CN104781645B - Slice production method and slice producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of slice production method, which is characterized in that have：First rough cut process, in whole 1 state of setting kept by stent (22) in the point of a knife direction of the first cutoff tool (121a) in cutoff tool (21), rough cut is carried out to embedded block (B) using the hospital areas (D1) of the first cutoff tool (121a)；First formal cutting process in the case where setting 1 state, formally cuts the embedded block (B) after rough cut using another end regions (D2) of the first cutoff tool (121a)；Second rough cut process, under 2 states of setting that the hospital areas (D1) of the second cutoff tool (121b) in another end regions (D2) of the first cutoff tool (121a) and cutoff tool (21) is kept by stent (22), rough cut is carried out to embedded block (B) using another end regions (D2) of the first cutoff tool (121a)；Second formal cutting process in the case where setting 2 states, formally cuts embedded block (B) using the hospital areas (D1) of the second cutoff tool (121b).

Description

Slice production method and slice producing device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of slice production method and slice producing devices.

The application in the Patent 2012-246338 CLAIM OF PRIORITYs of Japanese publication, was drawn herein based on November 8th, 2012 Use disclosure of which.

Background technology

It as inspection, observes from one of method of biological sample of taking-ups such as human body or experimental animal, it is known that have as follows Method：Produce slice (thinly-sliced section) from the embedded block that biological sample is embedded with using embedding medium, and to the slice into Row dyeing handles to observe biological sample.

In the past, the operation for making slice is to pass through manual operations using sharp thin cutoff tool by skilled operator Come carry out.But in recent years, starting offer can automatically carry out making the automatic thin cutting apparatus of the operation of slice.Root According to the automatic thin cutting apparatus, slice can be constantly made in the case where not increasing burden to operator.

Specifically, in slice producing device, first, by carrying out rough cut to embedded block by cutoff tool, bag is made Burying the surface of block becomes even surface, and the biological sample that the object to testing or observing is embedded carries out repairing block.

In the following, by formally being cut with defined thickness (for example, 3 μm~5 μm) repairing the embedded block after block, it can Obtain above-mentioned slice.

But in cutting embedded block come when making slice, in order to make the slice of high-quality, it is necessary to above-mentioned rule Fixed thickness is cut.When carrying out thinly-sliced in the state of the sharpness difference of cutoff tool, it is difficult to embedded block with desirable Thickness carries out thinly-sliced.In addition, according to circumstances there is also the possibilities of slice breakage.

Here, disclosing a kind of structure in such as patent document 1, in this configuration, make (the first cut-out of 2 cutoff tools Knife and the second cutoff tool) it is abreast maintained at along point of a knife direction on stent, and by the first cutoff tool and the second cutoff tool It is respectively used to rough cut and formal cutting.

In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a kind of structure, in this configuration, from rough cut to formal cutting conversion When or sharpness reduce when etc., change the cutting parts to embedded block on a piece of cutoff tool in due course.

According to these structures, by changing the cutting parts of cutoff tool between rough cut and formal cutting, enable in particular to Sharpness when maintaining to require high-precision formal cutting.

Prior art literature

Patent document

Patent document 1：Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication 2001-289747 publications

Patent document 2：Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication 11-153521 publications

The content of the invention

Problem to be solved by the invention

However, in the structure of above-mentioned patent document 1, since stent keeps 2 cutoff tools, so stent has 2 The width of cutoff tool size.In this case, there are problems that stent enlargement and the rigidity reduction of stent.

In addition, in the structure of above-mentioned patent document 1, since the first cutoff tool is only used for rough cut, the second cutoff tool It is only used for formally cutting, so also using new cutoff tool in the rough cut lower than formally cutting required precision.Therefore, It is difficult to effectively utilize cutoff tool.

Moreover, in the structure of patent document 2, by from rough cut to the change cutting portion such as during formal cutting conversion Position can use cutoff tool whole, however, it is very difficult to reuse at the position that cutting at one time is utilized.In this case, due to Also using new position in rough cut, so identical with above-mentioned patent document 1, it is difficult to effectively utilize cutoff tool.

The present invention is to propose in view of the above problems, it is intended that providing a kind of slice producing device, this is thinly-sliced Piece producing device can effectively utilize cutoff tool, and can realize the miniaturization for the stent for keeping cutoff tool.

The means used to solve the problem

The slice production method and slice producing device of the mode of the present invention use following structure.

(1) the slice production method of one embodiment of the present invention, using by the cutoff tool that stent is kept to embedded block into Row cuts to make slice,

Have：

First rough cut process, the point of a knife direction of the first cutoff tool in the cutoff tool are integrally kept by the stent 1 state of setting under, using the hospital areas along point of a knife direction in first cutoff tool to the embedded block carry out Rough cut；

First formal cutting process, it is described setting 1 state under, using in first cutoff tool along point of a knife side To another end regions the embedded block after rough cut is formally cut；

Second rough cut process, second in another end regions of first cutoff tool and the cutoff tool Under 2 states of setting that the hospital areas along point of a knife direction of cutoff tool is kept by the stent, the described first cut-out is utilized Another end regions of knife carry out rough cut to the embedded block；

Second formal cutting process in 2 states of the setting, utilizes the hospital areas of second cutoff tool The embedded block is formally cut..

(2) the slice producing device of one embodiment of the present invention,

Have：

Cutoff tool has the point of a knife cut the embedded block for being embedded with biological sample, and is on point of a knife direction Strip,

Stent so that the state exposed outward of the point of a knife keeps the cutoff tool, and the cutoff tool compared with The stent can load and unload,

Control unit, to setting 1 state with 2 states is set to switch over, 1 state of the setting refers to, makes described The state that the point of a knife direction of first cutoff tool in cutoff tool is integrally kept by the stent, first cutoff tool include Hospital areas along the point of a knife direction of the first cutoff tool and another end regions along the point of a knife direction of first cutoff tool； 2 states of the setting refer to, make first cutoff tool another end regions and the cutoff tool in second cut The state that the hospital areas along point of a knife direction of breaking is kept by the stent,

Under 1 state of the setting, the control unit is using the hospital areas of first cutoff tool to described Embedded block carries out rough cut, and utilizes another end regions of first cutoff tool to the embedded block after rough cut Formally cut；

Under 2 states of the setting, the control unit is using another end regions of first cutoff tool to institute It states embedded block and carries out rough cut, and the embedded block is formally cut using the hospital areas of second cutoff tool It cuts.

According to above-mentioned structure, by the hospital areas of 1 cutoff tool and another end regions be respectively used to rough cut with it is formal Cutting, and it is lower than formally cutting required precision due to being used for the part after formally cutting use in cutoff tool Rough cut can effectively utilize cutoff tool.Therefore, it is possible to reduce make slice when automatic thin cutting apparatus operation into This.

In addition, the first cutoff tool of 1 state of setting and holding for passing through the point of a knife direction entirety to keeping the first cutoff tool Another end regions and 2 states of setting of the hospital areas of the second cutoff tool switch over, can utilize have and 1 cut-out The stent of knife equal wide keeps 2 cutoff tools.Thereby, it is possible to realize the miniaturization of stent, and therewith with can improve Stent rigidity.

(3) in the slice producing device of the mode of above-mentioned (2),

The stent can have：

Loading plate, for loading the cutoff tool,

Pressing plate, for pressing the cutoff tool being placed on the loading plate；

The pressing plate has：

First pressing plate, for keeping the region of the progress rough cut in the cutoff tool,

Second pressing plate, for keeping the region that the progress in the cutoff tool is formally cut.

According to above-mentioned structure, since the pressing plate of stent has the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate, so especially existing It sets in the case that 2 different cutoff tools are fixed on stent in 2 states, each cutoff tool can be passed through first respectively Pressing plate and the pressing of the second pressing plate.Thereby, it is possible to absorb the scale error of the thickness direction of each cutoff tool, and setting Also each cutoff tool can be steadily kept in 2 states.

(4) in the slice production method of the mode of above-mentioned (1), make to be in strip with point of a knife and on point of a knife direction Cutoff tool so that the state that the point of a knife exposes outward, is kept by the stent, also, using the cutoff tool to bag The embedded block for being embedded with biological sample is cut to make slice, and the cutoff tool can be filled compared with the stent It unloads.

Invention effect

The slice production method of mode according to the present invention and slice producing device, can effectively utilize cut-out Knife, and can realize the miniaturization for the stent for keeping cutoff tool.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of the embedded block transported by the automatic thin cutting apparatus of the mode of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the stereogram of the slice sample made by the automatic thin cutting apparatus of the mode of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the schematic structural diagram of automatic thin cutting apparatus.

Fig. 4 is the top view of slice producing device (stent).

Fig. 5 is the sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is the top view for representing to set the slice producing device (stent) of 1 state.

Fig. 7 is the top view for representing to set the slice producing device (stent) of 2 states.

Specific embodiment

In the following, based on attached drawing, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

<The structure of automatic thin cutting apparatus>

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of the embedded block B transported by automatic thin cutting apparatus 1.Fig. 2 is made by automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 The stereogram of slice sample H.

As shown in Figure 1, the automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 of present embodiment is with such as 3 μm~5 μm to embedded block B (with reference to Fig. 3) Thickness carries out thinly-sliced device, and embedded block B is formed by embedding biological sample S as the paraffin P of embedded material.Cause This, slice M shown in Fig. 2 can be produced by the automatic thin cutting apparatus 1.

In addition, the automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 of present embodiment can not only make slice M, but also can carry out automatically Following operation, i.e. be transferred to by slice M on the substrate of glass slide G etc. and after producing slice sample H, by slice Sample H is contained in basket (basket).

In addition, embedded block B is rectangular-shaped under vertical view, embedded block B is will be by the fixed biological sample S of formalin After interior moisture is replaced by paraffin, further surrounding in bulk is fixed with paraffin P and is formed.Biological sample S as a result, It is embedded in paraffin P.In addition, as biological sample S, the e.g. group from the internal organs of the taking-ups such as human body or experimental animal etc. It knits, is chosen in due course in medical field, pharmaceutical field, field of food, biological field etc..

In addition, as shown in Figure 1, embedded block B is fixed on box body K.

Box body K is formed by resin with resistance to chemical reagents etc. with box-like, and the fixed station as fixed embedded block B, which plays, to be made With.The one side of box body K is inclined surface K1 downwards.On the K1 of the inclined surface record have including box body K manufacture number, ID data (not shown) including the making date of embedded block B, various data of biological sample S etc..Therefore, by reading the ID Data can carry out the qualitative control of embedded block B.

Then, each component of automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 is illustrated.

In the present embodiment, first in order to form automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 each component be briefly described it is bright, so Afterwards, necessary component is described in detail.

As shown in figure 3, automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 mainly have multiple material storing box (magazine) 2, turntable (carousel) 3, Block conveyer 5, thinly-sliced mechanism 6, slice conveyer 8, glass slide conveying mechanism 9, glass slide holding mechanism 10, by these Each component is placed in internal crust of the device 11, the control unit 12 for synthetically controlling each component；The multiple material storing box 2 can access Ground accommodates multiple embedded block B；Each material storing box 2 can be loaded by the turntable 3 in a manner of it can be free to exit respectively；It is described Can will be selected from the multiple embedded block B accommodated in the material storing box 2 being loaded on above-mentioned turntable 31 of block conveyer 5 Embedded block B takes out, and embedded block B is positioned on objective table 4；Embedding of the thinly-sliced mechanism 6 to being loaded on objective table 4 Block B is cut with defined thickness, and so as to cut out slice M, the slice conveyer 8 will be cut out by thinly-sliced mechanism 6 Slice M be transported to accumulator tank 7, also, slice M is made to swim on liquid level and is stretched；The glass slide conveying mechanism 9 will Slice M after stretching, extension is fished for from liquid level to slice sample H is made on glass slide G, and the glass slide holding mechanism 10 will Made slice sample H is contained in basket J.

(crust of the device)

The inside of above-mentioned crust of the device 11 is salable, for example, can the environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature be set to institute Desired condition.The access door 11a that operation is opened and closed for operator is provided on the wall surface of crust of the device 11.The access Door 11a is the door used when loading or taking out material storing box 2.By opening access door 11a, loading material storing box is able to access that 2 turntable 3.

(material storing box)

Above-mentioned material storing box 2 is the whole storage case formed with longitudinally long rectangular-shape.Material storing box 2 can will be fixed on Multiple embedded block B on box body K are accommodated with the state arranged in the height direction.The material storing box 2 is mainly by front openings Box storing box main body 2A and the shutter door 2B that is fixed on storing box main body 2A.

For shutter door 2B in the closure state, covering is contained in one of multiple embedded block B in storing box main body 2A Point, so as to prevent coming off for embedded block B.Operator does not have to pay attention to falling for embedded block B as a result, so as to securely carry Material storing box 2.

(turntable)

Material storing box 2 as constituted above is so as to the mode being free to exit is loaded on turntable 3.In the example in the figures, It lists on turntable 3 while loads the state of 6 material storing box 2.

The turntable 3 is configured can be from the position of outside access in the access door 11a by opening device shell 11.As a result, Material storing box 2 manually can be loaded on turntable 3 or take out material storing box 2 from turntable 3 by operator.

It is rotated in addition, turntable 3 can surround vertical axis.Turntable 3 makes loaded material storing box 2 circumferentially move by the rotation It is dynamic, and selected 1 material storing box 2 can be arranged on the block extracting position opposite with block conveyer 5.In addition, turn The action of disk 3 is controlled by control unit 12.

(reading part)

Reading part 20 is equipped on the position adjacent with turntable 3.The reading of reading part 20, which is printed on, to be contained in positioned at above-mentioned Block extracting position material storing box 2 in each embedded block B box body K on ID data.

The reading part 20 reciprocally for example opposite in the up-down direction can be moved with the material storing box 2 positioned at block extracting position It is dynamic.By the relative movement, reading part 20 can read the box body K for being printed on and being contained in whole embedded block B in material storing box 2 On ID data.In addition, reading part 20 optically reads ID data, and read ID data are exported to control unit 12.

(block conveyer)

Block conveyer 5 is the conveying robot for having hand 5A, and hand 5A can grip the box of embedded block B Body K.Block conveyer 5 is configured in the position adjacent with turntable 3.The block conveyer 5 is based on the instruction from control unit 12, energy It is enough to embed 1 positioned at the material storing box 2 of above-mentioned block extracting position in being contained in the material storing box 2 that is loaded on turntable 3 Block B is held with hand 5A, and held embedded block can be made to come in and go out compared with material storing box 2 or embedded block is positioned in objective table On 4.

(objective table)

Objective table 4 is configured to, and actuator is assembled in inside, and is suitably carried out based on the instruction from control unit 12 Lower movement.Height thereby, it is possible to the embedded block B to being positioned on objective table 4 is adjusted, with desirable thickness (such as 5 μm) thinly-sliced to embedded block B progress.

In addition, the objective table 4 is can to surround the multiaxis objective table that vertical axis is rotated and swung around trunnion axis (2 axis). Therefore, objective table 4 is free to the posture of control embedded block B, so as to which the direction of embedded block B or inclination angle etc. are set as Desirable state.

(thinly-sliced mechanism)

Thinly-sliced mechanism 6 has the cutoff tool 21 being disposed near objective table 4, the stent for removably keeping cutoff tool 21 22nd, moving mechanism 23, the moving mechanism 23 make objective table 4 be moved compared with cutoff tool 21, and pass through cutoff tool 21 and embedded Block B's is thinly-sliced.

Cutoff tool 21 is the knife for the strip being made of magnetic substance that one end is point of a knife 21a.Cutoff tool 21 is provided with having The state of anterior angle θ obliquely keep and (being fixedly clamped) on above-mentioned stent 22.In the example in the figures, point of a knife is listed 21a is the example of the situation of single-blade, but or twolip.

Stent 22 is mainly made of loading plate 22A and pressing plate 22B, and loading plate 22A is so that point of a knife 21a exposes outward State mounting cutoff tool 21, placed cutoff tool 21 is pressed against on loading plate 22A to be fixedly clamped by pressing plate 22B.

Moving mechanism 23 is had guide rail (not shown) and along guide rail objective table 4 is made to be moved back and forth with defined speed Driving portion (not shown).Moving mechanism 23 by moving back and forth objective table 4 based on the instruction from control unit 12, by The cutoff tool 21 on stent 22 that is fixedly clamped carries out the thinly-sliced of embedded block B and cuts out slice M.

In addition, objective table 4 is moved back and forth by moving mechanism 23, embedded block B is made to rise specified amount.Thereby, it is possible to To embedded block B with defined thickness is cut and makes slice M.

In addition, in the present embodiment, moving mechanism is formed in a manner of 4 side of objective table to be made to be moved compared with cutoff tool 21 23.But it is also possible to by make 21 side of cutoff tool compared with objective table 4 move in a manner of formed, can also so that 22 side of stent with And the mode that 4 side of objective table moves together is formed.

Either which kind of mode, as long as embedded block B can be made relatively to move to be carried out by cutoff tool 21 with cutoff tool 21 Thinly-sliced, how moving mechanism 23 designs can.

(accommodating case, cutoff tool conveyer)

Above-mentioned cutoff tool 21 is received multi-disc with the state of the laminated multi-layer in accommodating case 25.Cutoff tool 21 is by cutting off After knife conveyer 26 takes out one by one as needed, it is transported on stent 22 and is fixedly clamped.That is, 21 energy of cutoff tool It is enough to be replaced on defined opportunity.

Cutoff tool conveyer 26 is transported based on the instruction from control unit 12, new by being taken out from accommodating case 25 Cutoff tool 21 be inserted between the loading plate 22A of stent 22 and pressing plate 22B, and will have been used using institute's insertion cutoff tool 21 Cutoff tool 21 is released from stent 22.Cutoff tool 21 is replaced as a result,.The pressing plate 22B of stent 22 receive be provided with it is new It after the situation of cutoff tool 21, is acted according to the instruction of control unit 12, to be clamped fixation to new cutoff tool 21.

In addition, from stent 22 release the cutoff tool 21 used via discarded chute etc. (not shown) after, be discarded into In discarded bottle etc. (not shown).

(the first shooting camera)

The the first shooting photograph shot to the embedded block B being positioned on objective table 4 is equipped in the top of objective table 4 Machine 27.The first shooting camera 27 shoots the embedded block B of the illumination optical illumination by coming from light source (not shown).This When, according to the difference (such as indirect illumination light or diffused illumination light) of the species of illumination light, the first shooting camera 27 can be right The surface state or internal state of embedded block B is shot.

Recorded in addition, captured captured image is sent to control unit 12, and be shown in for example with control unit On the display 12a of 12 connections.

(slice conveyer)

Slice conveyer 8 is based on the instruction from control unit 12, and the slice M cut out by thinly-sliced mechanism 6 is transported It send to accumulator tank 7 and slice M is made to swim in the mechanism on liquid level.Slice conveyer 8 can use and for example transport band Or band (tape) etc..

(accumulator tank)

The liquid W of the water for being adjusted to set point of temperature etc. is stored in accumulator tank 7, in accumulator tank 7, utilizes surface Power makes to swim in the slice M stretching, extensions on liquid level.In addition, stored liquid W is as needed by circulating line (not shown) It is also supplied in from accumulator tank 7 while discharge into accumulator tank 7.Store clean liquid always in accumulator tank 7 as a result, W。

(glass slide conveying mechanism)

Glass slide conveying mechanism 9 be with can hold glass slide G hand 9A conveying robot, and configure with storage Deposit the adjacent position of slot 7.The glass slide conveying mechanism 9 is acted based on the instruction from control unit 12, by that will swim in On liquid level and the slice M that trails fishes on the glass slide G held to hand 9A to be shifted, thin so as to make Section preparation H.

The glass slide conveying mechanism 9 is being fished for slice M on glass slide G and after producing slice sample H, by this Slice sample H is delivered to sample and transports on band 30.Then, which accommodates from glass slide receiving portion 31 Glass slide G in hold new glass slide G, and wait until slice M's next time fishes for.

Glass slide receiving portion 31 is disposed near accumulator tank 7, and the inner containment of the glass slide receiving portion 31 has for example several Ten~hundreds of untapped glass slide G.

(sample transports band, heating plate)

Above-mentioned sample, which transports band 30, to be slided wound on the driving being driven based on the instruction for example from control unit 12 Take turns the transport band between 32A and follow-up pulley 32B.Sample transports band 30 can be by the driving of driving pulley 32A by slice Sample H is transported to downstream side.

The downstream side of the carriage direction of band 30 is transported in sample, is configured with the heating plate 33 for being heated to set point of temperature.Add Hot plate 33 transports band 30 across sample and is heated to transporting the slice sample H loaded on band 30 in sample.Thereby, it is possible to logical Pervaporation removes the remaining extra liquid W on slice sample H, so as to prevent between glass slide G and slice M There are liquid W, and the further stretching, extension of slice M can be carried out.

(the second shooting camera, record portion)

In the present embodiment, band 30 is being transported by slice sample H to the downstream for being configured with heating plate 33 by sample During side is transported, the thinly-sliced state of slice M is shot using the second shooting camera 34, and utilizes record portion 35 Individual data is marked on glass slide G.

Second shooting camera 34 is disposed in the top that sample transports band 30, thinly-sliced on sample transport band 30 is positioned in During piece sample H downstream side transports, which shoots slice M and is sent out the image of shooting It send to control unit 12.The captured image for being sent to the second shooting camera 34 of control unit 12 is recorded in control unit 12 It is interior, and be shown on such as display 12a.

Record portion 35 is such as Laser marker, and shoots 34 adjacent arranging of camera with second.Record portion 35 is based on Instruction from control unit 12 irradiates laser to glass slide G, to mark individual data.At this point, shoot 34 phase of camera with second Together, record portion 35 is marked during slice sample H is transported by downstream side.

(glass slide holding mechanism)

Glass slide holding mechanism 10 is disposed in the top that sample transports band 30.10 following mechanism of glass slide holding mechanism, i.e. Based on the instruction from control unit 12, the slice sample H that the sample after being heated by heating plate 33 is transported on band 30 is contained in In basket J.As such mechanism, slice sample H can be transported from sample by, for example, push rod for being driven by cylinder etc. It send and releases and be contained in basket J on band 30, can also utilize manipulator etc. that slice sample H is contained in basket J.

(basket)

Basket J is for example to dye cage, this basket of J can once accommodate the slice sample H of several~tens.Basket J quilts in advance It is contained in basket receiving portion 36.Be accommodated in basket J in basket receiving portion 36 by based on the instruction from control unit 12 into action After the basket feed mechanism 37 of work takes out in order, sample accommodated position P1 is arranged on.It is thinly-sliced on sample accommodated position P1 Piece sample H is accommodated in basket J.

When accommodating the slice sample H of predetermined the piece number in basket J, basket J is sent in safe-deposit vault (not shown) and is protected Pipe.At this point, the hot wind for being adjusted to set point of temperature is cycled in safe-deposit vault, so that slice sample H is dried to optimal State.

(slice producing device)

Then, to including the thin of the thinly-sliced mechanism 6 in above-mentioned each component, cutoff tool conveyer 26 and control unit 12 The structure of microsection manufacture device 51 is further described in detail.Fig. 4 is the vertical view of slice producing device 50 (stent 22) Figure.Fig. 5 is the sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 4.

As shown in Figure 4, Figure 5, the loading plate 22A of above-mentioned stent 22 has mounting surface 51, one end in cutoff tool 21 The states exposed outward of point of a knife 21a that portion is formed, the other end (the opposite side of point of a knife 21a) in cutoff tool 21 is along point of a knife Direction is positioned in the mounting surface 51.In the present embodiment, the width of mounting surface 51 and cutoff tool 21 along point of a knife side To width it is equal, in state shown in Fig. 4, the point of a knife direction of cutoff tool 21 is integrally positioned in (aftermentioned in mounting surface 51 1 state of setting).

On loading plate 22A, in the state of adjacent with mounting surface 51, thin plate 52 is bonded to along mounting surface 51.Thin Across compartment of terrain, embedment is fixed with multiple magnet 53 on the end face of plate 52.Magnet 53 is placed in by magnetic-adsorption in mounting surface 51 The other end of cutoff tool 21 keep the posture of cutoff tool 21.By multiple magnet 53, cutoff tool 21 is always with the other end Portion is loaded with the state that the end face of thin plate 52 is close to.

On the other hand, pressing plate 22B have the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B, and with loading plate The mode of 22A overlappings is arranged side by side along the width of mounting surface 51.

When specifically describing the first pressing plate 55A, the first pressing plate 55A and the rotation being fixed on loading plate 22A Axis 56 rotatably connects.In addition, the base end part of the first pressing plate 55A is by positioned at the first pressing plate 55A and loading plate 22A Between helical spring 57 exert a force.First pressing plate 55A is subject to the elastic force of helical spring 57, is revolved centered on rotation axis 56 Turn and press top ends to mounting surface 51.As a result, as described above, the pressing of cutoff tool 21 is fixed in mounting surface 51.

In addition, the bar (not shown) that the base end part of the first pressing plate 55A is received the instruction of control unit 12 and acted, The power of helical spring 57 to be overcome to press.Top ends counter-rotating centered on rotation axis 56 of first pressing plate 55A as a result, So as to suitably release the pressing to cutoff tool 21.It is cutting in the region by the first pressing plate 55A pressings in cutoff tool 21 It is used during embedded block B, is used for rough cut.

Further, since the second pressing plate 55B and the first pressing plate 55A are identical structures, so omitting the description.In addition, The region by the second pressing plate 55B pressings in cutoff tool 21 is used when cutting embedded block B, be used to formally cut.

It is cut with being inclined by addition, loading plate 22A and pressing plate 22B are tops, and with close The point of a knife 21a of cutoff tool 21 and gradually sharpened shape.

Here, stent 22 is configured to receive the instruction of control unit 12, to setting 1 state and setting 2 states in order It switches over, wherein, 1 state of the setting refers to, 1 cutoff tool is pressed by the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B The state of 21 point of a knife direction entirety；2 states of the setting refer to, shown in Fig. 7, are pressed by the first pressing plate 55A and second The state of each 1 cutoff tool 21 of self-pressing of pressing plate 55B.

In other words, in 1 state is set, the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B press 1 cutoff tool 21. On the other hand, in 2 states are set, the first pressing plate 55A presses 1 cutoff tool 21, and the second pressing plate 55B also presses 1 Cutoff tool 21.

Specifically, as shown in figure 4, it is by the point of a knife side of the first cutoff tool 121a in cutoff tool 21 to set 1 state To the whole state being positioned in mounting surface 51.In 1 state is set, the hospital areas D1 in point of a knife direction is by the first pressing plate 55A is pressed, and another end regions D2 is pressed by the second pressing plate 55B.In this case, using in the first cutoff tool 121a by The hospital areas D1 of one pressing plate 55A pressings carries out rough cut, is pressed using in the first cutoff tool 121a by the second pressing plate 55B Another end regions D2 of pressure is formally cut.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 7, it is by the other end of the first cutoff tool 121a in cutoff tool 21 to set 2 states The hospital areas D1 of region D2 and the second cutoff tool 121b are positioned in the state in mounting surface 51.In 2 states are set, first Another end regions D2 of cutoff tool 121a is pressed by the first pressing plate 55A, and the hospital areas D1 of the second cutoff tool 121b is by second Pressing plate 55B is pressed.

That is, in 2 states are set, the first cutoff tool 121a is with hospital areas D1 to the outer pleurapophysis of the first pressing plate 55A The state gone out in being supported in cantilever manner, and the second cutoff tool 121b is with another end regions D2 to the outer pleurapophysis of the second pressing plate 55B The state gone out is in be supported in cantilever manner.In this case, pressed using in the first cutoff tool 121a by the first pressing plate 55A Another end regions D2 carry out rough cut, utilize in the second cutoff tool 121b by the second pressing plate 55B press hospital areas D1 is formally cut.

In addition, as shown in figure 4, be placed with the objective table 4 of embedded block B and stent 22 receive the instruction of control unit 12 being capable of edge The width for mounting surface 51 relatively slides movement.Specifically, objective table 4 is passing through above-mentioned moving machine with stent 22 Structure 23 makes on the track of the moving direction of the movement of objective table 4, in the rough cut position C1 where the first pressing plate 55A (with reference to figure 6th, Fig. 7) and the second pressing plate 55B where formal cutting position C2 (with reference to Fig. 6, Fig. 7) between moved.

At this point, control unit 12 it is opposite with objective table 4 to stent 22 slip movement control, to utilize cutoff tool Part (for example, hospital areas D1 of the first cutoff tool 121a) rough cut embedded block B pressed by the first pressing plate 55A in 21 Afterwards, formally cut using the part (for example, another end regions D2 of the first cutoff tool 121a) pressed by the second pressing plate 55B It cuts.It is moved in addition, stent 22 with the width that objective table 4 can be only a wherein side along mounting surface 51 slide, Can be that stent 22 carries out slip movement with 4 both sides of objective table.

In addition, the cutoff tool conveyer 26 of present embodiment is by making cutoff tool 21 carry out slip shifting along point of a knife direction It is dynamic, new cutoff tool 21 is arranged on stent 22, and by new cutoff tool 21 by the cutoff tool 21 used from branch Frame 22 is released.In addition, cutoff tool conveyer 26 receives the instruction of control unit 12, in cutoff tool 21 by the first pressing plate The part (for example, hospital areas D1 of the first cutoff tool 121a) of 55A pressings and the part (example pressed by the second pressing plate 55B Such as, another end regions D2 of the first cutoff tool 121a) at least one party sharpness reduce in the case of, transport cutoff tool 21。

Cutoff tool conveyer 26 receives the instruction of control unit 12 when replacing cutoff tool 21, every time with cutoff tool 21 Cutoff tool 21 is transported along the half length (half spacing) in point of a knife direction.

<The effect of automatic thin cutting apparatus>

Then, the effect of the automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 of above-mentioned composition is illustrated.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the whole flow until slice sample H is made is carried out simply first Illustrate, then, the flow of the process of part is described in detail.

First, as preparing in advance, the box body K for being fixed with embedded block B is respectively accommodated in multiple material storing box 2 by operator Interior, then, each material storing box 2 is loaded on turntable 3 by the access door 11a of operator's opening device shell 11.By each material storing box After 2 are loaded in turntable 3, access door 11a is closed.In addition, operator in accommodating case 25 to being suitably provided with cutoff tool 21, carrying Glass slide G is suitably provided in slide receiving portion 31, is suitably provided in basket receiving portion 36 after basket J etc. confirmed, it is complete Prepare before succeeding.

After complete to prepare in advance, operator makes each component in crust of the device 11 start to act via control unit 12.

Then, control unit 12 in order rotates turntable 3, and after reading ID data by reading part 20, passes through block transveyer Structure 5 utilizes hand 5A clamping embedded blocks B.Then, clamped embedded block B is being taken from material storing box 2 by block conveyer 5 After going out, it is positioned in via box body K on objective table 4.

It completes when setting the operation of embedded block B on objective table 4, control unit 12 proceeds by the thinly-sliced behaviour of embedded block B Make.

First, the height of objective table 4 is adjusted, the upper surface of embedded block B is adjusted to desirable height and position.Then, Objective table 4 is moved back and forth by the moving mechanism 23 in thinly-sliced mechanism 6, utilizes the cutoff tool being fixedly clamped by stent 22 21 couples of embedded block B carry out thinly-sliced.Thereby, it is possible to rough cut embedded block B to carry out repairing block.

When carrying out thinly-sliced, the first shooting camera 27 shoots embedded block B.The captured image is remembered by control unit 12 Record, and be shown on display 12a.Therefore, operator can utilize the captured image shown on display 12a to confirm The surface state or internal state of embedded block B.In addition, with the captured image as reference, it can be appropriate in thinly-sliced interval Ground makes objective table 4 tilt or rotate.As a result, by the rough cut to embedded block B, most suitable face can be revealed on surface Go out.

In addition, when repair block by above-mentioned rough cut and operating, without by slice M by slice conveyer 8 are transported to the operation of accumulator tank 7.Therefore, the slice M generated herein is recycled as cutting swarf by recoverer (not shown).

Then, complete embedded block B repair block after, control unit 12 is converted from rough cut to formal cutting operation.

When entering to formal cutting operation, while control unit 12 makes slice M by thinly-sliced mechanism 6, by thin Made slice M is transported to accumulator tank 7 and slice M is made to swim on liquid level by section conveyer 8.It is thinly-sliced as a result, Piece M is stretched, so as to which curling for generating when thinly-sliced etc. is released.

Then, control unit 12 is acted glass slide conveying mechanism 9, by the slice M swum on liquid level fish for Slice sample H is made on glass slide G.Made slice sample H is positioned in sample and transported by glass slide conveying mechanism 9 It is delivered on band 30.

In addition, control unit 12 is driven driving pulley 32A, and the slice mark loaded on band 30 will be transported in sample This H carried downstreams.Then, during slice sample H is transported to heating plate 33, the second shooting camera 34 is to slice M is shot, and the captured image is sent to control unit 12.

Control unit 12 is based on the captured image sent from the second shooting camera 34, the slice that alignment type is cut Whether M is by the properly fine or not judgement of thinly-sliced progress.Here, in the case where control unit 12 is judged as certified products, make record portion 35 It is acted, the glass slide G that corresponding individual data is recorded in slice sample H will be established with the ID data read from box body K On.

Also, record have individual data slice sample H be transported to sample transport band 30 further downstream, and by Heating plate 33 heats.In addition, control unit 12 is acted glass slide holding mechanism 10, the slice sample H after being heated It is contained in basket J.

On the other hand, carry out that above-mentioned quality judges as a result, in the case where control unit 12 is judged as defective work, make Glass slide holding mechanism 10 transports band 30 to defective work (not shown) without action, and by the slice sample H from sample Discharge chute conveying.Being considered the slice sample H of defective work as a result, will not be housed inside in basket J, and be recovered.

As slice sample H of the judgement that predetermined the piece number is accommodated in basket J for certified products, this basket of J is sent to safe-deposit vault It is taken care of, and new basket J from basket receiving portion 36 is taken out and is arranged on sample accommodated position P1, the basket by basket feed mechanism 37 J is used to accommodate next slice sample H.

As described above, automatic thin cutting apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the system of slice M can not only be automatically carried out Make, and can automatically carry out the making of slice sample H, and be contained in by predetermined the piece number in basket J.

Operator can be entered directly by suitably taking out basket J out of safe-deposit vault to the dye of biological sample S as a result, Color process is highly susceptible to using.Particularly, due to can also all assemble the slice sample H for carrying out identical dying operation In same basket J, so easy to use and convenience is excellent.

Here, the effect of above-mentioned slice producing device 50 is described in detail.Fig. 6 is to represent to set 1 sheet The top view of the slice producing device 50 (stent 22) of state.Fig. 7 is the slice producing device 50 for representing to set 2 states The top view of (stent 22).

For the thinly-sliced operation of present embodiment, under 1 state of above-mentioned setting shown in Fig. 6, in order repeatedly It carries out carrying out the first rough cut process of rough cut using the hospital areas D1 of the first cutoff tool 121a and utilizes the first cutoff tool The first formal cutting process that another end regions D2 of 121a is formally cut under 2 states of setting shown in Fig. 7, is pressed Reiteration carried out using another end regions D2 of the first cutoff tool 121a the second rough cut process and the utilization of rough cut The second formal cutting process that the hospital areas D1 of second cutoff tool 121b is formally cut.In the following description, it is based on 1 state of above-mentioned setting as original state illustrates, i.e. the point of a knife direction entirety quilt based on the first cutoff tool 121a The state of first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B pressings illustrates.

As shown in fig. 6, first, in the first rough cut process, objective table 4 with stent 22 is configured and is slightly cut in above-mentioned Cut the state of position C1, move back and forth objective table 4, thus using in the first cutoff tool 121a by the first pressing plate The hospital areas D1 rough cut embedded blocks B of 55A pressings.

Then, in the first formal cutting process, objective table 4 and stent 22 are configured in above-mentioned formal cutting position The state of C2 moves back and forth objective table 4, is thus pressed using in the first cutoff tool 121a by the second pressing plate 55B Another end regions D2 formally cut embedded block B.Thereby, it is possible to obtain above-mentioned slice M.

Also, after the first above-mentioned formal cutting process, control unit 12 carries out the replacement operation of cutoff tool 21.

Specifically, control unit 12 is acted bar (not shown), with overcome helical spring 57 power press first by The base end part of pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B.Thereby, it is possible to release the pressing to the first cutoff tool 121a.In addition, with This simultaneously, control unit 12 is acted cutoff tool conveyer 26, and new cutoff tool (the second cutoff tool 121b) is transported to Mounting surface 51.In this case, the second cutoff tool 121b is only transported half spacing by cutoff tool conveyer 26 along point of a knife direction.

Then, the first cutoff tool 121a being positioned in mounting surface 51 is pushed away by the second cutoff tool 121b along point of a knife side Go out, and half spacing is also only transported as the second cutoff tool 121b.That is, it is as shown in fig. 7, in the following state, i.e. mounting surface The hospital areas D1 of another end regions D2 and the second cutoff tool 121b of the first cutoff tool 121a are placed on 51.In the state In, the first cutoff tool 121a is pressed by the first pressing plate 55A, the second cutoff tool 121b is pressed by the second pressing plate 55B.By This, becomes to set 2 states, i.e. another end regions D2 of the first cutoff tool 121a is pressed by the first pressing plate 55A, and second cuts The hospital areas D1 of breaking 121b is pressed by the second pressing plate 55B.

Further, since the first cutoff tool 121a and the second cutoff tool 121b that are positioned in mounting surface 51 pass through magnet 53 Remain the state of stable posture, so even if the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B the feelings that are released from of pressing Under condition, the first cutoff tool 121a and the second cutoff tool 121b also remain at the shape that base end part is close to the end face of thin plate 52 State.

In addition, replacing for the first cutoff tool 121a and the second cutoff tool 121b can be in the cutting of every progress stipulated number After carry out, the instruction of control unit 12 can also be received, by the part that the first pressing plate 55A is pressed with by the second pressing plate 55B The sharpness of at least one party in the part of pressing carries out in the case of reducing.

Also, in the second rough cut process, objective table 4 and stent 22 are configured above-mentioned rough cut position C1's State moves back and forth objective table 4, thus another using being pressed in the first cutoff tool 121a by the first pressing plate 55A Hospital areas D2 rough cut embedded blocks B.That is, make using in the first cutoff tool 121a in the first above-mentioned formal cutting process Region (another end regions D2) carries out the second rough cut process.

Then, in the second formal cutting process, objective table 4 and stent 22 are configured in above-mentioned formal cutting position The state of C2 moves back and forth objective table 4, is thus pressed using in the second cutoff tool 121b by the second pressing plate 55B Hospital areas D1 formally cut embedded block B.Thereby, it is possible to obtain above-mentioned slice M.

Then, above-mentioned replacement operation is repeated, is sent out newly with half spacing to mounting surface 51 by cutoff tool conveyer 26 Cutoff tool 21, so as to by new cutoff tool 21 by the second cutoff tool 121b along point of a knife direction send out half spacing.Exist as a result, The entirety in the point of a knife direction of the second cutoff tool 121b is loaded in mounting surface 51, and the first cutoff tool 121a is by the second cutoff tool 121b is released and departed from from stent 22, and is discarded into and (not shown) discarded is used bottle.

Then, the second cutoff tool 121b in mounting surface 51 is positioned in by the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B Pressing becomes to set 1 state again, as a result, repeat the first above-mentioned rough cut process and the first formal cutting process.That is, Rough cut is carried out using the hospital areas D1 of the second cutoff tool 121b, is formally cut using another end regions D2.

Then, by repeating above-mentioned operation, repeat to set 1 state with setting 2 states while carrying out The cutting of embedded block B.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, the hospital areas D1 of 1 cutoff tool 21 and another end regions D2 are respectively used to slightly Cutting and formal cutting, and by the part after formally cutting use that will be in cutoff tool 21 be used for than formally cut than The low rough cut of the precision asked, can effectively utilize cutoff tool 21.Therefore, it is possible to reduce make slice sample H when from Move the operating cost of thinly-sliced device 1.

In addition, by keeping 1 state of setting of the point of a knife direction entirety of the first cutoff tool 121a and keeping first to cut Switch between 2 states of setting of the hospital areas D1 of another end regions D2 and the second cutoff tool 121b of breaking 121a, it can Using with the stent 22 with 1 21 equal wide of cutoff tool, to keep 2 cutoff tools 21.Thereby, it is possible to realize stent 22 Miniaturization, and therewith with the rigidity that can improve stent 22.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the pressing plate 22B of stent 22 has the pressings of the first pressing plate 55A and second Plate 55B, so in the case that 2 different cutoff tools 21 are fixed on stent 22 in above-mentioned 2 states of setting, it can Each cutoff tool 21 is pressed respectively by the first pressing plate 55A and the second pressing plate 55B.Thereby, it is possible to absorb each cutoff tool The scale error of 21 thickness direction, and also can steadily keep each cutoff tool 21 in the case where setting 2 states.

In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned each embodiment, the thought of the present invention is not being departed from In the range of, the situation including applying various changes to above-mentioned embodiment.That is, the structure cited by above-mentioned embodiment Deng an example only of the invention, can suitably be changed.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pressings of the first pressing plate 55A and second are divided into pressing plate 22B The structure of plate 55B is illustrated, but it's not limited to that, and can also be configured to 1 has the width equal with loading plate 22A Pressing plate 22B.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, to making cutoff tool 21 along point of a knife direction by cutoff tool conveyer 26 The structure for carrying out sliding movement in order is illustrated, but it's not limited to that.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, automatic thin is assembled in the slice producing device 50 of the mode of the present invention Situation on cutting apparatus 1 is illustrated, but it's not limited to that, can also be using slice producing device 50 only as monomer It uses.

In addition, it in the above-described embodiment, is carried out exemplified by loading the state of 6 material storing box 2 simultaneously on turntable 3 Illustrate, but it's not limited to that.

An embodiment of the invention is a kind of slice production method, will be grown with point of a knife and along point of a knife direction The cutoff tool of strip, so that the state that point of a knife exposes outward, is releasably kept by stent, and pass through cutoff tool pair The embedded block for being embedded with biological sample is cut to make slice, which has：First rough cut work Sequence, the point of a knife direction of the first cutoff tool in cutoff tool is integrally by under 1 state of setting of stent holding, utilizing the first cut-out The hospital areas rough cut embedded block along point of a knife direction in knife；First formal cutting process, in the case where setting 1 state, profit The embedded block after rough cut is formally cut with another end regions along point of a knife direction in the first cutoff tool；Second rough cut work Sequence, the hospital areas along point of a knife direction of the second cutoff tool in another end regions and cutoff tool of the first cutoff tool by Under 2 states of setting that stent is kept, another end regions rough cut embedded block of the first cutoff tool is utilized；Second formal skiver In the case where setting 2 states, embedded block is formally cut using the hospital areas of the second cutoff tool for sequence.

The reference numerals are as follows：

21 cutoff tools

21a points of a knife

22 stents

22A loading plates

22B pressing plate

50 slice producing devices

51 mounting surfaces

The first pressing plate of 55A

The second pressing plate of 55B

The first cutoff tools of 121a

The second cutoff tools of 121b

D1 hospital areas

Another end regions of D2

M slices

S biological samples

Claims (4)

1. a kind of slice production method, using being cut embedded block to make slice by the cutoff tool that stent is kept, It is characterized in that,

Have：

Cutoff tool keeps process, using the stent with the width equal with the cutoff tool, to setting 1 state with setting It puts 2 states to switch over, 1 state of the setting refers to, will include the hospital areas along point of a knife direction and another petiolarea First cutoff tool in domain keeps the hospital areas of first cutoff tool and described as the cutoff tool, by the stent The state of another end regions；2 states of the setting refer to, by releasing first cut-out under 1 state of the setting The hospital areas of knife by another end regions of first cutoff tool and includes the petiolarea along point of a knife direction The hospital areas of second cutoff tool of domain and another end regions is as cutoff tool, and the state kept by the stent,

First rough cut process in the cutoff tool under setting 1 state, utilizes described one end of first cutoff tool Region carries out rough cut to the embedded block；

First formal cutting process, it is described setting 1 state under the cutoff tool in, utilize the institute of first cutoff tool Another end regions are stated formally to cut the embedded block after the first rough cut process；

Second rough cut process in the cutoff tool under setting 2 states, makes using in the described first formal cutting process Another end regions of used first cutoff tool carry out rough cut to the embedded block；

Second formal cutting process, it is described setting 2 states under the cutoff tool in, utilize the institute of second cutoff tool Hospital areas is stated formally to cut the embedded block after the second rough cut process.

2. slice production method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that

Make to have point of a knife and be in the cutoff tool of strip on point of a knife direction, so that the state that the point of a knife exposes outward, by The stent is kept, also, using the cutoff tool embedded block for being embedded with biological sample is cut to make thin Section, the cutoff tool can be loaded and unloaded compared with the stent.

3. a kind of slice producing device, which is characterized in that

Have：

Cutoff tool has the point of a knife cut the embedded block for being embedded with biological sample, and is in strip on point of a knife direction Shape,

Stent has the width equal with the cutoff tool, so that the state that the point of a knife exposes outward keeps the cut-out Knife, and the cutoff tool can be loaded and unloaded compared with the stent,

Control unit, to setting 1 state with 2 states is set to switch over, 1 state of the setting refers to, makes as described The institute of the first cutoff tool for including the hospital areas along point of a knife direction and another end regions along point of a knife direction of cutoff tool State hospital areas and state that another end regions are kept by the stent；2 states of the setting refer to, by releasing The hospital areas that first cutoff tool under 1 state is set is stated, by another petiolarea of first cutoff tool Domain and the hospital areas of the second cutoff tool including the hospital areas along point of a knife direction and another end regions are as institute Cutoff tool and the state kept by the stent are stated,

In the cutoff tool under 1 state of the setting, the control unit utilizes described one end of first cutoff tool Region carries out the embedded block the first rough cut, and using first cutoff tool another end regions to described the The embedded block after one rough cut carries out the first formally cutting；

In the cutoff tool under 2 states of the setting, the control unit is formally cut using having carried out described first Another end regions of first cutoff tool carry out the embedded block the second rough cut, and utilize the described second cut-out The hospital areas of knife carries out the embedded block after second rough cut the second formally cutting.

4. slice producing device as claimed in claim 3, which is characterized in that

The stent has：

Loading plate, for loading the cutoff tool,

Pressing plate, for pressing the cutoff tool being placed on the loading plate；

The pressing plate has：

First pressing plate, for keeping the region of the progress rough cut in the cutoff tool,

Second pressing plate, for keeping the region that the progress in the cutoff tool is formally cut.