JP2000081575A - Specimen retaining device of microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attach and detach a specimen by simple operation. SOLUTION: This specimen retaining device is provided with a retaining device body 1 supported on a stage of a microscope, at least one specimen abutting device (5, 6, 7, 8) arranged on the retaining device body 1, a specimen pressurizing means (3, 4) mounted rotatably on the retaining device body 1, and an operation control mechanism (1d, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) wherein this specimen pressurizing means is opened before the specimen is retained, and the specimen pressurizing means is rotated and retains the specimen 2 when the specimen 2 is inserted, and when the specimen 2 is inserted further, the above-mentioned specimen pressurizing means is made open to push out the specimen 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microscope sample holding apparatus for holding a sample such as a slide glass on a microscope stage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In microscopy work of a microscope, for example, cytology, observation is performed while exchanging several hundred slide glasses a day. It is hoped that it can be done. Conventionally, such specimen holding devices include Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 56-137113 (Prior Art 1), Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-155118 (Prior Art 2), Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-51372 (Prior Art 3) and The technology disclosed in each gazette of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-15019 (prior art 4) is disclosed, and it is an object to improve the detachability of each sample.

In the prior art 1, an R-shaped surface or an inclined surface is formed in the insertion opening so that the sample can be easily inserted, and the interval between the tips is set to be larger than that of the sample. In prior art 2,
A pair of sample holding members are arranged symmetrically to each other so that opening and closing of one sample holding member opens and closes in conjunction with opening and closing of the other sample holding member. In the prior art 3, two rotating members that rotate in synchronization with the introduction of the sample are provided, and the sample can be held and fixed at a predetermined position by guiding the sample along the guide member. In the prior art 4, an extruding member for pushing the sample toward the near side is provided in conjunction with the rotating claw that holds the sample, thereby facilitating removal of the sample.

[0004]

However, the above prior art has the following problems. That is, in the sample holding devices of the prior art 1 and the prior art 2, when inserting a sample, the sample must be inserted while pushing the sample holding member open with the sample, and it is required that the sample be guided to some extent accurately. Is done. Also, when removing the specimen,
The sample, including the sample holding device of the prior art 3, must be directly pulled out with a finger, and it is slippery and difficult to take out.
Furthermore, in the sample holding device of the prior art 4, in order to operate the rotating claw, it is necessary to operate a knob of an operation unit disposed behind the sample, that is, behind the objective lens, as shown in FIG. Since it is behind the objective lens, the operation is rather troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the invention according to claims 1, 2 and 3 is to provide a microscope specimen which can be easily attached and detached by a simple operation. It is to provide a holding device.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1, 2 or 3 is directed to a sample holding device for a microscope, comprising: a holding device main body supported on a microscope stage; At least one sample abutting means provided on the apparatus main body, a sample pressing means rotatably mounted on the holding apparatus main body, and the sample pressing means is opened before holding the sample, and the sample is inserted when the sample is inserted. An operation control mechanism is provided in which the sample pressing means rotates to hold the sample, and when the sample is further pushed in, the sample pressing means is opened and the sample is pushed out.

In the sample holding device for a microscope according to the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the sample pressing means is opened before the sample is held by the operation control mechanism, and when the sample is inserted, the sample pressing means is rotated. When the sample is held and the sample is further pushed in, the sample pressing means is opened and the sample is pushed out. In the specimen holding device for a microscope according to the invention according to claim 2 or 3,
In addition to the above operation, the sample comes into contact with the sample contact means, the sample contact means moves, and the sample pressing means rotates to hold the sample. In the sample holding device of the microscope according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above operation, when the sample abutment means is pressed through the sample in the direction in which the sample is inserted at the time of removing the sample, the sample pressing means reverses the sample holding direction. While rotating in the direction, the sample abutting means pushes the sample.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments will be described below.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 5 show Embodiment 1, FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sample holding device in a state where a sample pressing member is opened, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sample holding device in a state immediately before the opening of the sample holding member, and FIG. 4 is a first view of the sample holding device.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a second modification of the sample holding device.

In FIG. 1, a main body 1 as a main body of a holding device of a sample holding device is supported on a microscope stage (not shown). On the right front side of the main body 1, a main body abutting portion 1a is formed as a sample abutting means in the inserting direction of the sample 2, and a main body abutting portion 1b is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inserting direction. A specimen pressing member 3 is provided on the left side of the main body 1, and its rotation shaft 3 a is rotatably mounted on the main body 1. The sample pressing member 3 is formed with a protrusion 3b protruding in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 3a and a sample contact portion 3c that contacts and presses the sample 2. A torsion spring 4 is disposed between the main body 1 and the sample pressing member 3, and is fixed to the main body 1 by a main body side supporting portion 4a and to the sample pressing member 3 by a sample pressing side supporting portion 4b. When the sample pressing member 3 is opened, an elastic force acts in the direction of arrow A to rotate the sample pressing member 3 clockwise as shown in FIG. A pin 9 is erected on the main body 1 in the vicinity of the projection 3b of the sample pressing member 3, and the projection 3b abuts on the pin 9 to limit clockwise rotation of the sample pressing member 3. .
The sample pressing member 3 and the torsion spring 4 constitute a sample pressing unit.

The main body 1 is provided with a first specimen contact member 5 which is movable in a straight line in the specimen insertion direction in parallel with the main body contact portion 1a. A compression spring 6 is mounted between the first sample contact member 5 and the main body 1, and the first sample contact member 5 is urged toward the sample 2 by an elastic force. The first sample contact member 5 is formed with a first protrusion 5a, which is engaged with the groove 1c of the main body 1 to limit the moving range of the first sample contact member 5. Also, adjacent to the first specimen contact member 5,
Similarly, a second specimen contact member 7 that can move linearly is provided. A compression spring 8 is mounted between the second sample contact member 7 and the main body 1, and the second sample contact member 7 is resilient to the sample 2 side and the first sample contact member 5 side Has been energized. The second specimen contact member 7 has a notch 7b recessed therein, which is engaged with the projection 3b of the specimen pressing member 3 and
Of the sample contact member 7 is limited.

On the side of the first sample contact member 5 adjacent to the second sample contact member 7, a second protrusion 5 b is provided so as to project therefrom. A notch 7a is recessed at a position where the sample 2 is engaged with the second protrusion 5b when the sample 2 is held. When the rear end portion 7c of the second sample contact member 7 comes into contact when the second sample contact member 7 is pushed in against the compression spring 8, the first sample contact member 5 An inclined surface portion 1d to be moved in a separating direction is formed in the main body 1. The first sample contact member 5, the compression spring 6, the second sample contact member 7 and the compression spring 8 constitute another sample contact means. Further, a slope portion 1d formed on the main body 1, a sample pressing member 3, a torsion spring 4, a first sample contact member 5, a compression spring 6, a second sample contact member 7, a compression spring 8, and a pin 9 constitutes an operation control mechanism.

Next, the operation of the sample holding device having the above configuration will be described. Before holding the sample 2, as shown in FIG. 1, the sample pressing member 3 is pressed by the resilient force of the torsion spring 4 so that the projection 3 b is in contact with the pin 9.
Is opened, and the sample contact portion 3c and the main body contact portion 1b of the main body 1 are opened.
Are sufficiently larger than the longitudinal dimension of the specimen 2. Due to the resiliency of the compression spring 8, the notch 7b of the second sample pressing member 7 is turned into the protrusion 3b of the sample pressing member 3.
, And stands still with the first sample pressing member 5 protruding toward the sample.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample 2 is slid between the sample abutting portion 3c of the sample pressing member 3 and the body abutting portion 1b of the main body 1 which are sufficiently wide open. When the contact member 7 is pressed, the notch 7b pushes the projection 3b of the sample pressing member 3 to rotate the sample pressing member 3. When the torsion spring 4 is rotated to some extent, it exceeds the inflection point in the direction in which the elastic force of the torsion spring 4 acts, and the sample pressing member 3 presses the sample 2 (in the direction of arrow B), that is, counterclockwise. Resilience acts. Further, when the sample 2 is pushed until it comes into contact with the first sample contact member 5, the second protrusion 5b falls into the notch 7a of the second sample contact member 7, and the first sample contact member 5 The surface of the second sample contact member 7 that contacts the sample 2 is the same, and the sample 2 is held stationary. At this time, the specimen 2 is also in contact with the main body contact portions 1a and 1b of the main body 1.

Next, when removing the specimen 2, the specimen 2 is further pushed in the insertion direction as shown in FIG. When the specimen 2 is pushed in, the first specimen contact member 5 and the second specimen contact member 7 move against the elastic forces of the compression springs 6 and 8, respectively, and the second specimen contact member The rear end 7c moves along the slope 1d of the main body 1. Then, the second sample contact member 7 moves away from the first sample contact member 5, and the second protrusion 5b comes off the notch 7a. In this state, if you release your hand from specimen 2 or loosen the pressing force,
The sample contact member 5 and the second sample contact member 7 return to the state shown in FIG. 1 while pushing out the sample 2 by the resilient force of the compression springs 6 and 8, respectively. Stops at a position protruding from the first specimen contact member 5. At this time, the projection 3b of the sample pressing member 3 comes into contact with the notch 7b, and the sample pressing member 3 rotates, exceeding the reversal point of the elastic force of the torsion spring 4, and opening the sample pressing member 3. Direction (Fig. 1
An elastic force is applied in the direction of arrow A), and the projection 3b is
Abut on and stand still.

According to the present embodiment, the sample can be easily attached and detached by a simple operation. In addition, since the distance between the contact portion of the sample pressing member and the contact portion of the main body is sufficiently larger than the length of the sample in the longitudinal direction, accuracy in inserting the sample may be rough. Also, when removing the specimen, it is only necessary to push the specimen in the insertion direction.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the sample pressing member is based on the elastic force of the torsion spring, but may be replaced by an elastic member such as a compression coil spring or rubber. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the position of the tension
A may be substituted. Further, a compression spring is used to bias the sample contact member, but may be replaced with an elastic member such as rubber if a stroke can be secured.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main body contact portion 1a
The sample 2 can be received in the insertion direction by the first sample abutting member 5A and the second sample abutting member 7 having a large width.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 6 to 10 show Embodiment 2, FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sample holding device of a sample holding device in an open state, and FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of an operation control mechanism of the sample holding device, FIG. 9 is a plan view of an operation control mechanism of the sample holding device, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of an operation control groove of the operation control mechanism. .

In FIG. 6, a main body 11 as a main body of a holding device of the sample holding device is supported on a microscope stage (not shown). A wall 11a is provided around the upper surface of the main body 11, and a lid 20 is attached on the wall 11a to cover the upper surface. A pair of rotating shafts 15 and 16 are erected on the upper surface of the main body 11 at left and right target positions. This rotating shaft 1
A pair of specimen pressing members 13 and 14 having different abilities to hold the specimen 12 therebetween are rotatably fitted to the specimens 5 and 16. The sample pressing members 13 and 14 are respectively
a, 14a, outer arms 13b, 14b, specimen contact portion 13
c, 14c. Specimen pressing member 13,
14 are spring support members 13 erected from each other.
A and A are connected by a torsion spring 17 supported by 14A. When holding the sample 12, the sample pressing member 1
When the resilient force acts in the direction in which the specimens 3 and 14 sandwich the specimen 12 (the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7) and the specimen 12 is not held, the specimen pressing members 13 and 14 open in the direction in which the specimens 12 are opened (arrow C in FIG. 6). Direction). Specimen pressing member 13,
14, spring support members 13A, 14A and torsion spring 1
7 constitutes a sample pressing means.

A sample contact member 18 with which the sample 12 abuts in the insertion direction is disposed on the main body 11 so as to be able to move straight, and is urged toward the sample 12 by a compression spring 19. The notch 27, 28 is recessed at the position where the inner arms 13a, 14a of the sample pressing members 13, 14 abut on the sample abutting member 18 and regulates the amount of movement, and the front abutting surfaces 27a, 28a, respectively. Further, rear contact surfaces 27b and 28b are formed. Furthermore, the outer arms 13b and 14b of the sample pressing members 13 and 14 abut against the wall 11a of the main body 11, and the contact portions 11 that regulate the open positions of the sample pressing members 13 and 14.
b, 11c are formed. The specimen contact member 18 and the compression spring 19 constitute a specimen contact means.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a shaft 21 is fitted on the cover 20 attached to the main body 11, and a leaf spring 22 is rotated on the shaft 21 protruding toward the surface of the cover 20. It is freely attached. A pin 23 is attached to the leaf spring 22 so that the leaf spring 22 can rotate around an axis 21 in an elongated hole 24 formed in the lid 20. The sample contact member 18 includes
An operation control groove 25 for guiding the pin 23 attached to the leaf spring 22 is formed. The operation control groove 25 corresponds to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the branch portions 25a, 25 like the annular groove normally used in a push-on-push-off switch.
There are steps at b, 25c, and 25d, and the movement of the pin 23 due to the forward and backward movement of the sample contact member 18 moves in the direction of arrow E along the groove 25, that is, only in one direction. An operation control mechanism is constituted by the lid 20, the shaft 21, the leaf spring 22, the pin 23, and the operation control groove 25 formed in the specimen contact 18.

Next, the operation of the sample holding device having the above configuration will be described. Before holding the sample 12, as shown in FIG.
Urged in the direction of arrow C by
The outer arms 13b, 14b are connected to the contact portions 11b, 1
1c, the sample pressing members 13, 14 are opened, and the interval between the sample abutting portions 13c, 14c is sufficiently larger than the length of the sample 12 in the longitudinal direction. In this state, the pin 23 is stationary at the position A in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the sample abutting portions 13c of the sample pressing members 13, 14 which are sufficiently wide open,
When the specimen 2 is slid and the specimen contact member 18 is pressed during the period 14c (shown by a chain line), the front contact surfaces 27a and 28a push the inner arms 13a and 14a of the specimen pressing members 13 and 14, respectively. The specimen pressing members 13 and 14 are rotated. When the torsion spring 17 is rotated to some extent, it exceeds the inflection point in the direction in which the elastic force of the torsion spring 17 acts, and the sample abutting portions 1 of the sample pressing members 13 and 14
An elastic force acts in the direction in which the specimens 3c and 14c press the specimen 12 (the direction of arrow D). At this time, the pin 23 is
5 is moved from a to a in FIG. 10, and when the hand is released from the sample 12, the pin 23 is stopped at the position of c by the elastic force of the compression spring 19, and the sample contact portions 13 c and 14 c (solid lines) Sample 12) is fixed.

When the specimen 12 is taken out, the specimen 12 is pushed in the insertion direction, and the pin 23 is moved to the position of the groove 25 (FIG. 1).
0), and if you release your hand from the specimen 12,
The pin 23 returns to the position A (see FIG. 10), the sample contact member 18 pushes out the sample 12, and the rear contact surface 27
b, 28b are the rear arms 14 of the sample pressing members 13, 14.
a, 14b, the specimen pressing members 13, 14 are rotated, exceeding the inflection point in the direction in which the elastic force of the torsion spring 17 acts, and opening the specimen pressing members 13, 14 (the direction of FIG. 6C). ), The elastic force of the torsion spring 17 acts on the main body 11 to come into contact with the contact portions 11b and 11c and to stand still.

According to the present embodiment, the sample can be easily attached and detached by a simple operation. Further, since the interval between the sample abutting portions of the pair of sample pressing members is sufficiently larger than the length of the sample in the longitudinal direction, the accuracy at the time of inserting the sample may be rougher. Also, when removing the specimen, only one push in the insertion direction is required.

In the present embodiment, the pair of specimen pressing members are connected by the elastic force of the torsion spring, but may be replaced by an elastic member such as a compression coil spring or rubber. Although a compression spring is used to bias the sample contact member, an elastic member such as rubber may be used as long as the stroke can be secured.

[0028]

According to the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the sample pressing means is opened before the sample is held by the operation control mechanism, and when the sample is inserted, the sample pressing means rotates to remove the sample. When the sample is held and the sample is further pushed in, the sample pressing means is opened and the sample is pushed out, so that the sample can be easily attached and detached by a simple operation. According to the invention according to claim 2 or 3, in addition to the above effects, the sample abuts on the sample abutting means, the sample abutting means moves, and the sample pressing means rotates to hold the sample. The specimen can be quickly mounted on the specimen holding device. According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, when the sample abutment means is pressed through the sample in the direction in which the sample is inserted at the time of removing the sample, the sample pressing means rotates in a direction opposite to the sample holding direction. At the same time, since the sample contact means pushes the sample, the sample can be quickly taken out of the sample holding device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sample holding device of a first embodiment in a state where a sample pressing member is in an open state.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the sample holding device of the first embodiment in a state where a sample pressing member is held.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sample holding device of the first embodiment in a state immediately before the opening of the sample pressing member.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first modification of the sample holding device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a second modification of the sample holding device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the sample holding device according to the second embodiment with a sample pressing member in an open state.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a sample holding device of the second embodiment in a state where a sample pressing member is held.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of an operation control mechanism of the sample holding device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an operation control mechanism of the sample holding device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an operation control groove of the operation control mechanism according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sample holding device of a microscope according to prior art 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 1d Slope part 2 Sample 3 Sample pressing member 4 Torsion spring 5 First sample contact member 6 Compression spring 7 Second sample contact member 8 Compression spring 9 Pin

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A holding device main body supported on a microscope stage, at least one sample contact means provided on the holding device main body, and a sample pressing means rotatably mounted on the holding device main body. Before holding the sample, the sample pressing means is opened, and when the sample is inserted, the sample pressing means rotates to hold the sample, and when the sample is further pushed in, the sample pressing means is opened and the sample is pushed out. And a sample holding device for a microscope. 2. The operation control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sample abuts on the sample abutting means, and the sample abutting means moves, whereby the sample pressing means rotates to hold the sample. The specimen holding device for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The operation control mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising:
When the sample abutting means is pressed through the sample in the direction in which the sample is inserted, the sample pressing means rotates in a direction opposite to the sample holding direction, and the sample abutting means pushes the sample. The specimen holding device for a microscope according to claim 2, wherein