Thin section transport device and thin section specimen preparation system

Abstract

Provided is a thin section transport device or the like capable of placing, on a water flow, a thin section cut out from a specimen block so as to be in an extended state and be oriented appropriately. In a thin section specimen preparation system that transfers, onto a substrate, a thin section thinly cut from a specimen block, this thin section transport device is configured to transport the thin section, and comprises: a channel (34) that is disposed downstream of a thin cutting blade (20) for thinly cutting the specimen block, and that is configured to transport a thin section (3) thinly cut by the thin cutting blade (20) in the longitudinal direction of the channel (34) by the flow of a liquid; and at least one nozzle (353) that is disposed upstream of the channel (34), and that is configured to discharge the liquid toward the cutting edge of the thin cutting blade (20) so that the liquid is injected into the channel (34).

Description

Thin Section Transport Device and Thin Section Specimen Preparation System

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

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

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

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

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic thin section specimen preparation device that fixes the prepared thin sections on a substrate and automatically prepares a thin section specimen. In this device, the cut thin sections are adsorbed and transported to the tip of an arm portion, and when the arm portion reaches above the water tank, the arm portion is lowered to immerse the tip in the water, thereby immersing the thin sections in the water to make them float, and this thin section is to be scooped up by a slide glass held by a slide glass handling robot.

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

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

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

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

[0010] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-534461, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-192606, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-26176, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-180546, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-261794, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-95589

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

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

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

[0014] On the other hand, even when transporting thin sections by water flow, when the sections are cut from the specimen block, they tend to curl or stick to the cutting blade. Therefore, in the past, human intervention was necessary before the cut sections could be placed in the water flow. In other words, it was difficult to automate the series of operations of placing the thin sections cut from the specimen block in an extended state and in the appropriate orientation (for example, the same orientation as the slide glass) in the water flow and transporting them to the position where they would be picked up by the substrate.

[0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a thin section transport device and a thin section preparation system that can carry thin sections cut from a specimen block in a water flow so that they are in an extended state and in an appropriate orientation.

[0016] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a section transport device configured to transport section pieces in a section preparation system for transferring section pieces sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising: a water channel arranged downstream of a slicing blade that slices a specimen block, configured to transport the section pieces sliced ​​by the slicing blade along the longitudinal direction of the water channel by the flow of liquid; and one or more nozzles arranged upstream of the water channel, configured to discharge liquid toward the cutting edge of the slicing blade and inject it into the water channel.

[0017] In the above-described thin slice conveying device, the nozzles may be arranged on both ends of the thin slice blade.

[0018] In the above-described slice conveying device, the flow velocity of the liquid discharged from the nozzles located at both ends of the slice blade may be controlled to reach approximately the center of the slice blade.

[0019] In the above-described thin slice conveying device, the waterway has a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom, and further comprises two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, wherein the belt surfaces of each belt are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the waterway, and the conveying waterway may be configured to convey the thin slices by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a thin section preparation system comprising: a thin section conveying device; and a cutter unit attached to the upstream end of the thin section conveying device, which holds the thin sectioning blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel.

[0021] In the above-described thin sectioning system, the direction in which the cutting edge extends and the longitudinal direction of the water channel do not necessarily have to be perpendicular.

[0022] According to the present invention, thin sections cut from a specimen block can be carried by a water flow in an extended state and in the appropriate orientation.

[0023] This is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a thin section preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing the schematic configuration of a thin section preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the water absorption unit shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic diagram for explaining the substrate scooping operation. This is a schematic diagram of the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear end. This is a top view of the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 6A. This is a top view of the conveying water channel provided in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. This is a side view of the conveying water channel provided in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. This is a top view of the water tank provided in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. This is a side view of the water tank provided in the thin section conveying device according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing a holding block that holds the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram showing a holding block that holds the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram showing a holding block that holds the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram showing a holding block that holds the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram showing a holding block that holds the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the power transmission means to the rotating belt. This is a cross-sectional view showing the cutter unit. This is a schematic diagram showing the lifted state of the leading end of the conveying water channel. This is a schematic diagram of a thin slice conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This is a partial cross-sectional view of the C-C plane in Figure 13A. This is a top view of the conveying water channel provided in the thin slice conveying device according to a second embodiment. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the D-D cross-section in Figure 14A. This is a top view of the water tank provided in the thin slice conveying device according to a second embodiment. This is a side view of the water tank provided in the thin slice conveying device according to a second embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the E-E cross-section in Figure 15A.

[0024] The following describes a section transport device and a section preparation system according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0025] The drawings referenced in the following description merely provide a schematic representation of the shape, size, and positional relationships to the extent necessary to understand the content of the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships exemplified in each drawing. Furthermore, there may be differences in the dimensional relationships and proportions between drawings.

[0026] <First Embodiment> (Configuration of the Sectioning Preparation System) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the sectioning preparation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view showing the general configuration of the same system. The sectioning preparation system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that transfers thin sections 3, which are sectioned from a specimen block 2, onto a substrate 4 such as a glass slide. The specimen block 2 is a biological tissue embedded in an embedding material such as paraffin.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thin section preparation system 1 comprises a cutter unit 20 configured to slice a specimen block 2, a thin section transport device 30 configured to transport the sliced ​​sections 3 by liquid, and a handling unit 40 configured to scoop up the sections 3 flowing through the thin section transport device 30 using a substrate 4. Each of these parts is fixed to a base 1a by bolts or the like. The thin section preparation system 1 may also further include a specimen block slide unit 10, a water absorption unit 50, a magazine unit 60, a control unit 90, and various sensors. Examples of sensors include a camera 91 located above the thin section transport device 30, a camera 92 located near the magazine unit 60, and a thin section blade sensor (camera) 93 located near the thin section blade. Furthermore, the thin section preparation system 1 may be provided with a temporary water storage tank 73 for storing water supplied to the thin section transport device 30. Note that the magazine unit 60 is not shown in Figure 2.

[0028] In the following, the upstream side may be referred to as the leading edge side, and the downstream side as the trailing edge side, based on the direction of transport of the thin slices 3 in the thin slice transport device 30.

[0029] Here, ordinary water (tap water) can be used as the liquid to transport the thin sections 3, but it is not limited to this. For example, an aqueous solution with a surfactant added, or a specific float solution can also be used. In the following explanation, water will be used as the liquid to transport the thin sections 3.

[0030] The cutter unit 20 holds the slicing blade and is attached to the tip of the slicing section conveying device 30. A specimen block slide unit 10 is installed upstream of the cutter unit 20. The specimen block slide unit 10 holds the specimen block 2 and slides the specimen block 2 relative to the slicing blade while maintaining a predetermined angle. As a result, the portion of the specimen block 2 that is in contact with the slicing blade is thinly sliced.

[0031] The direction in which the sample block 2 is slid relative to the slicing blade (hereinafter also referred to as the sample feeding direction v1) is not particularly limited. Here, as shown in Figure 2, the angle of the sample feeding direction v1 with respect to an axis v0 that is perpendicular to the direction in which the cutting edge of the slicing blade extends (see direction v3 shown in Figure 6A later) in a plane parallel to the cut surface 2a of the sample block 2 is also referred to as the cutting edge inclination angle θ. The cutting edge inclination angle θ is defined as positive in the counterclockwise direction with respect to axis v0 when viewed from the downstream side of the transport direction (see Figure 1). For example, when the slicing blade is perpendicular to the sample feeding direction v1, the cutting edge inclination angle θ is 0°. Also, for example, in the direction shown in Figure 2, the cutting edge inclination angle θ is in the range of greater than 0° and less than 90°. The cutting edge inclination angle θ may be 0°, greater than 0° and less than 90° (for example, around 30° to 60°, or near 45°), or greater than -90° and less than 0°.

[0032] In the slice conveying device 30, a water flow is formed from the cutter unit 20 side. The slices 3 sliced ​​by the slicing blade are left to float on the water surface of the slice conveying device 30 and are carried downstream by the water flow.

[0033] The handling unit 40 is configured to take the substrate 4 from the magazine unit 60, scoop up the thin slices 3 using the substrate 4, and transport the substrate 4 back into the magazine unit 60 for storage. The handling unit 40 includes a gripping part 41 for gripping the substrate 4, a swivel mechanism 42 for rotating the gripping part 41 around a vertical axis R1, a slide mechanism 43 for moving the gripping part 41 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 4, and a swing mechanism 44 for tilting the gripping part 41 by rotating it around a horizontal axis R2.

[0034] The water absorption unit 50 is for removing moisture from the substrate 4 from which the thin slices 3 have been scooped up. Preferably, the water absorption unit 50 is installed on the transport path through which the substrate 4, held by the gripping part 41, is transported from the thin slice transport device 30 (water channel 34, described later) to the magazine unit 60.

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the water absorption unit 50. The water absorption unit 50 can be constructed by, for example, placing a water absorption pad 502 made of a water-absorbent polymer on a stand 501. Preferably, the stand 501 is configured to hold the water absorption pad 502 in an inclined position. This allows a wide area of ​​the back surface of the substrate 4 to come into contact with the surface of the water absorption pad 502 when the gripping portion 41 that grips the substrate 4 is inclined by the swing mechanism 44. Here, the back surface of the substrate 4 is the surface opposite to the surface (front surface) on which the thin slices 3 are placed.

[0036] The magazine unit 60 has multiple magazines 61, 62, and 63, which are storage compartments for circuit boards 4. Of course, the number of magazines is not limited to three; there may be one, two, or four or more. Each magazine 61, 62, and 63 is provided with multiple support rails for storing multiple (for example, 20) circuit boards 4 in a vertical arrangement. The side of each magazine 61, 62, and 63 facing the handling unit 40 is open, allowing the circuit boards 4 to be inserted and removed from this side. The magazine unit 60 may also have linear actuators for moving each magazine 61, 62, and 63 up and down in the vertical direction.

[0037] The use of each magazine 61, 62, and 63 is arbitrary. For example, one magazine 61 may be used to store unused circuit boards 4, another magazine 62 may be used to store circuit boards 4 with thin slices 3 on them, and the remaining magazine 63 may be used to store circuit boards 4 that have errors (described later).

[0038] The control unit 90 controls the operation of the entire thin sectioning specimen preparation system 1, including the thin section conveying device 30. For example, the control unit 90 controls the operation of the motor 362 so that the belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376, described later, move at an appropriate speed. The control unit 90 also controls the flow rate or velocity of the liquid discharged from the various nozzles provided on the thin section conveying device 30. Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the operation of the handling unit 40, which scoops up the thin sections 3, which have been sliced ​​from the specimen block 2 and conveyed by the thin section conveying device 30, using the substrate 4, based on the image captured by the camera 91. The control unit 90 also determines, based on the image captured by the camera 92, whether the thin sections 3 are properly placed on the substrate 4, and determines which magazines 61, 62, and 63 to store the substrate 4 in the handling unit 40 according to the determination result. In addition, the control unit 90 detects errors during thin sectioning based on the image captured by the thin sectioning blade sensor 93.

[0039] (Operation of the Sectioning Preparation System 1) Next, the general operation of the Sectioning Preparation System 1 will be explained. First, with a water flow generated in the Section Transport Device 30, the specimen block 2 is prepared (pre-cut). That is, the specimen block 2 is slid by the specimen block slide unit 10, and sliced ​​by the slicing blade until the surface containing biological tissue is exposed. At this point, the shavings removed from the specimen block 2 are discharged by the water flow.

[0040] After the pre-cutting is complete, the thin sections 3 are sliced ​​(main cut). Alternatively, between the completion of pre-cutting and the start of the main cut, the operation of the specimen block slide unit 10 may be temporarily stopped, during which time preparations such as holding the substrate 4 in the gripping section 41 of the handling unit 40 may be made.

[0041] The thin sections 3 sliced ​​from the specimen block 2 are floated on the water surface of the thin section transport device 30 and transported by the water current. Also, by floating the thin sections 3 in water, they are stretched out. The handling unit 40 tilts its gripping section 41 and waits with at least a part of the held substrate 4 inserted into the water channel (the area between the two rotating belts 375 and 376), and scoops up the flowing thin sections 3 with the substrate 4.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the scooping operation of the substrate 4. Based on the image captured by the camera 91, the handling unit 40 lifts the substrate 4 with the substrate 4 by using the slide mechanism 43 and returning the substrate 4 to a horizontal position using the swing mechanism 44, in accordance with the timing when the edge of the thin section 3 reaches the scooping point C2. The operating range of each mechanism is not limited, but as an example, the slide mechanism 43 can lift the substrate 4 at a speed of about 1 mm / second to 30 mm / second. The swing mechanism 44 can swing the substrate 4 in a range of 1° to 5° over a period of 0.1 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0043] The handling unit 40 returns the tilt of the gripping part 41 so that the substrate 4 is horizontal, and rotates the gripping part 41 to move the substrate 4 to the position of the water absorption unit 50. Then, by tilting the gripping part 41, the back surface of the substrate 4 is brought into contact with the water absorption pad 502 (see Figure 3). As a result, most of the moisture is removed not only from the back surface of the substrate 4 but also from the front surface of the substrate 4 by capillary action, and the thin slices 3 can be made to adhere closely to the substrate 4.

[0044] After that, the handling unit 40 returns the inclination of the gripping part 41 so that the substrate 4 becomes horizontal again, turns the gripping part 41 to the position of the magazine unit 60, and stores the substrate 4 in any one of the magazines 61, 62, 63. At this time, the control unit 90 may determine whether or not the thin section 3 is properly arranged on the substrate 4 based on the image captured by the camera 92. Here, proper arrangement means that the thin section 3 is arranged on the substrate 4 without wrinkles or bends and in the correct orientation. In this case, the control unit 90 controls the handling unit 40 to store the substrate 4 on which the thin section 3 is not properly arranged (i.e., an error) in a magazine different from the substrate 4 on which the thin section 3 is properly arranged.

[0045] (Configuration of the thin section transfer device) Next, the detailed configuration of the thin section transfer device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the thin section transfer device 30 seen from the rear end side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the thin section transfer device 30 includes a water tank 32 in which a transfer water channel 34 is arranged, a water circulation unit 72 that supplies and discharges water to and from the water tank 32, and a moving unit 80 that moves the water tank 32 along the longitudinal direction together with the transfer water channel 34. The configuration of the water circulation unit 72 will be described later.

[0046] The moving unit 80 includes a pedestal 801 to which the water tank 32 is fixed, a slide block 802 attached to the pedestal 801, a slide rail 804 connected to the slide block 802 via a bearing 803, and a motor 805 that drives the slide block 802. The moving unit 80 can move the water tank 32 in units of microns. By moving the water tank 32 upstream by a predetermined distance (for example, several μm) each time the thin section 3 is sliced, a new surface of the specimen block 2 can be cut out by the thin cutting blade installed on the upstream side of the water tank 32.

[0047] Fig. 6A is a top view of the thin-section transport device 30. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 6A. Fig. 7A is a top view of the transport water channel provided in the thin-section transport device 30. Fig. 7B is a side view of the transport water channel. Fig. 8A is a top view of the water tank provided in the thin-section transport device 30. Fig. 8B is a side view of the water tank. In addition, in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the description of the moving unit 80 is omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the thin-section transport device 30 includes a water tank 32 and a transport water channel 34 disposed inside the water tank 32. The transport water channel 34 is configured to transport the thin section 3 sliced thinly by the cutter unit 20 along the longitudinal direction of the transport water channel 34 by a liquid flow (for example, a water flow). The water tank 32 has a capacity capable of accommodating the transport water channel 34 and storing the water flowing out from the transport water channel 34.

[0049] The cutter unit 20 described above is mounted on the outside of the water tank 32 and holds the thin-cut blade at the upstream end of the conveying water channel 34 such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conveying water channel 34 (i.e., the conveying direction). Here, as shown in Figure 6A, the angle of the direction v3 in which the cutting edge extends with respect to the conveying direction v2 is also referred to as the blade installation angle α. The blade installation angle α is defined as positive when viewed from above, with respect to the conveying direction v2 and counterclockwise. The blade installation angle α may be set according to the cutting edge inclination angle θ. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is 0°, the blade installation angle α may be set to 90°. Also, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is other than 0°, the conveying direction v2 and the direction v3 do not need to be perpendicular. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is greater than 0°, the blade installation angle α may be less than 90°, and if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is less than 0°, the blade installation angle α may be greater than 90°. Preferably, the blade installation angle α can be set as α = 90° - θ. For example, if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is between 30° and 60°, the blade installation angle α may be between 60° and 30°, and if the cutting edge inclination angle θ is near 45°, the blade installation angle α may be near 45°. When setting the blade installation angle α in this way, by making the cutting edge inclination angle θ greater than 0°, the thin slices 3 that are sent out from the thin slice blade at an oblique angle can be introduced into the conveying water channel 23 so that they are parallel to the conveying direction.

[0050] Upstream of the transport channel 34, one or more nozzles 353 are arranged, configured to direct water toward the cutting edge of the slicing blade and inject it into the transport channel 34. By continuously flowing liquid from the nozzles 353 to the cutting edge of the slicing blade while slicing the specimen block 2, the cut slices 3 can be smoothly separated from the cutting edge and introduced into the transport channel 34 in an extended state. Furthermore, the water flowing into the transport channel 34 creates a water flow, allowing the slices 3 introduced into the transport channel 34 to be transported without stagnation.

[0051] The nozzles 353 are not limited, but are preferably installed on both ends of the slicing blade, as illustrated in Figure 6A. In this case, it is more preferable to discharge water from both nozzles 353 at approximately the same flow velocity. As a result, the water discharged from both nozzles 353 meet near the center of the slicing blade and cancels out each other's flow velocities, thereby reducing the force applied to the sliced ​​portion 3 in the direction parallel to the slicing blade. This allows the sliced ​​portion 3 to be introduced into the waterway (the area between the two rotating belts 375 and 376, which will be described later) without displacement.

[0052] The water flow rate released from the nozzle 353 should be such that the water reaches at least approximately the center of the slicing blade, and can be adjusted as appropriate according to the blade length of the slicing blade, the distance between the two nozzles 353, the thickness of the sliced ​​piece 3, etc. Such adjustment can be achieved by the control unit 90 controlling the flow rate of water released from each nozzle 353 based on the image captured by the slicing blade sensor 93. Of course, the user may also manually adjust the flow rate from the nozzle 353.

[0053] Alternatively, the nozzle 353 may be provided only near one end of the thin-cutting blade, or multiple nozzles 353 may be provided at multiple locations near the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade.

[0054] The transport channel 34 is held by a holding block 361 on the downstream side and is attached to the water tank 32 via this holding block 361. In the first embodiment, the holding block 361 is rotatably attached to the water tank 32 via an axis 355 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport channel 34.

[0055] The transport channel 34 is installed such that a space is secured between it and the water tank 32 at its rear end. This space becomes an overflow region 331 that receives water flowing out from the rear end of the transport channel 34. A filter mounting section 332 for installing a filter 333 is provided on the inner wall of the overflow region 331. The filter 333 is installed above the overflow region 331 so as to cover the entire overflow region 331. Note that in Figure 6A, the filter 333 is omitted to avoid making the figure unclear. By providing the filter 333, solid matter contained in the water flowing out from the rear end of the transport channel 34 can be removed, and the water that has passed through the filter 333 can be recirculated back into the transport channel 34. Solid matter includes shavings generated during thin slicing and slices generated during pre-cutting.

[0056] The conveying channel 34 has a bottom 340 and two opposing wall sections 341 connected to the bottom 340. Inside the conveying channel 34, along the two wall sections 341, two sets of rotating belts 375 and 376 are provided. The rotating belts 375 and 376 are arranged so that their respective belt surfaces are parallel to each other and facing each other with a predetermined gap between them. In the first embodiment, the opposing belt sections of these rotating belts 375 and 376 are configured to move toward the downstream side of the conveying channel 34. The sliced ​​pieces 3 are transported floating on the liquid flowing between these belt sections. The rotating belts 375 and 376 are normally controlled to rotate at the same speed. The speed of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be appropriately set according to the frequency of slicing in the cutter unit 20, the length of the conveying channel 34, the transport speed, the type of liquid (such as water), etc. For example, when running tap water, the speed of the straight sections of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be set to approximately 5 to 30 mm / second.

[0057] The distance w between the opposing belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376 can be determined according to the size of the substrate 4. Here, there are standard sizes for the microscope slides used as substrates 4 for pathological specimens, and generally, sizes of 75 × 25 mm or 76 × 26 mm are used. In addition, the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS R3703) specifies a standard size for microscope slides with a length of 76.0 mm and a width of 26.0 mm. In these cases, the distance w between the belt surfaces can be set to approximately 25 mm to 30 mm. Of course, the size of the substrate 4 that can be used in the thin section preparation system 1 is not limited to the above standard sizes. When using a substrate of a size other than the above standard sizes, the distance w between the belt surfaces can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0058] In detail, the spacing w between the belt surfaces is set to be the same as or slightly longer than the length (width) of the shorter side of the substrate 4 used. In other words, the spacing w is such that when the substrate 4 is inserted into the water channel, the substrate 4 fits just between the opposing belt surfaces, or there is a small gap between the substrate 4 and the belt surfaces on both sides. Specifically, it is preferable that the spacing w be the length of the shorter side of the substrate 4 plus 4 mm (a gap of 2 mm on each side) or less, more preferably the length of the shorter side plus 3 mm (a gap of 1.5 mm on each side) or less, and even more preferably the length of the shorter side plus 2 mm (a gap of 1 mm on each side) or less.

[0059] For example, when using a substrate 4 with a short side length of 25 mm, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the spacing w to 25 mm or more and the upper limit to 29 mm or less, more preferably to 28 mm or less, and even more preferably to 27 mm or less. Also, when using a substrate 4 with a short side length of 26 mm, it is preferable to set the lower limit of the spacing w to 26 mm or more and the upper limit to 30 mm or less, more preferably to 29 mm or less, and even more preferably to 28 mm or less.

[0060] Two pulleys are arranged inside the two walls 341 of the conveying water channel 34 at predetermined intervals. The rotating belt 375 rotates around pulleys 371 and 373, and the rotating belt 376 rotates around pulleys 372 and 374. Of these, the upstream pulleys 373 and 374 are attached to the conveying water channel 34 by fitting their rotating shafts into through holes 345 and 346 (see Figure 7A) formed in the bottom 340 of the conveying water channel 34. The downstream pulleys 371 and 372 are attached to the holding block 361 (see Figure 6B). As will be described later, the holding block 361 also has a motor 362 (see Figure 5) and power transmission means for transmitting power from the motor 362 to the pulleys 371 and 372, which are also attached to the rotating belt 375.

[0061] Each rotating belt 375, 376 may be further provided with a pinch roller 381 on its inside, which allows for adjustment of the spacing w between the belt surfaces. In this case, the pinch roller 381 can be installed via a roller unit 38 fixed to the holding block 361.

[0062] The material of each rotating belt 375, 376 is not particularly limited, as long as it is resistant (e.g., corrosion resistant) to the liquid (e.g., water) flowing through the conveying water channel 34. Specifically, for example, steel belts or resin belts can be used as rotating belts 375, 376. Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface properties of the rotating belts 375, 376 are non-adhesive or have very low adhesiveness. This is to prevent the thin slices 3 from getting caught in the rotating belts 375, 376 if they come into contact with them.

[0063] In this way, by providing rotating belts 375 and 376 inside the conveying channel 34 and moving the opposing belt portions together downstream, a stable water flow with less variation in flow velocity can be formed. As a result, rotation of the thin slices 3 on the water surface during conveyance can be suppressed, and the thin slices 3 can be conveyed to the scooping area C1 in almost the same orientation as when they were introduced into the conveying channel 34.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the entire rotating belts 375 and 376 are positioned inside the conveying channel 34, but a portion of the rotating belts 375 and 376 may extend outside the conveying channel 34. In short, it is sufficient that the opposing belt surfaces of the rotating belts 375 and 376 are positioned inside the conveying channel 34.

[0065] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the bottom 340 of the transport channel 34 includes a first region 342 located upstream of the transport channel 34 and having a first depth d1 relative to the upper ends of the two wall portions 341, a second region 343 located downstream of the transport channel 34 and having a second depth d2 that is deeper than the first depth d1, and an intermediate region 344 located between the first region 342 and the second region 343, with its depth increasing from the first depth d1 to the second depth d2. The substrate 4, gripped by the handling unit 40, is inserted into the second region 343 and awaits the thin slices 3 flowing through the transport channel 34.

[0066] The depth d1 of the first region 342 is preferably 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. By setting the depth d1 within this range, the flow velocity can be made uniform in the depth direction, forming a stable water flow. This allows the thin slices 3, after being separated from the thin slicing blade and introduced into the transport channel 34, to be transported stably. On the other hand, the depth d2 of the second region 343 is preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. By setting the depth d2 within this range, it is possible to prevent the substrate 4 from coming into contact with the bottom 340 of the transport channel 34 when the handling unit 40 scoops up the substrate 4 and inserts it into region C1.

[0067] One or more (two in Figures 7A and 7B) through-holes 347 are formed in the intermediate region 344, and one or more (same as above) nozzles 348 are fitted into each of these through-holes 347 to inject water upward toward the downstream side. Water is supplied to these nozzles 348 from an external pump (not shown). By injecting water from the nozzles 348, the decrease in flow velocity that occurs with increasing depth in the intermediate region 344 can be suppressed.

[0068] The bottom portion 340 at the rear end of the conveying channel 34 is provided with bolt holes 350 for fixing the conveying channel 34 to the retaining block 361. As shown in Figure 7A, the rear end of the conveying channel 34 itself is open, and by attaching the conveying channel 34 to the retaining block 361, the rear end side wall portion of the conveying channel 34 can be provided.

[0069] Furthermore, the tip region 351 of the conveying water channel 34 is provided with a nozzle holding portion 352 for holding a nozzle 353 that sprays water onto the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade. In addition, the conveying water channel 34 may be provided with a handle 357 for lifting the conveying water channel 34.

[0070] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the water tank 32 has left, right, and rear end walls 321 and a bottom 322. The bottom 322 may be provided on the same plane throughout the entire water tank 32, but as shown in Figure 8B, a part of the front end of the bottom 322 (raised bottom 323) may be raised. By providing a raised bottom 323 in a range that does not interfere with the transport water channel 34, the capacity of the water tank 32 can be reduced.

[0071] The water tank 32 is provided with a fixing part 324 for fixing the water tank 32 to the base 801 (see Figure 2) from above with bolts, and a fixing part 325 for fixing it from the side with bolts. By fixing the water tank 32 to the base 801 from two directions in this way, it is possible to prevent the water tank 32 from shifting position relative to the base 801.

[0072] One side wall 321 of the water tank 32 is provided with openings 326 and 327 for draining water from the water tank 32. Opening 326 is located near the upper end upstream of the overflow area 331 to prevent overflow from the water tank 32. The drain pipe 721 of the water supply unit 72 (see Figure 5) is connected to opening 326. The water that flows out of the drain pipe 721 is drained through the drainage tank 724 (see Figure 2).

[0073] The other opening 327 is located near the lower end of the overflow area 331. A drain pipe 722 (see Figure 5) is connected to this opening 327. A valve 723 is provided on the drain pipe 722, and by opening the valve 723, water in the tank 32 can be discharged. The water that flows out of the drain pipe 722 is drained through the drain tank 724.

[0074] Inside the water tank 32, there is a plug 329 for closing the through hole 36g (described later) provided in the retaining block 361, and a support part 328 for supporting the plug 329.

[0075] The tip region 334 of the tank 32 has a hole in the bottom. The cutter unit 20 is fitted into this tip region 334.

[0076] Figures 9A to 9E are schematic diagrams showing the retaining block 361 that holds the conveying water channel 34. Of these, Figure 9A shows the top view, Figure 9B shows the rear end view, Figure 9C shows the right side view, Figure 9D shows the left side view, and Figure 9E shows the bottom view.

[0077] As shown in Figures 9A to 9E, the retaining block 361 is a member connected such that the ceiling plate 36a, the wall portion 36b, and the bottom plate 36c form a roughly U-shape. The transport water channel 34 is fitted into the U-shaped opening portion 36d and fastened in the bolt hole 36e shown in Figure 9E (see bolt hole 350 shown in Figure 7A). As a result, the wall portion 36b becomes the rear end side wall portion of the transport water channel 34.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9B, the upper part of the wall 36b is largely cut out. As shown in Figure 5, the height of the cutout 36f is lower than the upper end surface 34a of the wall 341 of the transport channel 34. This cutout 36f serves as an outlet for water to flow from the rear end of the transport channel 34 into the overflow area 331 of the water tank 32.

[0079] A through-hole 36g is formed below the wall portion 36b. The through-hole 36g is an outlet for discharging water from the transport water channel 34, and as shown in Figure 6B, it is blocked by a plug 329 during slice formation.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9A, the ceiling plate 36a has a recess 36h for fitting the motor 362 (see Figure 5), a through hole 36i through which the rotating shaft of the motor 362 is inserted, and through holes 36j and 36k through which the rotating shafts of the pulleys 371 and 372 are inserted. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9E, the bottom plate 36c has through holes 36l, 36m, and 36n corresponding to the through holes 36i, 36j, and 36k, as well as through holes 36p and 36q through which the rotating shafts of the gears are inserted.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9C, the retaining block 361 has a through hole 36r that extends in the lateral direction. A shaft 355, which is fixed to the water tank 32, is inserted through the through hole 36r.

[0082] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the power transmission means to the rotating belts 375 and 376. Below the holding block 361 (see also Figure 5), gears 363, 364, 365, 366, and 367 are mounted. These gears 363, 364, 365, 366, and 367 are fixed to a rotating shaft inserted through through holes 36l, 36m, 36p, 36q, and 36n. The rotation of the motor 362 is transmitted to the pulley 371 via gears 363 and 364, and further transmitted to the pulley 372 via gears 365, 366, and 367 which mesh with gear 364, thereby allowing the opposing belt portions of the rotating belts 375 and 376 to move in the same direction.

[0083] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the cutter unit 20. As shown in Figure 11, the cutter unit 20 includes a thin-cutting blade 201 and a first block 202 and a second block 203 that hold the thin-cutting blade 201. The first block 202 and the second block 203 are fastened together by bolts 204, and the thin-cutting blade 201 can be removed and replaced by loosening the bolts 204. The cutter unit 20 holds the thin-cutting blade 201 such that its cutting edge is approximately at the same height as the two walls 341 of the conveying water channel 34.

[0084] The cutter unit 20 is fitted into the tip region 334 of the water tank 32 shown in Figure 8A and fixed to the base 801 of the mobile unit 80 by bolts 205. The upper part of the second block 203 has a flat portion 206 that receives the tip region 351 (see Figure 7A) of the bottom 340 of the transport water channel 34. A sealing member 359 may be attached to the tip region 334 of the water tank 32 to prevent water leakage between it and the upper end of the second block 203. The sealing member 359 can be made of, for example, a rubber sheet.

[0085] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the tip of the conveying channel 34 is raised. As described above, the conveying channel 34 is rotatably mounted to the water tank 32 around the axis 355. Therefore, by lifting the handle 357, the tip of the conveying channel 34 can be raised as shown in Figure 12. This makes it easy to replace the thin-cutting blade 201 in the cutter unit 20. When raising the conveying channel 34, it is preferable to move the water tank 32 and the conveying channel 34 toward the rear end along the longitudinal direction so that the tip of the conveying channel 34 is kept away from the thin-cutting blade 201.

[0086] When the tip of the transport channel 34 is pulled up, the plug 329 is removed from the through hole 36g of the holding block 361. This allows the water accumulated in the transport channel 34 to be discharged from the through hole 36g into the water tank 32.

[0087] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, two sets of rotating belts 375 and 376 are provided in the transport channel 34, and the opposing belt portions move in the same direction inside the transport channel 34. This makes it possible to form a stable water flow between the opposing belt portions. Therefore, the thin sections 3 cut from the sample block 2 can be transported on this water flow while maintaining the appropriate orientation until they are scooped up by the substrate 4.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, water is flowed from the nozzle 353 toward the cutting edge of the thin-cutting blade and injected into the transport water channel 34. This allows the cut thin slices 3 to be smoothly separated from the cutting edge, introduced into the transport water channel 34 in an extended state while maintaining the orientation in which they were cut, and carried along by the water flow.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, by setting the blade installation angle α with respect to the conveying direction according to the cutting blade inclination angle θ when slicing, even when the cutting blade inclination angle θ is greater than 0°, the sliced ​​pieces 3 can be introduced into the conveying water channel 23 so that they are oriented parallel to the conveying direction.

[0090] <Modification> In the slice conveying device according to the first embodiment, two rotating belts 375 and 376 provided in the conveying water channel 34 are driven by one motor 805, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move in the same direction at the same speed. However, two motors may be provided to rotate these rotating belts 375 and 376, respectively. Alternatively, the rotation speed and direction of the rotating belts 375 and 376 may be controlled individually. For example, the rotation speeds of the two rotating belts 375 and 376 may be made different from each other, or one of the rotating belts may be temporarily stopped. Alternatively, the two rotating belts 375 and 376 may be temporarily rotated in opposite directions (the opposing belt portions move in opposite directions). By performing such control, it is possible to control the water flow in the conveying water channel 34 and adjust the posture of the slices 3 being conveyed in the water channel (the region between the two rotating belts 375 and 376).

[0091] The control unit 90 may also control the rotational speed and direction of each rotating belt 375, 376 based on images captured by a camera 91 located above the slice conveying device 30, or by an additional camera located upstream of camera 91.

[0092] <Second Embodiment> Figure 13A is a schematic diagram of a thin slice conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13B is a partial cross-sectional view of Figure 13A along the line C-C. Figure 14A is a top view of the conveying water channel provided in the thin slice conveying device. Figure 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 14A along the line D-D. Figure 15A is a top view of the water tank provided in the thin slice conveying device. Figure 15B is a side view of the water tank. Figure 15C is a cross-sectional view of Figure 15A along the line E-E.

[0093] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the slice conveying device 30A according to the second embodiment includes a system for controlling the temperature of the liquid (for example, tap water) flowing through the slice conveying device 30A. Such a slice conveying device 30A can be applied in place of the slice conveying device 30 (see Figures 6A and 6B) in the slice preparation system 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0094] Here, the sectioning of the specimen block 2 with the sectioning blade is preferably performed in a low temperature environment (for example, below 20°C) to prevent softening of the specimen block 2, although this depends on the type of specimen. On the other hand, after sectioning, it is preferable to spread the section 3 by immersing it in a warm liquid (for example, around 40°C). Therefore, in the section conveying device 30A, a low-temperature liquid (for example, cold water) is circulated in the water channel on the upstream side (cutter unit 20 side), and a warm liquid (for example, hot water) is circulated in the water channel on the downstream side (handling unit 40 side). The configuration of the section conveying device 30A will be explained below using the case where tap water is circulated as the liquid as an example.

[0095] As shown in Figure 13A, the slice conveying device 30A includes a conveying water channel 34A located downstream of the slice blade. As will be described in detail later, the conveying water channel 34A is divided into an upstream region, which is a cold water channel 74a, and a downstream region, which is a hot water channel 74b, and is configured so that the slices 3 can move from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b while floating on the water. The slice conveying device 30A also includes a cold water control system (first temperature control system) 76 configured to control the temperature of the water flowing through the cold water channel 74a to a first temperature range, and a hot water control system (second temperature control system) 78 configured to control the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water channel 74b to a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

[0096] The temperature range of the water (chilled water) flowing through the chilled water channel 74a is not limited, but is preferably 20°C or lower, and can be, for example, 10°C to 20°C. The chilled water control system 76 injects chilled water within a predetermined temperature range into the chilled water channel 74a from one or more nozzles (for example, nozzles 353 for spraying water onto the slicing blades). The temperature of the injected chilled water may be within the above temperature range (for example, 10°C to 20°C), or, considering the possibility of a slight temperature rise in the chilled water channel 74a, chilled water at a lower temperature than the above temperature range may be injected.

[0097] The temperature range of the water (hot water) flowing through the hot water channel 74b is a temperature range that allows the thin section 3 to be spread, and is not limited to that range, but can be approximately 40°C to 55°C. The hot water control system 78 injects hot water within a predetermined temperature range into the hot water channel 74b from one or more nozzles (for example, a nozzle 348 that injects water into the intermediate region 344). The temperature of the injected hot water may be within the above temperature range (for example, approximately 40°C to 55°C), or, considering the possibility of a slight temperature drop in the hot water channel 74b, hot water at a higher temperature than the above temperature range may be injected, as long as the embedding material such as paraffin does not melt.

[0098] The chilled water control system 76 and the hot water control system 78 may operate under the control of the control unit 90, or they may be operated manually.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14A, the overall configuration of the transport channel 34A is generally the same as that of the transport channel 34 in the first embodiment, but the transport channel 34A in the second embodiment is provided with a partition 741 that divides the transport channel 34A into an upstream region and a downstream region. The region upstream of the partition 741 is a cold water channel 74a through which cold water flows, and the region downstream of the partition 741 is a hot water channel 74b through which hot water flows. The partition 741 is preferably located within the first region 342 located upstream of the bottom 330, or near the boundary between the first region 342 and the intermediate region 344. The nozzle 348 located in the intermediate region 344 is located on the hot water channel 74b side.

[0100] As shown in Figure 14B, a notch 742 is formed in a part of the upper end surface of the partition 741. The width of the notch 742 is about the same as the width of the thin section 3, or slightly larger than the width of the thin section 3. Also, the height h1 of the notch 742 is lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341 of the conveying water channel 34A. As a result, a gap is created between the notch 742 and the upper end surface of the conveying water channel 34A, and by raising the water level (see liquid surface 5) higher than the height of the notch 742, the thin section 3 can move from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b while floating on the water. Alternatively, instead of forming the notch 742, the overall height of the partition 741 may be lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341.

[0101] The partition 741 has four slits 743 into which the rotating belts 375 and 376 are inserted, in order to prevent interference with the rotating belts 375 and 376. By providing such a partition 741, it is possible to transport the thin slices 3 from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b by the water flow while suppressing the amount of cold water flowing from the cold water channel 74a to the hot water channel 74b.

[0102] Drain ports 745 are provided at one or more locations (two locations in Figure 14A) of the cold water channel 74a. As shown in Figure 14A, the drain ports 745 are cylindrical with an open top and are provided to discharge cold water when the water level in the cold water channel 74a exceeds a predetermined height. As shown in Figure 14B, the height of the opening of the drain port 745 is higher than the height h1 of the notch 742 of the partition 741 and lower than the height h2 of the wall portion 341. This makes it possible to maintain a water level that allows the thin slices 3 to pass over the notch 742 while preventing cold water from overflowing from the cold water channel 74a into the warm water channel 74b or the surrounding area.

[0103] The shape of the opening of the drain port 745 is not particularly limited; it may be rectangular as shown in Figure 14A, or it may be other shapes (for example, circular or elliptical). Also, the position of the drain port 745 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with the rotating belts 375, 376 or the thin slices 3 flowing between them. In Figure 14A, the drain port 745 is located inside each of the rotating belts 375, 396.

[0104] An intermediate region 344 located in the hot water passage 74b has a through-hole 746 through which a nozzle 789 (see Figure 13B), which is provided separately from the nozzle 348, is inserted.

[0105] Referring again to Figures 13A and 13B, the thin slice conveying device 30A further includes a water tank 32A capable of accommodating the conveying water channel 34A and storing the liquid that flows out from the conveying water channel 34A. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the overall configuration of the water tank 32A is generally the same as that of the water tank 32 in the first embodiment, but the water tank 32A in the second embodiment is provided with partitions 751 and 752 that divide the water tank 32A into an upstream side and a downstream side. The upstream side of partition 751 is a chilled water storage section (first storage section) 75a configured to store chilled water that flows out from the drain port 745 of the chilled water channel 34a, and the downstream side of partition 752 is a hot water storage section (second storage section) 75b configured to store hot water that flows out from the rear end of the hot water channel 74b. The raised base portion 323 (see Figure 6B) described in the first embodiment may or may not be installed, as long as it does not interfere with the piping described later.

[0106] Partitions 751 and 752 have the same shape. As shown in Figure 15C, notches 754 for fitting the transport water channel 34A are formed on the upper surfaces of partitions 751 and 752. In addition, a space 753 is provided between partitions 751 and 752 as an insulating area. This provides an insulating effect between the cold water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b. The space 753 may be filled with insulating material. Of course, it is also possible to provide only one partition, and in this case, the partition may be formed with insulating material.

[0107] As shown in Figure 15B, each side of the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b is provided with an opening 326 to which a drain pipe 721 (see Figure 2) is connected, and an opening 327 to which a drain pipe 722 (same as above) is connected. The opening 326 is provided near the upper end to prevent overflow from the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b. The opening 327 is provided near the lower end for drainage from the chilled water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b.

[0108] Alternatively, instead of installing partitions 751 and 752 in an integrated tank, the cold water storage section 75a and the hot water storage section 75b may be formed separately and connected to constitute the tank 32A.

[0109] As shown in Figure 15A, the tip region 334 of the water tank 32A has a hollow bottom because the cutter unit 20 is fitted into it. Therefore, to prevent water leakage in the gap between the tip of the bottom 322 and the cutter unit 20, a sealing member may be attached to the tip of the bottom 322. Alternatively, a side wall conforming to the side shape of the cutter unit 20 may be provided at the tip of the bottom 322.

[0110] One or more (one in Figure 15A) through-holes 755 are formed in the upstream region of the bottom 322 of the chilled water storage section 75a, through which one or more nozzles 767 (see Figures 13A and 13B) are inserted. In addition, one or more (three in Figure 15A) through-holes 756 are formed in the downstream region of the bottom 322 of the chilled water storage section 75a, which serve as drainage ports.

[0111] One or more (three in Figure 15A) through-holes 757 are formed in the upstream region of the bottom 322 of the hot water storage section 75b, through which one or more nozzles 787 (see Figure 13B) are inserted. In addition, one or more (three in Figure 15A) through-holes 758 are formed in the downstream region of the bottom 322 of the hot water storage section 75b, which serve as drainage ports.

[0112] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the chilled water control system 76 includes a cooling unit 761 configured to cool the water supplied to the chilled water passage 74a, and piping 764, 765, and 766. Of these, the cooling unit 761 includes a chilled water tank 762 and a water cooler 763, and pumps P1 and P2 that supply chilled water to piping 765 and 766, respectively.

[0113] A water level sensor S1 and a temperature sensor T1 are installed in the chilled water tank 762. When it is detected that the water level in the chilled water tank 762 has fallen below a predetermined value, tap water is supplied to the chilled water tank 762 from an external source. Also, when it is detected that the water temperature in the chilled water tank 762 has risen above a predetermined value, the water cooler 763 is activated to cool the water in the chilled water tank 762.

[0114] A pipe 764 is connected to a through-hole 756 in the chilled water storage section 75a. The pipe 764 is arranged to pass through the chilled water tank 762 and is connected to a pipe 765 that supplies chilled water to the nozzle 353 via a pump P1.

[0115] A valve B1 is provided in the piping 765, and when the thin slices 3 are being transported, the valve B1 is opened. As a result, cold water is injected from the nozzle 353 into the cold water channel 74a. The flow of this cold water and the rotation of the rotating belts 375 and 376 create a water flow for transporting the thin slices 3. Some of the cold water flows over the partition 741 into the hot water channel 74b, and the remainder flows through the drain port 745 into the cold water storage section 75a.

[0116] Water flowing into the pipe 764 from the through-hole 756 of the chilled water storage section 75a is cooled by passing through the chilled water tank 762 and supplied to the pipe 765 via the pump P1. In this way, chilled water circulates.

[0117] A water level sensor S2 is installed in the chilled water storage section 75a. When it is detected that the water level in the chilled water storage section 75a has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P2 draws chilled water from the chilled water tank 762 and the valve B2 is opened, and chilled water is injected into the chilled water storage section 75a through the piping 766 and nozzle 767.

[0118] A temperature sensor T2 is installed in the chilled water channel 74a. When it is detected that the water temperature in the chilled water channel 74a has risen above a predetermined value, the chiller 763 is activated, and the water in the chilled water tank 762 and the piping 764 installed in the water are cooled.

[0119] The hot water control system 78 includes a heating unit 781 configured to heat the water supplied to the hot water passage 74b, and piping 784, 785, 786, and 788. Of these, the heating unit 781 includes a hot water tank 782 and a heater 783, and pumps P3, P4, and P5 that supply hot water to piping 785, 786, and 788, respectively.

[0120] The hot water tank 782 is equipped with a water level sensor S3 and a temperature sensor T3. When it is detected that the water level in the hot water tank 782 has fallen below a predetermined value, tap water is supplied to the hot water tank 782 from an external source. Also, when it is detected that the water temperature in the hot water tank 782 has fallen below a predetermined value, the heater 783 is activated to heat the water in the hot water tank 782.

[0121] A pipe 784 is connected to a through-hole 758 in the hot water storage section 75b. The pipe 784 passes through the hot water tank 782 and is then arranged to branch. One of the branched pipes is connected to a pipe 785 that supplies hot water to a nozzle 348 via a pump P3, and the other pipe is connected to a pipe 786 that supplies hot water to a nozzle 787 via a pump P4.

[0122] A valve B3 is provided in the piping 785, and when the thin slices 3 are being transported, the valve B3 is opened. As a result, hot water is injected from the nozzle 348 into the hot water channel 74b. The flow of this hot water and the rotation of the rotating belts 375 and 376 create a water flow for transporting the thin slices 3.

[0123] The hot water supplied to the hot water channel 74b flows out from the rear end of the transport channel 34A, passes through the filter 333 located in the overflow area 331, and flows into the hot water storage section 75b. The water that flows into the piping 784 from the through-hole 758 of the hot water storage section 75b is heated by passing through the hot water tank 782 and supplied to the piping 785 via the pump P3. In this way, the hot water circulates.

[0124] A valve B4 is provided in the piping 786, and when this valve B4 is opened, hot water is injected from the nozzle 787 into the hot water storage section 75b. As a result, the hot water circulates in the hot water storage section 75b, and the water temperature is kept uniform.

[0125] A water level sensor S4 is installed in the hot water channel 74b. When it is detected that the water level in the hot water channel 74b has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P5 draws hot water from the hot water tank 782 and the valve B5 is opened, and the hot water is injected into the hot water channel 74b through the piping 788 and nozzle 789.

[0126] A temperature sensor T4 is installed in the hot water channel 74b. Similarly, if it is detected that the water temperature in the hot water channel 74b has fallen below a predetermined value, the pump P5 will draw hot water from the hot water tank 782 and the valve B5 will be opened, and the hot water will be injected into the hot water channel 74b through the nozzle 789.

[0127] The pipes 765, 766 for supplying cold water and the pipes 785, 786, 788 for supplying hot water are preferably covered with an insulating material. Alternatively, the pipes 765, 766, 785, 786, 788 may be formed from a material with heat insulating properties. The types of pumps P1 to P5 are not particularly limited, and general pumps such as diaphragm pumps can be used. The layout of the pipes 785, 788 connected to the nozzles 348, 789 for injecting hot water into the hot water passage 74b is not particularly limited, and for example, they may be installed so as to penetrate the bottom 322 of the water tank 32A, or so as to penetrate the wall 321.

[0128] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after slicing the sample block 2 in a cold water channel 74a under low temperature conditions, the sliced ​​pieces 3 can be spread in a warm water channel 74b, and the spread sliced ​​pieces 3 can be scooped up by the substrate 4.

[0129] The temperature control system in the slice conveying device 30A according to the second embodiment described above can be applied not only to the slice conveying device 30A equipped with rotating belts 375 and 376, but also to general slice conveying devices that convey sliced ​​slices by water flow.

[0130] The present invention described above is not limited to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, and various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the first and second embodiments and their modifications. For example, the invention may be formed by excluding some components from all the components shown in the first and second embodiments and their modifications, or by appropriately combining the components shown in the first and second embodiments and their modifications.

[0131] [Appendix 1-1] A thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising: a thin section transport device configured to transport thin sections, the transport device comprising: a water channel located downstream of a slicing blade that slices a specimen block, the water channel being divided into an upstream region which is a cold water channel and a downstream region which is a hot water channel, and configured such that the thin sections can move from the cold water channel to the hot water channel while floating in the liquid; a first temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the cold water channel to a first temperature range; and a second temperature control system configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing through the hot water channel to a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

[0132] [Appendix 1-2] The slice conveying device according to Appendix 1-1, further comprising one or more nozzles positioned upstream of the water channel and configured to inject liquid into the water channel by flowing liquid toward the cutting edge of the slice blade, wherein the first temperature control system is configured to control the temperature of the liquid injected into the cold water channel from the one or more nozzles to a first temperature range.

[0133] [Appendix 1-3] The thin slice conveying apparatus according to Appendix 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the first temperature range is 20°C or less, and the second temperature range is 40°C or more and 55°C or less.

[0134] [Appendix 1-4] The thin slice conveying device according to any one of Appendix 1-1 to 1-3, wherein the water channel is provided with a drain port for discharging the liquid when the liquid level in the cold water channel reaches a predetermined height or higher, and the water tank further comprises a water tank capable of housing the water channel, having a first storage section configured to store the liquid that flows out of the cold water channel through the drain port, and a second storage section configured to store the liquid that flows out of the hot water channel, the first temperature control system comprising a cooling unit configured to cool the liquid discharged from the first storage section, and a first pump configured to circulate the liquid cooled by the cooling unit to the cold water channel, and the second temperature control system comprising a heating unit configured to heat the liquid discharged from the second storage section, and a second pump configured to circulate the liquid heated by the heating unit to the hot water channel.

[0135] [Appendix 1-5] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 1-4, wherein an insulating region is provided between the first storage section and the second storage section.

[0136] [Appendix 1-6] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 1-4 or 1-5, wherein the waterway has a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom, and further comprises two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, the belt surfaces of which are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the waterway, and the thin slices are conveyed by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions.

[0137] [Appendix 1-7] A thin section specimen preparation system comprising: a thin section transport device described in any one of Appendix 1-1 to 1-6; and a handling unit configured to grip the substrate and scoop up the thin section, which has been thinly sliced ​​by the thin section blade and moved from the cold water channel to the hot water channel, using the substrate.

[0138] [Note 2-1] A thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising: a thin section transport device configured to transport the thin sections, the transport device comprising: a water channel located downstream of a thin sectioning blade that slices the specimen block, having a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom; two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, the belt surfaces of which are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them, and the opposing belt portions configured to move toward the downstream side of the water channel, wherein the transport device is configured to transport the thin sections by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions, the bottom of the water channel having: a first region located upstream of the water channel and having a first depth relative to the upper ends of the two wall portions; and a second region located downstream of the water channel and having a second depth greater than the first depth, A thin slice conveying device, comprising: an intermediate region located between the first region and the second region, the intermediate region having increasing depth from the first depth toward the second depth.

[0139] [Note 2-2] The thin slice conveying device according to Note 2-1, wherein the distance between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts is 25 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0140] [Appendix 2-3] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 2-1 or 2-2, wherein each of the two sets of rotating belts is made of steel or resin material.

[0141] [Appendix 2-4] A thin slice conveying device according to any one of Appendix 2-1 to 2-3, further comprising pinch rollers that can adjust the distance between the opposing belt surfaces of the two sets of rotating belts.

[0142] [Appendix 2-5] The thin slice conveying device according to any one of the appendices 2-1 to 2-4, wherein the depth of the first region is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and the depth of the second region is 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0143] [Appendix 2-6] The thin section conveying device according to any one of Appendix 2-1 to 2-5, further comprising one or more nozzles arranged in the intermediate region of the bottom and for injecting liquid toward the upper downstream side of the waterway.

[0144] [Appendix 2-7] A thin section conveying device according to any one of the appendices 2-1 to 2-6, further comprising a water tank capable of accommodating the water channel and storing the liquid discharged from the water channel.

[0145] [Appendix 2-8] The thin slice conveying device described in Appendix 2-7, wherein the water channel is attached to the water tank so that the tip of the water channel can be lifted up.

[0146] [Appendix 2-9] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 2-8, further comprising a holding block for holding the waterway downstream of the waterway, the holding block being rotatably mounted to the water tank around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waterway.

[0147] [Appendix 2-10] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 2-9, further comprising a motor for driving the two rotating belts and a power transmission means for transmitting power from the motor, wherein the motor and the power transmission means are attached to the holding block.

[0148] [Appendix 2-11] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 2-7, wherein the height of at least a portion of the rear end side wall of the waterway is lower than the height of the upper ends of the two walls of the waterway, and the water tank is provided with a region for storing liquid that has flowed out of the waterway through at least a portion of the rear end side wall.

[0149] [Appendix 2-12] The thin section conveying device according to Appendix 2-11, further comprising: one or more second nozzles arranged upstream of the waterway and configured to inject liquid into the waterway; and a pump configured to circulate the liquid accumulated in the storage area to the one or more second nozzles.

[0150] [Appendix 2-13] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 2-12, further comprising a filter located above the storage area for removing solid matter from the liquid flowing out of the waterway.

[0151] [Appendix 2-14] A slice conveying device according to any one of Appendix 2-1 to 2-13, further comprising one or more second nozzles positioned upstream of the water channel and configured to inject liquid into the water channel by flowing it toward the cutting edge of the slice blade.

[0152] [Appendix 2-15] A thin section specimen preparation system comprising: a thin section transport device described in any one of the appendices 2-1 to 2-14; and a handling unit configured to grip the substrate and scoop up the thin sections that have been thinly sliced ​​by the thin section blades and flowed between the two sets of rotating belts using the substrate.

[0153] [Appendix 2-16] A thin section preparation system comprising: a thin section conveying device described in any one of Appendix 2-1 to 2-14; and a cutter unit attached to the upstream end of the thin section conveying device, which holds the thin sectioning blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel.

[0154] [Appendix 3-1] A sectioning specimen preparation system for transferring thin sections sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising a sectioning transport device configured to transport the section, the device comprising: a channel located downstream of a slicing blade that slices a specimen block, and configured to transport the section sliced ​​by the slicing blade along the longitudinal direction of the channel by the flow of liquid; and a water tank capable of accommodating the channel and storing the liquid that flows out of the channel, wherein the channel is attached to the water tank so that its leading end can be raised.

[0155] [Appendix 3-2] A retaining block for holding the waterway downstream of the waterway, further comprising a retaining block rotatably mounted to the water tank around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the waterway, wherein the tip of the waterway is lifted up by rotating the retaining block around the axis, as described in Appendix 3-1.

[0156] [Appendix 3-3] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 3-2, wherein the waterway has a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom, and further comprises two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, the belt surfaces of which are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them between the two wall portions, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the waterway, and the conveying waterway is configured to convey the thin slices by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions.

[0157] [Appendix 3-4] The thin slice conveying device according to Appendix 3-3, further comprising a motor for driving the two rotating belts and a power transmission means for transmitting power from the motor, wherein the motor and the power transmission means are attached to the holding block.

[0158] [Appendix 3-5] A thin section preparation system comprising: a thin section conveying device described in any one of Appendix 3-1 to 3-4; a cutter unit attached to the upstream end of the thin section conveying device, which holds the thin sectioning blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel; wherein the water tank is movable toward the rear end side along the longitudinal direction of the water tank relative to the cutter unit.

[0159] [Appendix 4-1] A thin section specimen preparation system for transferring thin sections sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising: a thin section transport device configured to transport the thin sections, the transport device comprising: a water channel positioned downstream of a slicing blade that slices a specimen block, and configured to transport the thin sections sliced ​​by the slicing blade along the longitudinal direction of the water channel by the flow of liquid; a handling unit configured to grip the substrate and scoop up the thin sections sliced ​​by the slicing blade and flowing through the water channel with the substrate; and a water absorption unit configured to remove moisture from the substrate from which the thin sections have been scooped up.

[0160] [Appendix 4-2] The thin section specimen preparation system according to Appendix 4-1, wherein the water absorption unit has a water absorption pad provided so as to be able to contact the back surface of the substrate.

[0161] [Appendix 4-3] A thin section preparation system according to Appendix 4-1 or 4-2, further comprising at least one storage compartment for storing the substrate, wherein the handling unit is configured to transport the substrate from which the thin section has been scooped up to the at least one storage compartment, and the water absorption unit is installed on a transport path through which the substrate is transported from the waterway to the at least one storage compartment.

[0162] 1...Thin section preparation system, 1a...Base, 2...Specimen block, 2a...Cut surface, 3...Thin section, 4...Substrate, 5...Liquid level, 10...Specimen block slide unit, 20...Cutter unit, 30・30A...Thin section transport device, 32・32A...Water tank, 34・34A...Transport water channel, 34a...Upper end surface, 36a...Ceiling plate, 36b...Wall section, 36c...Bottom plate, 36d...Opening section, 36e...Bolt hole, 36 f...notch, 36g, 36i, 36j, 36K, 36l, 36m, 36n, 36p, 36q, 36r, 746, 755, 756, 757, 758...through hole, 36h...recess, 38...roller unit, 40...handling unit, 41...gripping part, 42...swivel mechanism, 43...slide mechanism, 44...swing mechanism, 50...water absorption unit, 60...magazine unit, 61, 62,63... Magazine, 72... Water supply unit, 73... Temporary water storage tank, 74a... Cold water channel, 74b... Hot water channel, 75a... Cold water storage section, 75b... Hot water storage section, 76... Cold water control system, 78... Hot water control system, 80... Mobile unit, 90... Control unit, 91 / 92... Camera, 93... Thin-cut blade sensor, 201... Thin-cut blade, 202... First block, 203... Second block, 204 / 205... Bolt, 206... Flat section, 321... Wall section, 322... Bottom Section, 323...Raised bottom section, 324・325...Fixing section, 326・327...Opening, 328...Support section, 329...Plug, 331...Overflow area, 332...Filter mounting section, 333...Filter, 334...Tip area, 340...Bottom section, 341...Wall section, 342...First area, 343...Second area, 344...Intermediate area, 345・346・347...Through hole, 348・353・767・787・789...Nozzle, 350...Bolt hole, 351...Tip area, 35 2...Nozzle holder, 357...Handle, 359...Seal member, 355...Shaft, 361...Holding block, 362...Motor, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367...Gears, 371, 372, 373, 374...Pulleys, 375, 376...Rotating belt, 381...Pinch roller, 501...Stand, 502...Water absorption pad, 721, 722...Drain pipe, 723...Valve, 724...Drain tank, 743...Slit, 745...Drain port, 741, 751, 7 52...partition, 753...space, 761...cooling unit, 762...cold water tank, 763...water chiller, 764, 765, 766, 784, 785, 786, 788...piping, 781...heating unit, 782...hot water tank, 783...heater, 801...base, 802...slide block, 803...bearing, 804...slide rail, 805...motor, B1-B5...valves, P1-P5...pumps, S1-S4...water level sensors, T1-T4...temperature sensors.

Claims

1. A thin section preparation system for transferring thin sections sliced ​​from a specimen block onto a substrate, comprising: a thin section transport device configured to transport thin sections, the transport device comprising: a water channel located downstream of a slicing blade that slices the specimen block, configured to transport the thin sections sliced ​​by the slicing blade along the longitudinal direction of the water channel by the flow of liquid; and one or more nozzles located upstream of the water channel, configured to discharge liquid toward the cutting edge of the slicing blade and inject it into the water channel.

2. The thin slice conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzles are arranged on both ends of the thin slice blade.

3. The slice conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the flow velocity of the liquid discharged from the nozzles located on both ends of the slice blade is controlled to reach approximately the center of the slice blade.

4. The waterway has a bottom and two opposing wall portions connected to the bottom, and further comprises two sets of rotating belts provided along the two wall portions, wherein the belt surfaces of the two belt portions are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance between them, and the opposing belt portions are configured to move toward the downstream side of the waterway, and the conveying waterway is configured to convey the slices by floating them in a liquid flowing between the opposing belt portions, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A thin section preparation system comprising: a thin section conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a cutter unit attached to the upstream end of the thin section conveying device, which holds the thin sectioning blade such that the direction in which the cutting edge extends forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the water channel.

6. The thin section preparation system according to claim 5, wherein the direction in which the cutting edge extends and the longitudinal direction of the water channel are not perpendicular to each other.

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