JP2018148825A - Sample observation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sample observation device that is configured to be a sealed structure that can perform leveling of the internal and external temperature and pressure difference while maintaining the internal humidity within a prescribed range.SOLUTION: The sample observation device comprises: a vessel 2 for storing a sample; an imaging unit 21 for observation for observing the sample stored within the vessel; a storage housing 11, the entirety of which forms a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having an opening on one surface; a top plate unit 16 having a transparent flat surface for placing the vessel and which, by being attached so as to cover the opening 11a of the storage housing, turns the storage housing into a sealed box; pressure control valves 61a, 61b provided in the storage housing to control the pressure within the sealed space formed by the storage housing and the top plate; and a hygroscopic desiccant 115 provided in the storage housing, which reduces the humidity of gas within the sealed space formed by the storage housing and the top plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample observation apparatus for observing a sample such as a cell in a culture vessel.

  Conventionally, an observation imaging unit including an imaging optical system and an imaging device is linearly moved in two directions of the X axis and the Y axis orthogonal to each other, so that the observation imaging unit is parallel to the XY plane. It is equipped with a drive mechanism that freely moves in the plane, and can automatically scan the entire image of the sample such as cells in the culture vessel placed on the plane parallel to the XY plane. A sample observation apparatus configured to be able to arbitrarily observe a desired part of a sample such as a cell of various types is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-295818 (Japanese Patent No. 4490154) and the like. Has been proposed.

  The sample observation apparatus disclosed by the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-295818 has an optical axis in a direction orthogonal to the plane, and its visual field range is narrower than the surface of the culture vessel, and is imaged by this camera. A display means for displaying an image is provided.

  In general, when observing a desired sample such as a cell using this type of sample observation apparatus, in order to perform a precise observation at a higher magnification, an observation object placed on a predetermined observation surface is used. In this case, it is desirable that the relative position between the imaging optical system of the imaging unit for observation moving in a plane substantially parallel to the observation plane and the observation plane is always constant. It is desirable that the optical axis of the optical system is set so as to be always orthogonal to the observation surface.

  In addition, this type of sample observation apparatus is generally used in an incubator together with a culture container. At that time, the temperature in the incubator is normally maintained at a relatively high temperature of, for example, about 37 degrees Celsius.

  On the other hand, in a sample observation apparatus configured to include an imaging optical system, electrical parts, and the like, it is not desirable to be exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment. For this reason, in this type of sample observation apparatus, an imaging unit for observation including an imaging optical system provided therein, and various constituent units including other electrical components are used in a harsh environment in which the apparatus is used, for example, In order to protect from the use environment etc. inside the incubator, it is conceivable to devise such that the exterior member is provided with a sealed structure (airtight watertight structure).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-295818 (Japanese Patent No. 4490154)

  However, in the sample observation apparatus disclosed by the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-295818, etc., it is described that the apparatus is used in an incubator. However, the apparatus has a sealed structure (airtight watertight structure), etc. There is no particular mention of the configuration when used in a harsh environment such as a high temperature and high humidity environment.

  However, in this type of sample observing apparatus, for example, as a configuration for protecting from the use environment inside the incubator, the following problems occur if the exterior member is simply a sealed structure (airtight watertight structure). there is a possibility.

  As described above, the temperature in the incubator when using the sample observation apparatus is a high temperature environment of about 37 degrees Celsius, for example. On the other hand, the room temperature of a general laboratory or the like where the incubator is installed is usually in an environment where, for example, about 20 degrees Celsius is maintained.

  Therefore, for example, when the sample observation apparatus in the laboratory environment of about 20 degrees Celsius is installed and heated inside the incubator in order to start use, the internal temperature of the sample observation apparatus also rises. The gas (air) inside the sample observation apparatus is thermally expanded. Such thermal expansion causes a deformation such as distortion in the exterior member of the sample observation apparatus.

  Therefore, in order to suppress such deformation, it is necessary to take measures such as equalizing the internal / external pressure difference. For example, a means of temporarily opening the sealed structure of the sample observation apparatus to reduce the internal pressure is conceivable, and a structural device for that purpose is required. Furthermore, even in such a case, for example, high humidity outside air may enter the inside of the apparatus, and countermeasures therefor must be taken into consideration.

  As described above, in the sample observation apparatus used in a harsh environment such as the inside of the incubator, not only the apparatus itself has a sealed structure but also a lot of further devices are required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and the object of the present invention is to form a sealed structure of a sample observation apparatus, and when a temperature difference or an atmospheric pressure difference occurs between the inside and outside of the apparatus. It has a configuration that can equalize the temperature difference between the inside and outside, and the pressure difference, and can maintain the internal humidity within a predetermined range in consideration of the case where high humidity outside air enters the inside. It is providing the sample observation apparatus provided with the structure.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sample observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container for storing a sample, an observation imaging unit for observing the sample stored in the container, and a generally flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The storage housing having an opening on one side, and a transparent flat part for placing the container, and being attached so as to cover the opening of the storage housing. A top plate unit that is a sealed box, a pressure adjustment valve that is provided in the housing case and that adjusts the internal pressure of the sealed space formed by the housing case and the top plate unit, and the housing case A moisture-absorbing desiccant that reduces the gas humidity inside the sealed space provided on the body and formed by the housing case and the top plate unit.

  According to the present invention, while constituting the sealed structure of the sample observation apparatus, when a temperature difference or an atmospheric pressure difference between the inside and outside of the apparatus occurs, it has a configuration capable of leveling the internal and external air temperature difference and the atmospheric pressure difference, In consideration of the case where high humidity outside air enters the inside, it is possible to provide a sample observation apparatus having a configuration capable of maintaining the internal humidity within a predetermined range.

The system block diagram which shows the outline of the whole structure of the sample observation system containing the sample observation apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. Block configuration diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the sample observation system of FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the external appearance of the sample observation device in the sample observation system of FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the culture container and the container holder are separated in the sample observation apparatus of FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the upper half component (top plate unit) of the apparatus main body in the sample observation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lower half component (drive unit including an imaging unit for observation, 11) in the apparatus main body of the sample observation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part, in which a drive unit including an imaging unit for observation in the sample observation apparatus of FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging unit for observation in the sample observation apparatus of FIG. 3 (a cut surface along a virtual plane indicated by a two-dot chain line indicated by arrows [8]-[8] in FIG. 7). FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line [9]-[9].

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. Each drawing used in the following description is shown schematically, and in order to show each component in a size that can be recognized on the drawing, the dimensional relationship and scale of each member are made different for each component. May be shown. Therefore, the present invention is only in the illustrated form with respect to the quantity of each component described in each drawing, the shape of each component, the ratio of the size of each component, the relative positional relationship of each component, and the like. It is not limited.

[One Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a sample observation system including a sample observation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of an electrical configuration of the sample observation system of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the external appearance of the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the culture container and the container holder are separated in the sample observation apparatus shown in FIG. 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the apparatus main body in the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment. Among these, FIG. 5 has shown the component (top plate unit) of the upper half part of the apparatus main body in the sample observation apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows constituent elements (a driving unit including an imaging unit for observation, a housing case) in the lower half of the apparatus main body in the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment.

  5 and 6, the alternate long and short dash lines indicated by reference numerals [6A] and [6B] indicate the relationship between the constituent units. That is, the upper half component (top plate unit) in FIG. 5 and the lower half component (drive unit) in FIG. 6B] are connected to each other.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the driving unit including the imaging unit for observation in the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the observation imaging unit in the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cut surface along a virtual plane indicated by a two-dot chain line indicated by arrows [8]-[8] in FIG.

  9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line [9]-[9] in FIG. In addition, FIG. 9 is a figure for showing the detailed structure of an operation part unit and a valve relief especially among the sample observation apparatuses of this embodiment. Therefore, the illustration of the other constituent units among the various constituent units arranged inside the sample observation apparatus of the present embodiment is omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawings.

  First, before describing the detailed configuration of the sample observation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the overall configuration of the sample observation system including the sample observation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. This will be described below.

  The sample observation system 100 including the sample observation device 1 of the present embodiment includes the sample observation device 1 of the present embodiment, a thermostat (incubator) 101, an external control device 102, an input device 103, a display device 104, and the like. It is mainly composed.

  The sample observation apparatus 1 is used in a state of being stored and mounted inside the thermostat 101. Specifically, for example, a plurality of flat plate-like shelf boards 101a (see FIG. 1) installed horizontally are provided inside the thermostat 101. The sample observation device 1 is placed on the shelf board 101a.

  The thermostat 101 is a device having a function of keeping the temperature constant, and is called a so-called incubator. There are various types of incubators 101, but those that have been put into practical use and widely used in the past are applied. Therefore, the detailed description of the thermostat 101 itself is omitted.

  The external control device 102 is a component unit for comprehensively controlling the sample observation device 1 of the present embodiment, storing image data acquired by the sample observation device 1, and performing various image processing. is there.

  For this purpose, the external control device 102 communicates with a communication unit 75 (detailed later; see FIG. 2) included in the control unit 32 (detailed later; see FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, etc.) of the sample observation apparatus 1. And a communication unit 105 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2) for transmitting and receiving various data and the like.

  As the communication unit 105, for example, in addition to a form using wired connection means (USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection etc.) such as a connection cable, a form using various wireless connection means is applied. . In FIG. 1, a connection cable as the wired connection means is denoted by reference numeral 105a. In FIG. 2, the wired connection means and the wireless connection means are indicated by reference numeral 105a.

  As a result, the external control device 102 controls the operation of the sample observation device 1, receives the image data acquired by the sample observation device 1, stores the received image data, etc. in the storage medium, and receives the image data. Various signal processing such as analysis and analysis of image data and the like are executed. In addition, although not shown, the external control device 102 has a power supply unit (power supply means from a commercial power supply or a storage battery) that supplies power to the sample observation device 1.

  The power supply from the external control apparatus 102 to the sample observation apparatus 1 is not limited to the power supply means via the external control apparatus 102, but is a commercial power supply provided outside the thermostat 101 using a power cable (not shown) or the like. You may make it supply electric power from (not shown). In addition, power may be supplied to the sample observation apparatus 1 from a storage battery or the like (not shown) installed inside or outside the thermostat 101.

  Specifically, as the external control device 102, for example, small personal computers in various forms (for example, a desktop type, a notebook type, a tablet type, etc.) that are widely and widely used can be applied. For that purpose, it can be operated by appropriately preparing various control programs suitable for them.

  The external control device 102 is electrically connected with an input device 103 and a display device 104 as peripheral devices. The input device 103 is a device for inputting an instruction from a user (user) to the external control device 102. Examples of the input device 103 include a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, and a joystick. As the input device 103, a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display device 104 may be used. A user (user) can use these input devices 103 to input control instructions to the external control device 102 and instructions for various signal processing. In FIG. 1, the input device 103 is exemplified as a form using a keyboard and a mouse.

  The display device 104 displays various displays based on a control program operated by the external control device 102, images based on image data acquired by the sample observation device 1 and received by the external control device 102, various information, and the like. It is a device for visual display. As the display device 104, a liquid crystal display monitor or the like that is widely used can be applied.

  Next, the structure of the sample observation apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated below using FIGS.

  In the sample observation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an observation imaging unit 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as an observation unit) is linear in each of two directions of an X axis and a Y axis that are orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to the XY plane. And a driving unit 20 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 5; details will be described later) configured to be able to freely move the observation unit 21 in the XY plane. 16 is an apparatus for observing a sample in the culture vessel 2 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) placed on the upper surface of 16 (not shown in FIG. 6; details will be described later).

  In the following description, the direction along the short side of the apparatus main body 10 (details will be described later) in the sample observation apparatus 1 is referred to as the X axis as shown in FIGS. The first direction is assumed. A direction along the long side of the apparatus main body 10 and perpendicular to the X axis is referred to as a Y axis, and a direction along the Y axis is referred to as a second direction. A plane including the X axis and the Y axis is referred to as an XY plane. Further, a direction orthogonal to the XY plane is referred to as a Z axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and the like, the sample observation apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10 formed of a sealed rectangular parallelepiped box, a culture vessel 2 placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 10, and an apparatus main body 10. And a container holder 3 for positioning the culture container 2.

  First, the culture container 2 is a container for preparing a culture medium and containing a sample of microorganisms such as bacteria and cells, and culturing. When the sample observation apparatus 1 is used, the culture vessel 2 is placed at a predetermined position on the top panel unit 16 (a position corresponding to a light transmission window 15a described later).

  Thus, when the culture vessel 2 is placed on the top surface of the top panel unit 16 at a position facing the light transmission window 15a, the culture vessel 2 is placed on the side facing the light transmission window 15a, that is, the culture surface. The bottom surface of the container 2 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the flat plate-shaped bottom surface is formed in a transparent thin plate shape.

  The other surfaces other than the bottom surface of the culture vessel 2 are formed with a plurality of reflecting surfaces facing the inside so that the surface is flat and can reflect light. These reflecting surfaces are emitted from an illumination light source (see FIG. 8 described later) included in an observation unit 21 provided inside the storage housing 11 of the sample observation apparatus 1, pass through the light transmission window 15a, and are described above. The illumination light incident on the culture vessel 2 is reflected.

  As a result, the sample such as the cells on the flat plate-like bottom surface of the culture vessel 2 is illuminated by the illumination light from the reflection surface. Therefore, in the sample observation device 1, the sample such as the cells in the culture vessel 2 is removed. It is configured so that it can be observed by transmitted light.

  In addition, as the shape of the culture vessel 2, there are various shapes such as a box shape as illustrated. The sample observation apparatus 1 can correspond to various and various types of culture vessels 2.

  For this purpose, the sample observation apparatus 1 includes a container holder 3. The container holder 3 is a jig for positioning the culture container 2 placed on the upper surface side of the top plate unit 16 of the sample observation apparatus 1 at a specified position. The container holder 3 is formed in accordance with the shape of the culture container 2 to be used. Therefore, a plurality of types corresponding to the shape type of the culture vessel 2 are prepared.

  In the example shown in the figure, the container holder 3 is formed in an L shape using, for example, a metal or resin molded plate member. The container holder 3 is fixed in a state where it is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the top panel unit 16. In this state, for example, two orthogonal side wall surfaces of the culture vessel 2 are brought into contact with the orthogonal long and short edge portions of the L-shaped inner edge portion of the container holder 3, thereby The bottom surface is placed on the top board unit 16. Thereby, it can position so that the position on the top plate unit 16 of the culture container 2 may always become the same.

  Next, the apparatus main body 10 is mainly configured by a storage housing 11, a top panel unit 16, the drive unit 20 (see FIG. 6 and the like), and the like.

  The housing case 11 is a case member that has an opening 11a (see FIG. 6) on one surface, is generally flat and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses the drive unit 20 (see FIG. 6) and the like inside. Since the housing 11 is a relatively large component, it is formed using, for example, a resin material in order to reduce the cost.

  A connection connector 12 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 6) is disposed on the outer wall surface of one side of the storage housing 11. The connection connector 12 is, for example, a power cable for supplying power to the sample observation apparatus 1, various signals including a control signal to the sample observation apparatus 1 or a data signal output from the sample observation apparatus 1, etc. Is a connection unit corresponding to a signal transmission cable (for example, a USB cable) or the like (see reference numeral 105a in FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The connection connector 12 is connected to an electric board (not shown) disposed inside the housing case 11. For example, a power supply circuit and a communication circuit are mounted on this electric board (not shown). The electric board is electrically connected to the control unit 32 (described later in detail; see FIGS. 2, 6, and 7) of the drive unit 20.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, in the storage housing 11, near the other side facing the one side where the connection connector 12 is disposed, the storage housing 11 is near the bottom surface facing the opening 11 a of the storage housing 11. A shelf 13 is formed at the site (see FIGS. 6 and 9). This shelf-like portion 13 is, for example, a hygroscopic desiccant or a desiccant such as silica gel, zeolite (zeolite), aluminum oxide, etc. (see reference numeral 115 in FIG. 9; hereinafter, abbreviated as hygroscopic desiccant etc.) It is provided for storing.

  Furthermore, a relief valve 61 (see FIGS. 2 and 9; see below in detail; details will be described later), which is a pressure adjustment valve for adjusting the internal atmospheric pressure of the apparatus main body 10, is disposed on the bottom surface of the storage housing 11. Yes. The relief valve 61 is provided on the bottom surface side in the vicinity of the shelf 13 in the storage housing 11. Note that a through hole 13 a is formed in a portion of the floor surface portion of the shelf-like portion 13 facing the relief valve 61 provided on the bottom surface side of the shelf-like portion 13. Although the details will be described later, the through-hole 13a is a hole communicating with the outside through the relief valve 61.

  When the shelf-like portion 13 is provided on the bottom surface side, it is possible to place a hygroscopic desiccant or the like close to the through hole and stably. If the observation unit 21 or the like has a movable part, the hygroscopic desiccant or the like is enclosed in a so-called small room structure part that is surrounded by a wall member or the like so that the flow of air is suppressed. It is arranged together with relief valves 61a and 61b (pressure regulating valves). Thus, the configuration in which the hygroscopic desiccant and the like are provided inside the small room structure portion is more reliable than the arrangement of the hygroscopic desiccant and the like in the open space.

  In addition, as shown in the figure, a hygroscopic desiccant is disposed in the vicinity where many heat generating members such as an electric circuit (control unit 32; described later) and motors (drive units 28, 29; described later) are arranged. Since the provided small room structure part is provided, the moisture absorption drying effect can be enhanced. The ceiling of the small room may be covered with a porous fluorine sheet to restrict the movement of gas and prevent the diffusion of humidity in the device.

  And the said apparatus main body 10 has a sealing structure (namely, watertight airtight structure), and is comprised. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage housing 11 is provided with a seal member 14 on the upper surface side of the peripheral edge of the opening 11a. The seal member 14 is fitted and disposed in a circumferential groove portion 11b (see FIG. 6) formed over the entire circumference of the opening 11a along the outer peripheral edge portion of the opening 11a of the storage housing 11.

  Thereby, when the top plate unit 16 is disposed so as to cover the opening 11 a of the storage housing 11, the seal member 14 is disposed between the storage housing 11 and the top plate unit 16. At this time, the seal member 14 is pressed by the contact surface on the lower surface side of the top panel unit 16, is deformed so as to be crushed in the circumferential groove portion 11 b of the storage housing 11, and is in close contact with the top panel unit 16. It will be in the state. Therefore, the watertight airtightness between the top panel unit 16 and the housing 11 is ensured, and the internal space of the apparatus main body 10 is sealed. With such a configuration, a sealed (watertight and airtight) structure of the apparatus main body 10 is configured.

  Next, the top panel unit 16 is disposed so as to close the opening 11a (see FIG. 6) of the storage housing 11 in a sealed state, thereby covering the opening 11a and bringing the storage housing 11 into a sealed state. It is a lid. A transparent flat surface portion is formed on the top surface of the top plate unit 16 so that the culture vessel 2 is placed thereon.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the top plate unit 16 includes a sheet metal member 15, a transparent plate member 17, a spacer sheet 19 made up of a plurality of pieces of sheet members, an operation unit 18 and the like.

  The sheet metal member 15 is formed by a flat plate member having rigidity, and has a substantially rectangular light transmission window 15a at a substantially central portion. The light transmission window 15a transmits illumination light from an illumination light source (not shown; the light source member 52 in FIG. 8) included in the observation unit 21 in the housing 11 and on the transparent plate member 17 on the upper surface side. It is an observation window for observing the inside of the culture container 2 mounted.

  In addition, in order to ensure the sealing state between the said housing | casing housing | casing 11, the sheet-metal member 15 applies what formed using members with high rigidity, for example, metal thin plate members, such as stainless steel (SUS). .

  The transparent plate member 17 is a flat plate member formed using a transparent material having optical transparency. The transparent plate member 17 is made of, for example, a transparent glass material or a transparent resin material (such as an acrylic plate). And the transparent plate member 17 is integrated with the plane of the said sheet metal member 15 in the form superimposed on the spacer sheet 19 mentioned later.

  Thereby, the light transmission window 15 a of the sheet metal member 15 is covered with the transparent plate member 17. Therefore, the culture vessel 2 can thereby be placed on the upper surface of the transparent plate member 17 at a portion corresponding to the light transmission window 15a, and in this state, the inside of the culture vessel 2 is placed in the lower housing case. 11 can be observed by an observation unit 21 provided in the camera 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the transparent plate member 17 is provided with holes 17a having a size corresponding to the operation buttons 18a so that the plurality of operation buttons 18a of the operation unit unit 18 can be exposed to the outside. Yes.

  The plurality of pieces of spacer sheets 19 are sheet-like members that are provided between the transparent plate member 17 and the sheet metal member 15 so as to ensure parallelism therebetween. The spacer sheet 19 does not cover the opening 11a of the storage housing 11 when the transparent plate member 17 and the sheet metal member 15 are combined, and the transparent sheet member 17 and the sheet metal member 15 For example, the sheet metal member 15 is disposed so as to be along the vicinity of the peripheral edge of each side of the sheet metal member 15 while avoiding the application region of the adhesive for bonding and fixing between them.

  In addition, the application | coating area | region of the adhesive agent between the said transparent plate member 17 and the said sheet metal member 15 is an area | region along the outer periphery part of the light transmission window 15a, for example, and the arrangement | positioning position of the said spacer sheet | seat 19 was avoided. Position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a part of the spacer sheet 19 does not cover these at positions corresponding to the plurality of operation buttons 18 a and the plurality of state display portions 18 b of the operation unit unit 18. Holes 19a and 19b are provided for exposing them to the outside.

  Then, as described above, the top plate unit 16 is assembled by attaching the transparent plate member 17 with an adhesive or the like with a plurality of spacer sheets 19 sandwiched between the peripheral portions on the upper surface side of the sheet metal member 15. .

  On the other hand, the drive unit 20 is attached to the lower surface side of the top plate unit 16 using a fastening member such as a screw. In this case, the attachment part of the drive unit 20 to the top plate unit 16 corresponds to a rectangular part indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The detailed configuration of the drive unit 20 will be described later (see FIG. 8).

  The operation unit 18 is provided at a predetermined site near the outer peripheral edge of the top panel unit 16. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 18 is disposed at a position near one peripheral edge in the longitudinal direction of the top panel unit 16.

  The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of operation buttons 18a, a plurality of status display units 18b (indicators), and an electric board 65 (not shown in FIG. 5; see FIG. 9 to be described later) on which these electric members are mounted. It is mainly composed.

  The electric board 65 includes a switch member that receives operation inputs from the plurality of operation buttons 18a, a signal processing circuit that processes output signals from the switch members, and a state display included in the plurality of state display portions 18b. A member (e.g., a light emitter such as an LED (light emitting diode)), a drive circuit for driving the state display member on and off, and the like are mounted.

  The plurality of operation buttons 18a are, for example, operation members for adjusting the position of the observation unit 21 or the like within the movement range on the XY plane before the sample observation apparatus 1 is installed in the thermostat 101, or culture An operation member or the like for temporarily stopping the operation of the sample observation apparatus 1 when performing a liquid exchange operation, a stock separation operation, or the like.

  The function that can be performed by operating the operation button 18a is not limited to the above-described example. Although explanation is omitted about other specific examples, various functions other than the functions described above can be assigned.

  The plurality of status display portions 18b are provided for displaying the status of which operation button has been operated by, for example, being turned on when one of the plurality of operation buttons 18a is operated. Yes. For this purpose, the plurality of status display portions 18b are provided in the vicinity of the plurality of operation buttons 18a.

  Next, the drive unit 20 guides the movement of the observation unit 21 and drive means for linearly moving the observation unit 21 in two directions of the X axis and the Y axis orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to the XY plane ( It is mainly composed of a guiding mechanism.

  That is, the drive unit 20 includes a driven unit 30, drive units 28 and 29, a main frame 31, a control unit 32, and the like, as shown in FIGS.

  In the following description, the drive unit 20 is described as a form including the observation unit 21. The observation unit 21 is a constituent unit that moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the XY plane by being mounted on the driven unit 30.

  First, the main frame 31 of the drive unit 20 houses main components (the observation unit 21 and the driven unit 30) of the drive unit 20 inside, and other components (drive unit 28) on the outer surface. , 29, and a control unit 32). The assembly is a frame member that forms a sealed box shape by being integrally attached to a predetermined portion on the lower surface side of the top plate unit 16. The main frame 31 is formed using, for example, a resin material.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a humidity sensor 39 is provided at a predetermined portion of the inner wall surface of the main frame 31. The humidity sensor 39 is a humidity detection member made of a sheet-like member and configured to change color according to humidity.

  The control unit 32 is an electrical component on which, for example, a control circuit that performs drive control of the observation unit 21 and the drive units 28 and 29 is mounted (see FIG. 2 and the like). The control unit 32 is electrically connected to the observation unit 21 via a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter abbreviated as FPC) 33 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, etc.).

  The control unit 32 is electrically connected to the drive units 28 and 29 via flexible printed boards (28d and 29d; see FIG. 7). The connection state between the control unit 32 and the drive units 28 and 29 is not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 32 includes a control unit 71, a light source control unit 72, a drive control unit 73, an image processing unit 74, a communication unit 75, a time measuring unit 76, and a temperature / humidity measuring unit. 77, a power supply unit 78, and the like.

  The control unit 71 is a control circuit that performs overall control of the sample observation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The light source control unit 72 is a control circuit that performs drive control of a light source member 52 (see FIG. 8) that is an illumination light source included in the observation unit 21. The drive control unit 73 is a control circuit that performs drive control of the drive units 28 and 29 of the drive unit 20. The image processing unit 74 is a circuit unit that performs various types of image processing on the image data acquired by the imaging element 45 of the observation unit 21. The communication unit 75 is a circuit unit for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the communication unit 105 of the external control device 102. The timer unit 76 is an internal clock of an arithmetic circuit called a real-time clock (RTC). The timekeeping unit 76 is a circuit unit that outputs date and time information associated with output data, and is used for timekeeping and time control during control processing, for example. The temperature / humidity measuring unit 77 is a circuit unit including a sensor for measuring temperature and humidity. The power supply unit 78 is a circuit unit that controls power supplied from the external control device 102, or a configuration unit that includes a storage battery and its control circuit.

  The driven unit 30 is a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of the observation unit 21 linearly in each of two directions of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the XY plane. Therefore, the driven unit 30 includes two X drive shafts 22, X drive shaft guide members 23 a and 23 b, a Y-axis direction guide shaft 24, and two pieces as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A Y drive shaft 25, Y drive shaft guide members 26a and 26b, an X-axis direction guide shaft 27, and the like are configured.

  The observation unit 21 is mounted on the driven unit 30 and receives the driving force of the Y-axis direction driving unit 29 (belt driving unit) so that the two X driving shafts 22 move in the direction along the Y axis. Accordingly, it is configured to move in the same direction (Y-axis direction). Similarly, the observation unit 21 receives the driving force of the X-axis direction drive unit 28 (belt drive unit) and moves in the same direction as the two Y drive shafts 25 move in the direction along the X-axis. It is configured to move in the (X-axis direction).

  A Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 is inserted and disposed in each of the X drive shaft guide members 23a and 23b in a direction along the Y axis. Thereby, the X drive shaft guide members 23a and 23b are guided by the two Y axis direction guide shafts 24 in the direction along the Y axis. The X drive shaft guide member 23a is provided with a magnet portion 34 at a predetermined portion on the outer surface side. The two Y-axis direction guide shafts 24 are formed of, for example, a magnetic material.

  Similarly, an X-axis guide shaft 27 is inserted and disposed in each of the Y drive shaft guide members 26a and 26b in a direction along the Y-axis. Thereby, the Y drive shaft guide members 26a and 26b are guided by the two X axis direction guide shafts 27 in the direction along the X axis. The Y drive shaft guide member 26a is provided with a magnet portion 34 at a predetermined portion on the outer surface side. The two X-axis direction guide shafts 27 are made of a magnetic material, for example.

  Here, as described above, each of the two Y-axis direction guide shafts 24 and the two X-axis direction guide shafts 27 is formed of a magnetic material, and the X drive shaft guide member 23a and the Y drive shaft guide member are formed. The magnet part 34 is provided in each of 26a.

  With such a configuration, the magnet portion 34 is attracted by the magnetic force toward the Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 inserted through the X drive shaft guide member 23a together with the X drive shaft guide member 23a. Similarly, the magnet portion 34 is attracted by the magnetic force toward the X-axis direction guide shaft 27 inserted through the Y drive shaft guide member 26a together with the Y drive shaft guide member 26a.

  Due to this action, the backlash between the X drive shaft guide member 23a and the Y axis direction guide shaft 24 is absorbed. Similarly, fitting backlash generated between the Y drive shaft guide member 26a and the X-axis direction guide shaft 27 is absorbed.

  That is, the magnet portion 34 has a fitting backlash between the X drive shaft guide member 23a and the Y axis direction guide shaft 24 and a backlash between the Y drive shaft guide member 26a and the X axis direction guide shaft 27. It functions as a backlash absorption part for absorbing each.

  Note that a through hole is formed in the X drive shaft guide member 23a, and one Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 is loosely inserted through the through hole. On the other hand, the X drive shaft guide member 23b is formed with a through groove having a U-shaped cross section, and the other Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 is inserted into the through groove.

  With such a configuration, one Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 is inserted into the through hole of the X drive shaft guide member 23a and functions as a guide means for guiding it, while the other Y-axis direction guide shaft 24 is provided. Is inserted and disposed in the through groove of the X drive shaft guide member 23b, and functions as a rotation restricting means for restricting the X drive shaft guide member 23b from rotating about the axis of the one Y axis guide shaft 24. ing.

  The Y drive shaft guide members 26a and 26b are configured in the same manner as the X drive shaft guide members 23a and 23b. That is, the Y drive shaft guide member 26a is formed with a through-hole through which one X-axis direction guide shaft 27 is inserted loosely, and the Y drive shaft guide member 26b has the other X-axis direction guide shaft. A through-groove having a U-shaped cross section through which 27 is inserted is formed. The through hole of the X drive shaft guide member 23a functions as guide means, and the through groove of the X drive shaft guide member 23b functions as rotation restricting means.

  In addition, since the other structure about the said driven unit 30 is a part which is not directly related to this invention, description of the detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, the drive units 28 and 29 are constituent units provided to drive the driven unit 30 independently in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The drive unit in the drive unit 20 of the present embodiment is along the X-axis direction drive unit 28 that is a belt drive unit that contributes to the movement of the observation unit 21 in the direction along the X-axis, and the Y-axis of the observation unit 21. And a Y-axis direction drive unit 29 that is a belt drive unit that contributes to movement in the direction.

  The X-axis direction drive unit 28 drives the Y drive axis 25 by driving at least one of the Y drive axis guide members 26a and 26b (Y drive axis guide member 26a in the present embodiment) in the X-axis direction. Drive in the X-axis direction. Thereby, the observation unit 21 is moved in the same X-axis direction.

  The Y-axis direction drive unit 29 drives the X drive shaft 22 by driving at least one of the X drive shaft guide members 23a and 23b (X drive shaft guide member 23a in the present embodiment) in the Y axis direction. Drive in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the observation unit 21 is moved in the same Y-axis direction.

  For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 7, the X-axis direction drive unit 28 includes a stage drive motor 28a, a drive belt 28b, and a plurality (two) of pulleys 28c. The Y-axis direction drive unit 29 includes a stage drive motor 29a, a drive belt 29b, and a plurality (two) of pulleys 29c. Note that the X-axis direction drive unit 28 and the Y-axis direction drive unit 29 have substantially the same configuration.

  In the drive units 28 and 29, when the stage drive motors 28a and 29a are driven and the drive shaft rotates, one of the pulleys 28c and 29c fixed on the same axis as the drive shaft rotates. When each one of the pulleys 28c and 29c rotates, the drive belts 28b and 29b are driven. Then, the X drive shaft guide member 23a moves in the Y axis direction, and the Y drive shaft guide member 26a moves in the X axis direction.

  The driving of the X-axis direction drive unit 28 and the Y-axis direction drive unit 29 is controlled by a drive control unit 73 under the control of the control unit 71 of the control unit 32. By the drive control, the observation unit 21 can freely move in the XY plane.

  The observation unit 21 and the control unit 32 are electrically connected by the FPC 33 as described above. In this case, the observation unit 21 is a moving member that moves in the XY plane. The FPC 33 extends from the observation unit 21. For this purpose, the FPC 33 is set to have a length dimension so as to be able to absorb the movement in the XY plane.

  In the drive unit 20 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the observation unit 21 moves in the Y-axis direction along the Y drive shaft 25 when driven by the X drive shaft 22. Further, the observation unit 21 moves in the X-axis direction along the X drive shaft 22 when driven by the Y drive shaft 25.

  Note that the drive units 28 and 29 are also portions not directly related to the present invention, and thus the detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

  Next, the configuration of the observation unit 21 will be briefly described below mainly using FIG.

  As described above, the observation unit 21 is a configuration unit that includes the imaging observation optical system 41, the imaging element 45, and the like in order to observe a sample such as a cell in the culture vessel 2. The observation unit 21 is driven by the drive unit (28, 29) of the drive unit 20 via the X drive shaft 22 and the Y drive shaft 25 (see FIGS. 6 to 8 and the like), so that the X axis in the XY plane. It is configured to move by being driven in the direction or the Y-axis direction.

  The observation unit 21 includes a main body fixed frame 40, an imaging observation optical system 41, a lens barrel 42, an imaging element 45, a moving frame 46, a suspension shaft 47, a rotation regulating shaft 48, and a drive mechanism (49- 51), a diffusing plate 43, an illumination lens 44, a light source member 52 (illumination light source), an electric substrate 53 (not shown in FIG. 8; see FIG. 2), a biasing member 54, and the like. Has been.

  The main body fixing frame 40 is a constituent member that constitutes a main constituent part of the main observation unit 21 and holds and houses the various constituent members (41 to 53) and the like constituting the observation unit 21. The main body fixing frame 40 is formed in a box shape, and can accommodate various constituent members therein, and is also formed so that predetermined constituent members can be attached to the outer surface side.

  The imaging observation optical system 41 is composed of a plurality of optical lenses for condensing light from an object to be observed and imaged and forming an optical image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 45.

  The lens barrel 42 is a holding member having a substantially cylindrical shape for holding the plurality of optical lenses of the imaging observation optical system 41 in a predetermined arrangement (so that the optical axes of the optical lenses coincide). The lens barrel 42 is configured to be integrated with the moving frame 46.

  The lens barrel 42 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the main body fixing frame 40. In this case, the optical axis O of the imaging observation optical system 41 held by the lens barrel 42 is set to be parallel to the Z axis. An imaging element 45 is disposed on an extension line of the optical axis O of the imaging observation optical system 41 of the lens barrel 42.

  The imaging element 45 receives the optical image of the observation object optically imaged by the imaging observation optical system 41 and performs photoelectric conversion processing to generate image data of the optical image of the observation object. It is an electrical component. The image sensor 45 is disposed so that its light receiving surface is parallel to a surface orthogonal to the optical axis O of the imaging observation optical system 41. At this time, the image sensor 45 is disposed at a position where the substantially central portion of the light receiving surface and the optical axis O substantially coincide with each other. The imaging element 45 is also configured to be integrated with the moving frame 46.

  The moving frame 46 is configured to be movable in the direction along the optical axis O (Z-axis direction) inside the main body fixing frame 40 by the suspension shaft 47 and the rotation regulating shaft 48. Accordingly, as the moving frame 46 moves in the direction along the optical axis O (Z-axis direction), the lens barrel 42 and the imaging element 45 also move in the same direction (direction along the optical axis O; Z-axis direction). ) To move together.

  That is, the moving frame 46 is supported by the suspension shaft 47 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. Here, the suspension shaft 47 is fixedly arranged in the direction along the Z axis in the main body fixing frame 40. The suspension shaft 47 is engaged with the engagement portion 46 a of the moving frame 46. Thereby, the suspension shaft 47 functions as a guide shaft that guides the movement of the moving frame 46 in the Z-axis direction (direction parallel to the optical axis O).

  Further, the movement frame 46 is restricted by the rotation restricting shaft 48 from rotating about the suspension shaft 47 as a rotation center. The rotation restricting shaft 48 is also fixedly arranged in the main body fixing frame 40 in the direction along the Z axis.

  Here, the rotation restricting shaft 48 is disposed on the opposite side of the optical axis O in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis O with respect to the arrangement position of the suspension shaft 47 in the main body fixing frame 40. . The rotation restricting shaft 48 is engaged with the engaging portion 46 b of the moving frame 46. Thereby, the rotation restricting shaft 48 restricts the moving frame 46 from rotating about the suspension shaft 47 and moves the moving frame 46 in the Z-axis direction (direction parallel to the optical axis O). It also functions as an auxiliary guide shaft that assists the guide.

  With such a configuration, the moving frame 46 is configured to be movable in the direction along the optical axis O (Z-axis direction) along the suspension shaft 47 and the rotation restricting shaft 48 together with the lens barrel 42.

  Note that the moving frame 46 is always in a predetermined direction, for example, in the example shown in the present embodiment, with an arrow Z1 in FIG. 8 by the urging force of the urging member 54 interposed between the moving frame 46 and the bottom surface of the main body fixing frame 40. It is biased toward the direction shown. In this embodiment, for example, a coil spring is applied as the biasing spring 54.

  The movement of the moving frame 46 in the direction along the optical axis O (Z-axis direction) is performed by driving mechanisms (49 to 51). In the present embodiment, the basic structure of the drive mechanism (49 to 51) is that a movable lens group (for example, a focus lens group) is placed on the optical axis O using a feed screw and a feed nut in a conventional lens device or the like. A mechanism substantially similar to the mechanism for moving in the direction along is applied. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the drive mechanism is limited to a simple description as described below.

  The driving mechanism of the moving frame 46 is constituted by a lens driving motor 49, a lead screw 50, a nut member 51, and the like.

  The lens drive motor 49 is a drive source of this drive mechanism. That is, the lens drive motor 49 is a drive source for moving the moving frame 46 in the Z-axis direction along the optical axis O together with the lens barrel 42. As the lens driving motor 49, for example, an electric motor that enables forward and reverse rotation is applied. The lens drive motor 49 has a drive shaft disposed parallel to the Z-axis direction.

  The lead screw 50 is a rotating shaft that receives the rotational force from the lens driving motor 49 and outputs it to the nut member 51. The drive shaft of the lens drive motor 49 is provided so as to be integrated on substantially the same axis, and is, for example, a shaft-shaped feed screw.

  The nut member 51 is a driven member that moves in the Z-axis direction by receiving the rotation output of the lens driving motor 49 through the lead screw 50. The nut member 51 is engaged with an engaging portion 46 c that is a predetermined part of the moving frame 46 in a state of being screwed to the lead screw 50.

  With this configuration, the present drive mechanism operates as follows. That is, first, when the lens drive motor 49 is driven, the lead screw 50 (feed screw) rotates. Then, the nut member 51 screwed into the lead screw 50 moves along the lead screw 50 in the Z-axis direction. Here, the nut member 51 is integrally engaged with the moving frame 46 at the engaging portion 46c. Accordingly, when the nut member 51 moves in the direction along the Z axis, the moving frame 46 also moves in the same direction. Along with this, the lens barrel 42 (imaging observation optical system 41) and the image sensor 45, which are integrally formed with the moving frame 46, simultaneously move in the same direction. In this case, the direction of movement of the nut member 51 along the Z axis can be controlled by controlling the rotation direction of the lens drive motor 49. Thereby, it is possible to control the movement of the moving frame 46 configured integrally with the lens barrel 42 (imaging observation optical system 41) and the imaging element 45 in the direction along the Z axis.

  A biasing force in one direction (Z1 direction) of the biasing member 54 is always acting between the nut member 51 and the engaging portion 46c of the moving frame 46. For this reason, a gap play is not generated between the nut member 51 and the moving frame 46.

  With this configuration, the image pickup observation optical system 41 and the image pickup element 45 are appropriately moved forward and backward in the Z-axis direction (that is, the direction along the optical axis O) by the drive mechanism, thereby forming an image on the light receiving surface of the image pickup element 45. The focal position of the optical image of the observed object to be observed can be adjusted.

  In addition, when the imaging observation optical system 41 is moved in the Z-axis direction (the direction along the optical axis O), the imaging observation in the observation unit 21 is performed so that the angle of view of the imaging observation optical system 41 is constant. The optical system 41 employs a telecentric optical system as a whole.

  On the other hand, the present observation unit 21 has illumination means for illuminating the observation object in the culture vessel 2. This illuminating means is mainly composed of a light source member 52, a diffusion plate 43, an illumination lens 44, and the like.

  The light source member 52 is located near the bottom surface inside the main body fixing frame 40 and is disposed in the outer peripheral side region of the lens barrel 42 and the moving frame 46. The light source member 52 emits illumination light upward from the lower side (bottom surface side) of the sample in the culture vessel 2 placed at a predetermined site on the top panel unit 16 (position corresponding to the light transmission window 15a). A light source member. As the light source member 52, for example, a light emitter such as an LED (light emitting diode) is applied.

  The illumination light emitted from the light source member 52 travels upward of the observation unit 21 as described above. Therefore, an illumination lens 44 and a diffusing plate 43 are disposed on the upper surface of the observation unit 21 in a region through which illumination light from the light source member 52 passes. Here, the illumination lens 44 is disposed near the light source member 52, and the diffusion plate 43 is disposed on the outer surface side of the observation unit 21.

  The illumination lens 44 is an optical member that collects the illumination light emitted from the light source member 52 and emits it toward a predetermined direction (the bottom surface of the upper culture vessel 2).

  The diffusion plate 43 diffuses the illumination light emitted from the light source member 52 and then transmitted through the illumination lens 44 and emits the light toward the upper light transmission window 15a to illuminate the inside of the culture vessel 2. For generating illumination light. The diffusion plate 43 is formed of, for example, a milky white resin thin plate having light permeability and light diffusibility. Instead of the diffusion plate 43, a Fresnel lens may be used.

  With this configuration, the illumination light emitted from the light source member 52 is emitted upward through the illumination lens 44 and the diffusion plate 43, and the light transmission window 15 a of the top plate unit 16 and the transparent bottom surface of the culture vessel 2. And enter the culture vessel 2. The illumination light incident on the culture vessel 2 in this manner is reflected by a reflecting surface (not shown) in the culture vessel 2, then illuminates and transmits the sample existing in the culture medium in the culture vessel 2, and then the light. It is configured to enter the imaging observation optical system 41 through the transmission window 15a.

  The electric board 53 (not shown in FIG. 8; see FIG. 2) is fixedly disposed on one side surface of the observation unit 21, for example. The electric board 53 is formed using a plurality of electric members and the like, and as shown in FIG. 2, a light source driving unit 56, a lens driving unit 57, an image sensor driving unit 58, a position determination unit 59, an attenuation compensation unit 60, and the like. In addition, a pre-processing circuit for image data output from the image sensor 45 is mounted.

  The light source drive unit 56 is a drive circuit for the light source member 52. The lens driving unit 57 is a driving circuit for the lens driving motor 49. The image sensor drive unit 58 is a drive circuit for the image sensor 45. The position determination unit 59 is a sensor for determining the position of the observation unit 21 within a predetermined movement range in the XY plane and its drive circuit. The attenuation compensator 60 is an interface circuit for compensating for a voltage drop, signal attenuation, disturbance due to electromagnetic noise, and the like that occur while reaching the electric board 53 from the control unit 32 via the FPC 33.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the imaging element driving unit 58 includes an AF unit 82, a pixel switching unit 83, and the like.

  The AF unit 82 is a processing circuit that performs a so-called autofocus (AF) process that detects a focus state based on acquired image data and automatically performs a focus adjustment operation, for example. The pixel switching unit 83 is a processing circuit that switches a pixel that contributes to the AF operation and a pixel that contributes to the imaging operation among a plurality of pixels of the imaging element 45 according to the operation mode.

  In addition to these, the electric board 53 further includes a circuit other than the above, for example, a communication circuit for communicating with an external device, and a recording medium for recording the acquired image data and various information data associated therewith. In addition to the data recording circuit and the like, a power supply circuit including a battery for driving the lens driving motor 49 may be included.

  By the way, as described above, the apparatus main body 10 in the sample observation apparatus 1 is configured by the storage casing 11 and the lid 16, and the lid 16 is disposed so as to close the opening 11 a of the storage casing 11. Is done. At this time, between the two (between the lid 16 and the housing case 11), a sealing member 14 is interposed, so that the internal space of the apparatus main body 10 is sealed in a watertight or airtight manner. Is realized.

  In addition, the sample observation apparatus 1 is normally installed and used in the thermostat 101 as described above. When the sample observation apparatus 1 is used while culturing cells or the like, the temperature in the thermostat 101 becomes a high temperature environment of, for example, about 37 degrees Celsius.

  On the other hand, the room temperature of a general laboratory or the like where the thermostat 101 is installed is usually an environment in which, for example, about 20 degrees Celsius is maintained.

  On the other hand, when the sample observation apparatus 1 is transported to a remote place, for example, the sample observation apparatus 1 is exposed from the indoor environment to an external environment having a lower temperature, for example, a low temperature environment of about 5 degrees Celsius. It may be possible to

  Therefore, for example, when the sample observation apparatus 1 in a relatively low temperature external environment of about 5 to 20 degrees Celsius is installed and heated inside the thermostat 101 to start use, the sample observation apparatus 1 The internal temperature in the airtight state of the apparatus main body 10 will rise, for example, by about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Then, it is well known that the gas (air) in the internal space of the apparatus main body 10 is thermally expanded (for example, expansion of about 1.5 times).

  When the gas (air) in the internal space of the apparatus main body 10 expands, for example, the transparent thin plate member 17 of the light transmission portion 16a may be deformed by several millimeters. Further, in the case where the storage housing 11 and the lid body 16 constituting the apparatus main body 10 are formed of a thin plate member in consideration of miniaturization and weight reduction, there is a slight deformation even if a high rigidity member is used. Sometimes it happens.

  Therefore, in the apparatus main body 10 of the sample observation apparatus 1, a relief valve that is a pressure adjusting valve for eliminating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the apparatus body 10 caused by a large change in the temperature of the gas inside the apparatus body 10 (Relief valves) 61a and 61b are provided (see FIG. 9). The relief valves 61a and 61b will be described below mainly using FIG.

  The relief valves 61a and 61b automatically release the internal pressure when the internal pressure increases or decreases, or take the external pressure to decrease or increase the internal pressure, and automatically cancel the internal / external pressure difference. A valve having a closing structure.

  A plurality of relief valves 61a, 61b are provided. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a pair (two) of relief valves 61a and 61b are provided for intake and exhaust, for example.

  Here, one relief valve 61a of the pair of relief valves 61a and 61b is used when the temperature of the gas (air) in the internal space of the apparatus body 10 is higher than the outside air temperature (for example, used in the thermostat 101). The apparatus main body 10 is a valve having a function of automatically releasing the gas in the apparatus main body 10 to the outside after the use is completed or when the apparatus main body 10 is taken out of the thermostatic device 101 due to use interruption or the like.

  That is, in other words, one relief valve 61a (pressure regulating valve) opens the valve when the atmospheric pressure in the storage housing 11 (storage portion) of the apparatus main body 10 becomes higher than the external atmospheric pressure.

  In addition, the other relief valve 61b is configured to remove the device body 10 that has been outside the thermostat 101 when the temperature of the gas (air) in the internal space of the device body 10 is lower than the outside air temperature (for example, before the start of use or transportation). This is a valve having a function of automatically taking the gas outside the apparatus (gas in the thermostat 101) into the apparatus main body 10 when it is placed in the thermostat 101 and started to use.

  That is, in other words, the other relief valve 61b (pressure adjusting valve) opens the valve when the external air pressure becomes higher than the air pressure in the storage housing 11 (storage portion) of the apparatus main body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the relief valves 61a and 61b include a valve housing 11e, a valve seat 11f, a valve body 62, a biasing member 63, an O (O) ring 64, and the like.

  The relief valves 61a and 61b themselves have the same configuration as a conventional general one. Therefore, a detailed description of the configuration of the relief valves 61a and 61b will be omitted, and will be briefly described below.

  The valve housings 11e of the relief valves 61a and 61b are formed integrally with the storage casing 11 at positions corresponding to two through holes 11d formed at predetermined positions on the bottom surface of the storage casing 11.

  Here, the formation positions of the two through holes 11d of the storage housing 11 are regions other than the region where the observation unit 21 moves.

  The valve housings 11e of the two relief valves 61a and 61b are formed at positions corresponding to the two through holes 11d. Specifically, for example, the two relief valves 61a and 61b are disposed in a lower portion of the shelf-like portion 13 or the like.

  Further, each valve housing 11e is formed with a through hole 11c having substantially the same shape at each portion facing the two through holes 11d. Each valve housing 11e is formed with a valve seat 11f.

  The valve seat 11f of one relief valve 61a is provided in the vicinity of one through-hole 11c. Further, the valve seat 11f of the other relief valve 61b is provided in the vicinity of the other through hole 11d. An O (O) ring 64 is provided in the vicinity of each valve seat 11f.

  On the other hand, an urging member 63 and a valve body 62 are disposed in each valve housing 11e. The valve body 62 is provided at a position facing the valve seat 11f. The urging member 63 is provided at a position where the valving element 62 can be urged toward the valve seat 11f.

  In this case, the urging member 63 in one relief valve 61a urges the valve body 62 in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. Further, the urging member 63 in the other relief valve 61b urges the valve body 62 in the arrow B direction in FIG. Thus, the urging force of the urging member 63 urges the valve body 62 toward the valve seat 11f.

  At the same time, the valve body 62 is in pressure contact with the O-ring 64. That is, at this time, the O-ring 64 is deformed so as to be crushed between the valve body 62 and the inner wall of the valve housing 11e, and is in close contact with both (the valve body 62 and the inner wall of the valve housing 11e). ing. This state is the normal state of the relief valves 61a and 61b. When the relief valves 61a and 61b are in this state, the sealing (watertight and airtight) structure of the apparatus main body 10 is maintained.

  When the gas temperature inside the apparatus main body 10 and the gas temperature outside the apparatus are substantially the same and there is little or little temperature difference between them, the relief valves 61a and 61b are in the normal state. That is, the relief valves 61a and 61b cover the through holes 11d and maintain the sealed state of the apparatus body 10.

  On the other hand, when the gas temperature inside the apparatus main body 10 becomes higher than the gas temperature outside the apparatus, the atmospheric pressure inside the apparatus main body 10 increases. Then, in the relief valve 61a, the gas inside the apparatus main body 10 pushes down the valve body 62 in the direction opposite to the arrow A in FIG. 9 (the same direction as the arrow B) against the urging force of the urging member 63. . As a result, a gap is generated between the valve element 62 and the valve seat 11f on the relief valve 61a side. Therefore, the gas inside the apparatus main body 10 flows out from the through hole 11c on the relief valve 61a side to the outside through the through hole 11d through the valve housing 11e.

  At this time, in the relief valve 61b, the gas inside the apparatus main body 10 pushes down the valve body 62 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 9 (the same direction as the urging force of the urging member 63). Thereby, the contact state of the valve body 62 and the valve seat 11f is maintained on the relief valve 61b side. Accordingly, this eliminates the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the apparatus main body 10.

  On the other hand, when the gas temperature inside the apparatus main body 10 becomes lower than the gas temperature outside the apparatus, the atmospheric pressure inside the apparatus main body 10 decreases. Then, in the relief valve 61b, the gas outside the apparatus body 10 pushes up the valve body 62 in the direction opposite to the arrow B in FIG. 9 (the same direction as the arrow A) against the urging force of the urging member 63. . As a result, a gap is generated between the valve body 62 and the valve seat 11f on the relief valve 61b side. Therefore, the gas outside the apparatus main body 10 flows from the through hole 11d on the relief valve 61b side into the apparatus through the through hole 11c through the valve housing 11e.

  At this time, in the relief valve 61a, the gas outside the apparatus main body 10 (the gas in the valve housing 11e) moves the valve body 62 in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 9 (the same direction as the urging force of the urging member 63). Push up. Thereby, the contact state of the valve body 62 and the valve seat 11f is maintained on the relief valve 61a side. Accordingly, this eliminates the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the apparatus main body 10.

  At this time, as described above, the gas outside the apparatus body 10, that is, the high-temperature and high-humidity gas in the thermostatic chamber 101 flows into the apparatus through the through-hole 11d and the through-hole 11c of the relief valve 61b. Then, the inside of the apparatus becomes a high humidity environment.

  Therefore, in the sample observation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a hygroscopic desiccant or the like is disposed in the vicinity of the through holes 11c of the relief valves 61a and 61b so as to immediately absorb moisture from the high-humidity gas flowing into the interior. It is composed. Here, the hygroscopic desiccant and the like reduce the gas humidity inside the sealed space of the apparatus main body 10 formed by the storage housing 11 and the top panel unit 16.

  Further, by providing the wall, a plurality of moisture-absorbing desiccants and the like are arranged, a surface area having a moisture-absorbing effect can be obtained, and moisture-absorbing performance can be improved. In addition, dust and the like are prevented from being scattered in the device when the hygroscopic desiccant is replaced.

  The top plate unit has higher thermal conductivity than the mold member of the housing because of the flatness improved by glass, metal plate, etc., and it tends to cause condensation due to the influence of humidity. However, such a configuration also has an effect of reducing the influence of humidity by bringing the hygroscopic desiccant and the like closer to the top plate unit.

  Furthermore, the influence of humidity, dust, etc. can be reduced by covering the moisture-absorbing desiccant and the like with a porous fluorine sheet through which the gas passes while restricting the movement of the gas.

  Specifically, the through-hole 13a of the shelf-like portion 13 is disposed in the vicinity of the through-hole 11c of the relief valves 61a and 61b. Thereby, when the relief valve 61 is opened by a predetermined action, it is configured to communicate with the outside. A hygroscopic desiccant bag 115 in which a hygroscopic desiccant such as silica gel, zeolite, aluminum oxide or the like is packed in a moisture permeable bag member as shown in FIG. It is installed. The hygroscopic desiccant bag 115 is bonded and fixed to the floor surface or the side wall surface of the shelf 13 using, for example, a double-sided tape.

  With such a configuration, the relief valves 61a and 61b act so that even if a highly humid gas flows into the apparatus from the outside, the moisture is immediately absorbed by the hygroscopic desiccant or the like. The humidity is configured to be maintained within a predetermined range.

  In addition, it is not necessary to limit to such a substance, You may substitute the apparatus and element which electrically dehumidify. Further, if a hygroscopic desiccant or the like is additionally provided in other places, the effect can be further enhanced.

  When the apparatus main body 10 of the sample observation apparatus 1 is placed on a flat surface such as a shelf board 101a (see FIG. 1) in the thermostat 101, for example, the bottom surface of the housing 11 of the apparatus main body 10 is flat. On the other hand, when the contact state is established, the through hole 11d is blocked. In order to avoid the closed state of the through-hole 11d at this time, a plurality of leg members (not shown) called so-called rubber foot members are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 11 of the apparatus main body 10. The leg members may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the four corners on the bottom surface side of the storage housing 11 and not interfering with the through hole 11d.

  In addition, the apparatus main body 10 of the sample observation apparatus 1 may be made of a thinner plate member in consideration of miniaturization and weight reduction. In that case, the storage housing 11 and the lid 16 are further transparent. The thin plate member 17 and the like are easily deformed. As the structure of the apparatus main body 10 is more easily deformed as described above, it is necessary to more accurately and precisely control the internal / external air pressure difference caused by the internal / external temperature difference.

  Further, a guideline as to whether or not the humidity inside the apparatus main body 10 is normally maintained within a predetermined range can be confirmed using the humidity sensor 39 or the like.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the top plate unit 16 is configured by bonding and integrating the transparent plate member 17 to the rigid sheet metal member 15. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress deformation caused by temperature and humidity changes of the transparent plate member 17 and the like.

  Further, the top plate unit 16 and the apparatus main body 10 constitute a sealed structure with the inside sealed, and when a difference between the internal and external air pressures is generated, Relief valves 61a and 61b are provided.

  Further, a shelf-like portion 13 for disposing a hygroscopic desiccant and the like is provided in the vicinity of the pair of relief valves 61a and 61b. In this case, a through-hole corresponding to the pair of relief valves 61a and 61b is formed on the floor surface of the shelf 13.

  With such a configuration, when a difference in internal and external pressure occurs while the sample observation apparatus 1 has a sealed structure, the pressure difference is automatically leveled by the action of the pair of relief valves 61a and 61b. When a high-humidity gas flows into the interior, the internal humidity can be maintained by a hygroscopic desiccant or the like. Therefore, due to the inflow of high-humidity gas into the apparatus, for example, the transparent plate member 17 in the portion corresponding to the light transmission window 15a as the observation window is not fogged, and the observation target is always in a clear state. You can observe things.

  Furthermore, by providing the humidity sensor 39, it is possible to constantly monitor the state of the internal humidity. For example, when an abnormality occurs, the state can be immediately grasped.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The invention is not limited by the specific embodiments thereof, except as limited by the appended claims.

  The present invention is not limited to the sample observation apparatus, and is an apparatus configured to scan the surface of a desired object by moving the observation imaging unit in a predetermined direction while maintaining a predetermined interval with respect to the object. For example, the present invention can be applied to a scanning device such as a 3D scanner that scans the surface of a three-dimensional object in addition to an image scanner such as a flatbed scanner or a film scanner.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample observation apparatus 2 ... Culture container 3 ... Container holder 10 ... Apparatus main body 11 ... Storage case 11a ... Opening 11b ... Circumferential groove part 11c, 11d ... Through-hole 11e ... Valve housing 11f ... ... valve seat 12 ... connector 13 ... shelf 13a ... through hole 14 ... seal member 15 ... sheet metal member 15a ... light transmission window 16 ... top plate unit 17 ... transparent plate member 17a ... Hole 18 ... Operation unit 18a ... Operation button 18b ... Status indicator 19 ... Spacer sheets 19a and 19b ... Hole 20 ... Drive unit 21 ... Imaging unit for observation (observation unit)
22... X drive shafts 23 a and 23 b... X drive shaft guide member 24... Y-axis direction guide shaft 25... Y drive shaft 26 a. ... X-axis direction guide shafts 28, 29 ... Drive unit 28 ... X-axis direction drive units 28a, 29a ... Stage drive motors 28b, 29b ... Drive belts 28c, 29c ... Pulley 29 ... Y-axis direction drive unit 30 …… Drive unit 31 ··· Main frame 32 ··· Control unit 34 ··· Magnet 39 ··· Humidity sensor 40 ··· Main body fixing frame 41 ··· Imaging observation optical system 44... Illumination lens 45... Image sensor 46... Moving frames 46 a, 46 b and 46 c... Engagement section 47. ... Nut member 52 ... Light source member 53 ... Electric substrate 54 ... Biasing member 56 ... Light source drive unit 57 ... Lens drive unit 58 ... Image sensor drive unit 59 ... Position determination unit 60 ... Attenuation compensation unit 61a, 61b ... Relief valve 62 ... Valve body 63 ... Biasing member 64 ... O-ring 65 ... Electric board 71 ... Control unit 72 ... Light source control unit 73 ... Drive control unit 74 ... Image processing Unit 75 ... communication unit 76 ... time measuring unit 77 ... temperature and humidity measuring unit 78 ... power supply unit 82 ... AF unit 83 ... pixel switching unit 100 ... sample observation system 101 ... thermostat 101a ... shelf 102 …… External control device 103 …… Input device 104 …… Display device 105 …… Communication unit 105a …… Communication connection means 115 …… Hygroscopic desiccant bag

Claims (6)

A container for containing a sample;
An imaging unit for observation for observing the sample stored in the container;
A storage housing having a flat and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole and having an opening on one surface;
A top plate unit having a transparent flat part for placing the container, and being attached to cover the opening of the storage casing to make the storage casing a sealed box;
A pressure regulating valve that is provided in the housing case and adjusts the internal pressure of the sealed space formed by the housing case and the top plate unit;
A moisture-absorbing desiccant that is provided in the storage case and reduces the gas humidity inside the sealed space formed by the storage case and the top plate unit;
A sample observation apparatus comprising:   2. The sample according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-absorbing desiccant is disposed in the vicinity of the pressure regulating valve in a sealed space formed by the storage housing and the top plate unit. Observation device.   The sample observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-absorbing desiccant is disposed together with the pressure regulating valve in a small chamber structure that suppresses the flow of air.   The sample observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-absorbing desiccant is disposed in the vicinity of the heat generating member together with the pressure adjusting valve.   The sample storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing case further includes a shelf-like portion on which the hygroscopic desiccant is placed. Two pressure regulating valves are provided,
One pressure regulating valve opens the valve when the internal pressure of the sealed space formed by the storage housing and the top plate unit becomes higher than the external pressure,
The other pressure regulating valve opens the valve when the external air pressure is higher than the internal air pressure of the sealed space formed by the housing case and the top plate unit. The sample observation device according to any one of the above.

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