JP2018119836A - Thin section preparation equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A thin section manufacturing apparatus is provided that can easily and appropriately obtain a thin section attached to a sheet. A block holding unit (12) for holding a sample block (100) and a sheet holding unit (14) for cantilevering a sheet sheet (110) having an adhesive surface formed on one side, the sheet sheet (110) being held in the sample block (100). The sheet holding unit placed on the opposite side of the sheet holding unit 14 with the block holding unit 12 in between, and the sheet 110 is advanced toward the sheet holding unit 14 in a state where the sheet 110 is placed on the sample block 100. And a slice unit 18 for slicing the sample block 100. The slice unit 18 is disposed on the blade 80 for slicing the sample block 100 and the blade 80, so that the slice unit 18 advances. Along with this, a sheet that is slid while lifting the vicinity of the blade 80 of the sheet 110 and is sent relatively downstream. It includes a 88, a. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a thin-slice manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing and attaching a thin slice to a sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many techniques for producing a sliced slice of a biological sample have been proposed for medical analysis such as physical science analysis and microscopic observation of the biological sample. When a biological sample is sliced, the biological sample is embedded in advance with an embedding agent such as paraffin to form a sample block, and the biological sample is sliced together with the embedding agent.

  Such a thin-section manufacturing apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, thin sections are continuously attached at predetermined intervals to a long carrier tape having an adhesive layer formed on one side. More specifically, the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 intermittently feeds the carrier tape and slices the sample block in a state where the sample block is in close contact with the adhesive layer of the delivered carrier tape. The process of attaching the thin slice to the adhesive layer is repeated.

Japanese Patent No. 4936291 JP 2006-194848 A

  However, it is desirable to perform observation work and storage with a microscope or the like for each thin section. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of thin sections are attached to a long carrier tape at intervals, the carrier tape is then cut to be separated into individual thin sections. Or a process such as attaching a dedicated holder to the carrier tape is required, and a complicated mechanism is required.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for forming a thin slice by slicing a sample block in a state where a single-wafer type adhesive plastic film (single sheet) is in close contact with the sample block. . By using a single sheet, it is not necessary to cut the carrier tape.

  However, when a single wafer is used, a thin slice can be appropriately obtained because a part of the single sheet closely attached to the sample block interferes with a thin cutting unit that moves relative to the sample block. Another problem arises. In Patent Document 2, no consideration is given to such a problem. In Patent Document 2, it is assumed that many of the work steps are performed manually. However, sufficient experience is required to appropriately perform manual operations, and it has been difficult for the technique of Patent Document 2 to easily obtain an appropriate thin section.

  Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a thin-slice manufacturing apparatus that can easily and appropriately obtain a thin slice attached to a sheet.

  The thin-slice manufacturing device disclosed in the present application includes a block holding unit that holds a sample block, and a sheet holding unit that cantileverly holds a single-sided sheet having an adhesive surface formed on one side thereof, and the single-sheet sheet is the sample A sheet holding unit that is placed on the block and makes the adhesive surface contact the upper surface of the sample block; and provided on the opposite side of the sheet holding mechanism across the block holding unit, and the single-wafer sheet is the sample block A slicing unit that slices the sample block by advancing toward the sheet holding mechanism in a state of being placed on the upper surface of the sheet, and the slicing unit includes a blade that slices the sample block; The blade is arranged on the upper side of the blade, and with the advance of the slicing unit, it slides while lifting the vicinity of the blade of the sheet. Comprising a sliding mechanism for sending relatively to the flow side.

  By adopting such a configuration, a part of the sheet is slid while being lifted, so that the sheet and the thin section attached to the sheet can be prevented from interfering with the blade, etc. Thus, an appropriate thin section can be obtained.

  The sheet holding unit includes a clamping mechanism that clamps one end of the sheet, and an upright standing of the sheet held by the clamping mechanism by rotating the clamping mechanism around a predetermined axis. A pivot mechanism that can be switched between a posture and a prone posture with the adhesive surface facing downward, and the clamping mechanism projects the single-wafer sheet toward the sample block in the standing posture. In this way, it may be held by being bent in the width direction.

  By adopting such a configuration, even if the sheet is soft enough to bend in accordance with the movement of the blade at the time of slicing, it is possible to prevent buckling in the longitudinal direction of the sheet during the standing posture.

  Further, the slice unit is disposed at a position where a part of the sheet sheet protruding from the sample block is placed on the sliding mechanism when the sheet sheet is placed on the sample block. May be.

  By setting it as this structure, the said sheet | seat sheet | seat can be mounted on a sliding mechanism only by defeating a sheet | seat sheet.

  The sheet is roughly divided into a substantially rectangular adhesive surface formed in the center and a frame portion surrounding the adhesive surface, and the sliding mechanism is spaced apart in the width direction of the blade. A pair of rollers, and a shaft connecting the pair of rollers, the connecting shaft having a smaller diameter than the rollers, and the distance between the pair of rollers exceeds the width of the adhesive surface And it may be less than the width of the sheet.

  By adopting such a configuration, the adhesive surface and the thin slice attached to the adhesive surface do not adhere to the roller or the like, so that deterioration of the thin slice or the like can be prevented.

  The block holding unit includes a base table, a mounting table on which the cassette to which the sample block is fixed is mounted, an elevating mechanism for moving the mounting table up and down relative to the base table, and an end of the cassette A clamper that prevents the sample block from being detached from the mounting table by engaging with the clamp, a biasing member that biases the clamper in a direction in which the clamper engages with an end of the cassette, and the clamper And a lever that moves the clamper in the disengagement direction by lifting it against the urging force of the urging member, and protrudes from the base table, with the mounting table at the lowermost position. A release pin that lifts the lever in the direction of disengagement by coming into contact with the lever when lowered.

  With this configuration, the sample block (cassette) can be easily replaced.

  According to the thin section manufacturing apparatus disclosed in the present application, a part of a single sheet is slid while being lifted, so that the thin sheet or the thin section attached to the single sheet is prevented from interfering with a blade or the like. And an appropriate thin section can be obtained by a simple procedure.

It is a top view of a thin slice production apparatus. It is a one part front view of a thin section production apparatus. It is a schematic perspective view of the sample block fixed to the cassette. It is the top view and schematic sectional drawing of a sheet | seat sheet. It is an image figure which shows the preparation process of a thin section. It is a front view of a block holding unit. It is a top view of a block holding unit. It is a figure of the clamping mechanism seen from the 1st clamping board side. It is sectional drawing of a clamping mechanism. It is an image figure which shows the operating principle of a clamping mechanism. It is an image figure of the sheet | seat sheet | seat currently hold | maintained by the clamping mechanism. It is a figure which shows the structure of a press unit. It is a front view of a thin slice unit. It is a top view of a thin slice unit. It is a schematic perspective view of a part of a thin slice unit. It is an image figure which shows the mode of a thin slice of a sample block.

  Hereinafter, the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10, and FIG. 2 is a front view of a part of the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10. The thin-section preparation apparatus 10 is an apparatus for preparing a thin section 104 by slicing a sample block 100 for scientific / scientific sample analysis and medical analysis. Prior to the description of the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10, first, the sample block 100 and the single wafer 110 handled by the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the sample block 100. The sample block 100 is obtained by embedding a biological sample with an embedding agent such as paraffin and making it into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the thin slice 104 is formed, the sample block 100 is sliced together with the embedded biological sample.

  The sample block 100 is fixed to the cassette 102. The cassette 102 is formed in a box shape with a chemical resistant resin or the like, and functions as a fixing base for fixing the sample block 100. One side surface of the cassette 102 is an inclined surface with the surface facing downward, and ID data including a cassette manufacturing number, a sample block production date, various data of biological samples, and the like is described on the inclined surface. The

  FIG. 4A is a plan view of the single sheet 110, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the single sheet 110. The sheet 110 is a sheet for attaching and holding the thin slice 104. A substantially rectangular adhesive portion 112 is formed at substantially the center of one surface of the sheet 110, and the thin slice 104 is adhered and held on the adhesive portion 112. In addition, a non-adhesive frame portion 114 is formed around the adhesive portion 112.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the single-wafer sheet 110 includes a base material layer 116, an adhesive layer 118 formed on one surface of the base material layer 116, and the side of the adhesive layer 118 opposite to the base material layer 116. And a release layer 120 formed on the surface. A substantially central portion of the release layer 120 is cut out into a substantially rectangular shape, and thereby the adhesive layer 118 is exposed to the outside. The portion where the adhesive layer 118 is exposed becomes the adhesive portion 112. In addition, a substantially square-shaped region in which the release layer 120 is provided becomes a frame portion 114 that surrounds the adhesive portion 112.

  The materials of the base material layer 116, the adhesive layer 118, and the release layer 120 are not particularly limited as long as they exhibit characteristics suitable for their respective purposes. For example, the material of the adhesive layer 118 is not specified as long as it exhibits adhesiveness to the sample block 100. In addition, the base material layer 116 is not limited as long as it imparts appropriate strength and stiffness to the sheet 110. Further, the material of the release layer 120 is not limited as long as the frame portion 114 can be made non-adhesive.

  The thin slice 104 attached to the sheet 110 may be observed and stored while attached to the sheet 110, but may be transferred to another holding member such as a slide glass. Various methods of transferring to the holding member are conceivable. For example, the adhesive layer 118 may be removed after the sheet 110 is attached to the holding member in a state where the surface to which the thin slice 104 is attached faces the holding member such as a slide glass.

  Specifically, the adhesive layer 118 may be dissolved in a solution such as an organic solvent, for example, xylene. In this case, the adhesive layer 118 is made of a material that dissolves in a solution such as an organic solvent, for example, an acrylic adhesive, a urethane adhesive, or a silicone adhesive. The base material layer 116 is made of a material into which the solution permeates, such as a nonwoven fabric. Further, a notch 122 may be formed in the base material layer 116 and the adhesive layer 118 along the boundary of the adhesive part 112 so that only the frame part 114 can be separated and removed before the adhesive layer 118 is dissolved. . In any case, if the adhesive layer 118 is dissolved, the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 118 can be increased. Here, when the cutting force when slicing the sample block 100 is increased, the bonding between the adhesive portion 112 and the sample block 100 is easily released. However, if the adhesive layer 118 is configured so as to be soluble and the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 118 is increased, it is difficult to cause such release of bonding. As a result, the cutting force when slicing the sample block 100 can be increased, and even the sample block 100 partially containing a hard tissue can be appropriately sliced.

  In addition, the structure of the sheet 110 demonstrated here is an example, and as long as the adhesion part 112 is formed in the single side | surface, another structure may be sufficient. For example, the single-wafer sheet 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, a protective sheet that covers and protects the adhesive portion 112 until just before use is provided on the surface opposite to the adhesive layer 118 of the release layer 120. May be.

  Next, the configuration of the thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10 that manufactures the thin slice attached to the sheet 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The thin-slice manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a block holding unit 12 (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 1) that holds the sample block 100, a sheet holding unit 14 that cantileverly holds the sheet 110, and a sheet 110. A pressing unit 16 (not shown in FIG. 1, refer to FIG. 2) that presses against the sample block 100 and a slicing unit 18 that slices the sample block 100 are provided.

  The block holding unit 12 has a mounting table 20 (not visible in FIG. 1, see FIG. 2) on which the cassette 102 is mounted and can be moved up and down. The sheet holding unit 14 includes a clamping mechanism 30 that clamps one end of the sheet 110 in the longitudinal direction, and the clamping mechanism 30 can move in the horizontal direction and rotate around the horizontal axis. . When the sheet holding unit 14 transports the sheet 110, the sheet holding unit 14 stands up as shown by a solid line in FIG. Further, when slicing the sample block 100, the sheet holding unit 14 tilts the sheet 110 over the sample block 100 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Place on top of 100.

  The pressing unit 16 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 1) has a pressing pad 60 having elasticity, and presses the sheet 110 placed on the upper surface of the sample block 100 against the sample block 100. Thereby, the upper surface of the sample block 100 is bonded to the adhesive portion 112 of the sheet 110.

  The slicing unit 18 is provided on the opposite side of the sheet holding unit 14 with the mounting table 20 interposed therebetween. The slicing unit 18 has a sharp blade 80, and the sample block 100 is sliced by moving the blade 80 toward the sample block 100. The thickness at the time of slicing is adjusted by raising and lowering the mounting table 20. In order to prevent buckling of the sheet 110 and rubbing the thin section 104 against the blade 80 or the like during the slicing, the slicing unit 18 includes a roller 88 (which functions as a sliding mechanism). (See FIG. 2), which will be described later.

  Next, a procedure for producing the thin slice 104 by the thin slice production apparatus 10 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the thin-section manufacturing apparatus 10, the sample block 100 is mounted on the mounting table 20 while being fixed to the cassette 102. In addition, a slicing unit 18 is provided adjacent to the sample block 100.

  The sandwiching mechanism 30 moves to the sliced position α (see FIG. 1) in which the sliced unit 18, the mounting table 20, and the sandwiching mechanism 30 are arranged in a row while the sheet 110 is held upright. When the slicing position α is reached, the pinching mechanism 30 rotates around the horizontal axis and tilts the sheet 110. At this time, the sheet 110 is in a prone posture with the adhesive portion 112 facing down and the base material layer 116 facing up. When the sheet 110 falls down at the slicing position α, the sheet 110 is placed on the sample block 100 as shown in FIG. At this time, the slicing unit 18 is advanced to the sample block 100 side so that the tip of the fallen sheet 110 is placed on the roller 88 provided on the upper side of the blade holder 82.

  If it will be in this state, as shown in FIG.5 (b), the press pad 60 provided in the press unit 16 will be dropped toward the sample block 100, and the sheet 110 will be pressed against the sample block 100. FIG. This pressing operation may be performed only once or may be performed a plurality of times. In any case, the upper surface of the sample block 100 is bonded to the adhesive portion 112 of the sheet 110 by executing the pressing operation.

  When the sheet 110 is pressed against the sample block 100, the pressing unit 16 raises the pressing pad 60 to a height at which no interference with the slicing unit 18 occurs, and retracts. As shown in FIG. 5C, the slicing unit 18 advances in a direction approaching the sample block 100, and slices the sample block 100 with a blade 80 provided at the tip thereof. At this time, the roller 88 slides while lifting the sheet 110 that moves relative to the slicing unit 18 and sends it relatively to the downstream side.

  When the blade 80 crosses the sample block 100 and the surface layer of the sample block 100 is completely sliced, a thin slice 104 formed by slicing the surface layer of the sample block 100 is formed on the adhesive portion 112 of the sheet 110. Will be attached. In this state, the slicing unit 18 moves backward to the initial position (the position shown in FIG. 5A). The pinching mechanism 30 rotates around the horizontal axis and changes the sheet 110 to a standing posture. In this state, the sheet 110 is moved in the horizontal direction and the sheet 110 to which the thin section 104 is adhered is conveyed to a desired position.

  Next, the configuration of each unit of the thin section manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a front view of the block holding unit 12, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the block holding unit 12. As described above, the block holding unit 12 has the mounting table 20 on which the cassette 102 to which the sample block 100 is fixed is mounted. The mounting table 20 can be moved up and down with respect to the base table 26 that does not change its position. The raising / lowering mechanism for raising and lowering the mounting table 20 is not particularly limited as long as it has a resolution equal to or less than the thickness of the thin slice 104. Therefore, for example, the lifting mechanism may be composed of a motor and a transmission mechanism (for example, a ball screw) that converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion. The raising / lowering mechanism raises / lowers the mounting table 20 relative to the base table 26 according to the height of the blade 80. More specifically, the elevating mechanism raises the sample block 100 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the thin slice thickness each time the sample block 100 is sliced at a predetermined thin slice thickness, so that the sample block 100 with respect to the blade 80 is increased. Keep the height of the top surface constant.

  The mounting table 20 is formed with a recess 20a formed in accordance with the size of the cassette 102. By fitting the cassette 102 into the recess 20a, the position of the cassette 102 is approximately fixed. Further, a clamper 22 is provided at one end of the mounting table 20 so as to prevent the cassette 102 from being detached by engaging with an end portion of the cassette 102. The clamper 22 is swingable about a horizontally extending swing axis R2, and engages with the end of the cassette 102 by swinging in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6, and in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The engagement is released. The clamper 22 is an elastic body (not shown) and is urged in the direction of the arrow A, and can maintain the engaged state.

  A lever 24 protrudes from the end of the mounting table 20 opposite to the clamper 22. The base end of the lever 24 is connected to the clamper 22. When the lever 24 is swung upward against the urging force of the elastic body, the clamper 22 moves in the disengagement direction, and the cassette 102 can be removed and attached. A release pin 28 is formed in a protruding manner at a position corresponding to the lever 24 in the base table 26. When the mounting table 20 is lowered to the lowest side, the release pin 28 abuts on the lever 24 to swing the lever 24 upward. By providing the release pin 28, when the mounting table 20 is lowered to the lowest side, the engagement of the clamper 22 is automatically released, and the cassette 102 can be attached and detached.

  Next, the configuration of the sheet holding unit 14 will be described. The sheet holding unit 14 includes a clamping mechanism 30 that clamps one end of the sheet 110, a moving mechanism 32 that moves the clamping mechanism 30 in the horizontal direction, and a rotating mechanism that rotates the clamping mechanism 30 about a horizontal axis. 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The horizontal movement mechanism 32 includes, for example, a motor and a slide rail connected to the motor. The rotation mechanism 34 switches the sheet 110 between the standing posture and the prone posture by rotating the clamping mechanism 30 about the horizontal axis R1 (see FIG. 2).

  On the movement path of the clamping mechanism 30, a slicing position α located on the opposite side of the slicing unit 18 across the mounting table 20, and an attachment / detachment position β where the sheet 110 is attached to and detached from the clamping mechanism 30. There is a transfer position γ at which the thin slice 104 is transferred to a holding member 130 such as a slide glass (see FIG. 2). A holding member 130 is prepared in the vicinity of the transfer position γ. When the notch 122 is formed at the boundary of the frame portion 114, the adhesive sheet 112 including the thin slice 104 is lifted by only lifting the frame portion 114 after the sheet 110 is tilted and placed on the holding member 130. Is transferred to the holding member 130.

  Next, the clamping mechanism 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a front view of the clamping mechanism 30, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism 30. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation principle of the clamping mechanism 30. The first clamping plate 36 and the second clamping plate 38, the pressing plate 40 disposed on the opposite side of the first clamping plate 36 across the second clamping plate 38, and the press release bolt 42 screwed and fastened to the pressing plate 40. A coil spring 46 that urges the pressing plate 40 toward the second clamping plate 38 is provided.

  The front ends of the first sandwiching plate 36 and the second sandwiching plate 38 are substantially V-shaped and open toward the leading ends in order to facilitate the insertion of the sheet 110. The second clamping plate 38 is coupled at the proximal end with a pressing plate 40 and a hinge 48, and the pressing plate 40 is rotatable with respect to the second clamping plate 38. In the vicinity of the upper end of the pressing plate 40, a clamping pin 41 that protrudes toward the second clamping plate 38 is provided. In the second clamping plate 38, a hole that allows passage of the clamping pin 41 is formed at a position facing the clamping pin 41, and the clamping pin 41 extends beyond the second clamping plate 38 to the first. It protrudes to the clamping plate 36 side. A pressing release bolt 42 is inserted through the pressing plate 40. A pair of nuts 44 are screwed onto the pressing release bolt 42, and the pressing plate 40 is sandwiched between the pair of nuts 44. The head of the press release bolt 42 protrudes outward from the first clamping plate 36. A compression coil spring 46 is disposed between the head of the pressing release bolt 42 and the first clamping plate 36. Due to the urging force of the spring 46, the clamping pin 41 of the pressing plate 40 contacts the first clamping plate 36. The sheet 110 is sandwiched between the clamping pin 41 and the first clamping plate 36.

  When the head of the press release bolt 42 is pressed against the biasing force of the spring 46 in a direction approaching the first clamping plate 36, the pressing plate 40 is separated from the second clamping plate 38. As a result, the gap between the pin 41 and the first clamping plate 36 is enlarged, and the sheet 110 can be attached and detached.

  A pressing body 52 (see FIG. 2) for pressing the head of the pressing release bolt 42 is provided at the attachment / detachment position β. At the attachment / detachment position β, the holding mechanism 30 is tilted and the pressing release bolt 42 is pressed against the pressing body 52, so that the gap between the first holding plate 36 and the holding pin 41 is enlarged and the sheet 110 can be attached and detached. It becomes.

  Note that substantially rectangular through holes 50 are formed at predetermined positions of the first and second clamping plates 36 and 38 and the pressing plate 40. The through hole 50 is used to detect the presence or absence of the sheet 110 with a sensor (for example, an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object based on the presence or absence of light transmission).

  By the way, as repeatedly described so far, the sheet 110 is transferred in an upright state. Therefore, the sheet 110 is required to have a rigidity that does not buckle in an upright state. However, if a hard material is used or the thickness of the sheet is increased in order to increase the rigidity of the sheet 110, the sheet 110 is not warped upward (longitudinal) when the sample block 100 is sliced. There is a risk that the blade does not progress and the thickness of the thin section 104 becomes non-uniform.

  Therefore, in order to realize the flexible bending of the sheet 110 in accordance with the movement of the blade while preventing buckling of the sheet 110 when standing, the clamping mechanism 30 makes the width of the sheet 110 wide. Hold in a slightly deflected direction. FIG. 11 is an image diagram of the sheet 110 held by the clamping mechanism 30. In FIG. 11, the right side of the drawing is the mounting table 20 (sample block 100) side, and when the sheet 110 is placed on the sample block 100, the sheet 110 falls in the direction of arrow C in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sheet 110 is projected in the width direction so as to protrude toward the sample block 100 when standing, and so as to protrude downward when lying down. It is bent and held. In order to bend and hold in this manner, the first clamping plate 36 may be provided with a contact pin 54 extending toward the second clamping plate 38. The two contact pins 54 are provided in the first clamping plate 36 in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction. The contact pin 54 presses the sheet 110 to the second holding plate 38 side (arrow E direction), and the holding pin 41 presses the sheet 110 to the first holding plate 36 side (arrow D direction). The sheet 110 is bent in the width direction. Note that the front end surface of the contact pin 54 (the end surface on the second clamping plate 38 side) has a smaller gap with the second clamping plate 38 as it approaches the lower side in order to facilitate the passage of the sheet 110. It may be a tapered surface.

  In addition, the structure of the clamping mechanism 30 demonstrated here is an example, and may be changed suitably. For example, in the above-described example, the mechanism is used to sandwich the sheet 110 using the biasing force of the spring 46, but other mechanisms such as a magnet, a hydraulic / pneumatic spring, an electromagnetic cylinder, or the like are used. It is good also as a mechanism to pinch. In the above example, the sheet 110 is bent by pressing the pin 41 and the contact pin 54 against the sheet 110. However, the sheet 110 may be bent by another mechanism. For example, the first and second clamping plates 36 and 38 and the clamping pin 41 itself may be bent in the width direction.

  Next, the pressing unit 16 will be described. FIG. 12 is a side view of the pressing unit 16. The pressing unit 16 is arranged at a position where it does not interfere with the sheet holding unit 14 and the thin cutting unit 18 (see FIG. 1). The pressing unit 16 includes a pressing pad 60 that presses the sheet 110, a swinging arm 62 that holds the pressing pad 60, a swinging mechanism 64 that swings the swinging arm 62, and the like. The pressing pad 60 is made of a material that has appropriate elasticity and can be deformed according to the shape of the abutted member, such as urethane or rubber. The shape of the pressing pad 60 is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated example, the pressing pad 60 has a substantially hemispherical shape protruding downward. By making the pressing pad 60 into a hemispherical shape, the pressing force of the pressing pad 60 gradually spreads from the apex of the hemisphere toward the periphery. As a result, the air between the sheet 110 and the sample block 100 pressed by the pressing pad 60 gradually escapes from the center to the outside, and the adhesion between the two can be further enhanced.

  The pressing pad 60 is attached to the tip of a substantially “<”-shaped swing arm 62. The base of the swing arm 62 is attached to a swing mechanism 64 driven by a motor or the like, and the swing arm 62 can swing about a swing axis R3 extending in the horizontal direction.

  In addition, the structure of the press unit 16 shown here is an example, and may be changed suitably. For example, in the above-described example, the pressing pad 60 is moved up and down by swinging the swinging arm 62. However, the pressing pad 60 may be moved up and down in a vertical direction using a linear mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder or the like. Good. In the above-described example, the pressing pad 60 is pressed against the sheet 110, but a roller or the like that rolls on the upper surface of the sheet 110 may be provided instead of the pressing pad 60. When a roller that rolls from the base end side to the front end side of the sheet 110 is provided, the air between the sheet 110 and the sample block 100 can be more reliably removed. As another form, a flexible scriber-like member may be swept from one side while excluding air on the contact surface.

  Next, the slicing unit 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a front view of the slicing unit 18, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of the slicing unit 18. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the slicing unit 18. The slicing unit 18 includes a blade 80 for slicing the sample block 100, a pair of rollers 88 disposed on the blade 80, a blade holder 82 for holding the blade 80, a support 92 to which the blade holder 82 is attached, An advance / retreat platform 94 to which the support 92 is attached is provided.

  The blade 80 is not limited as long as the sample block 100 can be sliced, and, for example, a general microtome blade can be used. The blade 80 is sandwiched and held by a blade holder 82 in which plate members having a substantially triangular cross section are stacked. As the blade holder 82, a blade holder sold for a general microtome can be used. The blade holder 82 is connected to the support body 92 via a bolt or the like. The support body 92 is a substantially L-shaped member in front view, and includes a support base 92a on which the blade holder 82 is placed, and a standing leg portion 92b that stands on the support base 92a.

  Further, the support 92 is connected to the advance / retreat platform 94. The mounting angle of the support 92 with respect to the advance / retreat base 94 can be adjusted, and thereby the cutting angle of the blade 80 can be adjusted. The advance / retreat platform 94 can be advanced and retracted in the horizontal direction by driving a motor (not shown). The specimen block 100 is sliced by the blade 80 as the advance / retreat base 94 advances toward the mounting base 20 side.

  A pair of arms 86 is attached to the standing leg portion 92b of the support body 92 with an interval in the width direction. Each arm 86 extends from the standing portion 92 b toward the upper surface of the blade holder 82, and the tip thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the blade holder 82. A rotating shaft 90 that can rotate with respect to the arm 86 is stretched over the pair of arms 86. Further, a pair of rollers 88 are provided at both ends of the rotating shaft 90. The rotating shaft 90 and the roller 88 function as a sliding mechanism that lifts while sliding a part of the sheet 110 that moves relative to the thin cutting unit 18 as the thin cutting unit 18 advances.

  The roller 88 is not in contact with the upper surface of the blade holder 82, floats in the air, and can rotate freely with the rotating shaft 90. Each roller 88 has a larger diameter than the rotation shaft 90. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the distance between the two rollers 88 is less than the width of the sheet 110 and exceeding the width of the adhesive portion 112.

  When the sample block 100 is sliced, the blade 80 advances in the direction of the clamping mechanism 30 as shown in FIG. At this time, in the sheet 110, a portion slightly on the back side (the right side in the drawing) of the blade 80 is placed on the roller 88, and a part of the sheet 110 is transferred by the roller 88. It will be in the state where it was lifted upwards. As the blade 80 advances, the sheet 110 moves relative to the downstream side of the blade 80 while sliding on the roller 88 (however, the blade 80 actually moves). At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the distance between the rollers 88 is less than the width of the sheet 110 and the width of the adhesive portion 112, so the adhesive portion 112 does not contact the surface of the roller 88 or the like. , Proceed in a floating state.

  Here, the reason why such a roller 88 is provided will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an image diagram when the sample block 100 is sliced with the blade 80. When the sample block 100 is sliced, it is desirable that the portion near the blade 80 in the sheet 110 is lifted at an appropriate angle. When the vicinity of the blade 80 of the sheet 110 is not lifted or when the lift angle is small, as shown in FIG. 16A, a part of the sheet 110 or the sliced sample block 100 is The blade 80 and the blade holder 82 are easily brought into contact with each other. As a result, there is a possibility that the thin section 104 is rubbed and deteriorated by the blade holder 82 or the like, or the sheet 110 that hits the blade holder 82 or the like is buckled in the length direction in the middle.

  On the other hand, when the lifting amount of the end portion of the single sheet 110 is too large, as shown in FIG. 16B, the bonding between the single sheet 110 and the sample block 100 is released, and the thin slice becomes the single sheet. In some cases, the sheet 110 does not adhere. Therefore, in order to appropriately form the thin slice 104 attached to the sheet 110, it is desirable that the portion near the blade 80 of the sheet 110 is lifted at an appropriate angle. The appropriate value of the lifting angle varies appropriately depending on the flexibility of the sheet 110, the cutting angle of the blade 80, and the like.

  Therefore, in the thin-section manufacturing apparatus disclosed in the present application, a pair of rollers 88 is provided in order to appropriately adjust the lifting angle of the sheet 110. By providing the roller 88, as shown in FIG. 5, the portion near the blade 80 of the sheet 110 is lifted, so that the sheet 110 or the thin section 104 interferes with the blade 80 or the blade holder 82. Can be prevented. Further, as described above, since the distance between the rollers 88 exceeds the width of the adhesive portion 112 as shown in FIG. 14, the thin section 104 attached to the adhesive portion 112 or the adhesive portion 112 is attached to the roller 88. It is not hit by etc. As a result, it is possible to prevent the thin section 104 from deteriorating and the adhesion of the adhesive portion 112 to the roller 88 and the like.

  As described above, an appropriate lifting angle of the sheet 110 differs depending on the softness of the sheet 110. In the thin-section manufacturing apparatus disclosed in the present application, the roller 88 is replaceable. Therefore, by changing the roller 88 and changing the diameter of the roller 88, the lifting angle corresponding to the softness of the sheet 110 is obtained. Can be adjusted freely.

  Note that the configuration of the roller 88 and the rotating shaft 90 is an example, and other configurations may be used as long as the thin sheet unit 110 is lifted while sliding a part as the slice unit 18 advances. For example, instead of the roller 88 that rolls by itself, a simple cylindrical body that does not roll may be provided as the sliding mechanism. Even in this case, if the coefficient of friction on the surface of the cylinder is kept small, the cylinder can be lifted while sliding a part of the sheet 110. Further, the configuration of the slicing unit 18 may be appropriately changed as long as the sample block 100 can be sliced.

  In any case, according to the thin-slice manufacturing device disclosed in the present application, even a single-wafer type sheet can prevent interference between the single-wafer sheet 110 and the thin-slice 104 and the blade holder 82 and the like. By the procedure, an appropriate thin section 104 can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Thin section production apparatus, 12 Block holding unit, 14 Sheet holding unit, 16 Press unit, 18 Thin cutting unit, 20 Mounting base, 22 Clamper, 24 Lever, 26 Base base, 28 Release pin, 30 Holding mechanism, 32 Moving mechanism , 34 rotation mechanism, 36 first clamping plate, 38 second clamping plate, 40 pressing plate, 41 clamping pin, 42 pressing release bolt, 46 coil spring, 48 hinge, 52 pressing body, 54 abutment pin, 60 pressing pad , 62 oscillating arm, 64 oscillating mechanism, 80 blade, 82 blade holder, 86 arm, 88 roller, 90 rotating shaft, 92 support, 94 advancing / retreating stage, 100 sample block, 102 cassette, 104 thin section, 110 sheets Sheet, 112 adhesive part, 114 frame part, 116 base material layer, 118 adhesive layer, 120 release layer, 122 cut See, 130 retaining member, alpha slicing position, beta detachable position, gamma transfer position.

Claims (5)

A block holding unit for holding a sample block;
A sheet holding unit that cantilever-holds a sheet having an adhesive surface formed on one side, the sheet holding unit for placing the sheet on the sample block;
The sample block is provided on the opposite side of the sheet holding mechanism with the block holding unit interposed therebetween, and the sample block is sliced by advancing toward the sheet holding mechanism side in a state where the sheet is placed on the sample block. A slicing unit to
The slicing unit comprises:
A blade for slicing the sample block;
A sliding mechanism that is arranged on the upper side of the blade and slides while raising the vicinity of the blade of the single-wafer sheet with the advance of the slicing unit, and relatively sends it to the downstream side,
A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus comprising: The thin-slice manufacturing device according to claim 1,
The sheet holding unit is
A clamping mechanism for clamping one end of the sheet,
By rotating the clamping mechanism around a specified axis, the sheet held by the clamping mechanism can be switched between an upright standing posture and a prone posture with the adhesive surface facing downward. A rotation mechanism;
The sandwiching mechanism bends and holds the single sheet in the width direction so as to protrude toward the sample block in the standing posture.
A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above. The thin-slice preparation device according to claim 1 or 2,
The thin slice unit is disposed at a position where a part of the single sheet protruding from the sample block rides on the sliding mechanism when the single sheet is placed on the sample block. A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above. The thin-slice manufacturing device according to claim 3,
The sheet is roughly divided into a substantially rectangular adhesive surface formed in the center and a frame portion surrounding the adhesive surface,
The sliding mechanism is
A pair of rollers disposed at intervals in the width direction of the blade;
A shaft for connecting the pair of rollers, the connecting shaft having a smaller diameter than the rollers;
The distance between the pair of rollers is greater than the width of the adhesive surface and less than the width of the sheet.
A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above. The thin-slice manufacturing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The block holding unit is
A base stand,
A mounting table on which a cassette to which the sample block is fixed is mounted;
An elevating mechanism for elevating the mounting table relative to the base table;
A clamper that inhibits separation of the sample block from the mounting table by engaging with an end of the cassette;
A biasing member that biases the clamper in a direction in which the clamper engages an end of the cassette;
A lever connected to the clamper, wherein the lever moves the clamper in the disengagement direction by lifting it against the biasing force of the biasing member;
A release pin that protrudes from the base table and lifts the lever in the disengagement direction by contacting the lever when the mounting table is lowered to the lowest side;
A thin-slice manufacturing apparatus comprising:

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