when the case is present, and outputs an OFF signal when the case is not present; the third sensor outputs an ON signal when the opening / closing member is in the closed position, and outputs an OFF signal when the opening / closing member is not in the closed position; The determination unit outputs a stop command when the first sensor outputs an ON signal when the second sensor and the third sensor output ON signals in a state in which all of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor output OFF signals.

13. The specimen storage device of claim 12.

14. a specimen storage device according to claim 12 or 13; a plate storage unit for storing the plate before the object under observation is attached; a unit for providing the object under observation, which is used when providing the object under observation on the plate; a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the plate after the object under observation has been attached, The transfer unit receives the plate as the observation specimen from the post-processing unit and transfers it to the case placed on the case placement unit. A specimen preparation device characterized by:

15. The abutment member holds the case in a predetermined position when the abutment member is in the abutment position.

2. The specimen storage facility of claim 1.