JP2010032371A - Sample observing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sample observing apparatus capable of observing all of a large number of samples arranged inside a cylindrical body. <P>SOLUTION: A protein crystallizing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of sample holding units 10, which are mutually arranged axially in the bore part 8a, inside a bore part 8a. Each of the sample holding units 10 on and after the second sample holding unit 10 counted from an opening part 8b contains a sample holding member 20 respectively having sample holding parts 22 and 23 at a plurality of positions mutually arranged circumferentially in the bore part 8a and a light guide unit 30 arranged in a manner relatively rotatable around the center axis of the bore part 8a with respect to each sample holding member 20 so as to be successively opposed to the respective sample holding parts 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 and guiding the light from the sample held between the opposed sample holding parts 22 and 23 to the opening part 8b from the gap (d) between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding unit 10 on this side and the inner peripheral surface of the bore part 8a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample observation apparatus for observing a sample arranged inside a cylindrical body.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a sample observation apparatus for observing a sample disposed inside a cylindrical body having an opening that opens in the axial direction outside the cylindrical body.

  For example, a paramagnetic or diamagnetic sample is placed inside a cylindrical casing (tubular body) of a superconducting magnet that can generate a high magnetic field, and the state and behavior of the sample in a low-gravity or overgravity environment due to magnetic force There is known a sample observation apparatus for examining (see Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, a cylindrical casing is arranged inside a superconducting coil, and two sample support portions are provided inside the casing so as to be aligned with each other in the axial direction of the coil. In addition, a sample that is supported by the sample support unit by reflecting light incident in parallel to the axial direction from an opening at one end in the axial direction of the casing at a position opposite to the outer side in the radial direction of each sample support unit. And a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light passing through the sample in the axial direction and directing it toward the opening of the casing. And the said sample is observed by catching the light which passed the sample by these reflective mirrors and progressed outward from the opening of the casing.

In addition, the pair of reflecting mirrors corresponding to each sample support portion are arranged so that the opposing directions seen from the axial direction are shifted from each other in the circumferential direction (in Patent Document 1, the opposing directions are shifted by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction). ing.). As a result, it is possible to observe the sample held on the back sample support part without being interfered by the reflection mirror of the front sample support part, and it is possible to observe the sample on each sample support part at once. It has become.
Japanese Patent No. 3711386

  By the way, conventionally, there is a demand for observing more samples at once.

  For example, as an example of a sample that is an observation target of the above-described sample observation apparatus, there is a protein that is a diamagnetic substance. In recent years, protein structural analysis needs have been greatly increased in the field of drug discovery and biotechnology.

  As one of structural analysis methods, a method of crystallizing a protein and determining the structure using X-ray diffraction is known. When protein is crystallized, pseudo-gravity by magnetic force is effective, and a crystallization technique in a superconducting magnet has been proposed.

  However, the conditions for efficient protein crystallization are not yet fully understood, and the increase in the number of observations (preferably several hundred or more) is stronger in order to find conditions suitable for the protein crystallization. It is requested.

  In Patent Document 1, it is possible to increase the number of observation samples by increasing the number of sample support portions arranged in the axial direction, but in this case, a pair corresponding to each of the sample support portions. It is extremely difficult to install the reflecting mirrors while being shifted from each other in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction. Moreover, in order to accommodate many sample support parts, it is necessary to lengthen a casing in an axial direction.

  The present invention has been made to meet the above demands, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample observation apparatus that can observe all of a large number of samples arranged inside a cylindrical body.

  In order to meet the above-mentioned demand, the sample observation apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of samples arranged inside a cylindrical body having an opening opening in at least one of the axial directions. A sample observation device for observing outside a sample, wherein the sample holder is provided inside the cylindrical body and holds the sample at a plurality of positions arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body A plurality of sample holding units that are arranged in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, and an illuminating unit that forms light directed in a specific direction from the samples respectively held by the sample holding units of the sample holding units. And the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening overlap the sample holding unit on the nearer side than the sample holding unit when viewed in the axial direction of the cylindrical body from the opening. Around the cylindrical body A sample holding member having the sample holding portion at each of a plurality of positions aligned in the direction, and the sample holding around the central axis of the cylindrical body so as to be sequentially opposed to each sample holding portion of the sample holding member The light from the sample that is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the member and is held by the opposing sample holding portion is transmitted from the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding unit on the near side and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. And a light guide portion that leads to the opening.

  In the sample observation device according to claim 1, a sample holding unit having a plurality of sample holding portions arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical body is provided inside the cylindrical body. By arranging a plurality of samples in the axial direction, a large number of samples can be held in a limited space inside the cylindrical body. In addition, the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening are opposed to the sample holding unit of the sample holding unit and light from the sample held in the opposite sample holding unit is bypassed to the front sample holding unit. A light guide portion that leads to the opening, and the light guide portion rotates relative to the sample holding member of the sample holding unit and sequentially faces each sample holding portion of the sample holding member. Since the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening, that is, the sample holding unit hidden behind the sample holding unit closest to the opening as viewed from the opening, a plurality of sample holding units are also included. All the samples held in the sample holding unit can be observed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to observe all of a large number of samples arranged inside the cylindrical body.

  The sample observation device according to claim 2 is the sample observation device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit is an axial direction of the cylindrical body of a sample holding member of a sample holding unit including the light guide unit. The light that travels in parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body from the sample that is disposed on either side of the sample holding member so as to face each sample holding portion of the sample holding member It leads to the outer side of the cylindrical body in the radial direction, and leads to the opening from the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding unit on the near side and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to the second aspect, the light that travels parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body from the sample held by the sample holding unit is guided to the opening by the light guide unit. Even if they are provided at positions that overlap each other when viewed in the radial direction of the rod-like body, any sample held by each of the sample holding portions can be sufficiently observed. Thereby, the number of samples which can be observed can be increased.

  The sample observation device according to claim 3 is the sample observation device according to claim 2, wherein the light guide unit includes the light guide unit so that the sample holding unit opposed to the light guide unit is sequentially switched. And a switching means for rotating the sample holding unit relative to the sample holding member.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to the third aspect, the light guide unit can be easily rotated relative to the sample holding member by the switching means.

  The sample observation device according to claim 4 is the sample observation device according to claim 3, wherein the sample holding units are respectively arranged at three or more positions aligned in the axial direction of the cylindrical body, and the switching means. A coupling member that couples the light guides included in each of the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening so that the light guides are held at relative positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction, and the coupling member And a rotation driving means for rotating the combined body composed of the light guide portions interconnected by each relative to each sample holding member of the sample holding unit including the light guide portion.

  In the sample observation device according to claim 4, even when three or more sample holding units are arranged inside the cylindrical body, the light guide portions are respectively connected to the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening. By providing, it is possible to observe a plurality of samples held in the second and subsequent sample holding units. In addition, the light guides of each sample holding unit are coupled to each other by a coupling member such that the light guides of the sample holding units are held at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, Since the relative rotation with respect to the sample holding member is performed, it is possible to prevent the light guide portion of the sample holding unit on the back side as viewed from the opening from being blocked by the light guide portion of the sample holding unit on the near side. Thereby, it is possible to observe all of the plurality of samples held in the second and subsequent sample holding units.

  The sample observation device according to claim 5 is the sample observation device according to claim 4, wherein the coupling member is arranged so as to coincide with a central axis of the cylindrical body, and each of the light guide portions is an axis. It is a shaft member attached to a position where directions differ from each other.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to claim 5, since the light guide portion rotates around the central axis of the cylindrical body, each light guide portion is simultaneously moved to the corresponding sample holding member without moving the sample holding member. On the other hand, it can be relatively rotated in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body. Thereby, it is possible to observe the sample held in the sample holding unit without giving an impact caused by the rotation as much as possible.

  The sample observation device according to claim 6 is the sample observation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of sample holding portions are centered on a central axis of the cylindrical body and have different diameters. The light guides are simultaneously opposed to the sample holders on each of the rings, and light from the samples held in the sample holders is respectively transmitted to the cylindrical bodies. It guides to the said opening part by the optical path which differs in radial direction.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to claim 6, the sample held by the sample holding portion on each ring is obtained by rotating the light guide portion relative to the sample holding member about the central axis of the cylindrical body. Since the number of samples that can be observed at a time can be increased, the observation efficiency can be increased.

  The sample observation device according to claim 7 is the sample observation device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of sample holding portions are provided at predetermined angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical body. The light guides of the sample holding unit are held at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body at an angle that is an integral multiple of the predetermined angle.

  In the sample observation device according to claim 7, if the light guide portion of any sample holding unit is opposed to the sample holding portion of the sample holding member of the sample holding unit including the light guide portion, Since the light guides of the sample holding units are also opposed to the sample holding members of the corresponding sample holding members, the samples held on the sample holding members of the plurality of sample holding units are observed at the same time. can do. This increases the efficiency of the observation operation.

  The sample observation device according to claim 8 is the sample observation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the light guide unit is a sample held by a sample holding unit facing the light guide unit. The first mirror that reflects light from the cylindrical body toward the outside in the radial direction of the cylindrical body, and the first mirror that is provided at the radially outer position of the cylindrical body and reflected by the first mirror A second mirror that reflects the emitted light in a direction toward the opening, and a support that holds these mirrors and rotates about the central axis of the cylindrical body. .

  In the sample observation apparatus according to claim 8, the first mirror and the second mirror allow the light from the sample traveling parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body to be opened around the sample holding unit on the near side. It can be reliably guided to the part. Further, by supporting the first mirror and the second mirror on the support portion, the mirror can be easily rotated around the central axis of the cylindrical body.

  The sample observation device according to claim 9 is the sample observation device according to claim 8, wherein the light guide portion is arranged in a symmetrical position with respect to a central axis of the cylindrical body and the second mirror. It is characterized by having the mirror of each.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to the ninth aspect, all the samples held by the plurality of sample holding portions of the sample holding member can be observed only by rotating the light guide portion about 180 degrees around the central axis. it can.

  The sample observation device according to claim 10 is the sample observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the illumination unit emits a light source provided outside the cylindrical body and the light source. And a reflecting member that is guided by the light guide unit of each sample holding unit and passes through the sample held by the sample holding unit of the sample holding unit, and returns the light toward the sample. It also serves as a part of the illumination unit.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to claim 10, the light emitted from the light source outside the cylindrical body is guided inside the cylindrical body using a light guide unit for guiding the light from the sample to the opening. Since the light is guided to the sample, it is not necessary to separately provide a light guide means for guiding light from the light source to the sample inside the cylindrical body. Thereby, it can prevent that the structure inside a cylindrical body becomes complicated.

  The sample observation device according to claim 11 is the sample observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the illumination unit is opposite to an arrangement position of the light guide unit of the sample holding member. And a light source for illuminating the sample held by the sample holding part, so as to face the sample holding part of the sample holding member.

  In the sample observation apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, light from the light source can be easily guided to the sample.

  According to the sample observation apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to observe all of a large number of samples arranged inside the cylindrical body.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the overall configuration of a protein crystallization apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a sample holding unit of the crystal growing unit of the protein crystallization apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which eight sample holding units arranged in the axial direction are viewed from the axial direction. Hereinafter, the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, an example in which the “sample observation apparatus” of the present invention is applied to a protein crystallization apparatus 100 will be described.

  The protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is configured so that it is possible to observe the state of protein crystallization in a high magnetic field. Thereby, the influence of the magnetic field on protein crystallization can be clarified. Then, the crystallization process can be optimized, for example, by changing the magnetic field strength or temperature during the crystallization or taking out the sample in the optimum crystallization state. Furthermore, the above-described process can be automated by digitizing and capturing an observed image during crystallization and performing image processing. Thus, by observing the state of protein crystallization, it is possible to achieve high quality crystals necessary for protein structural analysis. And if the structure of a protein becomes clear, there exist the following advantages, for example. (1) The function of the protein becomes clear. (2) A clue for producing a drug that acts on a specific protein. (3) If the structure of an unknown protein is clarified, new biotechnological knowledge can be obtained. (4) Organic industrial materials using proteins can be newly created.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the protein crystallization apparatus 100 includes a halogen lamp 1, an irradiation optical system 2, a half mirror 3, a crystal growing unit 4, an imaging optical system 5, an imaging unit 6, and a control device 7. And. The halogen lamp 1 is an example of the “light source” in the present invention. The halogen lamp 1, the irradiation optical system 2, and the half mirror 3 constitute a part of the “illumination unit” of the present invention.

  This protein crystallization apparatus 100 is a so-called epi-illumination type apparatus, and a sample of the crystal growing section 4 by light from the halogen lamp 1 disposed outside the crystal growing section 4 (in this embodiment, a protein seed crystal). And the sample is observed outside the crystal growth unit 4.

  The halogen lamp 1 is for emitting light for illuminating the sample in the crystal growth unit 4, and is provided above the crystal growth unit 4. The sample may be illuminated using an illumination means other than the halogen lamp 1.

  The irradiation optical system 2 is disposed below the halogen lamp 1 and converts light emitted from the halogen lamp 1 into linear light and guides it to the half mirror 3.

  The half mirror 3 is configured so that light incident from above is transmitted downward, while light incident from below is reflected rightward in FIG. The light that has passed through the irradiation optical system 2 and entered the half mirror 3 from above travels toward the crystal growth unit 4.

  The crystal growing unit 4 has a configuration for growing a seed crystal of a protein as a sample, that is, for crystallizing the protein.

  Specifically, the crystal growing unit 4 includes a superconducting magnet 8, a plurality (eight in this embodiment) of sample holding units 10, and a motor 9. The motor 9 is an example of the “rotation driving unit” in the present invention.

  The superconducting magnet 8 generates a strong magnetic field in the inner space of the cylindrical bore portion 8a. The bore portion 8a corresponds to the “tubular body” of the present invention. The light guided downward from the half mirror 3 is guided into the bore 8a through the opening 8b located at the upper end of the bore 8a.

  The plurality of sample holding units 10 hold samples, and are provided inside the bore portion 8a so as to be aligned with each other in the axial direction of the bore portion 8a. That is, the plurality of sample holding units 10 overlap each other when viewed from the opening 8b in the axial direction of the bore 8a. Therefore, the second and subsequent sample holding units 10B to 10H counted from the opening 8b are hidden behind the sample holding unit 10A closest to the front as viewed from the opening 8b. In order to distinguish the sample holding units 10 from each other, the sample holding units 10 are denoted by reference numerals 10A to 10H in the order closer to the opening 8b.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of this embodiment, a sample is placed inside the bore portion 8a of the superconducting magnet 8 capable of generating a high magnetic field, and the state of protein crystallization in a pseudo-gravity state by the action of the magnetic field of the superconducting magnet 8 It is configured to be able to observe. Thereby, the influence of gravity that hinders protein crystallization can be reduced as much as possible.

  The sample holding unit 10 includes a sample holding member 20 and a light guide unit (light guide unit) 30.

  The sample holding member 20 is configured to be able to hold samples at a plurality of positions aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the bore portion 8a. The plurality of samples held by the sample holding member 20 are respectively arranged at positions overlapping the sample holding unit 10 on the nearer side than the sample holding unit 10 when viewed from the opening 8b in the axial direction of the bore 8a. It becomes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sample holding member 20 includes a circular flat plate-shaped main body portion 21 and a plurality of sample holding portions 22 and 23 that hold a sample.

  The main body portion 21 is disposed so that the center thereof is located on the central axis of the bore portion 8a. A predetermined gap d is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the main body 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a, and light for observation passes through the gap d.

  The main body 21 has a through hole 21a at the center thereof. A rotation shaft 91 described later is inserted into the through hole 21a.

  The sample holders 22 and 23 are each composed of a pair of protein solution storage cells 22a and 23a. In the present embodiment, the conditions of the solution stored in the solution storage cell are made different between the sample holders 22 and 23.

  The sample holders 22 and 23 are provided so as to be arranged on two rings each having a center around the center of the main body 21, that is, the central axis of the bore 8a and having different diameters. In the present embodiment, the sample holder 22 is provided in the vicinity of the outer edge of the main body 21, and the sample holder 23 is provided on the radially inner side of the sample holder 22. A plurality of sample holders may be further provided at a position radially inward of the sample holder 23. Moreover, the structure which provides only any one of the sample holding parts 22 and 23 may be sufficient.

  Further, in the present embodiment, 24 sample holders 22 and 23 are provided at a position where they are overlapped with each other when viewed from the center of the bore portion 8a in the radial direction at an angular interval of about 15 degrees in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a. Is provided.

  Further, a reflective member 24 made of an Al (aluminum) film or an Ag (silver) film is provided at a portion corresponding to the sample holding portions 22 and 23 on the lower surface of the main body 21. The reflection member 24 is provided to reflect the light that has passed through the sample held by the sample holding units 22 and 23 back toward the sample. The reflection member 24 constitutes a part of the “illumination part” of the present invention.

  The light guide unit 30 is disposed above the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30 so as to face the sample holding member 20.

  The light guide unit 30 guides light incident downward from the opening 8b to the sample held by the sample holding portions 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 facing the light guide unit 30, and the light guide unit. 30 is configured to guide the light from the sample held in the sample holding parts 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 facing 30 to the opening 8b. That is, the light guide unit 30 of the present embodiment also functions as a part of the “illumination unit” of the present invention.

  The light guide unit 30 is simultaneously opposed to the sample holders 22 and 23 on the respective annular rings, and the light from the samples held by the sample holders 22 and 23 is respectively directed in the radial direction of the bore 8a. It is configured such that it can be guided to the opening 8b by different optical paths (see the dotted optical path and the one-dot chain optical path in FIG. 3).

  The light guide unit 30 is configured to rotate around the central axis of the bore portion 8a with respect to the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30 by the motor 9. Thereby, the sample holding parts 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 facing the light guide unit 30 are sequentially switched.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, each light guide unit 30 of the sample holding unit 10 (10A to 10H) includes a sample holding unit 22 of the sample holding member 20 so that the reflection mirrors 35 described below do not overlap each other. 23 are held at a relative position shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a at an angle equal to the installation interval angle (about 15 degrees). In addition, you may make it hold | maintain each light guide unit 30 in the relative position shifted | deviated to the circumferential direction of the bore part 8a by the angle of the integral multiple of 2 times or more of the installation space | interval angle of the sample holding parts 22 and 23.

  The light guide unit 30 includes support portions 31 and 32 and a pair of reflection mirrors 33 to 35. The reflection mirrors 33 and 34 correspond to the “first mirror” of the present invention, and the reflection mirror 35 corresponds to the “second mirror” of the present invention.

  The support part 31 is formed in a long plate shape, and reflection mirrors 33 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction. In the center of the support portion 31, a fixing portion 31a attached to the shaft member 91 is provided.

  The support portion 32 is formed in a long plate shape, and reflection mirrors 34 are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction. In the center of the support portion 32, a fixing portion 32a attached to the shaft member 91 is provided. The support part 32 is arranged in close contact with the support part 31 below the support part 31.

  These support portions 31 and 32 rotate around the central axis of the bore portion 8a.

  The reflection mirror 33 is provided at a position where the reflection mirror 33 can face the sample holding unit 22 in a posture in which the reflection surface is inclined at 45 degrees obliquely downward in the radial direction. As a result, light traveling in the axially upward direction (specific direction) of the bore portion 8a from the sample held by the sample holding portion 22 facing the reflection mirror 33 is guided to the outside in the radial direction of the bore portion 8a by the reflection mirror 33. It is burned.

  The reflection mirror 34 is provided at a position where the reflection mirror 34 can face the sample holder 23 in a posture in which the reflection surface is inclined at 45 degrees obliquely downward in the radial direction. Thereby, the light traveling upward in the axial direction of the bore portion 8a from the sample held in the sample holding portion 23 facing the reflection mirror 34 is guided to the outside in the radial direction of the bore portion 8a by the reflection mirror 34.

  The reflection mirror 35 is attached to the outer surface in the radial direction of the reflection mirror 33 so that the reflection surface is inclined 45 degrees obliquely upward inward in the radial direction. As a result, the light reflected by the reflection mirrors 33 and 34 and traveling outward in the radial direction of the bore portion 8 a is guided upward by the reflection mirror 35. Then, the light reflected by the reflection mirror 35 is reflected on the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 and the inner periphery of the bore portion 8a on the opening 8b side of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30. It is guided to the opening 8b from the gap d with the surface.

  The pair of reflecting mirrors 33 to 35 are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the bore portion 8a.

  The motor 9 is for driving the shaft member 91 to rotate. The shaft member 91 is an example of the “coupling member” in the present invention. The motor 9 and the shaft member 91 constitute the “switching means” of the present invention.

  The shaft member 91 is disposed so as to coincide with the central axis of the bore portion 8a, and the respective light guide units 30 are attached at different positions in the axial direction.

  In the present embodiment, the light guide unit 30 of each sample holding unit 10 is attached to the shaft member 91 so as to be held at a relative position shifted in the circumferential direction. The combined body composed of the light guide units 30 interconnected by the shaft member 91 is bored with respect to each sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30 by the driving force of the motor 9. It rotates in the circumferential direction of the portion 8a.

  The motor 9 is electrically connected to the control device 7 and is configured to operate according to a control signal from the control device 7. The motor 9 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and the rotation angle of the shaft member 91 connected to the motor 9 is controlled by a control signal from the control device 7.

  The imaging optical system 5 is configured by bundling a plurality of lenses, for example, and is for adjusting a plurality of lights from the crystal growing unit 4 reflected by the half mirror 3 to be directed to the imaging unit 6. is there.

  The imaging unit 6 includes a plurality of imaging cameras, and is for imaging light that has passed through the imaging optical system 5. The imaging unit 6 is electrically connected to the control device 7 and transmits imaging data.

  The control device 7 performs image processing based on imaging data from the imaging unit 6 and performs system control processing such as driving of the motor 9.

  Next, the observation operation by the protein crystallization apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, the light emitted from the halogen lamp 1 passes through the irradiation optical system 2 and the half mirror 3 and enters the bore portion 8a from the opening 8b of the superconducting magnet 8 of the crystal growing portion 4.

  The incident light passes through a gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8 a and is guided to each light guide unit 30 of the plurality of sample holding units 10. Then, the light is guided by the light guide units 30 to the sample holders 22 and 23 facing the light guide unit 30 of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30.

  The light that has passed through the samples held by the sample holders 22 and 23 is reflected back toward the sample by the reflecting member 24 and passes through the samples again. Then, the light is guided by the light guide unit 30 to the opening 8b through a gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a.

  The light emitted upward from the opening 8 b of the superconducting magnet 8 of the crystal growing unit 4 is reflected rightward by the half mirror 3, passes through the imaging optical system 5, and is imaged by the imaging unit 6. The imaging data obtained by the imaging unit 6 is sent to the control device 7 for image processing.

  As described above, the observation of the samples held by the sample holding units 22 and 23 facing the light guide unit 30 of the sample holding member 20 is performed for each sample holding unit 10.

  Further, the motor 9 is driven by a control signal from the control device 7 and the shaft member 91 rotates around the central axis of the bore portion 8a, whereby the sample holding member 20 that the light guide unit 30 faces in each sample holding unit 10 is provided. The sample holders 22 and 23 are sequentially switched. As a result, the samples held by all the sample holding portions 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 can be observed.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as described above, a plurality of sample holding units 22 and 23 arranged inside the bore portion 8a of the superconducting magnet 8 and arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the bore portion 8a. By arranging a plurality of sample holding units 10 having a diameter in the axial direction of the bore portion 8a, a large number of samples are held in a limited space inside the bore portion 8a (the diameter of the bore portion 8a is about 50 mm to 80 mm). can do. In addition, the second and subsequent sample holding units 10B to 10H counted from the opening 8b are opposed to the sample holding units 22 and 23 of the sample holding unit 10 and from the samples held by the opposing sample holding units 22 and 23. The light that travels parallel to the axial direction of the bore 8a is guided to the opening 8b from the gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding unit 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore 8a so as to bypass the sample holding unit 10A on the near side. An optical unit 30 is provided, and the light guide unit 30 rotates relative to the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 and sequentially faces the sample holding portions 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20. Therefore, the second and subsequent sample holding units 10B to 10H counted from the opening 8b, that is, the sample holding unit 10 on the most front side when viewed from the opening 8b are used. For the sample holding unit 10 to hide behind also, the sample to be respectively held in a plurality of sample holding portions 22, 23 of the sample holding unit 10 can be observed all. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to observe all of the many samples arranged inside the bore portion 8a.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide unit 30 opens the light that travels in parallel with the axial direction of the bore portion 8a from the sample held by the sample holding portions 22 and 23. 8b, the sample holders 22 and 23 are provided at positions where they overlap each other when viewed in the radial direction of the bore portion 8a. Fully observable. Thereby, the number of samples which can be observed can be increased.

  Moreover, in the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment, since it was set as the structure which rotationally drives the shaft member 91 to which the light guide unit 30 was attached by the motor 9 as mentioned above, the light guide unit 30 is made into the sample holding member. 20 can be rotated relatively easily.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide units 30 of the sample holding units 10 are guided so as to be held at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a. Since the optical unit 30 is coupled by the shaft member 91 and the light guide unit 30 is rotated relative to each sample holding member 20 in the coupled state, the guide of the sample holding unit 10 on the back side as viewed from the opening 8b is provided. The optical unit 30 is prevented from being blocked by the light guide unit 30 of the sample holding unit 10 on the front side. Thereby, all the several samples hold | maintained at each sample holding unit 10 after the 2nd can be observed.

  Moreover, in the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide unit 30 is configured to rotate around the central axis of the bore portion 8a, so that the sample holding member 20 is not moved. The respective light guide units 30 can be simultaneously rotated relative to the corresponding sample holding members 20 in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a. As a result, it is possible to observe the sample held by the sample holding portions 22 and 23 with as little impact as possible due to rotation.

  Further, in the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the sample holders 22 and 23 are arranged in parallel on two circular rings with the central axis of the bore portion 8a and different diameters from each other. Since the light guide unit 30 is rotated relative to the sample holding member 20 around the central axis of the bore portion 8a, the samples held by the sample holding portions 22 and 23 on each ring are simultaneously observed. can do. As a result, the number of samples that can be observed at a time can be increased to increase the observation efficiency.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide units 30 of the plurality of sample holding units 10 are connected to the installation interval angle of the sample holding unit 22 (23) of the sample holding member 20. Since the light guide units 30 of any one of the sample holding units 10 are held at the same angle and shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a, the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30 is held. If the sample holding units 22 and 23 are opposed to each other, the light guide units 30 of the other sample holding units 10 are also opposed to the sample holding units 22 and 23 of the corresponding sample holding members 20. become. Thereby, since the sample hold | maintained at the sample holding member 20 of the some sample holding unit 10 can be observed simultaneously, the efficiency of observation operation improves.

  Moreover, in the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment, the reflection which reflects the light from the sample hold | maintained at the sample holding parts 22 and 23 which the light guide unit 30 opposes toward the radial direction outer side of the bore part 8a. Mirrors 33 and 34, and a reflection mirror 35 provided at a radially outer position of the bore portion 8a of these reflection mirrors and reflecting each light reflected by the reflection mirrors 33 and 34 in a direction toward the opening 8b. The light from the sample traveling parallel to the axial direction of the bore 8a can be reliably guided to the opening 8b by bypassing the sample holding unit 10 on the near side.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the mirrors 33 to 35 are easily rotated around the central axis of the bore portion 8a by supporting the reflection mirrors 33 to 35 on the support portions 31 and 32. Can do.

  Moreover, in the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of 1st Embodiment, as mentioned above, since the reflective mirrors 33-35 were each provided in the symmetrical position on the basis of the central axis of the bore part 8a, the light guide unit 30 is made into the central axis. All the samples held by the plurality of sample holding portions 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20 can be observed only by rotating around 180 degrees.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide unit for guiding the light emitted from the halogen lamp 1 outside the bore portion 8a to the light from the sample to the opening portion 8b. 30 is used to guide the sample inside the bore portion 8a to the sample, it is not necessary to separately provide a light guiding means for guiding the light from the halogen lamp 1 to the sample inside the bore portion 8a. Thereby, it can prevent that the structure inside the bore part 8a becomes complicated.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the overall configuration of the protein crystallization apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing the sample holding unit of the crystal growing unit of the protein crystallization apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the light source unit of the sample holding unit shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the protein crystallization apparatus 200 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the protein crystallization apparatus 200 of the second embodiment includes a crystal growth unit 204 having a configuration different from that of the protein crystallization apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. This is a so-called transmission illumination type apparatus configured to illuminate the sample of the crystal growing unit 204 with light from the included light source unit 40.

  Therefore, in the protein crystallization apparatus 200, the halogen lamp 1 and the irradiation optical system 2 in the first embodiment are omitted, and a total reflection type mirror is provided above the crystal growth unit 204 in place of the half mirror 3 in the first embodiment. 203 is arranged.

  Further, a plurality (eight in this embodiment) of sample holding units 210 included in the crystal growing unit 204 are added to the sample holding member 20 and the light guide unit 30, respectively, as shown in FIGS. The light source unit 40 is included. The sample holding member 20 and the light guide unit 30 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

  The light source unit 40 is for illuminating the sample held by the sample holding portions 22 and 23 of the sample holding member 20, and the position corresponding to the sample holding portions 22 and 23 below the main body portion 21 of the sample holding member 20. Is provided.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the light source unit 40 includes a circular flat plate-shaped main body 41, a plurality of LEDs (light sources) 42, and an annular diffusing member 43.

  The main body 41 is arranged such that its center is located on the central axis of the bore 8a. The main body 41 has a through hole 41a at the center thereof. The rotation shaft 91 is inserted into the through hole 41a.

  The LEDs 42 are embedded in the main body 41 so as to be arranged on a ring centered on the center of the main body 21, that is, the central axis of the bore 8a. In the present embodiment, twelve LEDs 42 are provided at an angular interval of about 30 degrees in the circumferential direction of the bore portion 8a. The LEDs 42 are configured to be individually controlled to be turned on / off. A configuration in which only one LED 42 is provided and rotated around the central axis of the bore portion 8 a together with the light guide unit 30 may be employed.

  The diffusing member 43 is for guiding the light from the LED 42 upward while diffusing. As such a diffusing member 43, for example, frosted glass can be used. In the present embodiment, since the sample holding member 20 is configured to irradiate the light diffused by the diffusion member 43, the number of the LEDs 42 installed is equal to the number of the sample holding units 22 (23) of the sample holding member 20. It can be set arbitrarily without making it correspond. In addition, you may make it illuminate a sample using illumination means, such as fluorescent lamps other than LED42.

  Other configurations of the protein crystallization apparatus 200 of the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 200, the light emitted from the LED 42 of the light source unit 40 of each sample holding unit 210 is opposed to the light guide unit 30 of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 210 including the light source unit 40. The sample held by the sample holders 22 and 23 is directly irradiated.

  The light passing through the samples held by the sample holding units 22 and 23 is, by the light guide unit 30, the gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 210 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a. And led to the opening 8b.

  The light emitted upward from the opening 8 b of the superconducting magnet 8 of the crystal growing unit 4 is reflected rightward by the mirror 203, passes through the imaging optical system 5, and is imaged by the imaging unit 6. The imaging data obtained by the imaging unit 6 is sent to the control device 7 for image processing.

  In the protein crystallization apparatus 200 of the second embodiment, as described above, the sample holders 22 and 23 hold the sample holders 20 and 23 at positions corresponding to the sample holders 22 and 23 below the main body 21 of the sample holder 20. Since the light source unit 40 for illuminating the sample is provided, the light from the light source unit 40 can be easily guided to the sample.

  In the first embodiment, the light guide unit 30 is disposed above the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 10 including the light guide unit 30, but not limited thereto, as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that the light from the sample hold | maintained at the sample holding parts 22 and 23 may be guide | induced to the opening part 8b by the light guide unit 330 distribute | arranged under the sample holding member 20. FIG.

  In this case, the light that has entered the bore portion 8a passes through the gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 310 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a, and the reflection mirror ( (Second mirror) 335. Then, the light is sequentially reflected by the reflection mirror 335 and the reflection mirrors (first mirrors) 333 and 334, thereby guiding the light of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 310 including the light guide unit 330. The unit 330 is guided to the opposing sample holders 22 and 23. In addition, the code | symbol 331,332 in FIG. 8 is a support part for supporting the reflective mirrors 333-335.

  The light that has passed through the samples held by the sample holding units 22 and 23 is reflected back toward the sample by the reflecting member 24 provided on the upper surface of the sample holding member 20, and the sample is directed downward in the axial direction of the bore 8a ( Pass in a specific direction. Then, the light is guided by the light guide unit 330 to the opening 8b through a gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 310 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a.

  In addition, the structure of this modification is applicable also to the said protein crystallization apparatus 200 by arrange | positioning the light source unit 40 above the sample holding member 20 in the protein crystallization apparatus 200 of 2nd Embodiment.

  Further, in addition to the configuration in which the light guide units 30 and 330 are arranged either above or below the sample holding member 20, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the light guide unit arranged outside the sample holding member 420 in the radial direction. The light from the sample held by the sample holding unit 22 of the sample holding member 420 may be guided by 430 to the opening 8b.

  In this case, the light incident on the bore portion 8a passes through the gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 420 of the sample holding unit 410 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a, and enters the reflection mirror 432 of the light guide unit 430. The light guide unit 430 of the sample holding member 420 of the sample holding unit 410 including the light guide unit 430 is opposed to the sample holding units 22 and 23 that are guided and reflected radially inward by the reflection mirror 432. Led. In addition, the code | symbol 431 in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 is a support part for supporting the reflective mirror 432. FIG.

  The light that has passed through the sample held by the sample holding unit 22 is turned back toward the sample by the reflecting member 424 provided in close contact with the main body 21 in the through hole 21 a of the main body 21 of the sample holding member 420. It is reflected and passes through the sample radially outward (specific direction). Then, the light is reflected upward by the light guide unit 430 and passes through the gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding member 20 of the sample holding unit 410 and the inner peripheral surface of the bore portion 8a to the opening 8b. Led.

  The configuration of this modification can also be applied to a transillumination type protein crystallization apparatus by providing an illuminating means instead of the reflecting member 424.

  Further, in the above embodiment, by rotating only the light guide unit around the central axis of the bore portion, the sample holding member and the light guide unit are rotated relative to each other around the central axis of the bore portion, and the light guide unit faces each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the sample holding member is rotated about the central axis of the bore portion to hold the sample of the sample holding member facing the light guide unit. The units may be switched sequentially. Further, both the sample holding member and the light guide unit may be rotated around the central axis of the bore portion, and the sample holding portion of the sample holding member facing the light guide unit may be sequentially switched.

  In addition, a first light guide unit for guiding light incident from the opening of the superconducting magnet to the sample holding unit and a second light guide for guiding light from the sample held by the sample holding unit to the opening. You may provide separately from a unit (the light guide units 30 and 330 in the said embodiment). If the configuration of this modification is used, for example, the light emitted from the light source disposed below the crystal growing portion and entering the bore portion through the opening on the lower end side of the bore portion is placed below the sample holding member. The light guided to the sample holding unit by the provided first light guide unit and passed through the sample held by the sample holding unit is opened by the second light guide unit provided above the sample holding member. A transmission illuminating type protein crystallizing apparatus configured to be guided to a part can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the sample holding unit is arranged so as to be arranged on an annular center around the central axis of the bore portion has been described. They may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the light guide unit of a structure which has a reflective mirror in a longitudinal direction both ends was shown, not only this but one edge part is attached to a shaft member, and a reflective mirror is provided in the other edge part. It may be a light guide unit having a configuration.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which all the eight sample holding units are provided with the light guide unit is described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the sample holding unit closest to the opening is not provided with the light guide unit. You can also

  Further, the present invention includes a cylindrical reaction furnace such as a heating / cooling furnace other than the protein crystallization apparatus of the above embodiment, and the reaction is performed by providing a coil, a heater, a heat-resistant material, and the like on the outer side. The present invention can also be applied to an apparatus in which it is difficult to install an inspection window on the side of the furnace.

It is the front view which showed roughly the whole structure of the protein crystallization apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the sample holding unit of the crystal growth part of the protein crystallization apparatus shown in FIG. It is front sectional drawing of the sample holding unit shown in FIG. It is the top view which showed the state which looked at the eight sample holding units arranged in the axial direction from the axial direction. It is the front view which showed roughly the whole structure of the protein crystallization apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is front sectional drawing which showed the sample holding unit of the crystal growth part of the protein crystallization apparatus shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the light source unit of the sample holding unit shown in FIG. It is front sectional drawing which showed the sample holding unit by the modification 1 of this invention. It is the top view which showed the sample holding unit by the modification 2 of this invention. It is front sectional drawing of the sample holding unit shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Halogen lamp (light source, illumination unit)
2 Irradiation optical system (illumination unit)
3 Half mirror (lighting part)
8a Bore part (tubular body)
8b Opening 9 Motor (Rotation drive means, switching means)
10, 10A to 10H, 210, 310, 410 Sample holding unit 20, 420 Sample holding member 22, 23 Sample holding unit 24, 424 Reflecting member (illumination unit)
30, 330, 430 Light guide unit (light guide unit, illumination unit)
31, 32, 331, 332, 431 Support portions 33, 34, 333, 334 Reflection mirror (first mirror)
35,335 Reflection mirror (second mirror)
42 LED (light source)
91 Shaft member (coupling member, switching means)
100,200 Protein crystallization equipment (sample observation equipment)
d Clearance

Claims (11)

A sample observation device for observing a plurality of samples arranged inside a cylindrical body having an opening opening in at least one of the axial directions outside the cylindrical body,
Provided inside the cylindrical body, each having a sample holding portion for holding a sample at a plurality of positions aligned in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical body, and in the axial direction of the cylindrical body A plurality of sample holding units arranged side by side;
An illumination unit that forms light directed in a specific direction from the sample held in the sample holding unit of each sample holding unit;
The second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening are positioned so as to overlap the sample holding unit in front of the sample holding unit when viewed from the opening in the axial direction of the cylindrical body. A sample holding member having the sample holding portion at each of a plurality of positions aligned in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, and a central axis of the cylindrical body so as to be sequentially opposed to each sample holding portion of the sample holding member The sample holding member is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the sample holding member, and light from the sample held by the opposing sample holding portion is transmitted to the outer peripheral surface of the sample holding unit on the near side and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. And a light guide portion that leads from the gap to the opening.   The light guide unit is disposed on either side of the axial direction of the cylindrical body of the sample holding member of the sample holding unit including the light guide unit so as to face each sample holding unit of the sample holding member. The light that travels in parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical body from the sample held in the opposing sample holder, and is guided to the outside in the radial direction of the cylindrical body, and the outer periphery of the front-side sample holding unit The sample observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample observation apparatus guides to the opening from a gap between a surface and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body.   And a switching means for rotating the light guide relative to the sample holding member of the sample holding unit including the light guide so that the sample holder facing the light guide is sequentially switched. The sample observation apparatus according to claim 2. The sample holding units are respectively arranged at three or more positions aligned in the axial direction of the cylindrical body,
The switching means includes a coupling member that couples the light guides included in the second and subsequent sample holding units counted from the opening so that the light guides are held at relative positions that are shifted from each other in the circumferential direction; And a rotation driving means for rotating the combined body of the light guide portions interconnected by the coupling member relative to each sample holding member of the sample holding unit including the light guide portion. 4. The sample observation apparatus according to 3.   5. The shaft coupling member according to claim 4, wherein the coupling member is a shaft member that is disposed so as to coincide with a central axis of the cylindrical body, and wherein the light guide portions are attached to different positions in the axial direction. Sample observation equipment. The plurality of sample holders are centered on the central axis of the cylindrical body and are arranged on a plurality of circular rings with different diameters, respectively.
The light guide portion simultaneously faces the sample holders on the respective annular rings, and the light from the samples held in the sample holders is respectively passed to the openings through different optical paths in the radial direction of the cylindrical body. The sample observation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sample observation apparatus is guided. The plurality of sample holders are provided at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body,
7. The sample according to claim 6, wherein the light guide portions of the plurality of sample holding units are held at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body at an angle that is an integral multiple of the predetermined angle. Observation device.   The light guide unit includes a first mirror that reflects light from a sample held by a sample holding unit opposed to the light guide unit toward a radially outer side of the cylindrical body, and the first mirror. A second mirror that is provided at a radially outer position of the cylindrical body and reflects light reflected by the first mirror in a direction toward the opening, and the cylindrical body that holds these mirrors The sample observation apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a support portion that rotates about a central axis of the specimen.   The sample observation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the light guide unit includes the first mirror and the second mirror at symmetrical positions with respect to a central axis of the cylindrical body. . The illumination unit passes through a light source provided outside the cylindrical body and a sample emitted from the light source and guided by a light guide unit of each sample holding unit and held by the sample holding unit of the sample holding unit. A reflection member that folds the light toward the sample,
The sample observation device according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit also serves as a part of the illumination unit.   The illumination unit is provided at a position opposite to the position where the light guide unit of the sample holding member is disposed so as to face the sample holding unit of the sample holding member, and the sample held by the sample holding unit The sample observation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light source that illuminates the light source.

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