Placement mount for image acquisition device and image acquisition device

Abstract

This placement mount for an image acquisition device has disposed thereon a plurality of accommodation members capable of accommodating a plurality of sample retention members. The placement mount comprises: a base part that is provided so as to be capable of rotating about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction and has, on the upper surface thereof, a plurality of placement regions on which the plurality of accommodation members are respectively placed; and a positioning part that is provided to the base part and restricts the movement of the plurality of accommodation members to the rotation axis side. The placement regions include a first flat surface along a horizontal plane, and a first edge section forming a step positioned above the first flat surface. At least a portion of the first flat surface is positioned on the rotation axis side from the first edge section.

Description

Mounting Base for Image Acquisition Device and Image Acquisition Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting base for an image acquisition device and an image acquisition device.

[0002] In an image acquisition device that acquires an image of a sample held by a sample holding member such as a slide glass, a mounting base on which a plurality of storage members capable of storing a plurality of sample holding members are arranged is known. As this type of technology, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a carousel of a digital slide scanning device. In the carousel of the digital slide scanning device described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of slide racks (storage members) are placed on the upper surface of an annular base provided rotatable around a central axis. The upper surface of the base has an outer flat surface and an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the center.

[0003] Japanese Patent Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2021-502552

[0004] In the mounting base as described above, since the storage member can be arranged on the base in a state inclined toward the rotation axis side, when the base is rotated around the rotation axis as a base axis, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the storage member in a direction away from the rotation axis due to centrifugal force. However, it is difficult to accurately perform the processing for forming the inclined surface on the surface of the base. For example, depending on the accuracy of the inclined surface, the stability of the storage member arranged on the base may be impaired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting base for an image acquisition device and an image acquisition device capable of stably arranging a storage member while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0006] The display stand for the image acquisition device described herein is [1] "An image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a sample held by a sample holding member, wherein a plurality of storage members capable of accommodating a plurality of the sample holding members are arranged on a display stand, comprising: a base that is rotatable about a rotation axis along the vertical direction and has a plurality of mounting areas on its upper surface on which each of the plurality of storage members is placed; and a positioning part provided on the base that restricts the movement of the plurality of storage members toward the rotation axis, wherein the mounting area includes a first plane along a horizontal plane and a first edge portion that constitutes a step located above the first plane, and at least a part of the first plane is located toward the rotation axis side than the first edge portion, the display stand for the image acquisition device."

[0007] In the placement platform of the image acquisition device disclosed herein, the storage member can be placed on the placement area such that the bottom surface of the storage member contacts the first edge portion. This allows the storage member to be placed on the placement area in a state tilted toward the rotation axis, and reduces the contact area between the storage member and the upper surface of the base. Therefore, it is possible to stably position the storage member while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0008] The placement stand for the image acquisition device in this disclosure may also be [2] "the placement stand for the image acquisition device according to [1], wherein the positioning part is provided on the base and restricts the movement of the storage member toward the rotation axis by contacting the rotation axis side of the storage member placed on the placement area described above." In this case, the movement of the storage member toward the rotation axis can be restricted by contact between the rotation axis side of the storage member and the positioning part.

[0009] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be [3] "the mounting area described above includes a second plane provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the first plane and along a horizontal plane, and a first side surface connected to the rotation axis side of the second plane via the first edge portion and along a vertical plane, as described in [1] or [2]." In this case, the first edge portion can be formed by the intersection of the second plane and the first side surface.

[0010] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be [4] "the mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the mounting area further has a second edge portion that constitutes a step located below the first edge portion and on the side of the rotation axis." In this case, the storage member can be placed on the mounting area such that the bottom surface of the storage member further contacts the second edge portion. This ensures that the storage member is placed on the mounting area in a state tilted toward the rotation axis, and that the contact area between the storage member and the upper surface of the base is reduced.

[0011] The mounting platform for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be [5] "the mounting platform for the image acquisition device according to [4], wherein the mounting area described above is connected to the rotation axis side of the first plane via the second edge portion and includes a second side surface that is aligned with the vertical plane." In this case, the second edge portion can be formed by the intersection of the first plane and the second side surface.

[0012] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device in this disclosure may be [6] "the mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to [4] or [5], wherein the horizontal distance between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is A, and the height difference between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is B, and the ratio of B to A is 1% or more." In this case, it is possible to reliably place the storage member on the mounting area in an inwardly tilted state.

[0013] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be [7] "the mounting area described above further has a third edge portion located below the first edge portion and on the side of the rotation axis, and above the second edge portion and on the opposite side from the side of the rotation axis, as described in any of [4] to [6]." This makes it possible to bring the bottom surface of the storage member into contact with the third edge portion during the process of moving the storage member onto the mounting area toward the rotation axis side (for example, between the time the bottom surface of the storage member contacts the first edge portion and the time it contacts the second edge portion), thereby preventing the storage member from tilting too much.

[0014] The mounting platform for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be [8] "the mounting platform for the image acquisition device according to [7], wherein the mounting area is provided on the side opposite to the rotation axis side from the first plane and is aligned with the horizontal plane, and a third side surface is connected to the rotation axis side of the third plane via the third edge portion and is aligned with the vertical plane." In this case, the intersection portion of the third plane and the third side surface can form the third edge portion.

[0015] The placement stand for the image acquisition device in this disclosure may be [9] "the placement stand for the image acquisition device according to [7] or [8], wherein the storage member placed on the placement area is in contact with the first edge and the second edge, and does not come into contact with the third edge." This makes it possible to stably place the storage member when the placement area includes the first to third edges.

[0016] The display stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be

[10] "a display stand for the image acquisition device according to any one of [1] to [9], comprising: a plurality of partitions erected on the base and dividing a plurality of the aforementioned display areas; and a ceiling portion provided to span the plurality of partitions, wherein the ceiling portion has a first biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the aforementioned display area from above." In this case, the storage member placed on the display area can be held by the first biasing member.

[0017] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may also be

[11] "the mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to

[10] , which comprises an adapter attached to the ceiling side between the base and the ceiling, wherein the adapter has a second biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the mounting area from above." This allows the adapter to hold a storage member with a low height when it is placed on the mounting area.

[0018] The mounting stand for the image acquisition device of the present disclosure may be

[12] "a mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to any one of [1] to

[11] , which is erected on the base and comprises a plurality of partitions that divide a plurality of the aforementioned mounting areas, and the partitions each have a third biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the aforementioned mounting area from the side." The third biasing member can hold the storage member placed on the mounting area.

[0019] The image acquisition apparatus of the present disclosure is

[13] "an image acquisition apparatus comprising: a placement stand for the image acquisition apparatus described in any of [1] to

[11] ; an imaging unit for imaging the sample holding member; and a transport unit for transporting the sample holding member between the storage member placed on the placement stand and the imaging unit." This image acquisition apparatus also includes the above-mentioned placement stand, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effect of being able to stably position the storage member while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an image acquisition device and an image acquisition device that can stably arrange storage members while preventing positional displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image acquisition device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the image acquisition device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the mounting stand of Figure 1. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view showing the first slide rack. Figure 4(b) is a perspective view showing the second slide rack. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a part of the cross section along the V-V line of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the base, positioning part, and partition part of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the base of Figure 3. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an enlarged part of Figure 5. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the ceiling part of Figure 3. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the first biasing member of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the ceiling part and adapter of Figure 3. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the adapter of Figure 11. Figure 13 is another perspective view showing the base, positioning part, and partition part of Figure 3. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the third biasing member of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8, showing the intermediate state when the slide rack is being moved onto the mounting area. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8 showing the base of the first modified example. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8 showing the base of the second modified example. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8 showing the base of the third modified example.

[0022] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image acquisition device 100 is a device for acquiring images of a sample held in a sample holding member. The sample holding member is a plate-shaped member, such as a microplate, a slide, a glass slide, or a petri dish. Here, a long rectangular glass slide S is used as the sample holding member. Examples of samples to be observed include human or animal cells, tissues, organs, animals or plants themselves, plant cells, tissues, etc. The sample may be contained in a solution, a gel, or a substance with a different refractive index from the sample.

[0024] The image acquisition device 100 comprises a placement table 1, an imaging unit 2, and a transport unit 3. The placement table 1 is a table on which multiple slide racks (storage members) 5, each capable of storing multiple slide glasses S, are arranged in the image acquisition device 100. The imaging unit 2 images the slide glasses S. Here, a slide scanner is used as the imaging unit 2 to acquire and display an image of the sample held on the slide glass S. For example, the imaging unit 2 irradiates the sample on the slide glass S with planar light and acquires image data of the inside of the sample by imaging the fluorescence or scattered light generated inside the sample. The transport unit 3 transports the slide glasses S between the slide racks 5 arranged on the placement table 1 and the imaging unit 2. For example, a loader unit and an unloader unit can be used as the transport unit 3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the display stand 1 is arranged with multiple slide racks 5, consisting of multiple first slide racks 5A and multiple second slide racks 5B. As shown in Figures 3, 4(a), 4(b), and 5, the slide rack 5 stores multiple microscope slides S so that they overlap with gaps in the height direction of the slide rack 5 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "height direction"). Multiple microscope slides S are arranged in the slide rack 5 with their thickness direction as the height direction. The illustrated slide rack 5 has an elongated outer shape in plan view. An insertion / removal opening 55 for inserting and removing microscope slides S is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the slide rack 5. The slide rack 5 is also referred to as a slide basket or slide cassette.

[0026] The slide rack 5 has a flat bottom plate 51 and a flat top plate 52 provided above the bottom plate 51. Between the bottom plate 51 and the top plate 52, there are multiple shelves 53 on which slide glass S can be placed, arranged along the height direction. On both sides of the slide rack 5, there are protruding ridges 56 that project outward in a mountain shape and extend along the height direction. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the first slide rack 5A is taller than the second slide rack 5B. The first slide rack 5A can store more slide glass S than the second slide rack 5B.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the mounting base 1 comprises a rotating stage 11, a base 12, a positioning unit 13, a partition 14, a ceiling unit 15, and an adapter 16. The rotating stage 11 supports the base 12 from below and rotates the base 12 around a rotation axis G that runs in the vertical direction by a driving force such as a motor. The base 12 is an annular member with the rotation axis G as its central axis. In the illustrated example, the base 12 is a plate-like member that has an annular shape in plan view and whose thickness is in the vertical direction. The base 12 rotates on one side and the other side in the rotational direction around the rotation axis G by the rotating stage 11. In other words, the base 12 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis G.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, the base 12 has a plurality of mounting areas 20 on its upper surface, on which each of the plurality of slide racks 5 is placed. The mounting areas 20 are arranged on the upper surface of the base 12 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. The mounting areas 20 are elongated areas corresponding to the outer shape (footprint) of the slide rack 5 in a plan view. The longitudinal direction of the mounting areas 20 is aligned with the radial direction of the base 12.

[0029] The mounting area 20 includes a first plane 21, a second plane 22, a third plane 23, a first edge portion 31, a second edge portion 32, a third edge portion 33, a first side surface 41, a second side surface 42, and a third side surface 43. The first plane 21 is a plane that follows the horizontal plane. The first plane 21 is wider than the second plane 22 and the third plane 23. The second plane 22 is a plane that follows the horizontal plane. The second plane 22 is located outside the first plane 21 (on the opposite side from the rotation axis G), and in the illustrated example, it is located at the edge of the mounting area 20. The third plane 23 is a plane that follows the horizontal plane. The third plane 23 is located outside the first plane 21 and inside the second plane 22 (on the rotation axis G side).

[0030] The first edge portion 31 constitutes a step located above the first plane 21. In a plan view, the first edge portion 31 extends linearly in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the base portion 12. The second edge portion 32 constitutes a step located below and inward from the first edge portion 31. In a plan view, the second edge portion 32 extends linearly parallel to the first edge portion 31. The third edge portion 33 constitutes a step located below and inward from the first edge portion 31, and above and outward from the second edge portion 32. In a plan view, the third edge portion 33 extends linearly parallel to the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32.

[0031] The first side surface 41 is a plane that is connected to the inside of the second plane 22 via the first edge portion 31 and is aligned with the vertical plane. In a plan view, the first side surface 41 extends linearly in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the base portion 12. The second side surface 42 is a plane that is connected to the inside of the first plane 21 via the second edge portion 32 and is aligned with the vertical plane. In a plan view, the second side surface 42 extends linearly parallel to the first side surface 41. The third side surface 43 is a plane that is connected to the third plane 23 via the third edge portion 33 and is aligned with the vertical plane. In a plan view, the third side surface 43 extends linearly parallel to the first side surface 41 and the second side surface 42.

[0032] If the horizontal distance between the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32 (edge ​​distance) is A, and the height difference between the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32 is B, then the ratio of B to A is 1% or more. Distance A is less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the bottom plate 51 of the slide rack 5. For example, if the longitudinal dimension of the bottom plate 51 of the slide rack 5 is about 60 mm and the longitudinal dimension of the slide glass S is 76 mm, then distance A is 38 mm or more and height difference B is 0.38 mm. For example, the inclination angle of the straight line connecting the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32 with respect to the horizontal line in a vertical cross-sectional view may be 0.5° to 7.0°, or it may be 5.0°.

[0033] The inner edge of the first plane 21 is located inside the first edge portion 31. In other words, at least a portion of the first plane 21 is located inside the first edge portion 31. When the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 is in contact with the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32, it does not come into contact with the third edge portion 33 (see Figure 8). For example, in a vertical cross-sectional view, the third edge portion 33 is located below the line connecting the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32. The slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane at the aforementioned inclination angle of the line connecting the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32, such that the insertion / removal opening 55 side faces upward (the insertion / removal opening 55 side is located above the opposite side).

[0034] The positioning part 13 is provided on the base part 12. The positioning part 13 is an annular (in this case, circular) member coaxial with the base part 12. The positioning part 13 is provided so as to protrude above the first plane 21. The positioning part 13 is positioned adjacent to the inside of the mounting area 20. Such a positioning part 13 positions the slide rack 5 by contacting the inside of the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20, thereby restricting the inward movement of the slide rack 5.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the partition portion 14 is erected (placed upright) on the base portion 12. The partition portion 14 divides a plurality of mounting areas 20. The partition portion 14 is a wall portion that extends radially and is provided at positions adjacent to one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each mounting area 20.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 9, the ceiling portion 15 is provided so as to span the upper parts of the multiple partition portions 14. The ceiling portion 15 is an annular (here, circular) plate-shaped member coaxial with the base portion 12. The distance between the ceiling portion 15 and the mounting area 20 corresponds to the height of the first slide rack 5A. A gap is formed between the lower surface of the ceiling portion 15 and the top plate 52 of the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20. In a vertical cross-sectional view, the lower surface of the ceiling portion 15 includes an inclined surface 15a that is inclined in accordance with the inclination angle of the straight line connecting the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32.

[0037] The ceiling portion 15 has a first biasing member 17 that biases the first slide rack 5A, which is placed on the mounting area 20, from above. The first biasing member 17 holds the first slide rack 5A in place. The first biasing member 17 is, for example, a leaf spring, with a bent portion 17a formed on its tip side (see Figure 10). The bent portion 17a is a plate-shaped part that is bent to form an R shape. The bent portion 17a contacts the upper surface of the top plate 52 of the first slide rack 5A. The base end of the first biasing member 17 is fixed to the lower surface of the ceiling portion 15 with screws or the like.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3, 11, and 12, the adapter 16 is a component attached to the ceiling portion 15 between the base portion 12 and the ceiling portion 15. The adapter 16 has a width corresponding to the distance between a pair of adjacent partition portions 14. Mounting protrusions 16a are formed on both sides of the adapter 16. The protrusions 16a fit into mounting grooves 14z (see Figure 9) formed on the upper part of the partition portion 14. In this way, the adapter 16 is detachably fixed to the partition portion 14. The distance between the adapter 16 fixed to the partition portion 14 and the base portion 12 corresponds to the height of the second slide rack 5B.

[0039] The adapter 16 has a second biasing member 18 that biases the second slide rack 5B, which is placed on the mounting area 20, from above. The second biasing member 18 is provided at the lower part of the adapter 16 and is configured similarly to the first biasing member 17. The second biasing member 18 holds the second slide rack 5B in place. The second biasing member 18 is, for example, a leaf spring, with a bent portion 18a formed at its tip. The bent portion 18a is a plate-shaped part that is bent to form an R shape. The bent portion 18a contacts the upper surface of the top plate 52 of the second slide rack 5B. The base end of the second biasing member 18 is fixed to the lower surface of the ceiling portion 15 with screws or the like.

[0040] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the partition 14 has a third biasing member 19 that biases the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 from the side. The third biasing member 19 is provided on the lower side of one of a pair of adjacent partition 14. The third biasing member 19 is, for example, a leaf spring. The tip of the third biasing member 19 is divided into two parts, with a first bent portion 19a and a second bent portion 19b formed on the tip side. The third biasing member 19 presses down on and holds the slide rack 5.

[0041] The first bent portion 19a and the second bent portion 19b are plate-shaped parts that are bent to form an R shape. The first bent portion 19a abuts against the surface of the protruding portion 56 of the first slide rack 5A placed on the mounting area 20, on the insertion / removal opening 55 side, and catches on the protruding portion 56. When the first slide rack 5A is placed on the mounting area 20 (when the first slide rack 5A is inserted onto the mounting area 20), the first bent portion 19a creates a clicking sensation as it moves over the protruding portion 56 towards the insertion / removal opening 55 side.

[0042] The second bent portion 19b is located closer to the tip than the first bent portion 19a. The second bent portion 19b contacts the surface of the protruding portion 56 of the second slide rack 5B, which is placed on the mounting area 20, on the insertion / removal opening 55 side, and catches on the protruding portion 56. When the second slide rack 5B is placed on the mounting area 20 (when the second slide rack 5B is inserted onto the mounting area 20), the second bent portion 19b creates a clicking sensation as it moves over the protruding portion 56 towards the insertion / removal opening 55 side. The base end of the third biasing member 19 is fixed to the partition portion 14 with a screw or the like.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 3 comprises a main unit 61, a gripper 62, and a rotating mechanism 63. The gripper 62 holds one end of the slide glass S. The gripper 62 is provided on the main unit 61. The gripper 62 is provided on the main unit 61 so as to be able to move back and forth along the horizontal direction. The configuration of the gripper 62 is not particularly limited, and various known configurations can be used.

[0044] The rotating mechanism 63 rotates the main body unit 61 around the conveyance rotation axis along the vertical direction, thereby moving the gripper 62 between a first position corresponding to the imaging unit 2 and a second position corresponding to the slide rack 5. The configuration for realizing such movement by the rotating mechanism 63 is not particularly limited, and various known configurations can be used.

[0045] The first position is, for example, a position where the gripper 62 can approach the imaging unit 2. The first position is, for example, a position where the gripper 62 can transfer the slide glass S to the imaging unit 2 when the gripper 62 is extended. The gripper 62 transfers the held slide glass S to the imaging unit 2 by advancing and retreating the slide glass S at the first position. The second position is, for example, a position where the gripper 62 can approach the slide rack 5 arranged on the placement table 1. The second position is, for example, a position where the gripper 62 can transfer the slide glass S to the slide rack 5 when the gripper 62 is extended. The gripper 62 transfers the held slide glass S to the slide rack 5 by advancing and retreating the slide glass S at the second position.

[0046] As described above, on the placement table 1, as shown in FIG. 8, the slide rack 5 can be placed on the placement area 20 such that the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 contacts the first edge portion 31. Thereby, the slide rack 5 can be arranged on the placement area 20 in a state of being inclined inward (a state of being inclined with respect to the horizontal plane such that the insertion and extraction port 55 side faces upward). It is possible to prevent displacement due to centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the base portion 12 about the rotation axis G.

[0047] At the same time, since the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 comes into contact (line contact) with the first edge portion 31, the contact area between the slide rack 5 and the upper surface of the base portion 12 can be reduced as compared with the case where the slide rack 5 is mainly arranged in surface contact. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the slide rack 5 becoming unstable due to the accuracy of the surface with which the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 comes into contact, and it becomes possible to stably arrange the slide rack 5. Therefore, according to the placement table 1, it is possible to stably arrange the slide rack 5 while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force. In addition, since high machining accuracy is not required for each component of the placement area 20, the placement table 1 can be manufactured at a low cost and simply.

[0048] In the placement table 1, the positioning portion 13 is provided on the base portion 12 and contacts the inside of the slide rack 5 placed on the placement area 20, thereby restricting the movement of the slide rack 5 inward. In this case, the movement of the slide rack 5 inward can be restricted by the contact between the inside of the slide rack 5 and the positioning portion 13.

[0049] In the placement table 1, the placement area 20 includes a second plane 22 provided outside the first plane 21 and a first side surface 41 connected to the inside of the second plane 22 via the first edge portion 31. In this case, the first edge portion 31 can be formed by the intersection of the second plane 22 and the first side surface 41.

[0050] In the placement table 1, the placement area 20 further has a second edge portion 32 that forms a step located below and inside the first edge portion 31. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the slide rack 5 can be placed on the placement area 20 such that the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 further contacts the second edge portion 32. Thereby, it is possible to surely reduce the contact area between the slide rack 5 and the upper surface of the base portion 12 while placing the slide rack 5 on the placement area 20 in an inwardly inclined state.

[0051] In the placement table 1, the placement area 20 includes a second side surface 42 connected to the inside of the first plane 21 via the second edge portion 32. In this case, the second edge portion 32 can be formed by the intersection of the first plane 21 and the second side surface 42.

[0052] In the placement stand 1, if A is the horizontal distance between the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32, and B is the height difference between the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32, then the ratio of B to A is 1% or more. In this case, it is possible to reliably place the slide rack 5 on the mounting area 20 with it tilted inward.

[0053] On the mounting base 1, the mounting area 20 has a third edge portion 33 located below and inward from the first edge portion 31, and above and outward from the second edge portion 32. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, when the slide rack 5 is moved inward onto the mounting area 20 (for example, between the time the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 contacts the first edge portion 31 and the time it contacts the second edge portion 32), the bottom surface of the slide rack 5 can come into contact with the third edge portion 33, thereby preventing the slide rack 5 from tilting excessively. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the slide rack 5.

[0054] In the placement platform 1, the mounting area 20 includes a third plane 23 provided outside the first plane 21, and a third side surface 43 connected to the inside of the third plane 23 via a third edge portion 33. In this case, the third edge portion 33 can be formed by the intersection of the third plane 23 and the third side surface 43.

[0055] On the placement stand 1, when the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 is in contact with the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32, it does not come into contact with the third edge portion 33. This prevents, for example, an excess of support points for the slide rack 5 when the mounting area 20 includes the first edge portion 31, the second edge portion 32, and the third edge portion 33, and makes it possible to stably position the slide rack 5.

[0056] The mounting base 1 comprises a plurality of partition sections 14 erected on a base 12, and a ceiling section 15 provided to span the plurality of partition sections 14. The ceiling section 15 has a first biasing member 17 that biases the first slide rack 5A placed on the mounting area 20 from above. In this case, the first biasing member 17 can hold the first slide rack 5A placed on the mounting area 20.

[0057] The mounting base 1 includes an adapter 16 attached to the ceiling portion 15 between the base portion 12 and the ceiling portion 15. The adapter 16 has a second biasing member 18 that biases the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 from above. As a result, when a second slide rack 5B with a lower height is placed on the mounting area 20, the adapter 16 can hold the second slide rack 5B.

[0058] The mounting base 1 has a partition 14 which has a third biasing member 19 that biases the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20 from the side. The third biasing member 19 can hold the slide rack 5 placed on the mounting area 20.

[0059] The image acquisition device 100 comprises a placement table 1, an imaging unit 2, and a transport unit 3. Because the image acquisition device 100 also includes a placement table 1, it provides the above-mentioned effects, such as the ability to stably position the storage members while preventing positional displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0060] The embodiments described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0061] The above embodiment may also include a base 212 shown in Figure 16 instead of the base 12 (see Figure 8). The base 212 has a mounting area 220 on its upper surface on which the slide rack 5 is placed. The mounting area 220 differs from the mounting area 20 (see Figure 8) in that it does not include the third edge portion 33 and the third side surface 43. Even with such a base 212, the above effect is achieved in which the slide rack 5 can be stably positioned while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0062] The above embodiment may also include a base 312 shown in Figure 17 instead of the base 12 (see Figure 8). The base 212 has a mounting area 320 on its upper surface on which the slide rack 5 is placed. The mounting area 320 differs from the mounting area 20 (see Figure 8) in that it does not include the second edge portion 32, the third edge portion 33, the second side portion 42, and the third side portion 43. Even with such a base 312, the above effect is achieved in which the slide rack 5 can be stably positioned while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force.

[0063] The above embodiment may include a base 412 shown in Figure 18 instead of the base 12 (see Figure 8). The base 412 has a mounting area 420 on its upper surface on which the slide rack 5 is placed. The mounting area 420 differs from the mounting area 20 (see Figure 8) in that it does not include the second edge portion 32 and the second side surface 42. The mounting area 420 includes a first protrusion 71 provided on the outside of the first plane 21 and a second protrusion 72 provided on the inside of the first plane 21. The first protrusion 71 is provided so as to project upward, has a flat top surface, and extends linearly in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the base 12. The first protrusion 71 is higher than the second protrusion 72. The inner corner of the top of the first protrusion 71 constitutes the first edge portion 31. The second protrusion 72 is provided to project upward, has a flat top surface, and extends linearly in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the base 12. The second protrusion 72 is lower than the first protrusion 71. The inner corner of the top of the second protrusion 72 constitutes the second edge portion 32.

[0064] Even with the mounting stand 1 equipped with such a base 412, the above effect is achieved, which allows for stable placement of the slide rack 5 while preventing displacement due to centrifugal force. In this modified example, the first edge portion 31 and the second edge portion 32 are made up of a first convex portion 71 and a second convex portion 72, but similarly, the third edge portion 33 may be made up of a convex portion. At least one of the first edge portion 31, the second edge portion 32, and the third edge portion 33 may be made up of a convex portion.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the structure of the positioning part 13 is not particularly limited and may be provided separately for each mounting area 20, or it may be provided integrally with the base 12. The positioning part 13 only needs to restrict movement inward of the slide rack 5. In the above embodiment, a portion corresponding to at least a part of the mounting area 20 may be provided separately from the base 12.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the number of edges included in the mounting area 20 is not particularly limited and may be four or more. In the above embodiment, openings (through holes) may be formed at various locations on the placement stand 1. Such openings allow for weight reduction and have the effect of allowing debris to escape to the area below the placement stand 1.

[0067] The components in the above embodiments and modifications are not limited to the materials and shapes described above, and various materials and shapes can be applied. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments and modifications can be arbitrarily applied to the components in other embodiments or modifications.

[0068] 1...Placement stage, 2...Imaging unit, 3...Transport unit, 5...Slide rack (storage member), 5A...First slide rack (storage member), 5B...Second slide rack (storage member), 12, 212, 312, 412...Base, 13...Positioning unit, 14...Partition unit, 15...Ceiling unit, 16...Adapter, 17...First biasing member, 18...Second biasing member, 19...Third biasing member, 20, 220, 320, 420...Placement area, 21...First plane, 22...Second plane, 23...Third plane, 31...First edge, 32...Second edge, 33...Third edge, 41...First side, 42...Second side, 43...Third side, 61...Main unit, 62...Gripper, 100...Image acquisition device, G...Rotation axis, S...Slide glass (sample holding member).

Claims

1. An image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a sample held by a sample holding member, comprising a display stand on which a plurality of storage members capable of accommodating a plurality of the sample holding members are arranged, the display stand comprising: a base portion rotatably mounted around a rotation axis along the vertical direction and having a plurality of mounting areas on its upper surface on which each of the plurality of storage members is placed; and a positioning portion provided on the base portion for restricting the movement of the plurality of storage members toward the rotation axis, wherein the mounting area includes a first plane along a horizontal plane and a first edge portion forming a step located above the first plane, and at least a portion of the first plane is located toward the rotation axis side than the first edge portion, the display stand for an image acquisition device.

2. The positioning portion is provided on the base and restricts the movement of the storage member toward the rotation axis by contacting the rotation axis side of the storage member placed on the aforementioned placement area, as described in claim 1.

3. The mounting area includes a second plane provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis from the first plane and aligned with the horizontal plane, and a first side surface connected to the rotation axis side of the second plane via the first edge and aligned with the vertical plane, according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mounting area further has a second edge portion that constitutes a step located below the first edge portion and on the side of the rotation axis, the mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mounting area includes a second side surface that is connected to the rotation axis side of the first plane via the second edge and is aligned with the vertical plane, according to claim 4.

6. The mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the horizontal distance between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is A, and the height difference between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is B, the ratio of B to A is 1% or more.

7. The mounting area further has a third edge portion located below the first edge portion and on the side of the rotation axis, and above the second edge portion and on the side opposite to the side of the rotation axis, the mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The mounting area includes a third plane provided on the side opposite to the rotation axis side from the first plane and aligned with the horizontal plane, and a third side surface connected to the rotation axis side of the third plane via the third edge and aligned with the vertical plane, according to claim 7.

9. The mounting stand for the image acquisition device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the storage member placed on the mounting area does not come into contact with the third edge when it is in contact with the first edge and the second edge.

10. An image acquisition device placement stand according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: a plurality of partitions erected on the base and dividing a plurality of the aforementioned placement areas; and a ceiling portion provided to span the plurality of partitions, wherein the ceiling portion has a first biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the aforementioned placement areas from above.

11. The placement stand for an image acquisition device according to claim 10, comprising an adapter attached to the ceiling portion between the base portion and the ceiling portion, wherein the adapter has a second biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the aforementioned placement area from above.

12. An image acquisition device placement stand according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of partitions erected on the base and dividing a plurality of the aforementioned placement areas, wherein each partition has a third biasing member that biases the storage member placed on the aforementioned placement area from the side.

13. An image acquisition device comprising: a placement stand for an image acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an imaging unit for imaging the sample holding member; and a transport unit for transporting the sample holding member between the storage member placed on the placement stand and the imaging unit.

Images