JP2008164522A - Sliced piece preparing apparatus, cutting method of embedding block and sliced piece preparation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sliced piece preparing apparatus capable of cutting an embedding block, without causing the trouble due to cut refuse, a cutting method of the embedding block and a sliced piece preparation method. <P>SOLUTION: The sliced piece preparing apparatus 1 is equipped with: a sample stand 2 on which the embedded block B is fixed; a cutter 3 for cutting the embedded block B fixed on the sample stand 2; a holder 9 for fixing the cutter 3, an X-stage 4 capable of relatively moving the cutter 3 in the cutting direction X of the embedded block B by the cutter 3, with respect to the embedding block B fixed to the sample stand 2; a Z-stage 5 capable of adjusting the relative position of the cutter 3 and the embedded block B fixed on the sample stand 2 in the thickness direction Z of the embedded block B; a suction nozzle 10, having an opening part 10a arranged in the vicinity of the edge 3a of the cutter 3; and a cut refuse removing means 6, having a suction machine 12, capable of sucking the cut refuse which is produced by cutting the embedded block B, from the suction nozzle 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thin-section preparation apparatus and a method for cutting an embedded block, in which an embedded block embedded with a biological sample taken from a human body, a laboratory animal, or the like is cut to produce a thin section.

  Conventionally, as one method for inspecting and observing a biological sample taken from a human body or a laboratory animal, a thin section is prepared from an embedding block in which the biological sample is embedded with an embedding agent, and the biological sample is observed. The method is known. Here, as an apparatus for cutting the embedding block to produce a thin slice, a cutter, a cutter driving mechanism for moving the cutter in the thickness direction of the embedding block, and a transport for moving the embedding block toward the cutter A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus including a mechanism has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this thin section manufacturing apparatus, the positional relationship in the thickness direction between the cutter and the embedding block is adjusted by moving the cutter by the cutter driving mechanism. And by moving an embedding block toward a cutter with a conveyance mechanism, it is supposed that a thin slice can be produced by cutting an embedding block to a desired thickness by a cutter.

Here, when the embedded block is cut with a cutter, a thin slice is produced and cutting waste is generated. In addition, the process of cutting the embedded block generally includes a main cutting that forms a cut surface where a desired biological sample is exposed, and then cuts again at a predetermined thickness to collect a thin section, and a pre-processing of the main cutting. And rough cutting in which cutting is repeated until a desired biological sample is exposed. In particular, in rough cutting, a large amount of cutting waste is generated by repeated cutting.
JP 2004-28910 A

  However, the apparatus according to Patent Document 1 does not have means for removing cutting waste generated along with cutting, and it is necessary to periodically stop the apparatus to clean the cutting waste. Moreover, as a method of cleaning such a cutting waste, the method of removing the cutting waste on the embedding block and the blade edge | tip of a cutter with a brush etc. can be considered. However, in such a method, there is a possibility that the cutting edge of the cutter may be damaged by the brush, and there is a possibility that the life of the cutter is lowered and the quality of the thin slice to be produced is lowered. In addition, when cutting waste adheres to the cutting edge of the cutter, the constituent cutting edge is formed by the cutting waste, which causes the thin section to tear when the embedded block is cut to produce a thin section. In some cases, a thin section could not be collected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is a thin-slice manufacturing apparatus capable of cutting an embedded block without causing any cutting waste, and cutting of the embedded block. A method and a method for producing a thin slice are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The present invention is a thin-slice preparation device that cuts an embedding block in which a biological sample is embedded to prepare a thin section, a sample stage for fixing the embedding block, and the above-described sample base fixed to the sample stage A cutter for cutting the embedded block, a holder for fixing the cutter, and a cutting direction for cutting the embedded block by the cutter, relative to the embedded block fixed to the sample table. An X stage that can be moved to the Z stage, a Z stage that can adjust the relative position of the cutter and the embedded block fixed to the sample stage in the thickness direction of the embedded block, and an opening. Comprises a suction nozzle disposed in the vicinity of the cutting edge of the cutter, and a cutting waste removing means having a suction machine capable of sucking cutting waste generated when the embedded block is cut from the suction nozzle. It is characterized in.

  The present invention also relates to an embedded block cutting method for cutting an embedded block in which a biological sample is embedded, and a cutter fixed to a holder is moved relative to the embedded block in a cutting direction. Then, the embedding block is cut, and a suction nozzle is disposed in the vicinity of the blade edge of the cutter, and the cutting waste generated when cutting from the opening of the suction nozzle is sucked.

  According to the thin section manufacturing apparatus and the embedding block cutting method according to the present invention, the embedding block is fixed to the sample stage, and the cutter and the embedding block are relatively positioned in the thickness direction of the embedding block by the Z stage. Adjust the position. Then, the cutter is moved relatively toward the embedding block by the X stage, and suction is performed by the suction device of the cutting waste removing means. As a result, the embedded block is cut by the cutter with a thickness corresponding to the adjustment by the Z stage, and the cutting waste generated by the cutting is sucked from the opening of the suction nozzle arranged in the vicinity of the cutter blade edge. And can be removed.

  In the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, it is more preferable that the thin-section manufacturing apparatus further includes an advancing / retreating unit that advances and retracts the suction nozzle of the suction machine at a suction position close to the cutting edge of the cutter and a retracted position away from the cutting edge.

  According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the cutting waste on the cutting edge of the cutter and the embedding block can be effectively sucked by setting the suction nozzle of the cutting waste removal means to the suction position by the advance / retreat means. On the other hand, by setting the retracted position, it is possible to prevent the suction nozzle from being obstructed when other operations are performed in the vicinity of the cutter blade edge.

In the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, it is more preferable that the advancing / retreating unit place a part of the edge of the opening of the suction nozzle in contact with the cutter or the holder at the suction position. ing.
In the above-described method for cutting an embedded block, it is more preferable that a part of the edge of the opening of the suction nozzle is brought into contact with the cutter or the holder when the cutting waste is sucked. ing.

  According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus and the embedding block cutting method according to the present invention, a part of the edge of the opening of the suction nozzle is placed in contact with the cutter or the holder, so that the suction nozzle is connected to the cutter blade edge and the envelope. While being able to set it as the position approached by the buried block, the flow of the air by attraction | suction can be partially controlled and limited by a cutter or a holder. For this reason, even if the suction force by the suction machine is the same, it is possible to increase the flow rate of the sucked air and suck the cutting waste more effectively.

  Furthermore, in the above-described thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, at least a part of the edge of the opening that contacts the cutter or the holder can be elastically deformed by contacting the cutter. It is more preferable that it is made of a soft material.

  According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, at least a part of the edge of the opening that comes into contact with the cutter or the holder is formed of an elastically deformable soft material among the suction nozzles. Adhesion between the cutter or holder and the suction nozzle can be enhanced, and the air flow by suction can be more effectively regulated and sucked by the cutter or holder.

Further, in the above-described thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, it is more preferable that the inner peripheral surface of the suction nozzle is provided with a water receiving portion capable of collecting water droplets transmitted through the inner peripheral surface.
According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, when the suction is performed by the suction nozzle of the cutting waste removing means, the air and cutting waste are also sucked together with the air and the moisture attached to the embedding block. A part of such moisture adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the suction nozzle and combines to form water droplets. Then, the water droplet grows to a certain size, so that the gravitational force is larger than the suction force, falls along the inner peripheral surface of the suction nozzle, and is collected in the water receiving portion. For this reason, it can prevent that this water droplet falls from the opening part of a suction nozzle to a cutter or an embedding block, and obstructs cutting.

Furthermore, in the above-described thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, it is more preferable that the water receiving portion of the suction nozzle includes a discharge pipe that can appropriately discharge water droplets collected in the water receiving portion to the outside.
According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, water droplets retained in the water receiving portion can be appropriately discharged by the discharge pipe, and can be continuously sucked and cut without being affected by the retained water droplets. .

  Further, in the above-described thin-section manufacturing apparatus, the cutting waste removing means sends out the compressed air from the blowing nozzle having an opening disposed in the vicinity of the cutting edge of the cutter toward the cutting edge of the cutter. It is more preferred to have a possible blower.

  Further, in the above-described method of cutting an embedding block, the cutting waste is sucked and a blow nozzle is disposed in the vicinity of the cutting edge of the cutter, and compressed air is sent from the blowing nozzle toward the cutting edge of the cutter. It is said that it is more preferable.

  According to the thin section manufacturing apparatus and the embedding block cutting method according to the present invention, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter and the embedding block is peeled off by sending compressed air to the vicinity of the blade edge of the cutter by the blower and the blowing nozzle. Can be taken. Then, by sucking with the suction machine and the suction nozzle, the scraped cutting waste can be sucked and the cutting waste can be more effectively removed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described thin section manufacturing apparatus, the cutting waste is removed during a predetermined time before and after the cutting time when the X stage is driven and the embedded block is cut by the cutter. It is more preferable to include a control unit that causes the air to be sucked by the blower and sends out the compressed air by the blower for a certain period of time during which the suction is performed by the suction device after the cutting time has elapsed. ing.

  Further, in the above-described method for cutting an embedded block, a cutting time when cutting the embedded block with the cutter, and suction of the cutting waste from the suction nozzle for a certain period of time before and after the cutting time. In addition, it is preferable that compressed air is sent out from the blow-out nozzle for a certain period of time during which suction is performed after the cutting time has elapsed.

  According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus and the embedding block cutting method according to the present invention, the suction unit of the cutting waste removing means starts suction before starting to cut the embedding block by the cutter under the control of the control unit. During the cutting, suction is performed even after the cutting is completed. For this reason, it can cut, removing effectively the cutting waste generated with cutting. At this time, since compressed air is not sent out from the blowing nozzle, the cut surface of the embedding block is not disturbed by the compressed air, thereby preventing cutting. On the other hand, under the control of the control unit, the blower of the cutting waste removing means sends out the compressed air for a predetermined time while the suction is performed by the suction device after the completion of the cutting. For this reason, the cutting waste adhering to and remaining on the cutter and the embedding block can be effectively removed.

  Further, the method for producing a thin section of the present invention is to cut the embedded block again with a predetermined thickness after the embedded block is cut by the above-described embedded block cutting method to form a desired cut surface. It is characterized by producing thin sections.

  According to the method for producing a thin section according to the present invention, by cutting the embedding block by the above-described embedding block cutting method, it is possible to obtain a good cut surface without causing any cutting waste. it can. Then, by cutting again with a predetermined thickness in a state where a good cut surface is formed, a thin slice having a corresponding good cut surface can be produced.

According to the thin-slice manufacturing device of the present invention, it is possible to cut the embedded block without having any trouble with the cutting waste by providing the cutting waste removing means. Thin sections can be made.
According to the method for cutting an embedding block of the present invention, it is possible to cut the embedding block without sucking the cutting waste by sucking the cutting waste with the suction nozzle while cutting, Thereby, a thin slice with a good cut surface can be produced.
According to the method for producing a thin section of the present invention, by cutting the embedded block by the above-described method for cutting an embedded block, a thin section having a good cut surface can be produced without being affected by cutting chips. Can do.

(First embodiment)
1 and 2 show a first embodiment according to the present invention. The thin-section preparation apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 prepares an ultrathin thin section B1 having a thickness of about 3 to 5 μm from an embedding block B in which a biological sample S is embedded, and is included in the thin section B1. In the process of inspecting and observing the biological sample S, the embedded block B is automatically cut to produce the thin slice B1. The biological sample S is, for example, a sample excised from a tissue such as an organ taken out of a human body or a laboratory animal, and is appropriately selected in the medical field, pharmaceutical field, food field, biological field, and the like. The embedding block B is obtained by embedding the biological sample S as described above with the embedding agent B2, that is, covering and solidifying the periphery. The embedding block B is handled by being mounted on an embedding cassette C formed of resin or the like. In more detail, such an embedding block B is produced as follows. First, the mass of the biological sample S is immersed in formalin, and the protein constituting the biological sample S is fixed. And after making a structure | tissue solid, it cut | disconnects to a suitable magnitude | size. Finally, it is produced by embedding in solidified embedding agent B2 the thing which replaced the water | moisture content inside the cut | disconnected biological sample S by embedding agent B2, and making it. Here, the embedding agent B2 is a material that can be easily liquefied and cooled and solidified as described above, and is dissolved by being immersed in an organic solvent, such as resin or paraffin. Hereinafter, the configuration of the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thin-section preparation apparatus 1 includes a sample table 2 that fixes the embedding block B, a cutter 3 that cuts the embedding block B fixed to the sample table 2, and a sample table 2. The X stage 4 and the Z stage 5 for moving the embedding block B fixed to the head, the cutting waste removing means 6 for removing the cutting waste, and the control unit 7 are provided. The sample stage 2 can position and fix the embedding block B by fixing the embedding cassette C with the embedding block B mounted on the embedding cassette C. The cutter 3 is fixed to a holder 9 provided on the fixing base 8. More specifically, the holder 9 has a holder main body 9a having a holding surface 9b set at a fixed angle, and a blade press 9c for holding the cutter 3 between the holding surface 9b of the holder main body 9a. . And the cutter 3 is being fixed to the holder 9 so that cutting is possible within the cutting surface B3 with the blade edge 3a protruding at an angle corresponding to the clamping surface 9b.

  The X stage 4 and the Z stage 5 are provided below the sample stage 2. The Z stage 5 can move the embedded block B on the sample stage 2 by a predetermined amount in the Z direction, which is the thickness direction of the embedded block B, under the control of the control unit 7. The X stage 4 is embedded at a predetermined moving speed in the X direction in which the cutter 3 and the embedding block B fixed to the sample stage 2 face each other within the cutting surface B3 under the control of the control unit 7. It is possible to move block B.

  The cutting waste removing means 6 includes a suction nozzle 10 having a substantially cylindrical shape and having an opening 10 a on the tip side, a substantially tubular suction pipe 11 communicating with the suction nozzle 10, and a suction connected to the suction nozzle 10 by the suction pipe 11. Machine 12. The suction nozzle 10 is disposed so that the opening 10 a faces the cutting edge 3 a and the cutting surface B 4 of the embedding block B in the vicinity of the cutting edge 3 a of the cutter 3. Further, the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 is capable of sucking the entire range in which the cutting block 3 is cut by the cutter 3 in the direction in which the cutting edge 3a extends, and the opening width is increased compared to the base end side. The opening width is reduced in the X direction, which is the cutting direction, compared to the base end side. The suction machine 12 can be driven under the control of the control unit 7 to suck outside air from the opening 10a through the suction pipe 11 and the suction nozzle 10.

  The thin-slice manufacturing device 1 includes a suction nozzle 10, a suction pipe 11, and a suction / retraction means 15 that advances and retracts the suction machine 12 in the Z direction. The advancing / retracting means 15 includes a guide 16 standing in the Z direction and a slider 17 capable of advancing and retracting along the guide 16 in the Z direction. The suction device 12 is fixed to the slider 17, and is moved away from the suction position P where the opening 10 a of the suction nozzle 10 is brought close to the blade edge 3 a by moving the slider 17 forward and backward under the control of the control unit 7. The retracted position Q can be advanced and retracted.

Next, the operation of the thin-section specimen preparation device 1 will be described. First, the embedding cassette C on which the embedding block B is mounted is placed on the sample stage 2 and fixed. First, rough cutting of the embedded block B is performed, and the biological sample S is exposed to the cut surface B4 of the embedded block B in an optimal state. That is, the controller 7 drives the slider 17 of the advance / retreat means 15 to move the suction nozzle 10 of the cutting waste removal means 6 from the retracted position Q to the suction position P, and the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 is moved to the blade edge 3a. And placed close to the embedding block B.

Next, the control unit 7 drives the Z stage 5 to move the embedding block B by a preset feed amount toward the side close to the cutter 3 in the Z direction. And the control part 7 drives the suction machine 12 of the cutting waste removal means 6, and makes it the state which attracts | sucks external air from the opening part 10a of the suction nozzle 10. FIG. In this state, the control unit 7 drives the X stage 4 to move the embedding block B at a predetermined moving speed toward the cutter 3 in the X direction. As a result, the embedded block B is cut by the cutter 3, and as a cutting waste, a section B5 having a thickness corresponding to the feed amount of the Z stage 5 is formed, and a finely crushed strip B6 is formed. . Here, the embedded block B is cut by the cutter 3 and is sucked from the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 by the suction machine 12 of the cutting removal means 6, so that the slice B5 and the strip B6 which are cutting wastes are obtained. It will be sucked together with outside air. For this reason, the embedding block B can be cut by the cutter 3 in a state where the cutting waste is removed. Further, the shape of the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 enlarges the opening width in the direction in which the blade edge 3a extends and reduces the opening width in the X direction, which is the cutting direction, thereby generating cutting waste. The range can be sucked efficiently and effectively.

  The above rough cutting process is repeated, and when the biological sample S is exposed to the cut surface B4 of the embedding block B in an optimal state, the main cutting is performed next. First, the control unit 7 stops driving the suction machine 12 of the cutting waste removing means 6 and drives the slider 17 of the advance / retreat means 15 to retract the suction nozzle 10 from the suction position P to the retreat position Q in the Z direction. Let Next, the control unit 7 drives the Z stage 5 to move the embedding block B by a preset feed amount toward the side close to the cutter 3 in the Z direction. In this state, the controller 7 drives the X stage to move the embedding block B at a predetermined feed speed in the direction toward the cutter 3 in the X direction. Thereby, the embedding block B is cut by the cutter 3, and a thin slice B1 having a thickness corresponding to the feed amount of the Z stage 5 is formed. At this time, since the suction nozzle 10 is retracted to the retracted position Q, the thin slice B1 can be sampled without the suction nozzle 10 becoming a hindrance. Note that the feed amount of the Z stage 5 and the moving speed of the X stage 4 during main cutting may be set to the same values as the feed amount of the Z stage 5 and the moving speed of the X stage 4 during rough cutting, but both are set to small values. Thus, the main cutting can be performed more precisely to produce the thin slice B1, and the rough cutting can be efficiently performed.

  As described above, according to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the cutting waste is sucked by the cutting waste removing means 6 so that the cutting waste does not become an obstacle, such as formation of a constituent cutting edge. It is possible to cut the buried block B. Moreover, since only the cutting waste is sucked together with the outside air, there is no possibility that the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3 is damaged. For this reason, durability of the cutter 3 can be improved and the thin slice B1 of the favorable cut surface B4 can be produced. When cutting the embedding block B, the cut surface B4 of the embedding block B may be humidified depending on the type of the biological sample S. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the cutter 3 from condensing by sucking the moistened water by sucking by the cutting waste removing means 6. For this reason, the embedding block B can be suitably cut in a humidified state without the cutting waste such as the cut thin section B1 or the section B5 or the strip B6 sticking to the cutter 3.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the thin-slice manufacturing device 20 of this embodiment, the suction nozzle 22 of the cutting waste removing means 21 is formed of a soft material whose tip 22b including the opening 22a can be elastically deformed, In this embodiment, it is formed of rubber, for example. Further, the suction nozzle 22 is set by the advance / retreat means 15 such that a part of the edge 22c of the opening 22a is in contact with the cutter 3 at the suction position P.

  In the thin section manufacturing apparatus 20 of this embodiment, when cutting the embedding block B, the suction nozzle 22 is placed in contact with the cutter 3 at the suction position P as described above, so that the cutting edge 3a and the embedding of the cutter 3 are embedded. The suction nozzle 22 can be positioned closer to the cut surface B4 of the block B. Furthermore, a part of the edge 22c of the opening 22a of the suction nozzle 22 abuts against the cutter 3, whereby the air flow due to suction can be partly restricted and limited by the cutter 3. For this reason, even if the suction force by the suction machine 12 is the same, the flow rate of the sucked air can be increased and the cutting waste can be sucked more effectively. In particular, in the present embodiment, the distal end portion 22b of the suction nozzle 22 is formed of an elastically deformable soft material, so that the edge 22c is elastic as the suction nozzle 22 is disposed at the suction position P. It is deformed and comes into contact with the cutter 3. For this reason, the adhesiveness of the cutter 3 and the suction nozzle 22 can be improved, and the air flow by suction can be more effectively regulated and sucked by the cutter 3. In the present embodiment, the tip 22b of the suction nozzle 22 is formed of a soft material. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire tip may be formed of a soft material. Only a range including a part of the edge 22c in contact with the cutter 3 in 22b may be formed of a soft material. In the present embodiment, the suction nozzle 10 is in contact with the cutter 3 at the suction position P. However, the same effect can be expected even if the suction nozzle 10 is in contact with the blade holder 9c that fixes the cutter 3. .

(Third embodiment)
4 and 5 show a third embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the thin-slice manufacturing device 30 of this embodiment, water droplets W1 transmitted through the inner peripheral surface 32a can be collected on the inner peripheral surface 32a of the suction nozzle 32 of the cutting dust removing means 31. A water receiver 33 is provided. More specifically, the water receiving portion 33 is formed along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface 32a by the edge 32c of the opening 32b of the suction nozzle 32 being folded back to the inner peripheral side in a substantially U-shaped cross section. It is a groove. Further, a discharge pipe 34 communicating with the outside is provided in a part of the water receiving portion 33. The discharge pipe 34 has a discharge valve 34a that can be freely opened and closed. The discharge valve 34a closes the opening 34b of the discharge pipe 34 due to negative pressure during suction by the suction machine 12, and is opened by its own weight when a certain amount of water W stays in the water receiving portion 33. Is set.

  According to the thin-section manufacturing apparatus 30 of this embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, by suctioning with the suction machine 12 of the cutting waste removing means 6, in the air or embedded as well as air and cutting waste. The water adhering to the block B is also sucked at the same time. A part of such moisture adheres to the inner peripheral surface 32a of the suction nozzle 32 and combines to form a water droplet W1. Then, the water droplet W1 grows to a certain size, so that the gravitational force is larger than the suction force, descends along the inner peripheral surface 32a of the suction nozzle 32, and is collected in the water receiving portion 33. Become. For this reason, this water droplet W1 falls from the opening 32b of the suction nozzle 32 to the cutter 3 or the embedding block B, and cutting waste such as the thin slice B1, the slice B5, or the strip B6 sticks to the cutter 3. Thus, it is possible to prevent cutting from being hindered. Here, when a certain amount of water W stays in the water receiving portion 33, the discharge valve 34a is opened by its own weight, and the water W in the water receiving portion 33 is discharged. For this reason, it is possible to perform cutting while continuously sucking without being affected by the accumulated water W.

  In the present embodiment, the water receiving portion 33 is a groove formed along the circumferential direction by folding the edge 32c of the opening 32b of the suction nozzle 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, it may be a groove formed in a concave shape along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface 32a, or may be formed spirally on the entire inner peripheral surface 32a. It is sufficient that at least the water droplet W1 attached to the suction nozzle 32 can be retained without falling from the opening. Further, in the discharge pipe 34, the discharge valve 34 a is opened and closed by the weight of the staying water W, but may be configured to be appropriately opened and closed electrically under the control of the control unit 7.

(Fourth embodiment)
6 to 8 show a fourth embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the sliced piece manufacturing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the cutting waste removing means 41 is further substantially cylindrical and opened to the distal end side together with the suction nozzle 10, the suction pipe 11, and the suction machine 12. A blowout nozzle 42 having a portion 42 a, a substantially tubular delivery pipe 43 communicating with the blowout nozzle 42, and a blower 44 connected to the blowout nozzle 42 by the delivery pipe 43 are provided. The blowout nozzle 42 is disposed so that the opening 42a faces the cutting edge 3a and the cutting surface B4 of the embedding block B in the vicinity of the cutter 3a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 and the shape of the opening 42a of the blowout nozzle 42 both have a shape in which the opening width is expanded in the direction in which the blade edge 3a of the cutter 3 extends. Thus, the suction nozzle 10 and the blow nozzle 42 are integrated so that the blow nozzle 42 is on the cutter 3 side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, at the suction position P, a part of the edge 42 b of the opening 42 a of the blowing nozzle 42 is set so as to contact the cutter 3. The blower 44 is driven under the control of the control unit 7, so that compressed air can be sent out from the opening 42 a via the feed pipe 43 and the blowout nozzle 42. Further, the suction machine 12 and the blower 44 are integrally fixed to the slider 17 of the advance / retreat means 15, and can be advanced and retracted integrally from the suction position P to the retreat position Q.

  Next, the effect | action of the thin section production apparatus 40 of this embodiment and the detail of control by the control part 7 are demonstrated. First, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 7 moves the suction nozzle 10 and the blowing nozzle 42 to the suction position P, that is, the position where the edge 42b of the opening 42a of the blowing nozzle 42 contacts the cutter 3. . Then, the Z stage 5 is driven to adjust the position of the embedding block B in the Z direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the suction machine 12 is driven to start suction from the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10 (step S1), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the X stage 4 is driven to start cutting. (Step S2). For this reason, the cutting waste generated from the point of time when cutting is started can be preferably sucked and removed from the opening 10a of the suction nozzle 10. And the control part 7 continues attraction | suction during the cutting time which is cutting the embedding block B, and also performs suction until the fixed time passes after completion of cutting (step S3) (step S4). For this reason, the cutting waste remaining in the cutter 3 and the embedding block B after cutting can be reliably removed. Further, the controller 7 drives the blower 44 for a certain period of time during which suction by the suction machine 12 is performed after the cutting is completed, and sends compressed air from the opening 42a of the blowout nozzle 42 (step S5). -Step S6). For this reason, the cutting waste adhering to and remaining on the cutter 3 and the embedding block B will be peeled off from the cutter 3 and the embedding block B, and can be effectively removed.

  Note that the delivery of compressed air by the blower 44 may be performed during the cutting time. However, it is possible to prevent the cutting surface B4 of the embedding block B from being disturbed by the compressed air and restricting cutting by restricting the delivery of the compressed air to a certain time during suction after the completion of cutting. Is more preferable. In the present embodiment, the blowing nozzle 42 is arranged on the cutter 3 side with respect to the suction nozzle 10. For this reason, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 can be more reliably removed, and the formation of the constituent cutting edge can be more reliably prevented. Further, at the suction position P, a part of the edge 42 b of the opening 42 a of the blow-out nozzle 42 is disposed in contact with the cutter 3. For this reason, the blow nozzle 42 can be positioned closer to the blade edge 3a and the embedding block B of the cutter 3, and the flow of compressed air can be partially restricted and limited by the cutter 3. For this reason, even if the pressure by the blower 44 is the same, the flow rate of compressed air can be increased and the cutting waste can be removed more effectively. Similar to the second embodiment, the same effect can be expected even when the blowing nozzle 42 is in contact with the blade holder 9c.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 50 of this embodiment, a fixing base 51 for fixing the cutter 3 is advanced and retracted in the X direction along the cutter guide 52 extending in the X direction and the cutter guide 52. Possible X stage 53. A holder 54 is fixed to the X stage 53. The cutter 3 is fixed to the holder 54 so that it can advance and retreat in the X direction, and the cutting edge 3a can be projected to cut within the cutting surface B3. In addition, although not shown in figure, the cutting waste removal means 6 of this embodiment is provided with the moving mechanism which follows the cutter 3 and moves the opening part 10a of the suction nozzle 10 to a X direction.

  Further, the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 50 includes a cleaning unit 55 that removes the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 separately from the cutting waste removal unit 6. The cleaning means 55 has a substantially U-shaped cross section surrounding the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3 in a state where the X stage 53 is arranged at the front end 52a of the cutter guide 52 of the fixed base 51 and the cutter 3 is separated from the embedding block B. Housing 56 and a suction device 57. The housing 56 is formed with a suction hole 56c penetrating from the inner peripheral surface 56a to the outer peripheral surface 56b. In the suction hole 56c, an opening 56d that opens toward the inner peripheral surface 56a is formed at a position facing the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3 with an opening width enlarged in the extending direction of the cutting edge 3a. On the other hand, a suction pipe 58 is connected between the outer peripheral surface 56 b side of the suction hole 56 c and the suction machine 57.

  According to the thin section manufacturing apparatus 50 of this embodiment, the control unit 7 drives the Z stage 5 to move the embedding block B in the Z direction by a predetermined amount. Next, by driving the X stage 53 by the control unit 7 and moving the cutter 3 in the X direction with respect to the embedded block B, the embedded block B can be cut with a predetermined thickness. In this case, the cutting nozzle on the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3 and the cutting surface B4 of the embedding block B is moved to follow the suction nozzle 10 of the cutting dust removing means 6 by a moving mechanism (not shown), so that the first embodiment. It can be removed as well. In the present embodiment, after the cutting is completed, the control unit 7 drives the X stage 53 after retracting the suction nozzle 10 of the cutting dust removing unit 6 by the advance / retreat unit 15, and moves the cutter 3 to the cutter guide 52. Arranged on the front end 52 a side, that is, the cutting edge 3 a of the cutter 3 is arranged inside the housing 56 of the cleaning means 55. Then, the control unit 7 drives the suction machine 57 to suck the inside of the housing 56. Thereby, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 can be again sucked and removed. Here, the blade edge 3 a of the cutter 3 is surrounded by a housing 56. For this reason, the cutting waste can be effectively sucked by the suction machine 57, and even if a part of the cutting waste remains due to the removal by the cutting waste removing means 6 during the cutting or after the cutting, the cleaning means 55. Thus, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 can be reliably removed.

  FIG. 10 shows a modification of the cleaning means in the thin-slice manufacturing device 50 of this embodiment. The cleaning means 60 of this modification includes a blower 61. Further, in the cleaning means 60, the housing 56 is formed with a delivery hole 56e penetrating from the inner peripheral surface 56a to the outer peripheral surface 56b. In the delivery hole 56e, the opening 56f that opens to the inner peripheral surface 56c side is formed at a position facing the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3 with the opening width enlarged in the extending direction of the cutting edge 3a. On the other hand, a delivery pipe 62 is connected between the outer peripheral surface 56 b side of the delivery hole 56 e and the blower 61.

  In the cleaning means 60 of this modification, when removing the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3, it is sucked by the suction device 57 and compressed air can be sent out toward the cutter 3 by the blower 61. For this reason, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 can be removed more effectively. Here, the blade edge 3 a of the cutter 3 is surrounded by the housing 56. For this reason, the compressed air by the blower 61 can be sent to the cutter 3 without diffusing. Moreover, since there is no possibility that the separated cutting waste will be scattered around, compressed air can be sent out at a higher pressure. For this reason, the cutting waste adhering to the cutter 3 can be removed more effectively.

  In this embodiment and the modification, the cutter 3 is moved in the X direction by the X stage 53, and the cutting waste of the cutter 3 is removed by the cleaning means 55 (60) at a position retracted from the embedding block B. However, it is not limited to this. Similarly to the first to fourth embodiments, the cutter 3 may be fixed to a fixed base, and the embedded block B may be moved in the X direction by the X stage. In this case, the housing 56 of the cleaning means 55 (60) is configured to be movable in the X direction, and after the embedded block B is retracted from the cutter 3 by the X stage, the housing 56 is moved to the cutting edge 3a of the cutter 3. What is necessary is just to make it move to the position of. Moreover, although the removal of the cutting waste by the cutting waste removal means 6 and the removal of the cutting waste by the cleaning means 55 (60) are performed in combination, the configuration of the cleaning means 55 (60) alone is also included in the cutter 3. It is possible to remove the attached cutting waste.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

  In each embodiment, the suction nozzle 10, the suction pipe 11, and the suction machine 12 constituting the cutting waste removing means 6 are integrally movable by the advance / retreat means 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the suction nozzle 10 is movable so that at least the position of the opening 10a can be adjusted. In each embodiment, the components such as the X stage, the Z stage, and the suction machine are driven under the control of the control unit 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if each component has an operation unit that can be operated and is operated manually, the same effect is obtained.

It is a side view of the thin section production apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view of a thin-slice manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the thin slice production apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the thin section production apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the thin slice production apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the thin slice production apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the thin section manufacturing apparatus of 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is detail drawing of each opening part of a suction nozzle and a blowing nozzle. It is a process drawing of thin section preparation in the thin section preparation apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the thin slice production apparatus of 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is detail drawing of the cleaning means of the modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 20, 30, 40, 50 Thin section preparation apparatus 2 Sample stand 3 Cutter 3a Cutting edge 4 X stage 5 Z stage 6, 21, 31, 41 Cutting waste removal means 7 Control part 9 Holder 10, 22, 32 Suction nozzle 10a , 22a, 32b Opening part 12 Suction machine 15 Advancement / retraction means 22c Edge 32a Inner peripheral surface 33 Water receiving part 34 Drain pipe 42 Blowing nozzle 42a Opening part 44 Blowing machine B Embedded block B1 Thin section B3 Cutting surface B5 Section (cutting waste )
B6 strip (cutting waste)
P Suction position Q Retraction position S Biological sample W1 Water drop X Cutting direction Z Thickness direction

Claims (13)

A thin-section preparation device that cuts an embedded block in which a biological sample is embedded to prepare a thin section,
A sample stage for fixing the embedding block;
A cutter for cutting the embedded block fixed to the sample stage;
A holder for fixing the cutter;
An X stage capable of moving the cutter relative to the embedded block fixed to the sample stage in a cutting direction in which the embedded block is cut by the cutter;
A Z stage capable of adjusting a relative position between the cutter and the embedded block fixed to the sample stage in the thickness direction of the embedded block;
A suction nozzle disposed in the vicinity of the blade edge of the cutter, and a cutting waste removing means having a suction machine capable of sucking cutting waste generated when the embedded block is cut from the suction nozzle. Thin section preparation device. In the thin-slice preparation device according to claim 1,
An apparatus for producing a sliced section, comprising: advancing / retreating means for advancing and retracting the suction nozzle of the suction machine between a suction position close to the blade edge of the cutter and a retracted position spaced apart. In the thin-slice preparation device according to claim 2,
The advancing / retreating means places a part of the edge of the opening of the suction nozzle in contact with the cutter or the holder at the suction position. In the thin-section preparation apparatus according to claim 3,
Among the suction nozzles, at least a part of the edge of the opening that comes into contact with the cutter or the holder is made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed by coming into contact with the cutter. A thin-slice preparation device. In the thin-slice preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus, wherein a water receiving portion capable of collecting water droplets transmitted through the inner peripheral surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the suction nozzle. In the thin-slice preparation device according to claim 5,
The thin-section manufacturing apparatus, wherein the water receiving portion of the suction nozzle is provided with a discharge pipe capable of appropriately discharging water droplets collected in the water receiving portion to the outside. In the thin-slice preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The cutting waste removing means includes an outlet nozzle whose opening is disposed in the vicinity of the cutting edge of the cutter,
A thin section manufacturing apparatus comprising: a blower capable of sending compressed air from the blowout nozzle toward the cutting edge of the cutter. In the thin-section preparation apparatus according to claim 7,
While cutting the embedded block with the cutter by driving the X stage, and for a fixed time before and after the cutting time, the suction unit of the cutting waste removing means, and suctioning, A thin-section manufacturing apparatus comprising: a control unit that sends compressed air by the blower for a certain period of time during which suction is performed by the suction device after the cutting time has elapsed. A method for cutting an embedding block for cutting an embedding block in which a biological sample is embedded,
A cutter fixed to the holder with respect to the embedding block is moved relative to the cutting direction to cut the embedding block, and a suction nozzle is disposed in the vicinity of the blade edge of the cutter to open the suction nozzle. The cutting method of the embedding block characterized by attracting the cutting waste produced when cutting from a part. It is a cutting method of the embedding block according to claim 9,
A method for cutting an embedding block, wherein a part of an edge of the opening of the suction nozzle is brought into contact with the cutter or the holder when the cutting waste is sucked. In the cutting method of the embedding block of Claim 9 or Claim 10,
A method for cutting an embedding block, wherein the cutting waste is sucked and a blowing nozzle is disposed in the vicinity of the cutting edge of the cutter, and compressed air is sent from the blowing nozzle toward the cutting edge of the cutter. . In the embedding block cutting method according to claim 11,
During the cutting time when the embedded block is cut by the cutter, and for a fixed time before and after the cutting time, the cutting waste is sucked from the suction nozzle and sucked after the cutting time has elapsed. A method of cutting an embedding block, wherein compressed air is sent out from the blowing nozzle for a certain period of time.   The embedded block is cut by the method for cutting an embedded block according to claim 9 to 12 to form a desired cut surface, and then the embedded block is cut again at a predetermined thickness to obtain a thin slice. A method for producing a thin section, characterized by comprising:

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