Loading box

Abstract

The present invention provides a loading box, which carries a slide box storage basket for accommodating a plurality of slides, and an inwardly recessed recess is formed on a side surface of the slide box storage basket. The loading box comprises: two first side plates, which are respectively configured to extend along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, the two first side plates facing one another in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; a connecting plate, which is arranged on a side of the two first side plates in the first direction, connects the two first side plates along the third direction, and, together with the two first side plates, forms an opening for inserting the slide box storage basket; and a first bottom plate, which is connected to the two first side plates on the other side in the first direction, bosses being respectively formed, in a mode corresponding to the recess of the slide box storage basket, on the sides of the two first side plates facing one another, and the bosses extending along the first direction.

Description

Loading box Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a loading box. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of digital pathology, pathology slide scanners are commonly used. These devices digitize pathology slides to facilitate remote consultations or scientific research. To improve efficiency, these devices typically use storage units capable of holding dozens or even hundreds of slides for batch processing. However, loading the slides one by one is inefficient and labor-intensive. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a slide holder that can hold multiple slides, but the loading process is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Chinese Publication No. CN218189750U Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] To solve the problem of time-consuming and laborious slide loading in pathology slide scanners, the inventors came up with a solution that directly integrates the slide tray storage basket from the staining machine into the pathology slide scanner. However, how to accurately assemble the slide tray storage basket into the pathology slide scanner to ensure the normal operation of the equipment is a problem to be solved.

[0008] In pathological slide scanners, the slide needs to be moved to a predetermined position and distance below the camera for scanning. The predetermined position and distance are precisely calculated based on mathematical relationships. If the position of the slide deviates from the predetermined position, it will not move properly. Therefore, the accuracy of the slide's position is crucial.

[0009] Applying slide tray storage baskets directly to pathology slide scanners requires precise assembly to ensure accurate slide positioning. However, the complex internal structure of pathology slide scanners and the inherent design and manufacturing tolerances of the slide tray storage baskets themselves undoubtedly increase the difficulty of assembly.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a loading box that can precisely assemble a slide box storage basket into a pathology slide scanner, thereby ensuring the accuracy of slide positioning and enabling precise slide delivery in conjunction with a moving device.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a loading box that carries a slide cassette storage basket for accommodating multiple glass slides. The slide cassette storage basket has inwardly recessed recesses on its sides. The loading box includes: two first side plates extending along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, respectively, with the two first side plates facing each other in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions; a connecting plate disposed on one side of the two first side plates in the first direction, connecting the two first side plates along a third direction, and forming an opening together with the two first side plates for inserting the slide cassette storage basket; and a first bottom plate connected to the two first side plates on the other side of the first direction, with protrusions formed on the side of the two first side plates facing each other in a manner corresponding to the recesses of the slide cassette storage basket, the protrusions extending along the first direction.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to the loading box provided by the present invention, the slide box storage basket used in the staining machine can be directly applied to the pathological slide scanner, and the assembly accuracy of the slide box storage basket can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the slide position. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the slice box storage basket used in the staining machine.

[0016] Figure 2 shows the installation effect of the slide assembly device for the pathology slide scanner.

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the loading box.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the loading box and the slice box storage basket.

[0019] Figure 5 is a top view showing the assembly of the loading box and the slice box storage basket.

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the loading box.

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the pressure section.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the effect of the pressure section.

[0023] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the side panel of the loading box.

[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a modified loading box.

[0025] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the effect of the pressure section in the modified example.

[0026] Symbol Explanation: 1……Loading box; 2……Placement compartment; 3……Slice box storage basket; 4……Rack; 5……Slide; 111……First left side plate; 112……First right side plate; 113……First side; 114……Second side; 115……Third side; 12……Connecting plate; 13……First base plate; 14……First recess; 15……Second recess; 16……Boss; 161……First side waist; 162……Second side waist; 17……Ball plunger; 171……Spring; 172……Ball; 173……Mounting groove; 18……Slot; 19……Groove; 1A……Loading box; 17A……Curved sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The loading box according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of understanding, the height direction of the loading box (vertical direction) is designated as the first direction D1. The length direction of the loading box (front-back direction) is designated as the second direction D2. The width direction of the loading box (left-right direction) is designated as the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0029] This invention provides a slide assembly device for a pathology slide scanner that is compatible with a slide holder basket. The slide holder basket 3 is a loading structure manufactured by Sakura Corporation for assembling slides 5. As shown in Figure 1, the slide holder basket 3 includes multiple rows (20 rows in Figure 1) of slots for inserting slides 5, allowing slides 5 to be inserted from the opening end facing the right side of Figure 1. Holes (not shown) for inserting hooks are provided at the upper and lower ends of the slide holder basket 3 near the right side of Figure 1 (i.e., near the opening end), allowing the hooks to lift the slide holder basket 3 into the staining machine for staining.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the slide assembly device for the pathology slide scanner comprises two parts: a loading box 1 and a placement chamber 2. The placement chamber 2 is fixed to the frame 4 of the pathology slide scanner and can move up and down along the first direction D1 on the frame 4 to push different slides. The placement chamber 2 is equipped with the loading box 1 for carrying the slide box storage basket 3. The loading box 1 is externally adapted to the placement chamber 2 and internally adapted to the slide box storage basket 3. The loading box 1 can be easily placed into or removed from the placement chamber 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the loading box 1 includes a first left side plate 111, a first right side plate 112, a connecting plate 12, and a first bottom plate 13. The first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 extend along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, respectively. The first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 face each other in a third direction D3. The first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 have a symmetrical structure. The connecting plate 12 connects the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 along the third direction D3, and together with the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112, forms an opening for inserting the slice box storage basket 3. In other words, the connecting plate 12 is used to connect the sides of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 located in the same direction (denoted as the second side 114), wherein the connecting plate 12 is disposed at the top of the side of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 (the second side 114) (i.e., one side in the first direction D1), and the rest is hollowed out. The side opposite to the connecting plate 12 (i.e., the side opposite to the second side 114, denoted as the third side 115) is an open design, allowing the glass slides 5 contained in the slide box storage basket 3 to extend out. The first base plate 13 is connected to the bottom of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112. In other words, the first base plate 13 is connected to the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 on the other side of the first direction D1. The connection methods between the connecting plate 12 or the first base plate 13 and the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 include, but are not limited to, screwing, welding, etc.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the loading box 1 is a cavity formed by a first left side plate 111, a first right side plate 112, and a first bottom plate 13, used to accommodate the slide box storage basket 3. Referring again to Figure 3, the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 each have a pair of first sides 113 on the side facing the first direction D1, a pair of second sides 114 on the side facing the second direction D2, and a pair of third sides 115 on the other side facing the second direction D2. On the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112, one side of the connecting plate 12 is higher than the other; that is, the height of the second side 114 is greater than the height of the third side 115, and the height of the first side 113 gradually transitions from the height of the second side 114 to the height of the third side 115. After the slide box storage basket 3 is placed in the loading box 1, its height is basically the same as or only slightly different from the height of the third side 115, and the connecting plate 12 is located above the slide box storage basket 3, so it will not interfere with the pushing of the slides 5 inside the slide box storage basket 3. The second side 114 has a smooth first recess 14, which is recessed towards the other side in the second direction D2. When loading the loading box 1 into or removing it from the placement compartment 2, the hand grips the second side 114 of the loading box 1 for operation. The design of the first recess 14 is more ergonomic and improves grip comfort. Similarly, the first side 113 has a smooth second recess 15, which is recessed towards the other side in the first direction D1. When loading or removing the slice box storage basket 3 from above the loading box 1, the second recess 15 provides operating space for the hand gripping action, and the smooth design improves comfort. In addition, the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 have a slot 18 on the side where the third side 115 is located for fixing it to the placement compartment 2.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a top view of the loading box 1 and the slice box storage basket 3 assembled. The loading box 1 is fitted with the slice box storage basket 3, and needs to accommodate and fix the slice box storage basket 3. As shown in Figure 1, the slice box storage basket 3 has an inwardly recessed part on its side. For this purpose, a boss 16 is provided on one side of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 facing each other, corresponding to the recess of the slice box storage basket 3. The boss 16 extends along the first direction D1. The boss 16 is trapezoidal in shape when viewed from the first direction D1. The boss 16 has a top surface, a first side waist 161 and a second side waist 162. When the slice box storage basket 3 is loaded into the loading box 1, the boss 16 is embedded in the recess of the slice box storage basket 3 and is locked in place by the first side waist 161 and the second side waist 162, preventing it from moving back and forth, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the position of the slice box storage basket 3.

[0034] When the slice box storage basket 3 is loaded or removed from the top of the loading box 1, according to the design concept, during the assembly process, only the two narrow edges of the loading box 1, the first side waist 161 and the second side waist 162, contact the slice box storage basket 3. A small gap is left between the top surface of the boss 16 and the slice box storage basket 3, so there is no friction between them. In this way, the boss 16 plays a good positioning and guiding role, and the contact area between the two side waists and the slice box storage basket 3 is very small, minimizing wear and preventing residue. This ensures accurate positioning and a smooth assembly process. However, in reality, due to machining tolerances of the slice box storage basket 3, there may be large-area friction between the slice box storage basket 3 and the top surface of the boss 16. This can easily lead to blockage, wear, and residue, increasing the assembly difficulty, reducing the service life of the equipment, and the wear residue can easily contaminate the slices. To solve this problem, as shown in Figure 6, pressure parts are provided at the second side waist 162 of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112. The pressure section is a component that applies force to the recess of the slice container storage basket 3. The pressure section can be a ball-head plunger 17. Specifically, multiple ball-head plungers 17 can be evenly arranged longitudinally along the second side waist 162, but this is not a limitation; the ball-head plungers 17 can also be arranged on the first side waist 161, or on both the first side waist 161 and the second side waist 162. In the following description, the example of the ball-head plunger 17 being arranged on the second side waist 162 will be used.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the ball plunger 17 consists of a spring 171 and a ball bearing 172 connected to the spring 171. When the ball plunger 17 is not under load (as shown in Figure 7 under load min), the spring 171 is not under load and does not apply pressure to the ball bearing 172, causing the ball bearing 172 to protrude from the surface of the mounting groove 173. When the ball plunger 17 is under load (as shown in Figure 7 under load max), it presses the ball bearing 172 into the mounting groove 173, and the spring 171, in turn, applies a certain pressure to the ball bearing 172. Thus, when the slice container basket 3 is inserted into the loading box 1, the slice container basket 3 applies pressure to the ball plunger 17, causing the ball bearing 172 to move inward. The spring 171, in turn, applies a certain pressure to the ball bearing 172, pressing the slice container basket 3 tightly. In this way, the ball plunger 17 provides a certain amount of leeway for the installation of the slice container basket 3. As shown in Figure 8, the dimensions of the slice box storage basket 3, which extends and retracts against the ball bearing 172, gradually increase from small to large tolerances. The maximum allowable range is when the ball bearing 172 moves from an initially unloaded state (as shown in Figure 7, load min) to being fully inserted into the mounting groove 173 after being loaded (as shown in Figure 7, load max), which is the travel distance of the ball bearing 172 within the ball plunger 17. Within this travel range, even if there are machining tolerances in the slice box storage basket 3, there will be no large-area friction with the top surface of the boss 16, and it will still have a fastening effect, avoiding blockage and wear, reducing assembly difficulty, improving service life, and ensuring cleanliness. The first side waist 161 serves as a positioning reference surface, always remaining in close contact with the slice box storage basket 3 during installation, ensuring positional accuracy. The tolerance range of the slice box storage basket 3 is approximately 0.2mm, and the travel distance of the ball plunger 17 is preferably between 0.2mm and 1mm.

[0036] To further reduce wear during assembly, loading box 1 can be made of hard plastic with self-lubricating properties. At the same time, a wear-resistant coating can be applied to the surface of the parts to improve their wear resistance and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0037] The components of the loading box 1 can be manufactured using injection molding. However, because the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 have bosses 16, the overall thickness will be inconsistent, leading to uneven wall thickness and deformation during injection molding. Therefore, to achieve uniform thickness, grooves 19 can be provided in the thickness direction of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, an inwardly recessed groove 19 is formed on the outer surface of the side of the first left side plate 111 and the first right side plate 112 that are separated from each other. This not only facilitates the injection molding process but also reduces the overall weight of the equipment, making it easier for inspection personnel to use.

[0038] According to the present invention, by cooperating the loading box 1 and the placement chamber 2, the slide box storage basket 3 can be adapted and applied to the pathological slide scanner.

[0039] The trapezoidal protrusion 16 of the loading box 1 fits perfectly into the recess of the slice box storage basket 3, and is held in place by the first side waist 161 and the second side waist 162, preventing it from shifting back and forth, thus ensuring the accuracy of the position of the slice box storage basket 3.

[0040] Furthermore, this invention is the first to apply the structure of the ball-head plunger 17 to the fixing of the slice box storage basket 3, and takes into account the adaptation of the stroke of the ball-head plunger 17 to the tolerance of the slice box storage basket 3, thereby improving the compatibility of the slice box device and solving the jamming problem when assembling the slice box storage basket 3.

[0041] Variations

[0042] As a variation of the present invention, a loading box 1A is also provided, which differs from the loading box 1 of the present invention described above in that the configuration of the pressure section is different.

[0043] The pressure section of the loading box 1 described above is composed of a ball-head plunger 17. In a modified loading box 1A, the pressure section can be composed of an elastically deformable arc-shaped sheet 17A. Specifically, as shown in FIG10, the arc-shaped sheet 17A can be provided on the second side waist 162, with its long side extending along the extension direction of the second side waist 162, and is configured to be arc-shaped such that its two ends are close to the two ends in the vertical direction of the second side waist 162 and its central part slightly protrudes towards the slice box storage basket 3. Viewed from a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, FIG11 shows a schematic diagram of the effect of the arc-shaped sheet 17A being pressed and deformed when the slice box storage basket 3 is inserted into the loading box 1A.

[0044] Specifically, since the curved sheet 17A is made of an elastically deformable material, when the slice box storage basket 3 is inserted into the loading box 1A, the slice box storage basket 3 applies pressure to the curved sheet 17A, causing the curved sheet 17A to deform slightly. Conversely, the curved sheet 17A also applies a certain amount of pressure to the slice box storage basket 3, pressing it tightly. In this way, the curved sheet 17A secures and installs the slice box storage basket 3 to the loading box 1A. Especially near the center of the curved sheet 17A, the curved sheet 17A is in close contact with the slice box storage basket 3.

[0045] Because the two ends of the arc-shaped thin sheet 17A are closely attached to the two ends of the second side waist 162 in the vertical direction, that is, slightly spaced from the boss 16 of the slice box storage basket 3, a certain amount of room for movement is provided for the installation of the slice box storage basket 3 when it is installed into the loading box 1A, and no significant jamming occurs. Even if there are machining tolerances in the slice box storage basket 3, there will be no large-area friction with the top surface of the boss 16, avoiding blockage and wear, reducing assembly difficulty, improving service life, and ensuring cleanliness. In addition, the central part of the arc-shaped thin sheet 17A protrudes slightly into the slice box storage basket 3 in an arc shape, yet still has a fastening effect. Here, the degree to which the central part of the arc-shaped thin sheet 17A protrudes slightly into the slice box storage basket 3 is between 0.2mm and 1mm away from the surface of the second side waist 162.

[0046] To further reduce wear during assembly, loading box 1A can be made of hard plastic with self-lubricating properties. At the same time, a wear-resistant coating can be applied to the surface of the parts to improve their wear resistance and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0047] Furthermore, the arc-shaped sheet 17A is not limited to being disposed on the second side waist 162, but can also be disposed on the first side waist 161, or on both the first side waist 161 and the second side waist 162.

[0048] According to the above-described embodiments and variations of the present invention, a novel slide assembly device is designed and manufactured. This device has a high-precision assembly structure, which effectively reduces assembly difficulty and improves assembly accuracy, ensuring that each component can be precisely assembled together, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the entire device. Furthermore, a special structure is designed for the slide assembly device, enabling smooth and wear-free installation of the cherry blossom slice box storage basket. The compact design minimizes its space occupation while ensuring functional integrity and improving the overall performance of the equipment. In addition, special materials are used to manufacture the slide loading device to reduce wear during assembly and use. For example, materials with self-lubricating properties can be selected for manufacturing the device components, or a wear-resistant coating can be applied to the surface of the components to improve their wear resistance and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0049] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “comprising” mean the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom," etc., used to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present invention are based on the actual usage state of the pathology slide scanner slide assembly device. These terms are only for the convenience of describing and understanding the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or instrument referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0052] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

[0053] As can be understood from the description of the above embodiments, this specification includes disclosures in the following ways.

[0054] [Postscript 1]

[0055] A loading box that carries a slide container basket for holding multiple glass slides, wherein the side of the slide container basket has an inwardly recessed portion, wherein...

[0056] The loading box includes:

[0057] Two first side plates are respectively arranged to extend along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the two first side plates face each other in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction;

[0058] A connecting plate, disposed on one side of the two first side plates in the first direction, connects the two first side plates along the third direction, and together with the two first side plates forms an opening for inserting the slice box storage basket; and

[0059] A first base plate, which connects the two first side plates on the other side of the first direction.

[0060] On one side of the two first side plates facing each other, a boss is formed in a manner corresponding to the recess of the slice box storage basket, and the boss extends along the first direction.

[0061] [Postscript 2]

[0062] According to the loading box described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0063] When viewed from the first direction, the boss has a trapezoidal shape.

[0064] The boss has a top surface, a first side waist, and a second side waist.

[0065] A pressure section is provided on at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist.

[0066] The pressure section consists of a spring and a ball connected to the spring.

[0067] [Postscript 3]

[0068] According to the loading box described in Appendix 2, wherein,

[0069] The pressure section is provided in multiple parts along the first direction.

[0070] [Postscript 4]

[0071] According to the loading box described in Appendix 2 or 3, wherein,

[0072] The stroke of the pressure section is 0.2mm to 1mm.

[0073] [Postscript 5]

[0074] The loading box according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein...

[0075] The two first side plates each have a pair of first edges on the side facing the first direction, a pair of second edges on the side facing the second direction, and a pair of third edges on the other side facing the second direction.

[0076] The height of the second side in the first direction is higher than the height of the third side in the first direction.

[0077] The height of the first side in the first direction transitions from the height of the second side in the first direction to the height of the third side in the first direction.

[0078] [Postscript 6]

[0079] According to the loading box described in Appendix 5, wherein...

[0080] The height of the third side in the first direction is approximately the same as the height of the slice box storage basket in the first direction.

[0081] [Postscript 7]

[0082] According to the loading box described in Appendix 5 or 6, wherein...

[0083] A first recessed portion is provided on the second side, which is recessed to the other side in the second direction.

[0084] A second recessed portion is provided on the first side, which is recessed to the other side in the first direction.

[0085] [Postscript 8]

[0086] The loading box according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein...

[0087] The loading box is made of a material with self-lubricating properties.

[0088] [Postscript 9]

[0089] The loading box according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein...

[0090] The surface of the loading box is coated with a wear-resistant coating.

[0091] [Postscript 10]

[0092] The loading box according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, wherein...

[0093] The loading box is injection molded.

[0094] On the outer surface of one side of the two first side plates in the direction of separation from each other, there is a groove that is recessed inward.

[0095] [Postscript 11]

[0096] According to the loading box described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0097] When viewed from the first direction, the boss has a trapezoidal shape.

[0098] The boss has a top surface, a first side waist, and a second side waist.

[0099] A pressure section is provided on at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist.

[0100] The pressure section is composed of an elastically deformable arc-shaped sheet.

[0101] The arc-shaped sheet is formed such that its two ends are closely attached to the two ends of at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist in the vertical direction, and its central portion protrudes slightly toward the slice box storage basket.

Claims

1. A loading box that carries a slide container basket for accommodating multiple glass slides, wherein the side of the slide container basket has an inwardly recessed portion, wherein... The loading box includes: Two first side plates are respectively arranged to extend along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the two first side plates face each other in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; A connecting plate, disposed on one side of the two first side plates in the first direction, connects the two first side plates along the third direction, and together with the two first side plates forms an opening for inserting the slice box storage basket; and A first base plate, which connects the two first side plates on the other side of the first direction. On one side of the two first side plates facing each other, a boss is formed in a manner corresponding to the recess of the slice box storage basket, and the boss extends along the first direction.

2. The loading box according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the first direction, the boss has a trapezoidal shape. The boss has a top surface, a first side waist, and a second side waist. A pressure section is provided on at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist. The pressure section consists of a spring and a ball connected to the spring.

3. The loading box according to claim 2, wherein, The pressure section is provided in multiple parts along the first direction.

4. The loading box according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The stroke of the pressure section is 0.2mm to 1mm.

5. The loading box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The two first side plates each have a pair of first edges on the side facing the first direction, a pair of second edges on the side facing the second direction, and a pair of third edges on the other side facing the second direction. The height of the second side in the first direction is higher than the height of the third side in the first direction. The height of the first side in the first direction transitions from the height of the second side in the first direction to the height of the third side in the first direction.

6. The loading box according to claim 5, wherein, The height of the third side in the first direction is approximately the same as the height of the slice box storage basket in the first direction.

7. The loading box according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, A first recessed portion is provided on the second side, which is recessed to the other side in the second direction. A second recess is provided on the first side, which is recessed to the other side in the first direction.

8. The loading box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The loading box is made of a material with self-lubricating properties.

9. The loading box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The surface of the loading box is coated with a wear-resistant coating.

10. The loading box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The loading box is injection molded. On the outer surface of one side of the two first side plates in the direction of separation from each other, there is a groove that is recessed inward.

11. The loading box according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the first direction, the boss has a trapezoidal shape. The boss has a top surface, a first side waist, and a second side waist, A pressure portion is provided at at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist, The pressure portion is composed of an elastically deformable arc-shaped sheet, The arc-shaped sheet is formed in an arc shape with both end portions abutting on both ends in the up-down direction of the at least one of the first side waist and the second side waist and a central portion slightly protruding toward the cassette housing basket.

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