WO2012028822A1 - Storage box for afm probes - Google Patents

Storage box for afm probes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012028822A1
WO2012028822A1 PCT/FR2011/051989 FR2011051989W WO2012028822A1 WO 2012028822 A1 WO2012028822 A1 WO 2012028822A1 FR 2011051989 W FR2011051989 W FR 2011051989W WO 2012028822 A1 WO2012028822 A1 WO 2012028822A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
base
probes
storage box
support element
cover
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2011/051989
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cédric GAILLARD
Alain Sire
Original Assignee
Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique - Inra
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique - Inra filed Critical Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique - Inra
Publication of WO2012028822A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012028822A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01Q—SCANNING-PROBE TECHNIQUES OR APPARATUS; APPLICATIONS OF SCANNING-PROBE TECHNIQUES, e.g. SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY [SPM]
    • G01Q70/00—General aspects of SPM probes, their manufacture or their related instrumentation, insofar as they are not specially adapted to a single SPM technique covered by group G01Q60/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01Q—SCANNING-PROBE TECHNIQUES OR APPARATUS; APPLICATIONS OF SCANNING-PROBE TECHNIQUES, e.g. SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY [SPM]
    • G01Q30/00—Auxiliary means serving to assist or improve the scanning probe techniques or apparatus, e.g. display or data processing devices
    • G01Q30/08—Means for establishing or regulating a desired environmental condition within a sample chamber
    • G01Q30/12—Fluid environment
    • G01Q30/14—Liquid environment

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of conditioning, transport, surface treatment (chemical or physical) and cleaning probes for atomic force microscopy systems.
  • the invention more particularly relates to a storage box for AFM probes (Atomic Force Microscopy).
  • the AFM probes comprise a tip disposed on a lever (or “cantilever”), itself fixed on a support. These probes are fragile and expensive.
  • the AFM probes When not in use, the AFM probes are stored in transport boxes or cassettes to condition and transport the AFM probes without the risk of damaging them.
  • plastic transport boxes having at their bottom a layer of adhesive polymer in gel form. This adhesive polymer layer is intended to hold the AFM probes.
  • cassettes they are intended to be loaded into atomic force microscopes in order to supply the latter with AFM probes.
  • WO 2008/002922 discloses a cassette made partly of metal which comprises a base having a plurality of housings for AFM probes, and a cover intended to cover the probes.
  • the lid includes a series of parallel blades which have the function of exerting a pressure on the probes to block them in their housing when the lid is closed.
  • the parallel blades are made of conductive material, and preferably of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) carbon.
  • cassettes of the prior art are only intended for the loading of probes in an atomic force microscope, and do not allow the transport of probes in a liquid medium, nor the chemical treatment in liquid medium of these probes.
  • Such a storage box is provided according to the invention.
  • the applicant has focused on the development of a storage box for AFM probes comprising a tip disposed on a lever secured to a support.
  • the box includes:
  • a base comprising a bottom and a side wall delimiting a storage space, said bottom comprising at least one housing adapted to receive the tip of a probe,
  • - Holding means able to block the probes in the storage space when the tips of the probes are positioned in their respective housings.
  • the storage box for AFM probes comprises sealing means for sealing the liquid storage space when said storage space is closed by the lid and filled with a liquid.
  • the invention provides a storage box for AFM probes for transporting probes in a liquid medium, and the application of chemical treatments in liquid medium on these probes.
  • the tightness of the storage box also makes it possible to avoid contamination of the probes by external pollutants (air for example).
  • the present invention also relates to the following features which may be considered individually or in all their technically possible combinations and each bring specific advantages:
  • the holding means are movable relative to the lid;
  • the probes can be held fixed when the lid is open, it is possible to apply simultaneously on several probe tips the same physical treatment (plasma, UV / ozone, metal deposits) or the same chemical treatment in liquid medium (oxidation , grafting, ). It is possible to clean all probes at once with reactive solutions to remove contaminants.
  • the base, the cover and the holding means consist of a material which does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment and cleaning liquids of the probes;
  • the materials suitable for the base, the lid and the holding means are chosen from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polytetrafluoroethylenes loaded with inert materials; the inert materials are chosen from glass, bronze, bronze / graphite, ceramics, ekonol, calcium fluoride, stainless steel, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), glass / MoS 2 .
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • inert materials are chosen from glass, bronze, bronze / graphite, ceramics, ekonol, calcium fluoride, stainless steel, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), glass / MoS 2 .
  • the invention makes it possible to prevent the pollutants from contaminating the probes from the materials constituting the storage box, when a liquid solution is used.
  • pollutants may be carbon, for example, when the storage boxes of the prior art are made of carbon-based PTFE. The carbon mixes with the liquid and then contaminates the probes. Pollutants can be due to metal when the prior art storage box includes metal parts.
  • the pollutants may be due to the polymer gel residues when gel is used in the prior art storage boxes. These residues are in solid or gaseous form and come from the depolymerization of the gel. Pollutants can also be due to any unwanted dust or deposits.
  • the storage box is inert with respect to the probes and the liquids, and can be washed drastically with a reactive solution (for example a mixture of H 2 S0 4 / H 2 O 2 , mixture HCl / HNO 3 , surfactant solutions based on alkylbenzenesulfonates) to ensure absence of contaminants, which is not possible with the prior art storage boxes comprising polymer-based metal or gel.
  • a reactive solution for example a mixture of H 2 S0 4 / H 2 O 2 , mixture HCl / HNO 3 , surfactant solutions based on alkylbenzenesulfonates
  • the holding means comprise a support element cooperating with locking means so that said support element is able to exert pressure on all the probes to keep them locked against the bottom of the base, support element having a flat bearing surface, and the dimension of the support element being adapted so that the latter can cover all of the housing of the base;
  • the support element having an upper surface, the support element is provided with a protrusion projecting from the said upper surface, the cover being adapted, when closed, to exert pressure on the said element; support via said protrusion, to block the probes against the bottom of the base;
  • the locking means comprise a screw cooperating with a threaded hole formed in the center of the base, the support element having an orifice at its center, the screw being able to pass through the orifice of the support element and to screw into the threaded hole of the base to block the probes between the support member and the base;
  • the base comprises an outer body, and an inner body movable relative to the outer body, said inner body comprising said bottom and said lateral wall delimiting the storage space of the base, and being able to be housed in said outer body to form the base;
  • the inner body containing probes can be removed while the outer body still comprises liquid.
  • the locking means comprise a threaded rod integral with the lower part of the support element, said threaded rod being able to be screwed into a threaded hole formed in the center of the internal body of the base, the support element having a stop protruding from its upper surface, the cover being adapted, when closed and when the threaded rod is screwed into the threaded hole of the inner body, to exert pressure on said stop to lock the inner body against the body external ;
  • the means for sealing the storage space comprises a seal disposed between the base and the lid;
  • the storage box comprises a filling and draining orifice of the liquid, and a closing means adapted to close said filling and emptying orifice.
  • FIG. 1 represents a known AFM probe
  • FIG. 2 represents a storage box for AFM probes in exploded view, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 represents an exemplary support element
  • FIG. 4 represents the base of the storage box for AFM probes, viewed from above;
  • FIG. 5 represents the base of the storage box for AFM probes, seen from the side;
  • FIG. 6 represents a storage box for dismounted AFM probes, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 shows a storage box for AFM probes in exploded view, according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 represents a known AFM probe 1 comprising a tip 2 disposed on a lever 3, itself secured to a support 3 '.
  • the AFM probe 1 comprises a lower face 19 on which the tip 2 is disposed, and an upper surface 20 without a tip.
  • FIG. 2 represents a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention.
  • the storage box comprises a base 4 having a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7.
  • the bottom 5 comprises a housing 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of one or more probes 1 to store them in the box storage.
  • the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the base 4. The groove is centered relative to the center of the base 4 and along the side wall 6 of the base 4. Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
  • the base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 4, and opening into the housing 8.
  • the recesses 43 are located between the center of the base 4 and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the base. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.
  • the base comprises eight recesses 43.
  • the storage box comprises holding means able to block the probes 1 in the storage space 7 when the tips 2 of the probes 1 are inserted into their respective housings 8.
  • the storage box comprises a cover 9 able to close and clear the storage space 7.
  • the storage box has a circular section.
  • Other sections are also possible such as elliptical sections, for example.
  • the storage box comprises sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
  • These liquids may be reactive solutions for carrying out a chemical treatment on the probes 1.
  • Means for sealing the storage space 7 comprise a seal 15 disposed between the base 4 and the cover 9.
  • the seal 15 is an O-ring which is housed in a circular groove 21 formed in the side wall 6 of the base 4, on its upper part.
  • the cover 9 can be locked by screwing on the base 4.
  • the cover 9 can be locked on the base 4 by means of threaded rods screwed into threaded holes 23 provided in the side wall 6 of the base 4.
  • the threaded rods are able to pass through orifices 22 formed on the front cover 9 to reach base 4.
  • the threaded rods are three in number.
  • butterfly nuts for example, are attached to the threaded rods to lock the lid 9 against the probes.
  • the holding means are movable relative to the cover 9 between a locking position of the probes, and a release position of the probes.
  • the holding means can block the probes 1 by compressing them against the bottom 5 of the base 4.
  • the holding means are dissociated from the cover 9 and are independent of the latter.
  • the holding means can hold the probes 1 when the cover 9 is removed.
  • the holding means comprise a bearing element 10 cooperating with locking means.
  • the locking means exert a pressure on the support element 10, which transmits it to all the probes 1 to keep them locked against the bottom 5.
  • the support element 10 comprises a lower face 30 'which exerts a pressure on the upper face 20 of the probes 1, as represented in FIG.
  • the bearing element 10 may comprise a ring-shaped protuberance 10 'projecting from the lower face 30' of the bearing element 10.
  • the protuberance 10 ' is positioned at the periphery of the bearing element 10, and is intended to be in contact with the support 3 'of the probe 1.
  • the locking means comprise a screw 1 1 cooperating with a threaded hole 13 provided in the center of the base 4.
  • the support element 10 comprises an orifice 14 at its center.
  • the screw 1 1 is able to pass through the orifice 14 of the support element 10, and to screw into the threaded hole 13 of the base 4 to block the probes 1 between the support element 10 and the base 4.
  • the screw 1 1 comprises a threaded portion 31 and a head 32 which can be flat.
  • the bearing element 10 comprises an upper face 30 on which the head 32 of the screw 1 1 is pressed to exert pressure.
  • the threaded hole 13 of the base 4 and the orifice 14 of the support element 10 may not be centered relative to the storage box.
  • the support element 10 has a flat bearing surface.
  • the dimension of the support element 10 is adapted so that the latter can cover all the housing 8 of the base 4.
  • the diameter of the support element 10 is smaller and close to the diameter of the storage space 7 of the base 4.
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means consist of a material which does not present a risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment and cleaning liquids. of the probe.
  • the liquid contained in the AFM box is only in contact with the aforementioned material.
  • the materials suitable for the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means are chosen from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polytetrafluoroethylenes loaded with inert materials, and glass.
  • the inert materials are selected from glass, bronze, ceramics, ekonol, calcium fluoride, stainless steel, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), glass / MoS2 (commercial reference: “isoflon”).
  • the glass may be a pigmented glass, for example.
  • polytetrafluoroethylene may be charged with 5%, 15%, 25%, or 40% glass by weight.
  • the glass may be an aluminosilicate glass ("Goodfellow”), a borosilicate glass (“Vio-glasses”), silica or vycor (“Goodfellow”).
  • the material suitable for the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means may also be a copolymer of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) ("goodfellow"), or a copolymer of ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) (" Goodfellow ").
  • ETFE ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene
  • E-CTFE ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means may consist of a first material such as metal, plastic or a ceramic, for example, and completely covered by a layer of a second material such as PTFE or PTFE reinforced with the aforementioned inert material.
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means are composed of pure PTFE, that is to say that they are without additive or charge.
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means have the aforementioned characteristics.
  • the storage box comprises a filling and emptying orifice 16 of the liquid, and a closing means 12 able to close the filling and emptying orifice 16.
  • the closure means 12 is a PTFE stopper.
  • the liquid can be injected into the storage space 7, and drained from the latter through the filling and emptying orifice 16, by means of a syringe for example.
  • Figure 4 shows the base 4 of the storage box for AFM probes, seen from above.
  • Figure 5 shows the base of the storage box for AFM probes, viewed from the side.
  • the base 4 may have a diameter of 66 mm and a height of 33 mm.
  • the recesses 43 may have a width of 2 mm.
  • the storage space 7 may have a diameter of 41 mm.
  • the slot 8 in the form of a groove may have a width of 3 mm.
  • the inside diameter of the groove can be 35 mm and its outside diameter 41 mm.
  • the depth of the groove can be 0.2 mm.
  • FIG. 6 represents a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention.
  • the storage box is cylinder shaped but other shapes are also possible, such as an ovoid shape, for example.
  • the storage box comprises a base 4 comprising a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7.
  • the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the base 4.
  • the groove is centered relative to the center of the base 4 and along the side wall 6 of the base 4. Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
  • the base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 4, and opening into the housing 8.
  • the recesses 43 are located between the center of the base 4 and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the base. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.
  • the bottom 5 may comprise several housings 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of a probe 1 to store the probe 1 in the storage box.
  • the housings 8 are recesses or recesses of circular section formed in the bottom of the base. Other shapes are also possible for the cavities.
  • the dimension (diameter) of the housings 8 is greater than the dimension of the tip 2 of the probe 1, and close to it.
  • the depth of the housing 8 is such that almost the entire tip 2 can be inserted into it.
  • the distribution of dwellings 8 is varied.
  • the housings 8 may be equidistant from each other or be distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 5, for example.
  • the lower face 19 of the AFM probe 1 rests on the bottom 5 of the storage box.
  • the housings 8 are sufficiently spaced so that the probes 1 are not in contact with each other when they are stored in the storage box.
  • a storage box may include twenty housing 8, for example.
  • the housings 8 are evenly spaced and spaced in the bottom 5 of the base 4.
  • the holding means and the housings 8 are configured so that a liquid can come into contact with the probe tips inserted into the housing 8.
  • the housings 8 are wide enough to allow the liquid to pass.
  • the storage box comprises a cover 9 able to close and clear the storage space 7.
  • the storage box comprises holding means able to block the probes 1 in the storage space 7 when the tips of the probes 1 are positioned in their respective recesses 8.
  • the storage box also includes sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
  • the means for sealing the storage space 7 comprises a flat gasket disposed between the base 4 and the cover 9.
  • the cover 9 is configured to screw onto the base 4.
  • the cover 9 includes a side wall 26 having a threaded portion 27 within the cover 9, and at its lower end.
  • the cover 9 is screwed onto a threaded portion 28 of the side wall 6 of the base 4. This threaded portion 28 is positioned outside the base 4.
  • the seal 15 is compressed between the cover 9 and the base 4. More specifically, the seal 15 is compressed between an upper peripheral edge 24 of the side wall 6 of the base 4, and a lower peripheral edge 25 of the side wall of the lid 9.
  • the holding means are movable relative to the cover 9.
  • the holding means comprise a support element 10 cooperating with locking means so that the support element 10 is able to exert pressure on all the probes 1 to keep them locked against the bottom 5 the base 4.
  • the bearing element 10 has a flat bearing surface on its underside.
  • the dimension of the support element 10 is adapted so that the latter can cover all the housing 8 of the base 4.
  • the diameter of the bearing element 10 is close to the internal diameter of the base 4.
  • the bearing element 10 comprises a protrusion 17 projecting from its upper surface 30.
  • the cover 9 is able, when it is closed on the base 4, to exert pressure on the support element 10 by means of the protrusion 17, to completely block the probes against the bottom 5 of the base 4.
  • the cover 9 comprises an upper inner wall 29 provided with a recess 18 intended to receive the end of the protuberance 17 of the support element 10, in order to wedge the latter.
  • the protrusion 17 is positioned in the center of the support element 10, and the recess 18 is positioned in the center of the upper wall 29 of the cover 9.
  • the support element 10 is centered with respect to the base 4. It always occupies the same position in the base 4.
  • the support element 10 is screwed on the base 4.
  • it comprises a threaded side wall screwing on the side wall of the base which is also threaded.
  • the support element 10 comprises a threaded rod on its lower part which is screwed into a threaded hole formed in the bottom of the base 4.
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the support element 10 are made of a material that does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment liquids. and cleaning.
  • the base 4, the cover 9 and the support element 10 are made of the same materials as those mentioned in the first embodiment.
  • Figure 7 shows a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.
  • the storage box comprises a base 4 having a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7.
  • the bottom 5 comprises a housing 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of a probe 1 to store it in the storage box .
  • the base 4 comprises an outer body 4 ', and an inner body 4' movable relative to the outer body 4 '
  • the inner body 4' comprises the bottom 5 and the side wall 6 defining the storage space 7 of the base 4
  • the inner body 4 " is adapted to be housed in the outer body 4 'to form the base 4.
  • the outer body 4 ', and the inner body 4 "of the base 4 are distinct, unlike the examples of Figures 2 to 6 in which the outer body 4', and the inner body 4" form a single piece that is the base 4.
  • the outer body 4 ', and the inner body 4 "have a cylindrical section, and other shapes are possible.
  • the outer body 4 comprises a cavity 35 intended to receive the internal body 4 "
  • the cavity 35 is delimited by a side wall 36 and a bottom.
  • the storage box comprises locking means comprising a threaded rod 33 integral with the lower part of the bearing element 10.
  • the threaded rod 33 is able to be screwed into a threaded hole 13 'formed in the center of the internal body 4 "from the base 4.
  • the bearing element 10 has a stop 34 protruding from its upper surface 30.
  • the cover 9 is suitable when it is closed and when the threaded rod 33 is screwed into the threaded hole 13 'of the inner body 4 ", to exert pressure on the stop 34 to lock the inner body 4" in the outer body 4', and more precisely against the bottom 37 of the outer body 4 ', without possible game.
  • the support member 10 has the shape of a disc, and the stop 34 has a cylindrical shape. Other forms are possible.
  • the outer body 4 comprises sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
  • the means for sealing the storage space 7 comprise a seal 15 disposed between the outer body 4 'and the cover 9.
  • the seal 15 is an O-ring which is housed in a circular groove 21 formed in the side wall 36 of the outer body 4 ', on its upper part.
  • the cover 9 can be locked by screwing on the outer body 4 'of the base 4.
  • the cover 9 is locked on the outer body 4 'of the base 4 by means of threaded rods screwed into threaded holes 23 provided in the side wall 36 of the outer body 4' of the base 4, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the threaded rods are able to pass through holes 22 formed on the cover 9.
  • the threaded rods are three in number.
  • butterfly nuts for example, are attached to the threaded rods to lock the lid 9 against the outer body 4 'and against the upper face 40 of the stop 34.
  • the lid 9 comprises a filling and emptying orifice 16 of the liquid, and a closure means 12 able to close the filling and emptying orifice 16 in a sealed manner.
  • the closure means 12 is a threaded plug which can be tapered.
  • the external body 4 'and internal 4 "of the base 4, the cover 9, the holding means, and the cover 9 are made of a material which does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to treatment and cleaning liquids.
  • the entire storage box, except the seal 15, is made of a material as cited in the first embodiment.
  • the liquid can be injected into the storage space 7, and drained from the latter through the filling and emptying orifice 16, by means of a syringe for example.
  • the abutment 34 of the support member 10 comprises two flow grooves 41 on its upper face 40 which intersect to form a hollow intersection 42.
  • the inner body 4 "of the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the inner body 4".
  • the groove is centered with respect to the threaded hole 13 'and runs along the side wall 6 of the inner body 4 "Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
  • the inner body 4 "of the base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the threaded hole 13 'of the inner body 4" and opening into the groove.
  • the recesses 43 are located between the threaded hole 13 'and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the threaded hole 13 '. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage box for AFM probes (1) comprising a tip (2) arranged on a lever (3) secured to a support (3'), the said box comprising a base (4) having a bottom (5) and a side wall (6) delimiting a storage space (7), the said bottom (5) comprising at least one housing (8) capable of accepting the tip (2) of a probe (1). The box has a lid (9) able to close and open the said storage space (7) and retaining means capable of immobilizing the probes (1) in the storage space (7) when the tips of the probes (1) are positioned in their respective housings (8). According to the invention, the box comprises sealing means (15) for sealing the storage space (7) against liquids when the said storage space (7) is closed by the lid (9) and filled with a liquid.

Description

BOITE DE RANGEMENT POUR SONDES AFM  STORAGE BOX FOR AFM PROBES
L'invention se rapporte au domaine du conditionnement, du transport, du traitement de surface (chimique ou physique) et du nettoyage des sondes pour systèmes de microscopie à force atomique. The invention relates to the field of conditioning, transport, surface treatment (chemical or physical) and cleaning probes for atomic force microscopy systems.
L'invention concerne plus particulièrement une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM (Microscopie à Force Atomique).  The invention more particularly relates to a storage box for AFM probes (Atomic Force Microscopy).
Les sondes AFM comprennent une pointe disposée sur un levier (ou « cantilever »), lui-même fixé sur un support. Ces sondes sont fragiles et coûteuses.  The AFM probes comprise a tip disposed on a lever (or "cantilever"), itself fixed on a support. These probes are fragile and expensive.
Lorsqu'elles ne sont pas utilisées, les sondes AFM sont rangées dans des boîtes de transport ou des cassettes permettant de conditionner, et de transporter les sondes AFM sans risque de les détériorer.  When not in use, the AFM probes are stored in transport boxes or cassettes to condition and transport the AFM probes without the risk of damaging them.
On connaît des boîtes de transport en plastique possédant en leur fond une couche de polymère adhésif sous forme de gel. Cette couche de polymère adhésif est destinée à maintenir les sondes AFM.  There are known plastic transport boxes having at their bottom a layer of adhesive polymer in gel form. This adhesive polymer layer is intended to hold the AFM probes.
L'inconvénient de ces boîtes est que les sondes étant en contact avec le gel, il est souvent nécessaire de traiter la surface des pointes pour les nettoyer après leur conditionnement.  The disadvantage of these boxes is that since the probes are in contact with the gel, it is often necessary to treat the surface of the tips to clean them after their conditioning.
De plus, la présence de gel rend impossible le traitement physique ou chimique des sondes dans la boîte.  In addition, the presence of gel makes it impossible to physically or chemically treat the probes in the box.
Quant aux cassettes, elles sont destinées à être chargées dans des microscopes à force atomique afin d'alimenter ce dernier en sondes AFM.  As for the cassettes, they are intended to be loaded into atomic force microscopes in order to supply the latter with AFM probes.
On connaît, du document WO 2008/002922, une cassette en partie métallique qui comprend une base ayant plusieurs logements pour sondes AFM, et un couvercle destiné à recouvrir les sondes.  Document WO 2008/002922 discloses a cassette made partly of metal which comprises a base having a plurality of housings for AFM probes, and a cover intended to cover the probes.
Le couvercle comprend une série de lames parallèles qui ont pour fonction d'exercer une pression sur les sondes pour les bloquer dans leur logement lorsque le couvercle est fermé. Les lames parallèles sont en matériau conducteur, et de préférence en PTFE (polytétrafluoroéthyllène) carboné.  The lid includes a series of parallel blades which have the function of exerting a pressure on the probes to block them in their housing when the lid is closed. The parallel blades are made of conductive material, and preferably of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) carbon.
Néanmoins, ces cassettes de l'art antérieur sont uniquement destinées au chargement de sondes dans un microscope à force atomique, et ne permettent pas le transport des sondes en milieu liquide, ni le traitement chimique en milieu liquide de ces sondes.  Nevertheless, these cassettes of the prior art are only intended for the loading of probes in an atomic force microscope, and do not allow the transport of probes in a liquid medium, nor the chemical treatment in liquid medium of these probes.
Il existe donc un besoin dans l'état de la technique pour une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM permettant leur transport en milieu liquide, et l'application de traitements chimiques en milieu liquide sur ces sondes, sans risque de les détériorer.  There is therefore a need in the state of the art for a storage box for AFM probes for transporting them in a liquid medium, and the application of chemical treatments in liquid medium on these probes, without the risk of damaging them.
Une telle boîte de rangement est fournie selon l'invention. Le demandeur s'est attaché à la mise au point d'une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM comprenant une pointe disposée sur un levier solidaire d'un support. La boîte comprend : Such a storage box is provided according to the invention. The applicant has focused on the development of a storage box for AFM probes comprising a tip disposed on a lever secured to a support. The box includes:
- une base comportant un fond et une paroi latérale délimitant un espace de rangement, ledit fond comprenant au moins un logement apte à recevoir la pointe d'une sonde,  a base comprising a bottom and a side wall delimiting a storage space, said bottom comprising at least one housing adapted to receive the tip of a probe,
- un couvercle apte à fermer et à dégager ledit espace de rangement, a cover able to close and disengage said storage space,
- des moyens de maintien aptes à bloquer les sondes dans l'espace de rangement lorsque les pointes des sondes sont positionnées dans leurs logements respectifs. - Holding means able to block the probes in the storage space when the tips of the probes are positioned in their respective housings.
Selon l'invention, la boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM comprend des moyens d'étanchéité pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement aux liquides lorsque ledit espace de rangement est fermé par le couvercle et rempli d'un liquide.  According to the invention, the storage box for AFM probes comprises sealing means for sealing the liquid storage space when said storage space is closed by the lid and filled with a liquid.
Ainsi, l'invention fournit une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM permettant le transport des sondes en milieu liquide, et l'application de traitements chimiques en milieu liquide sur ces sondes.  Thus, the invention provides a storage box for AFM probes for transporting probes in a liquid medium, and the application of chemical treatments in liquid medium on these probes.
Il est également possible de stocker et transporter les sondes sur de longues distances sans risque de les endommager.  It is also possible to store and transport the probes over long distances without risk of damaging them.
L'étanchéité de la boîte de rangement permet également d'éviter la contamination des sondes par des polluants extérieurs (air par exemple).  The tightness of the storage box also makes it possible to avoid contamination of the probes by external pollutants (air for example).
L'utilisation d'un liquide permet d'éviter la formation de charges électrostatiques. Dans différents modes de réalisation possibles, la présente invention concerne également les caractéristiques suivantes qui pourront être considérées isolément ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniquement possibles et apportent chacune des avantages spécifiques :  The use of a liquid makes it possible to avoid the formation of electrostatic charges. In various possible embodiments, the present invention also relates to the following features which may be considered individually or in all their technically possible combinations and each bring specific advantages:
- les moyens de maintien sont mobiles par rapport au couvercle ; - The holding means are movable relative to the lid;
Ainsi, les sondes pouvant être maintenues fixées lorsque le couvercle est ouvert, il est possible d'appliquer simultanément sur plusieurs pointes de sonde le même traitement physique (plasma, UV/ozone, dépôts métalliques) ou le même traitement chimique en milieu liquide (oxydation, greffage, ...). Il est possible de nettoyer toutes les sondes à la fois par des solutions réactives pour éliminer les contaminants. Thus, the probes can be held fixed when the lid is open, it is possible to apply simultaneously on several probe tips the same physical treatment (plasma, UV / ozone, metal deposits) or the same chemical treatment in liquid medium (oxidation , grafting, ...). It is possible to clean all probes at once with reactive solutions to remove contaminants.
- la base, le couvercle et les moyens de maintien sont constitués d'un matériau qui ne présente pas de risque de contamination de la pointe de la sonde AFM, et qui est inerte vis-à-vis des liquides de traitement et de nettoyage des sondes ;  the base, the cover and the holding means consist of a material which does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment and cleaning liquids of the probes;
- les matériaux convenant pour la base, le couvercle et les moyens de maintien sont choisis parmi le polytétrafluoroéthyllène (PTFE), et les polytétrafluoroéthyllènes chargés de matériaux inertes ; - les matériaux inertes sont choisis parmi le verre, le bronze, le bronze/graphite, les céramiques, l'ekonol, le fluorure de calcium, l'inox, le bisulfure de molybdène (MoS2), le verre/MoS2. the materials suitable for the base, the lid and the holding means are chosen from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polytetrafluoroethylenes loaded with inert materials; the inert materials are chosen from glass, bronze, bronze / graphite, ceramics, ekonol, calcium fluoride, stainless steel, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), glass / MoS 2 .
Ainsi l'invention permet d'éviter la contamination des sondes par des polluants provenant des matériaux constituant la boîte de rangement, lorsqu'une solution liquide est utilisée. Ces polluants peuvent être du carbone, par exemple, lorsque les boîtes de rangement de l'art antérieur sont en PTFE carboné. Le carbone se mélange au liquide puis contamine les sondes. Les polluants peuvent être dus au métal lorsque la boîte de rangement de l'art antérieur comprend des parties métalliques.  Thus, the invention makes it possible to prevent the pollutants from contaminating the probes from the materials constituting the storage box, when a liquid solution is used. These pollutants may be carbon, for example, when the storage boxes of the prior art are made of carbon-based PTFE. The carbon mixes with the liquid and then contaminates the probes. Pollutants can be due to metal when the prior art storage box includes metal parts.
Les polluants peuvent être dus aux résidus du gel polymère lorsque du gel est utilisé dans les boîtes de rangement de l'art antérieur. Ces résidus se présentent sous forme solide ou gazeuse et proviennent de la dépolymérisation du gel. Les polluants peuvent être également dus à toute poussière ou dépôts non désirés.  The pollutants may be due to the polymer gel residues when gel is used in the prior art storage boxes. These residues are in solid or gaseous form and come from the depolymerization of the gel. Pollutants can also be due to any unwanted dust or deposits.
La boîte de rangement est inerte vis-à-vis des sondes et des liquides, et peut être lavée drastiquement avec une solution réactive (par exemple mélange H2S04/H202, mélange HCI/HN03, solutions tensioactives à base d'alkylbenzenesulfonates) pour garantir une absence de contaminants, ce qui n'est pas possible avec les boîtes de rangement de l'art antérieur comprenant du métal ou du gel à base de polymère. The storage box is inert with respect to the probes and the liquids, and can be washed drastically with a reactive solution (for example a mixture of H 2 S0 4 / H 2 O 2 , mixture HCl / HNO 3 , surfactant solutions based on alkylbenzenesulfonates) to ensure absence of contaminants, which is not possible with the prior art storage boxes comprising polymer-based metal or gel.
- les moyens de maintien comprennent un élément d'appui coopérant avec des moyens de blocage de façon à ce que ledit élément d'appui soit apte à exercer une pression sur la totalité des sondes pour les maintenir bloquées contre le fond de la base, l'élément d'appui présentant une surface d'appui plane, et la dimension de l'élément d'appui étant adaptée pour que ce dernier puisse recouvrir la totalité des logements de la base ; - l'élément d'appui présentant une surface supérieure, l'élément d'appui est muni d'une protubérance faisant saillie sur ladite surface supérieure, le couvercle étant apte, lorsqu'il est refermé, à exercer une pression sur ledit élément d'appui par intermédiaire de ladite protubérance, pour bloquer les sondes contre le fond de la base ;  the holding means comprise a support element cooperating with locking means so that said support element is able to exert pressure on all the probes to keep them locked against the bottom of the base, support element having a flat bearing surface, and the dimension of the support element being adapted so that the latter can cover all of the housing of the base; the support element having an upper surface, the support element is provided with a protrusion projecting from the said upper surface, the cover being adapted, when closed, to exert pressure on the said element; support via said protrusion, to block the probes against the bottom of the base;
- les moyens de blocage comprennent une vis coopérant avec un trou fileté formé au centre de la base, l'élément d'appui présentant un orifice en son centre, la vis étant apte à traverser l'orifice de l'élément d'appui et à se visser dans le trou fileté de la base pour bloquer les sondes entre l'élément d'appui et la base ;  the locking means comprise a screw cooperating with a threaded hole formed in the center of the base, the support element having an orifice at its center, the screw being able to pass through the orifice of the support element and to screw into the threaded hole of the base to block the probes between the support member and the base;
- la base comporte un corps externe, et un corps interne mobile par rapport au corps externe, ledit corps interne comportant ledit fond et ladite paroi latérale délimitant l'espace de rangement de la base, et étant apte à se loger dans ledit corps externe pour former la base ; Ainsi, le corps interne contenant des sondes peut être retiré alors que le corps externe comprend encore du liquide. the base comprises an outer body, and an inner body movable relative to the outer body, said inner body comprising said bottom and said lateral wall delimiting the storage space of the base, and being able to be housed in said outer body to form the base; Thus, the inner body containing probes can be removed while the outer body still comprises liquid.
- les moyens de blocage comportent une tige filetée solidaire de la partie inférieure de l'élément d'appui, ladite tige filetée étant apte à se visser dans un trou fileté formé au centre du corps interne de la base, l'élément d'appui comportant une butée faisant saillie sur sa surface supérieure, le couvercle étant apte, lorsqu'il est refermé et lorsque la tige filetée est vissée dans le trou fileté du corps interne, à exercer une pression sur ladite butée pour bloquer le corps interne contre le corps externe ;  the locking means comprise a threaded rod integral with the lower part of the support element, said threaded rod being able to be screwed into a threaded hole formed in the center of the internal body of the base, the support element having a stop protruding from its upper surface, the cover being adapted, when closed and when the threaded rod is screwed into the threaded hole of the inner body, to exert pressure on said stop to lock the inner body against the body external ;
- les moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement comprennent un joint disposé entre la base et le couvercle ;  - The means for sealing the storage space comprises a seal disposed between the base and the lid;
- la boîte de rangement comprend un orifice de remplissage et de vidange du liquide, et un moyen de fermeture apte à obturer ledit orifice de remplissage et de vidange.  - The storage box comprises a filling and draining orifice of the liquid, and a closing means adapted to close said filling and emptying orifice.
L'invention sera décrite plus en détail en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- la figure 1 représente une sonde AFM connue ;  FIG. 1 represents a known AFM probe;
- la figure 2 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM en vue éclatée, selon un premier mode de réalisation possible de l'invention ;  FIG. 2 represents a storage box for AFM probes in exploded view, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 3 représente un exemple d'élément d'appui ;  FIG. 3 represents an exemplary support element;
- la figure 4 représente la base de la boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM, vue de dessus ;  FIG. 4 represents the base of the storage box for AFM probes, viewed from above;
- la figure 5 représente la base de la boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM, vue de côté ;  FIG. 5 represents the base of the storage box for AFM probes, seen from the side;
- la figure 6 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM démontée, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation possible de l'invention ;  FIG. 6 represents a storage box for dismounted AFM probes, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 7 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM en vue éclatée, selon un troisième mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.  - Figure 7 shows a storage box for AFM probes in exploded view, according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.
La figure 1 représente une sonde AFM 1 connue comprenant une pointe 2 disposée sur un levier 3, lui-même solidaire d'un support 3'. La sonde AFM 1 comprend une face inférieure 19 sur laquelle est disposée la pointe 2, et une face supérieure 20 sans pointe.  FIG. 1 represents a known AFM probe 1 comprising a tip 2 disposed on a lever 3, itself secured to a support 3 '. The AFM probe 1 comprises a lower face 19 on which the tip 2 is disposed, and an upper surface 20 without a tip.
La figure 2 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM 1 , selon un premier mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.  FIG. 2 represents a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention.
La boîte de rangement comprend une base 4 comportant un fond 5 et une paroi latérale 6 délimitant un espace de rangement 7. Le fond 5 comprend un logement 8 apte à recevoir la pointe 2 d'une ou plusieurs sondes 1 pour les ranger dans la boîte de rangement. Dans l'exemple de la figure 2, la base 4 comprend un seul logement 8 formé d'une gorge circulaire creusée dans le fond 5 de la base 4. La gorge est centrée par rapport au centre de la base 4 et longe la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4. Sa profondeur et sa largeur sont adaptées aux dimensions de la pointe 2 des sondes. The storage box comprises a base 4 having a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7. The bottom 5 comprises a housing 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of one or more probes 1 to store them in the box storage. In the example of Figure 2, the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the base 4. The groove is centered relative to the center of the base 4 and along the side wall 6 of the base 4. Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
La base 4 comprend des évidements 43 répartis circonférentiellement autour du centre de la base 4, et débouchant dans le logement 8. Les évidements 43 sont localisés entre le centre de la base 4 et la gorge. Ils présentent une forme allongée et s'étendent selon des portions de rayon passant par le centre de la base. Ils ont des dimensions adaptées pour recevoir le reste de la sonde formé du levier 3 et du support 3'. La face inférieure 19 de chaque sonde repose dans un des évidements 43.  The base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 4, and opening into the housing 8. The recesses 43 are located between the center of the base 4 and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the base. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.
Dans l'exemple des figures 2 à 5, la base comprend huit évidements 43.  In the example of FIGS. 2 to 5, the base comprises eight recesses 43.
La boîte de rangement comprend des moyens de maintien aptes à bloquer les sondes 1 dans l'espace de rangement 7 lorsque les pointes 2 des sondes 1 sont insérées dans leurs logements 8 respectifs.  The storage box comprises holding means able to block the probes 1 in the storage space 7 when the tips 2 of the probes 1 are inserted into their respective housings 8.
La boîte de rangement comprend un couvercle 9 apte à fermer et à dégager l'espace de rangement 7.  The storage box comprises a cover 9 able to close and clear the storage space 7.
Dans les exemples des figures 2 à 7, la boîte de rangement présente une section circulaire. D'autres sections sont également possibles comme des sections elliptiques, par exemple.  In the examples of Figures 2 to 7, the storage box has a circular section. Other sections are also possible such as elliptical sections, for example.
La boîte de rangement comprend des moyens d'étanchéité 15 pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement 7 aux liquides lorsque l'espace de rangement 7 est fermé par le couvercle 9 et rempli d'un liquide.  The storage box comprises sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
Ces liquides peuvent être des solutions réactives permettant de réaliser un traitement chimique sur les sondes 1 .  These liquids may be reactive solutions for carrying out a chemical treatment on the probes 1.
Les moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité 15 de l'espace de rangement 7 comprennent un joint 15 disposé entre la base 4 et le couvercle 9.  Means for sealing the storage space 7 comprise a seal 15 disposed between the base 4 and the cover 9.
Le mode de réalisation des figures 2 à 5 est décrit en détail ci-dessous.  The embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 is described in detail below.
Le joint 15 est un joint torique qui est logé dans une gorge 21 circulaire formée dans la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4, sur sa partie supérieure.  The seal 15 is an O-ring which is housed in a circular groove 21 formed in the side wall 6 of the base 4, on its upper part.
Lorsque le couvercle 9 est fermé, ce dernier compresse le joint contre la base 4, assurant l'étanchéité de la boîte de rangement aux liquides.  When the lid 9 is closed, it compresses the seal against the base 4, sealing the liquid storage box.
Le couvercle 9 peut être verrouillé en se vissant sur la base 4.  The cover 9 can be locked by screwing on the base 4.
Alternativement, le couvercle 9 peut être verrouillé sur la base 4 au moyen de tiges filetées vissées dans des trous filetés 23 prévus dans la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4. Les tiges filetées sont aptes à traverser des orifices 22 formés sur le couvercle 9 avant d'atteindre la base 4.  Alternatively, the cover 9 can be locked on the base 4 by means of threaded rods screwed into threaded holes 23 provided in the side wall 6 of the base 4. The threaded rods are able to pass through orifices 22 formed on the front cover 9 to reach base 4.
De préférence, les tiges filetées sont au nombre de trois. Lorsque les tiges filetées sont insérées dans les orifices 22 du couvercle 9, des écrous papillon, par exemple, sont visés sur les tiges filetées pour bloquer le couvercle 9 contre les sondes. Les moyens de maintien sont mobiles par rapport au couvercle 9 entre une position de blocage des sondes, et une position de dégagement des sondes. Preferably, the threaded rods are three in number. When the threaded rods are inserted into the orifices 22 of the lid 9, butterfly nuts, for example, are attached to the threaded rods to lock the lid 9 against the probes. The holding means are movable relative to the cover 9 between a locking position of the probes, and a release position of the probes.
Les moyens de maintien peuvent bloquer les sondes 1 en les comprimant contre le fond 5 de la base 4.  The holding means can block the probes 1 by compressing them against the bottom 5 of the base 4.
Les moyens de maintien sont dissociés du couvercle 9 et sont indépendants de ce dernier.  The holding means are dissociated from the cover 9 and are independent of the latter.
Les moyens de maintien peuvent maintenir les sondes 1 lorsque le couvercle 9 est retiré.  The holding means can hold the probes 1 when the cover 9 is removed.
Les moyens de maintien comprennent un élément d'appui 10 coopérant avec des moyens de blocage. Les moyens de blocage exercent une pression sur l'élément d'appui 10, qui la transmet à la totalité des sondes 1 pour les maintenir bloquées contre le fond 5.  The holding means comprise a bearing element 10 cooperating with locking means. The locking means exert a pressure on the support element 10, which transmits it to all the probes 1 to keep them locked against the bottom 5.
Plus précisément, l'élément d'appui 10 comprend une face inférieure 30' qui exerce une pression sur la face supérieure 20 des sondes 1 , comme représenté sur la figure 3.  More specifically, the support element 10 comprises a lower face 30 'which exerts a pressure on the upper face 20 of the probes 1, as represented in FIG.
L'élément d'appui 10 peut comprendre une protubérance en forme d'anneau 10' faisant saillie sur la face inférieure 30' de l'élément d'appui 10. La protubérance 10' est positionnée en périphérie de l'élément d'appui 10, et est destinée à être en contact avec le support 3' de la sonde 1 .  The bearing element 10 may comprise a ring-shaped protuberance 10 'projecting from the lower face 30' of the bearing element 10. The protuberance 10 'is positioned at the periphery of the bearing element 10, and is intended to be in contact with the support 3 'of the probe 1.
Les moyens de blocage comprennent une vis 1 1 coopérant avec un trou fileté 13 prévu au centre de la base 4. L'élément d'appui 10 comprend un orifice 14 en son centre. La vis 1 1 est apte à traverser l'orifice 14 de l'élément d'appui 10, et à se visser dans le trou fileté 13 de la base 4 pour bloquer les sondes 1 entre l'élément d'appui 10 et la base 4.  The locking means comprise a screw 1 1 cooperating with a threaded hole 13 provided in the center of the base 4. The support element 10 comprises an orifice 14 at its center. The screw 1 1 is able to pass through the orifice 14 of the support element 10, and to screw into the threaded hole 13 of the base 4 to block the probes 1 between the support element 10 and the base 4.
La vis 1 1 comprend une partie filetée 31 et une tête 32 qui peut être plate.  The screw 1 1 comprises a threaded portion 31 and a head 32 which can be flat.
L'élément d'appui 10 comprend une face supérieure 30 sur laquelle vient s'appuyer la tête 32 de la vis 1 1 pour y exercer une pression.  The bearing element 10 comprises an upper face 30 on which the head 32 of the screw 1 1 is pressed to exert pressure.
Alternativement, le trou fileté 13 de la base 4 et l'orifice 14 de l'élément d'appui 10 peuvent ne pas être centrés par rapport à la boîte de rangement.  Alternatively, the threaded hole 13 of the base 4 and the orifice 14 of the support element 10 may not be centered relative to the storage box.
L'élément d'appui 10 présente une surface d'appui plane. La dimension de l'élément d'appui 10 est adaptée pour que ce dernier puisse recouvrir tous les logements 8 de la base 4.  The support element 10 has a flat bearing surface. The dimension of the support element 10 is adapted so that the latter can cover all the housing 8 of the base 4.
Le diamètre de l'élément d'appui 10 est inférieur et proche du diamètre de l'espace de rangement 7 de la base 4.  The diameter of the support element 10 is smaller and close to the diameter of the storage space 7 of the base 4.
La base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien sont constitués d'un matériau qui ne présente pas de risque de contamination de la pointe de la sonde AFM, et qui est inerte vis-à-vis des liquides de traitement et de nettoyage de la sonde. Le liquide contenu dans la boîte AFM est uniquement en contact avec le matériau précité. Les matériaux convenant pour la base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien sont choisis parmi le polytétrafluoroéthyllène (PTFE), les polytétrafluoroéthyllènes chargés de matériaux inertes, et le verre. The base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means consist of a material which does not present a risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment and cleaning liquids. of the probe. The liquid contained in the AFM box is only in contact with the aforementioned material. The materials suitable for the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means are chosen from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polytetrafluoroethylenes loaded with inert materials, and glass.
Les matériaux inertes sont choisis parmi le verre, le bronze, une céramique, l'ekonol, le fluorure de calcium, l'inox, le bisulfure de molybdène (MoS2), le verre/MoS2 (référence commerciale : « isoflon »).  The inert materials are selected from glass, bronze, ceramics, ekonol, calcium fluoride, stainless steel, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), glass / MoS2 (commercial reference: "isoflon").
Le verre peut être un verre pigmenté, par exemple.  The glass may be a pigmented glass, for example.
A titre d'exemple, le polytétrafluoroéthylène peut être chargé de 5%, 15%, 25%, ou 40% de verre en poids.  For example, polytetrafluoroethylene may be charged with 5%, 15%, 25%, or 40% glass by weight.
Le verre peut être un verre aluminosilicate (« Goodfellow »), un verre borosilicaté (« Vio-verres »), de la silice ou du vycor (« Goodfellow »).  The glass may be an aluminosilicate glass ("Goodfellow"), a borosilicate glass ("Vio-glasses"), silica or vycor ("Goodfellow").
Le matériau convenant pour la base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien peut être également un copolymère d' éthylène-tetrafluoroéthylène (ETFE) (« goodfellow »), ou un copolymère d'éthylène-chlorotrifluoroéthylène (E-CTFE) (« Goodfellow »).  The material suitable for the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means may also be a copolymer of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) ("goodfellow"), or a copolymer of ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE) (" Goodfellow ").
Selon une autre variante, la base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien peuvent être constitués d'un premier matériau tel du métal, du plastique ou une céramique, par exemple, et recouvert complètement par une couche d'un deuxième matériau tel le PTFE ou le PTFE renforcé par le matériau inerte précité.  According to another variant, the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means may consist of a first material such as metal, plastic or a ceramic, for example, and completely covered by a layer of a second material such as PTFE or PTFE reinforced with the aforementioned inert material.
De manière préférée, la base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien sont composés de PTFE pur, c'est-à-dire qu'ils sont sans additif, ni charge.  Preferably, the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means are composed of pure PTFE, that is to say that they are without additive or charge.
Ceci permet d'éviter la contamination du liquide puis des sondes par des polluants provenant de la boîte de rangement.  This prevents contamination of the liquid and probes by pollutants from the storage box.
Dans les modes de réalisation qui suivent, la base 4, le couvercle 9 et les moyens de maintien présentent les caractéristiques précitées.  In the following embodiments, the base 4, the cover 9 and the holding means have the aforementioned characteristics.
La boîte de rangement comprend un orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16 du liquide, et un moyen de fermeture 12 apte à obturer l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16.  The storage box comprises a filling and emptying orifice 16 of the liquid, and a closing means 12 able to close the filling and emptying orifice 16.
Le moyen de fermeture 12 est un bouchon en PTFE. Le liquide peut être injecté dans l'espace de rangement 7, et vidangé de ce dernier à travers l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16, au moyen d'une seringue par exemple.  The closure means 12 is a PTFE stopper. The liquid can be injected into the storage space 7, and drained from the latter through the filling and emptying orifice 16, by means of a syringe for example.
La figure 4 représente la base 4 de la boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM, vue de dessus.  Figure 4 shows the base 4 of the storage box for AFM probes, seen from above.
La figure 5 représente la base de la boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM, vue de côté.  Figure 5 shows the base of the storage box for AFM probes, viewed from the side.
Des dimensions sont données à titre d'exemple. La base 4 peut présenter un diamètre de 66 mm, et une hauteur de 33 mm. Les évidements 43 peuvent avoir une largeur de 2 mm. L'espace de rangement 7 peut avoir un diamètre de 41 mm. Le logement 8 en forme de gorge peut avoir une largeur de 3 mm. Le diamètre intérieur de la gorge peut être de 35 mm et son diamètre extérieur de 41 mm. La profondeur de la gorge peut être de 0,2 mm. Dimensions are given as an example. The base 4 may have a diameter of 66 mm and a height of 33 mm. The recesses 43 may have a width of 2 mm. The storage space 7 may have a diameter of 41 mm. The slot 8 in the form of a groove may have a width of 3 mm. The inside diameter of the groove can be 35 mm and its outside diameter 41 mm. The depth of the groove can be 0.2 mm.
La figure 6 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM 1 , selon un deuxième mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.  FIG. 6 represents a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention.
La boîte de rangement est de forme cylindre mais d'autres formes sont également possibles, comme une forme ovoïde, par exemple.  The storage box is cylinder shaped but other shapes are also possible, such as an ovoid shape, for example.
La boîte de rangement comprend une base 4 comprenant un fond 5 et une paroi latérale 6 délimitant un espace de rangement 7.  The storage box comprises a base 4 comprising a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7.
Dans l'exemple de la figure 6, la base 4 comprend un seul logement 8 formé d'une gorge circulaire creusée dans le fond 5 de la base 4. La gorge est centrée par rapport au centre de la base 4 et longe la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4. Sa profondeur et sa largeur sont adaptées aux dimensions de la pointe 2 des sondes.  In the example of Figure 6, the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the base 4. The groove is centered relative to the center of the base 4 and along the side wall 6 of the base 4. Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
La base 4 comprend des évidements 43 répartis circonférentiellement autour du centre de la base 4, et débouchant dans le logement 8. Les évidements 43 sont localisés entre le centre de la base 4 et la gorge. Ils présentent une forme allongée et s'étendent selon des portions de rayon passant par le centre de la base. Ils ont des dimensions adaptées pour recevoir le reste de la sonde formé du levier 3 et du support 3'. La face inférieure 19 de chaque sonde repose dans un des évidements 43.  The base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 4, and opening into the housing 8. The recesses 43 are located between the center of the base 4 and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the base. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation possible, le fond 5 peut comprendre plusieurs logements 8 aptes à recevoir la pointe 2 d'une sonde 1 pour ranger la sonde 1 dans la boîte de rangement.  According to another possible embodiment, the bottom 5 may comprise several housings 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of a probe 1 to store the probe 1 in the storage box.
Selon ce mode de réalisation, les logements 8 sont des cavités ou des évidements de section circulaire formés dans le fond de la base. D'autres formes sont également possibles pour les cavités.  According to this embodiment, the housings 8 are recesses or recesses of circular section formed in the bottom of the base. Other shapes are also possible for the cavities.
La dimension (diamètre) des logements 8 est supérieure à la dimension de la pointe 2 de la sonde 1 , et proche de celle-ci.  The dimension (diameter) of the housings 8 is greater than the dimension of the tip 2 of the probe 1, and close to it.
La profondeur des logements 8 est telle que quasiment toute la pointe 2 peut être insérée dedans.  The depth of the housing 8 is such that almost the entire tip 2 can be inserted into it.
La répartition des logements 8 est variée. Les logements 8 peuvent être équidistants les uns des autres ou être répartis circonférentiellement autour du centre de la base 5, par exemple.  The distribution of dwellings 8 is varied. The housings 8 may be equidistant from each other or be distributed circumferentially around the center of the base 5, for example.
Lorsqu'une pointe 2 est insérée dans un des logements 8, la face inférieure 19 de la sonde AFM 1 repose sur le fond 5 de la boîte de rangement.  When a tip 2 is inserted into one of the housings 8, the lower face 19 of the AFM probe 1 rests on the bottom 5 of the storage box.
Les logements 8 sont suffisamment espacés de façon à ce que les sondes 1 ne soient pas en contact les unes aux autres lorsqu'elles sont rangées dans la boîte de rangement.  The housings 8 are sufficiently spaced so that the probes 1 are not in contact with each other when they are stored in the storage box.
Une boîte de rangement peut comprendre une vingtaine de logements 8, par exemple.  A storage box may include twenty housing 8, for example.
Les logements 8 sont régulièrement répartis et espacés dans le fond 5 de la base 4. Les moyens de maintien et les logements 8 sont configurés pour qu'un liquide puisse venir en contact avec les pointes de sondes insérées dans le logement 8. Les logements 8 sont suffisamment larges pour laisser passer le liquide. The housings 8 are evenly spaced and spaced in the bottom 5 of the base 4. The holding means and the housings 8 are configured so that a liquid can come into contact with the probe tips inserted into the housing 8. The housings 8 are wide enough to allow the liquid to pass.
La boîte de rangement comprend un couvercle 9 apte à fermer et à dégager l'espace de rangement 7.  The storage box comprises a cover 9 able to close and clear the storage space 7.
La boîte de rangement comprend des moyens de maintien aptes à bloquer les sondes 1 dans l'espace de rangement 7 lorsque les pointes des sondes 1 sont positionnées dans leurs logements 8 respectifs.  The storage box comprises holding means able to block the probes 1 in the storage space 7 when the tips of the probes 1 are positioned in their respective recesses 8.
La boîte de rangement comprend également des moyens d'étanchéité 15 pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement 7 aux liquides lorsque l'espace de rangement 7 est fermé par le couvercle 9 et rempli d'un liquide.  The storage box also includes sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
Les moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité 15 de l'espace de rangement 7 comprennent un joint 15 plat disposé entre la base 4 et le couvercle 9.  The means for sealing the storage space 7 comprises a flat gasket disposed between the base 4 and the cover 9.
Le couvercle 9 est configuré pour se visser sur la base 4. Le couvercle 9 comprend une paroi latérale 26 ayant une partie filetée 27 à l'intérieure du couvercle 9, et au niveau de son extrémité inférieure.  The cover 9 is configured to screw onto the base 4. The cover 9 includes a side wall 26 having a threaded portion 27 within the cover 9, and at its lower end.
Le couvercle 9 se visse sur une partie filetée 28 de la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4. Cette partie filetée 28 est positionnée à l'extérieur de la base 4.  The cover 9 is screwed onto a threaded portion 28 of the side wall 6 of the base 4. This threaded portion 28 is positioned outside the base 4.
Lorsque le couvercle 9 est vissé sur la base 4, le joint 15 se retrouve compressé entre le couvercle 9 et la base 4. Plus précisément, le joint 15 est compressé entre un bord périphérique supérieur 24 de la paroi latérale 6 de la base 4, et un bord périphérique inférieur 25 de la paroi latérale du couvercle 9.  When the cover 9 is screwed on the base 4, the seal 15 is compressed between the cover 9 and the base 4. More specifically, the seal 15 is compressed between an upper peripheral edge 24 of the side wall 6 of the base 4, and a lower peripheral edge 25 of the side wall of the lid 9.
Les moyens de maintien sont mobiles par rapport au couvercle 9.  The holding means are movable relative to the cover 9.
Les moyens de maintien comprennent un élément d'appui 10 coopérant avec des moyens de blocage de façon à ce que l'élément d'appui 10 soit apte à exercer une pression sur la totalité des sondes 1 pour les maintenir bloquées contre le fond 5 de la base 4.  The holding means comprise a support element 10 cooperating with locking means so that the support element 10 is able to exert pressure on all the probes 1 to keep them locked against the bottom 5 the base 4.
L'élément d'appui 10 présente une surface d'appui plane sur sa face inférieure. La dimension de l'élément d'appui 10 est adaptée pour que ce dernier puisse recouvrir tous les logements 8 de la base 4.  The bearing element 10 has a flat bearing surface on its underside. The dimension of the support element 10 is adapted so that the latter can cover all the housing 8 of the base 4.
Le diamètre de l'élément d'appui 10 est proche du diamètre interne de la base 4. The diameter of the bearing element 10 is close to the internal diameter of the base 4.
Lorsque l'élément d'appui 10 recouvre la face supérieure 20 des sondes 1 , c'est-à- dire lorsqu'il est position de blocage, son poids permet de maintenir les sondes 1 partiellement bloquées contre le fond 5 de la base 4. When the support element 10 covers the upper face 20 of the probes 1, that is to say when it is locked position, its weight makes it possible to keep the probes 1 partially blocked against the bottom 5 of the base 4 .
L'élément d'appui 10 comprend une protubérance 17 faisant saillie sur sa surface supérieure 30. Le couvercle 9 est apte, lorsqu'il est refermé sur la base 4, à exercer une pression sur l'élément d'appui 10 par intermédiaire de la protubérance 17, pour bloquer complètement les sondes contre le fond 5 de la base 4. Avantageusement, le couvercle 9 comprend une paroi intérieure supérieure 29 munie d'un évidement 18 destiné à recevoir l'extrémité de la protubérance 17 de l'élément d'appui 10, afin de caler ce dernier. The bearing element 10 comprises a protrusion 17 projecting from its upper surface 30. The cover 9 is able, when it is closed on the base 4, to exert pressure on the support element 10 by means of the protrusion 17, to completely block the probes against the bottom 5 of the base 4. Advantageously, the cover 9 comprises an upper inner wall 29 provided with a recess 18 intended to receive the end of the protuberance 17 of the support element 10, in order to wedge the latter.
La protubérance 17 est positionnée au centre de l'élément d'appui 10, et l'évidement 18 est positionné au centre de la paroi supérieur 29 du couvercle 9.  The protrusion 17 is positioned in the center of the support element 10, and the recess 18 is positioned in the center of the upper wall 29 of the cover 9.
Ainsi, lorsque le couvercle est fermé, l'élément d'appui 10 est centré par rapport à la base 4. Il occupe toujours la même position dans la base 4.  Thus, when the lid is closed, the support element 10 is centered with respect to the base 4. It always occupies the same position in the base 4.
De préférence, l'élément d'appui 10 se visse sur la base 4. Pour cela, il comprend une paroi latérale filetée se vissant sur la paroi latérale de la base qui est également filetée.  Preferably, the support element 10 is screwed on the base 4. For this, it comprises a threaded side wall screwing on the side wall of the base which is also threaded.
Alternativement, l'élément d'appui 10 comprend une tige filetée sur sa partie inférieure qui se visse dans un trou fileté formé dans le fond de la base 4.  Alternatively, the support element 10 comprises a threaded rod on its lower part which is screwed into a threaded hole formed in the bottom of the base 4.
La base 4, le couvercle 9 et l'élément d'appui 10 sont constitués d'un matériau qui ne présente pas de risque de contamination de la pointe de la sonde AFM, et qui est inerte vis-à-vis des liquides de traitement et de nettoyage. La base 4, le couvercle 9 et l'élément d'appui 10 sont constitués des mêmes matériaux que ceux cités dans le premier mode de réalisation.  The base 4, the cover 9 and the support element 10 are made of a material that does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to the treatment liquids. and cleaning. The base 4, the cover 9 and the support element 10 are made of the same materials as those mentioned in the first embodiment.
La figure 7 représente une boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM 1 , selon un troisième mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.  Figure 7 shows a storage box for AFM probes 1, according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.
La boîte de rangement comprend une base 4 comportant un fond 5 et une paroi latérale 6 délimitant un espace de rangement 7. Le fond 5 comprend un logement 8 apte à recevoir la pointe 2 d'une sonde 1 pour la ranger dans la boîte de rangement.  The storage box comprises a base 4 having a bottom 5 and a side wall 6 defining a storage space 7. The bottom 5 comprises a housing 8 adapted to receive the tip 2 of a probe 1 to store it in the storage box .
La base 4 comporte un corps externe 4', et un corps interne 4" mobile par rapport au corps externe 4'. Le corps interne 4" comporte le fond 5 et la paroi latérale 6 délimitant l'espace de rangement 7 de la base 4. Le corps interne 4" est apte à se loger dans le corps externe 4' pour former la base 4.  The base 4 comprises an outer body 4 ', and an inner body 4' movable relative to the outer body 4 'The inner body 4' comprises the bottom 5 and the side wall 6 defining the storage space 7 of the base 4 The inner body 4 "is adapted to be housed in the outer body 4 'to form the base 4.
Dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le corps externe 4', et le corps interne 4" de la base 4 sont distincts, contrairement aux exemples des figures 2 à 6 dans lesquels le corps externe 4', et le corps interne 4" forment une pièce unique qui est la base 4.  In the example of Figure 7, the outer body 4 ', and the inner body 4 "of the base 4 are distinct, unlike the examples of Figures 2 to 6 in which the outer body 4', and the inner body 4" form a single piece that is the base 4.
Dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le corps externe 4', et le corps interne 4" ont une section cylindrique. D'autres formes sont possibles.  In the example of Figure 7, the outer body 4 ', and the inner body 4 "have a cylindrical section, and other shapes are possible.
Le corps externe 4' comprend une cavité 35 destinée à recevoir le corps interne 4". La cavité 35 est délimitée par une paroi latérale 36 et un fond.  The outer body 4 'comprises a cavity 35 intended to receive the internal body 4 "The cavity 35 is delimited by a side wall 36 and a bottom.
La boîte de rangement comprend des moyens de blocage comportant une tige filetée 33 solidaire de la partie inférieure de l'élément d'appui 10. La tige filetée 33 est apte à se visser dans un trou fileté 13' formé au centre du corps interne 4" de la base 4.  The storage box comprises locking means comprising a threaded rod 33 integral with the lower part of the bearing element 10. The threaded rod 33 is able to be screwed into a threaded hole 13 'formed in the center of the internal body 4 "from the base 4.
L'élément d'appui 10 comporte une butée 34 faisant saillie sur sa surface supérieure 30. Le couvercle 9 est apte, lorsqu'il est refermé et lorsque la tige filetée 33 est vissée dans le trou fileté 13' du corps interne 4", à exercer une pression sur la butée 34 pour bloquer le corps interne 4" dans le corps externe 4', et plus précisément contre le fond 37 du corps externe 4', sans jeu possible. The bearing element 10 has a stop 34 protruding from its upper surface 30. The cover 9 is suitable when it is closed and when the threaded rod 33 is screwed into the threaded hole 13 'of the inner body 4 ", to exert pressure on the stop 34 to lock the inner body 4" in the outer body 4', and more precisely against the bottom 37 of the outer body 4 ', without possible game.
Sur la figure 7, l'élément d'appui 10 présente la forme d'un disque, et la butée 34 présente une forme cylindrique. D'autres formes sont possibles.  In Figure 7, the support member 10 has the shape of a disc, and the stop 34 has a cylindrical shape. Other forms are possible.
Le corps externe 4' comprend des moyens d'étanchéité 15 pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement 7 aux liquides lorsque l'espace de rangement 7 est fermé par le couvercle 9 et rempli d'un liquide.  The outer body 4 'comprises sealing means 15 for sealing the liquid storage space 7 when the storage space 7 is closed by the cover 9 and filled with a liquid.
Les moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité 15 de l'espace de rangement 7 comprennent un joint 15 disposé entre corps externe 4' et le couvercle 9.  The means for sealing the storage space 7 comprise a seal 15 disposed between the outer body 4 'and the cover 9.
Le joint 15 est un joint torique qui est logé dans une gorge 21 circulaire formée dans la paroi latérale 36 du corps externe 4', sur sa partie supérieure.  The seal 15 is an O-ring which is housed in a circular groove 21 formed in the side wall 36 of the outer body 4 ', on its upper part.
Lorsque le couvercle 9 est fermé, ce dernier compresse le joint contre le corps externe 4' de la base 4, assurant l'étanchéité de la boîte de rangement aux liquides.  When the lid 9 is closed, it compresses the seal against the outer body 4 'of the base 4, sealing the liquid storage box.
Le couvercle 9 peut être verrouillé en se vissant sur le corps externe 4' de la base 4. The cover 9 can be locked by screwing on the outer body 4 'of the base 4.
De préférence, le couvercle 9 est verrouillé sur le corps externe 4' de la base 4 au moyen de tiges filetées vissées dans des trous filetés 23 prévus dans la paroi latérale 36 du corps externe 4' de la base 4, comme illustré sur la figure 7. Les tiges filetées sont aptes à traverser des orifices 22 formés sur le couvercle 9. Preferably, the cover 9 is locked on the outer body 4 'of the base 4 by means of threaded rods screwed into threaded holes 23 provided in the side wall 36 of the outer body 4' of the base 4, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The threaded rods are able to pass through holes 22 formed on the cover 9.
De préférence, les tiges filetées sont au nombre de trois. Lorsque les tiges filetées sont insérées dans les orifices 22 du couvercle 9, des écrous papillon, par exemple, sont visés sur les tiges filetées pour bloquer le couvercle 9 contre le corps externe 4' et contre la face supérieure 40 de la butée 34.  Preferably, the threaded rods are three in number. When the threaded rods are inserted into the orifices 22 of the cover 9, butterfly nuts, for example, are attached to the threaded rods to lock the lid 9 against the outer body 4 'and against the upper face 40 of the stop 34.
Le couvercle 9 comprend un orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16 du liquide, et un moyen de fermeture 12 apte à obturer l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16 de façon étanche.  The lid 9 comprises a filling and emptying orifice 16 of the liquid, and a closure means 12 able to close the filling and emptying orifice 16 in a sealed manner.
Le moyen de fermeture 12 est un bouchon fileté qui peut être conique.  The closure means 12 is a threaded plug which can be tapered.
Les corps externe 4' et interne 4" de la base 4, le couvercle 9, les moyens de maintien, et le couvercle 9 sont constitués d'un matériau qui ne présente pas de risque de contamination de la pointe de la sonde AFM, et qui est inerte vis-à-vis des liquides de traitement et de nettoyage.  The external body 4 'and internal 4 "of the base 4, the cover 9, the holding means, and the cover 9 are made of a material which does not present any risk of contamination of the tip of the AFM probe, and which is inert with respect to treatment and cleaning liquids.
Toute la boîte de rangement, sauf le joint 15, est constituée d'un matériau tel que cité dans le premier mode de réalisation.  The entire storage box, except the seal 15, is made of a material as cited in the first embodiment.
Le liquide peut être injecté dans l'espace de rangement 7, et vidangé de ce dernier à travers l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16, au moyen d'une seringue par exemple.  The liquid can be injected into the storage space 7, and drained from the latter through the filling and emptying orifice 16, by means of a syringe for example.
Au moyen de l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16, il est possible de purger l'air de l'espace de rangement 7 par un remplissage complet de ce dernier avec un liquide. De préférence, la butée 34 de l'élément d'appui 10 comprend deux gorges d'écoulement 41 sur sa face supérieure 40 qui s'entrecroisent pour former une intersection 42 creuse. By means of the filling and emptying orifice 16, it is possible to purge the air from the storage space 7 by completely filling the latter with a liquid. Preferably, the abutment 34 of the support member 10 comprises two flow grooves 41 on its upper face 40 which intersect to form a hollow intersection 42.
Lorsque le couvercle 9 est refermé sur la base, et qu'un liquide est introduit dans l'orifice de remplissage et de vidange 16, ce dernier s'écoule dans les gorges d'écoulement 41 pour remplir l'espace de rangement 7.  When the lid 9 is closed on the base, and a liquid is introduced into the filling and emptying orifice 16, the latter flows into the flow grooves 41 to fill the storage space 7.
Dans l'exemple de la figure 7, le corps interne 4" de la base 4 comprend un seul logement 8 formé d'une gorge circulaire creusée dans le fond 5 du corps interne 4". La gorge est centrée par rapport au trou fileté 13' et longe la paroi latérale 6 du corps interne 4". Sa profondeur et sa largeur sont adaptées aux dimensions de la pointe 2 des sondes.  In the example of Figure 7, the inner body 4 "of the base 4 comprises a single housing 8 formed of a circular groove dug in the bottom 5 of the inner body 4". The groove is centered with respect to the threaded hole 13 'and runs along the side wall 6 of the inner body 4 "Its depth and width are adapted to the dimensions of the tip 2 of the probes.
Le corps interne 4" de la base 4 comprend des évidements 43 répartis circonférentiellement autour du trou fileté 13' du corps interne 4" et débouchant dans la gorge. Les évidements 43 sont localisés entre le trou fileté 13' et la gorge. Ils présentent une forme allongée et s'étendent selon des portions de rayon passant par le centre du trou fileté 13'. Ils ont des dimensions adaptées pour recevoir le reste de la sonde formé du levier 3 et du support 3'. La face inférieure 19 de chaque sonde repose dans un des évidements 43.  The inner body 4 "of the base 4 comprises recesses 43 distributed circumferentially around the threaded hole 13 'of the inner body 4" and opening into the groove. The recesses 43 are located between the threaded hole 13 'and the groove. They have an elongated shape and extend in portions of radius passing through the center of the threaded hole 13 '. They have dimensions adapted to receive the rest of the probe formed of the lever 3 and the support 3 '. The lower face 19 of each probe rests in one of the recesses 43.
On obtient ainsi des boîtes de rangement pour sondes AFM permettant le transport des sondes en milieu liquide, et l'application de traitements chimiques en milieu liquide sur ces sondes.  Thus, storage boxes for AFM probes for transporting probes in a liquid medium, and the application of chemical treatments in liquid medium on these probes.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Boîte de rangement pour sondes AFM (1 ), chaque sonde (1 ) comprenant une pointe (2) disposée sur un levier (3) solidaire d'un support (3'), ladite boîte comprenant : 1. Storage box for AFM probes (1), each probe (1) comprising a tip (2) disposed on a lever (3) integral with a support (3 '), said box comprising:
- une base (4) comportant un fond (5) et une paroi latérale (6) délimitant un espace de rangement (7), ledit fond (5) comprenant au moins un logement (8) apte à recevoir la pointe (2) d'une sonde (1 ), - a base (4) comprising a bottom (5) and a side wall (6) defining a storage space (7), said bottom (5) comprising at least one housing (8) adapted to receive the tip (2) d a probe (1),
- un couvercle (9) apte à fermer et à dégager ledit espace de rangement (7), a cover (9) capable of closing and disengaging said storage space (7),
- des moyens de maintien aptes à bloquer les sondes (1 ) dans l'espace de rangement (7) lorsque les pointes des sondes (1 ) sont positionnées dans leurs logements (8) respectifs, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend: - Holding means adapted to block the probes (1) in the storage space (7) when the tips of the probes (1) are positioned in their respective housing (8), characterized in that it comprises:
- des moyens d'étanchéité (15) pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'espace de rangement (7) aux liquides lorsque ledit espace de rangement (7) est fermé par le couvercle (9) et rempli d'un liquide, et sealing means (15) for sealing the liquid storage space (7) when said storage space (7) is closed by the cover (9) and filled with a liquid, and
2. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que la base (4), le couvercle (9) et les moyens de maintien sont constitués d'un matériau qui ne présente pas de risque de contamination de la pointe de la sonde AFM, et qui est inerte vis-à-vis des liquides de traitement et de nettoyage des sondes. 2. Storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (4), the cover (9) and the holding means consist of a material that does not present a risk of contamination of the tip of the probe AFM, and which is inert vis-à-vis the treatment liquids and cleaning probes.
3. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les matériaux convenant pour la base (4), le couvercle (9) et les moyens de maintien sont choisis parmi le polytétrafluoroéthyllène, et les polytétrafluoroéthyllènes chargés de matériaux inertes. 3. Storage box according to claim 2, characterized in that the materials suitable for the base (4), the lid (9) and the holding means are selected from polytetrafluoroethylene, and polytetrafluoroethylenes loaded with inert materials.
4. Boîte de rangement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de maintien comprennent un élément d'appui (10) coopérant avec des moyens de blocage de façon à ce que ledit élément d'appui (10) soit apte à exercer une pression sur la totalité des sondes4. Storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding means comprise a support element (10) cooperating with locking means so that said support element ( 10) is able to exert pressure on all the probes
(1 ) pour les maintenir bloquées contre le fond (5) de la base (4), l'élément d'appui (10) présentant une surface d'appui plane, et la dimension de l'élément d'appui (10) étant adaptée pour que ce dernier puisse recouvrir la totalité des logements (8) de la base (4). (1) to keep them locked against the bottom (5) of the base (4), the support element (10) having a flat bearing surface, and the dimension of the support element (10) being adapted so that it can cover all of the housing (8) of the base (4).
5. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que, l'élément d'appui (10) présentant une surface supérieure (30), l'élément d'appui (10) est muni d'une protubérance (17) faisant saillie sur ladite surface supérieure (30), le couvercle (9) étant apte, lorsqu'il est refermé, à exercer une pression sur ledit élément d'appui (10) par intermédiaire de ladite protubérance (17), pour bloquer les sondes contre le fond (5) de la base (4). Storage box according to claim 4, characterized in that, the support element (10) having an upper surface (30), the support element (10) is provided with a protuberance (17). protruding from said upper surface (30), the lid (9) being adapted, when closed, to exert pressure on said support member (10) by means of said protrusion (17), to block the probes against the bottom (5) of the base (4).
6. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de blocage comprennent une vis (1 1 ) coopérant avec un trou fileté6. Storage box according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking means comprise a screw (1 1) cooperating with a threaded hole
(13) formé au centre de la base (4), l'élément d'appui (10) présentant un orifice(13) formed at the center of the base (4), the bearing member (10) having an orifice
(14) en son centre, la vis (1 1 ) étant apte à traverser l'orifice (14) de l'élément d'appui (10) et à se visser dans le trou fileté (13) de la base (4) pour bloquer les sondes (1 ) entre l'élément d'appui (10) et la base (4). (14) at its center, the screw (1 1) being adapted to pass through the orifice (14) of the support element (10) and to screw into the threaded hole (13) of the base (4) to block the probes (1) between the support element (10) and the base (4).
7. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que la base (4) comporte un corps externe (4'), et un corps interne (4") mobile par rapport au corps externe (4'), ledit corps interne (4") comportant ledit fond (5) et ladite paroi latérale (6) délimitant l'espace de rangement (7) de la base (4), et étant apte à se loger dans ledit corps externe (4') pour former la base (4). 7. Storage box according to claim 4, characterized in that the base (4) comprises an outer body (4 '), and an inner body (4 ") movable relative to the outer body (4'), said inner body (4 ") comprising said bottom (5) and said side wall (6) delimiting the storage space (7) of the base (4), and being able to be housed in said outer body (4 ') to form the base (4).
8. Boîte de rangement selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de blocage comportent une tige filetée (33) solidaire de la partie inférieure de l'élément d'appui (10), ladite tige filetée (33) étant apte à se visser dans un trou fileté (13') formé au centre du corps interne (4") de la base (4), l'élément d'appui (10) comportant une butée (34) faisant saillie sur sa surface supérieure (30), le couvercle (9) étant apte, lorsqu'il est refermé et lorsque la tige filetée (33) est vissée dans le trou fileté (13') du corps interne (4"), à exercer une pression sur ladite butée (34) pour bloquer le corps interne (4") contre le corps externe (4'). 8. Storage box according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking means comprise a threaded rod (33) integral with the lower part of the support element (10), said threaded rod (33) being adapted to screw into a threaded hole (13 ') formed in the center of the inner body (4 ") of the base (4), the bearing element (10) having a stop (34) projecting from its upper surface (30). ), the cover (9) being adapted, when closed and when the threaded rod (33) is screwed into the threaded hole (13 ') of the inner body (4 "), to exert pressure on said stop (34); ) to lock the inner body (4 ") against the outer body (4 ').
9. Boîte de rangement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que les moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité (15) de l'espace de rangement (7) comprennent un joint (15) disposé entre la base (4) et le couvercle (9). 9. Storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the means for sealing (15) of the storage space (7) comprise a seal (15) arranged between the base ( 4) and the cover (9).
10. Boîte de rangement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un orifice de remplissage et de vidange (16) du liquide, et un moyen de fermeture (12) apte à obturer ledit orifice de remplissage et de vidange (16). 10. Storage box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a filling and emptying orifice (16) of the liquid, and a closure means (12) adapted to close said filling and emptying orifice (16).
PCT/FR2011/051989 2010-09-03 2011-08-30 Storage box for afm probes WO2012028822A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1057027 2010-09-03
FR1057027A FR2964460A1 (en) 2010-09-03 2010-09-03 STORAGE BOX FOR AFM PROBES

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WO2012028822A1 true WO2012028822A1 (en) 2012-03-08

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WO (1) WO2012028822A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2025703B1 (en) * 2020-05-29 2022-01-13 Nearfield Instr B V A probe cassette for storing, transporting and handling one or more probe devices for a probe based system

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997008733A1 (en) * 1995-08-30 1997-03-06 Digital Instruments, Inc. A scanning probe microscope having automatic probe exchange and alignment
JP2004361181A (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-24 Olympus Corp Cantilever wet processing container, cantilever wet processing unit including the same, and cantilever wet processing method using cantilever wet processing container
WO2008002922A2 (en) 2006-06-26 2008-01-03 Veeco Instruments, Inc. Apparatus and method of transporting and loading probe devices of a metrology instrument
EP2237051A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2010-10-06 Centro de Investigación Cooperativa En Biomateriales ( CIC biomaGUNE) Liquid-tight container for storing and transporting AFM probes

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997008733A1 (en) * 1995-08-30 1997-03-06 Digital Instruments, Inc. A scanning probe microscope having automatic probe exchange and alignment
JP2004361181A (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-24 Olympus Corp Cantilever wet processing container, cantilever wet processing unit including the same, and cantilever wet processing method using cantilever wet processing container
WO2008002922A2 (en) 2006-06-26 2008-01-03 Veeco Instruments, Inc. Apparatus and method of transporting and loading probe devices of a metrology instrument
EP2237051A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2010-10-06 Centro de Investigación Cooperativa En Biomateriales ( CIC biomaGUNE) Liquid-tight container for storing and transporting AFM probes

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