JP2002311334A - Observation method changeover device for microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an observation method changeover device for a microscope which is simple in a changeover operation of an observation method and can maintain a stable light quantity balance in the changeover of various kinds of the observation methods. SOLUTION: This observation changeover device for the microscope has a bright-field illumination optical system 3 and a darkfield illumination optical system 6 and changes over a bright-field observation and a dark-field observation by selectively inserting and removing these optical systems onto and from the intersection point of an illumination optical axis n and an observation optical axis m. A beam-attenuation member 10 inserted and removed into and from the illumination optical axis n cooperatively with the insertion and removal onto and from the intersected point of the illumination optical axis n and observation optical axis m of the bright-field illumination optical system 3 is inserted and removed to and from the illumination optical axis n cooperatively with a polarizer 8 and analyzer 9 inserted and removed to and from the illumination optical axis and observation optical axis described above for polarization or differential interference observation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microscope observation method switching device using epi-illumination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a microscope observation method switching apparatus using epi-illumination, switching between epi-illumination bright-field illumination and epi-illumination dark-field illumination is performed by using a semi-transparent mirror for bright-field illumination and a dark-field illumination. A bright-field lens and a dark-field lens necessary for each of the ring-shaped reflecting mirrors are integrally formed, and these are selectively switched to an illumination optical path. In order to perform polarized light or differential interference observation, a pair of polarizing plates is inserted into each of the illumination optical path and the observation optical path from the state of bright field observation. A DIC prism is required in addition to the polarizing plate.)

[0003] However, in such an observation method switching apparatus, the difference in brightness of the observation visual field when the observation method of bright field observation and dark field observation is switched is large, which adversely affects the examiner. A problem may occur, and it is necessary to adjust the brightness separately.

Therefore, conventionally, as a solution to such a disadvantage, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-8283, when switching from dark-field observation to bright-field observation,
Automatically inserts a dimming member such as an ND filter into the illumination light path in conjunction with the illumination switching operation to reduce the difference in brightness due to switching of the observation method and eliminates the need for separate brightness adjustment at the time of switching. Thus, there has been considered a method which can improve the efficiency of observation work. Further, in the case of polarization or differential interference observation, the light-reducing member can be bounced out of the illumination optical path.

[0005]

Generally, it is known that the amount of light in polarized light or differential interference observation is smaller than that in bright-field observation. In particular, when the AS is stopped down in order to obtain an observation image with good contrast, the light amount is significantly reduced. For this reason, similarly to the switching between the bright-field observation and the dark-field observation, the difference in the brightness of the observation field increases when switching between the bright-field observation and the polarization or differential interference observation.

For this reason, when switching from bright-field observation to polarization or differential interference observation, in order to obtain an observation image with good contrast without a significant decrease in light quantity, it is necessary to reduce the amount of light inserted in the optical path during bright-field observation. It is necessary to remove the optical member from the optical path when observing polarized light or differential interference. In other words, in order to balance the light amount between bright-field observation and dark-field observation, and to balance the light amount between bright-field observation and polarized light or differential interference observation, insert a dimming member into the optical path during bright-field observation, It is necessary to remove it from the optical path during dark field observation and polarization or differential interference observation.

However, in the configuration of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-8283, when switching between bright-field observation and polarization observation, it is necessary to insert and remove a pair of polarizers and insert and remove a dimming member. When switching between polarization field observation and differential interference observation, it is necessary to switch between dark-field observation and bright-field observation, and to insert and remove a pair of polarizing plates and insert and remove a dimming member.

As described above, even in the conventional apparatus, switching between bright-field observation and dark-field observation can be performed by one operation.
When switching between bright-field observation and polarized light or differential interference observation, or between dark-field observation and polarized light or differential interference observation, multiple operations are required each time the observation method is switched, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency and an increase in There was a problem that an unnecessary feeling of fatigue was given due to an increase in the load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an observation method switching device for a microscope that can easily switch observation methods and can maintain a stable light amount balance even when switching between various observation methods. The purpose is to provide.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
It has a bright-field illumination optical system and a dark-field illumination optical system, and the bright-field illumination optical system and the dark-field illumination optical system are selectively inserted and removed at the intersection of the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis to perform bright-field observation. And an observation method switching device for a microscope that switches between darkfield observation and darkfield observation. A light reducing member, and a pair of polarizing plates that are inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis for polarization or differential interference observation, and the illumination optical axis of at least one of the pair of polarizing plates. Alternatively, it is characterized in that the light reducing member is inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis in conjunction with insertion into and extraction from the observation optical axis.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the dimming member is provided rotatably in a direction crossing the illumination optical axis of the bright-field illumination optical system, and Interlocking with insertion / removal of at least one of the polarizers to the illumination optical axis or the observation optical axis, wherein the light reducing member is rotated so as to be inserted / removed from / to the illumination optical axis. I have.

The invention described in claim 3 is the first or second invention.
The invention described in the above, further comprising a linearly movable optical path switching means provided with the bright field illumination optical system and the dark field illumination optical system arranged in a linear direction, wherein the bright field illumination optical system is linearly moved by the optical path switching means. And the dark field illumination optical system is selectively inserted and removed at the intersection of the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis.

The invention according to claim 4 is the first or second invention.
The invention according to the above, further comprising rotatable optical path switching means provided with a cube having the bright field illumination optical system and a cube having the dark field illumination optical system arranged in a circumferential direction,
The bright-field illumination optical system and the dark-field illumination optical system are selectively inserted into and removed from the intersection of the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis by rotation of the optical path switching means.

As a result, according to the present invention, bright field observation,
The switching of the observation method in the dark field observation, the polarization or the differential interference observation can be performed by one operation when switching from any observation method to any observation method. In addition, by automatically inserting and removing the dimming member, the light amount balance between bright-field observation and dark-field observation can be obtained, and when switching from bright-field observation to polarization or differential interference observation, the light amount does not decrease significantly and sufficient contrast can be obtained. A good observation image can be obtained, and an observation method switching with a good light amount balance between bright field observation, dark field observation, and polarization or differential interference observation can be realized.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a simplified optical system of a microscope observation method switching apparatus using epi-illumination to which the present invention is applied.

First, when the bright-field illumination optical system 3 is inserted into the illumination optical path, the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 101 proceeds to the bright-field illumination optical system 3 along the illumination optical axis n.
The bright-field illumination optical system 3 includes a bright-field illumination lens 1 and a semi-transparent mirror 2.
The illumination light incident along the illumination optical axis n passes through the bright field illumination lens 1 and is reflected by the semi-transparent mirror 2 in the downward direction in the figure, travels along the observation optical axis m, and an objective lens (not shown) Illuminate the observation sample through the The observation light from the observation sample travels upward in the figure along the observation optical axis m, passes through the semi-transparent mirror 2 of the bright-field illumination optical system 3, and is guided to an eyepiece (not shown). When the bright-field illumination optical system 3 is inserted into the illumination optical path in this way, bright-field observation is possible.

When the dark-field illumination optical system 6 is inserted in the illumination optical path instead of the bright-field illumination optical system 3, the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 101 is dark-field along the illumination optical axis n. Proceed to the illumination optical system 6. The dark-field illumination optical system 6 includes the dark-field illumination lens 4 and the ring-shaped reflecting mirror 5.
The illumination light incident along the illumination optical axis n passes through the dark-field illumination lens 4 and is reflected downward by the ring-shaped reflecting mirror 5 along the observation optical axis m, and passes through an objective lens (not shown). Illuminate the observation sample. The observation light from the observation sample travels upward in the figure along the observation optical axis m, and is guided to an eyepiece (not shown) via the ring-shaped reflecting mirror 5 of the dark field illumination optical system 6. Thus, the dark-field illumination optical system 6
Is inserted into the illumination optical path, dark-field observation becomes possible.

In this case, the bright-field illumination optical system 3 and the dark-field illumination optical system 6 are provided side by side on an optical path switching frame 7, and the optical path switching frame 7 is slid in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing to provide a bright field illumination. The optical system 3 and the dark-field illumination optical system 6 are switched on the intersection of the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m.

On the other hand, before the optical path switching frame 7, the illumination light source 1
01 on the illumination optical axis n and on the observation optical axis m between the optical path switching frame 7 and the eyepiece, a pair of polarizing plates for performing polarization or differential interference observation (the illumination light source side is a polarizer 8). The analyzer 9) is provided on the eyepiece side so that it can be inserted and removed. That is, the polarizer 8 and the analyzer 9
Is inserted into the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m during bright-field illumination, so that polarized light or differential interference observation becomes possible.

On the illumination optical axis n between the illumination light source 101 and the optical path switching frame 7, a dimming member 10 for adjusting the light amount balance is provided so as to be insertable and removable. This dimming member 10
Are arranged on the illumination optical axis n during bright-field observation, and deviate from the illumination optical axis n during dark-field observation, polarization or differential interference observation.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a specific configuration of such an observation method switching apparatus. FIG. 2 is a top view seen from the eyepiece section side, and FIG. 3 is an illumination light source side. It is the front view seen from. 2 and 3, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, reference numeral 11 denotes a main body frame of the observation method switching device, and the main body frame 11 is provided with optical path switching guides 12a and 12b along the horizontal direction between the side walls 11a and 11b. The light path switching guides 12a and 12b are fitted with a light path switching frame 7 as light path switching means provided with a bright field illumination optical system 3 and a dark field illumination optical system 6 arranged in a linear direction. To the optical path switching guides 12a, 1
It is slidable linearly along arrow 2b in the direction of arrow A in the figure.

The optical path switching frame 7 is formed by a side wall 11a of the main body frame 11.
Alternatively, the sliding range is restricted by abutting on 11b. The optical path switching frame 7 has a hole 13 formed in a side wall 11 a of the main body frame 11 through a main body frame 11.
Is provided with an optical path switching knob 14 protruding outside. The optical path switching knob 14 can slide the optical path switching frame 7 by operating in and out directions, and selectively illuminates one of the bright-field illumination optical system 3 and the dark-field illumination optical system 6 with the illumination optical axis n. Switching for positioning on the intersection of the observation optical axis m with the observation optical axis m.

A dimming member frame 15 having a built-in dimming member 10 is rotatably supported by a shaft 16 on a side surface 7a of the optical path switching frame 7 on the side of the illumination light source. In this case, the dimming member frame 15 rotates in a direction crossing the illumination optical axis n, and
Can be inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis n. Further, the clockwise rotation of the dimming member frame 15 is restricted by the dimming member stopper 17. Further, the dimming member frame 15 is in contact with the dimming member stopper 17 by a spring 17a (or gravity), and the illumination optical axis n of the bright-field illumination optical system 3 is always present.
It is located above.

On the other hand, reference numeral 18 denotes a polarizer slider provided with the polarizer 8, and 19 denotes an analyzer slider provided with the analyzer 9. The polarizer slider 18 is fitted on a PO guide 20 provided on the main body frame 11, and the PO guide 20 Slidable in the direction indicated by arrow B along
The analyzer slider 19 is fitted on an AN guide 21 provided on the main body frame 11 and is slidable linearly along the AN guide 21 in the direction of arrow C in the figure. The polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 can be inserted into and removed from slider holes 22a and 22b provided in the side wall 11b of the main body frame 11. Even when the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are completely pushed in, the tip ends thereof can be removed. The portion projects slightly outside the main body frame 11. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are connected by a connecting plate 23 outside the main body frame 11, and the other also moves in conjunction with the movement of either the polarizer slider 18 or the analyzer slider 19. Like that.

The rightward sliding of the polarizer slider 18 or the analyzer slider 19 or both (in the figure, the polarizer slider side) is restricted by contacting a slider stopper 24 provided on the optical path switching frame 7 side. Is done. Also, PO guide 20 or AN guide 2
One or both (in the figure, the case of the PO guide 20 is shown) is provided with a click 25 for retaining, and the polarizer slider 18 or the analyzer slider 19 or both (in the figure, the case of the polarizer slider side) are provided. , A click groove 26 corresponding to the click 25 is provided, and the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 1 are mounted in a state where the click 25 is fitted in the click groove 26.
9 to prevent falling off.

In this case, since the trajectory of the sliding of the polarizer slider 18 and a part of the trajectory of the rotation of the dimming member frame 15 overlap, the rightward movement of the polarizer slider 18 in the drawing makes contact with the dimming member frame 15. When touched, the dimming member frame 15 is moved according to the amount of movement of the polarizer slider 18 at this time.
It is rotated against the tension force of the spring 17a.

Next, the operation of the embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In this case, FIG. 3 shows a state of bright field observation, FIG. 4 shows a state of dark field observation, and FIG.
Indicates the state of polarized light or differential interference observation.

First, in the case of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical path switching knob 14 is pulled out, and the bright field illumination optical system 3 is inserted at the intersection of the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. ing. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pulled out and are at the click positions off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. Further, the dimming member frame 15 is fixed to the dimming member stopper 17 by a spring 17a.
, And the dimming member 10 is inserted on the illumination optical axis n.

In the case of dark-field observation, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical path switching knob 14 is pushed in, and the dark-field illumination optical system 6 is inserted at the intersection of the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. ing. In addition, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are drawn out, and are at the click positions off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. In this case, when the optical path switching knob 14 is pressed, the optical path switching frame 7 moves to the left in the drawing, and the dimming member frame 15 is moved to the polarizer slider 1.
8 and rotated counterclockwise in the drawing to
Is deviated from the illumination optical axis n.

Further, in the case of polarization observation or differential interference observation, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical path switching knob 14 is pulled out, and the bright-field illumination optical system 3 sets the intersection of the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. Has been inserted. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pushed in and inserted into the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m.
In this case, the dimming member frame 15 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing by pushing the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19, and the dimming member 10 is removed from the illumination optical axis n.

Next, switching from the bright-field observation state shown in FIG. 3 to the dark-field observation state shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In this case, the operation is performed by one operation of pushing the optical path switching knob 14. That is, when the optical path switching knob 14 is pushed in,
The light field illumination optical system 3 is switched to the dark field illumination optical system 6. When the optical path switching knob 14 is pushed in to move the optical path switching frame 7 to the left in the drawing, the dimming member frame 15 is rotated by contacting the polarizer slider 18 waiting at the click position deviating from the optical path. , The dimming member 10 is pushed out from the illumination optical axis n. This makes it possible to automatically remove the dimming member 10 from the illumination optical axis n in conjunction with the switching between the bright and dark fields.

Next, switching from the bright-field observation state shown in FIG. 3 to the polarization or differential interference observation state shown in FIG. 5 will be described. This switching is performed by one operation of inserting the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 connected externally. In this case, when the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are inserted,
The dimming member frame 15 is rotated by contacting the polarizer slider 18, and unnecessary dimming members 10 are automatically removed from the illumination optical axis n during polarization observation. In addition, the polarizer slider 1
The slider 8 and the analyzer slider 19 stop when they come into contact with the slider stopper 24, and are inserted into the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. This makes it possible to automatically remove the dimming member 10 from the illumination optical axis n in conjunction with switching from bright-field observation to polarization or differential interference observation.

Next, switching from the dark-field observation shown in FIG. 4 to the bright-field observation shown in FIG. 3 will be described. This switching is performed by one operation of pulling the optical path switching knob 14. In this case, when the optical path switching knob 14 is pulled and operated,
The dimming member frame 15 which has been rotated by the contact with the polarizer slider 18 is moved by the spring 17a.
Since the light-reducing member 10 returns to the position where the light-reducing member 7 comes into contact with the light path 7, the light-reducing member 10 that has been out of the optical path is automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n.
As a result, the dimming member 1 is linked with the switching between the dark and bright fields.
0 can be automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n.

Next, switching from the dark-field observation shown in FIG. 4 to the polarization or differential interference observation shown in FIG. 5 will be described. This switching is performed by one operation of pushing the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19. In this case, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 stop where they come into contact with the slider stopper 24, and are inserted into the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. At this time, the dimming member frame 15 is
Therefore, the dimming member 10 is held out of the illumination optical axis n. Thus, in the switching from the dark field observation to the differential interference observation, the light reducing member 1 is used.
0 can be kept off the illumination optical axis n.

Next, switching from the polarization or differential interference observation shown in FIG. 5 to the bright field observation shown in FIG. 3 will be described. This switching is performed by one operation of pulling out the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19. In this case, when the polarizer slider 18 is pulled out, the optical path switching frame 7 is not interlocked with this operation, so that the bright-field illumination optical system 3 remains inserted in the optical path, and is rotated by contact with the polarizer slider 18. The dimming member frame 15 is moved by the spring 17a to the dimming member stopper 17
Is returned to the position where it abuts on the light path, so that the light reducing member 10 that has been out of the optical path is automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n. Thereby, the dimming member 10 can be automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n in conjunction with the switching of the bright field.

Next, switching from the polarization or differential interference observation shown in FIG. 5 to the dark field observation shown in FIG. 4 will be described. This switching is performed by one operation of pushing the optical path switching knob 14. In this case, the optical path switching knob 14
When the is pressed, the polarizer slider 18 is in contact with the slider stopper 24 provided on the optical path switching frame 7, so that the polarizer slider 18 retreats with the movement of the optical path switching frame 7 and comes off the illumination optical axis n and stops at the click position. At this time, the dimming member frame 1
5 is kept in contact with the polarizer slider 18, so that the dimming member 10 is held while being flipped up. Accordingly, in switching from the polarization or differential interference observation to the dark field observation, the light reducing member 10 can be maintained in a state where the light reducing member 10 is displaced from the illumination optical axis n.

In this way, the observation method can be switched among bright-field observation, dark-field observation, and polarization observation by one operation (differential interference observation can be performed by DIC prism in addition to polarization observation). Just perform an insert operation). Further, the dimming member 10 can be automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n during bright-field observation, and can be automatically removed from the illumination optical axis n during dark-field observation and polarization observation.

Next, an example of switching between bright-field observation and dark-field observation when the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are not used because polarization or differential interference observation is not performed will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. explain in detail. Here, FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration at the time of bright-field observation, and FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration at the time of dark-field observation.
The same parts as those in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the switching operation from the bright field observation to the dark field observation is performed only by pushing the optical path switching knob 14, and the switching operation from the dark field observation to the bright field observation is performed only by pulling out the optical path switching knob 14. Do. In the switching operation from the dark-field observation to the bright-field observation, the dimming member 10 is automatically inserted into the illumination optical axis n by the movement of the optical path switching frame 7, and conversely, from the bright-field observation to the dark-field observation. In the switching operation described above, the dimming member 10 is automatically displaced from the illumination optical axis n by the movement of the optical path switching frame 7.

Thus, even when the polarization or differential interference observation is not performed and the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are not used, the illumination of the dimming member 10 in conjunction with the switching operation between the bright field observation and the dark field observation. Insertion into and removal from the optical axis n can be performed automatically. A slider having a hole (not shown) is connected to the polarizer slider 18.
Instead, the light-reducing member 10 can be inserted even during bright-field observation.
Can be removed from the optical path.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the switching of the observation method between the bright field, the dark field, the polarized light, and the differential interference observation can be performed when switching from any observation method to any observation method. It can be done in one operation,
The switching operation of the observation method can be simplified, the working efficiency can be improved, and the burden on the microscopic person can be reduced, and the fatigue can be reduced.

Further, by automatically inserting and removing the dimming member 10, the light quantity balance can be obtained between the bright-field observation and the dark-field observation, and the light quantity can be significantly reduced when switching from the bright-field observation to the polarization or differential interference observation. Observation images with sufficiently high contrast can be obtained without performing the above operation, and the observation method can be switched with a good light amount balance between bright-field observation, dark-field observation, and polarization or differential interference observation.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the polarizer slider 18 inserts and removes the dimming member 10 into and out of the optical path. In the second embodiment, , The analyzer slider 19.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show a schematic configuration of an observation method switching apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view seen from the eyepiece side, and FIGS. Is a front view as seen from the illumination light source side. 9 shows a state of bright field observation, FIG. 10 shows a state of dark field observation, and FIG. 11 shows a state of polarized light or differential interference observation. FIG.
11 to 11, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Also in this case, the optical path switching frame 107 having the bright field illumination optical system 3 and the dark field illumination optical system 6 is
The optical path switching guides 112a and 112b are mounted on the first side walls 111a and 111b in the horizontal direction, and are slidable in the direction of arrow A in the figure. Also, the optical path switching frame 107
Is in contact with the side walls 111a and 111b of the main body frame 111, so that the sliding range thereof is restricted. The optical path switching frame 107 is provided with an optical path switching knob 14 protruding outside the main body frame 111 from a hole 113 provided in a side wall 111a of the main body frame 111. The frame 107 is slid.

The side surface 10 of the light path switching frame 107 on the side of the illumination light source
At 7 a, a dimming member frame 115 containing the dimming member 10 is rotatably supported by a shaft 16. In this case, the counterclockwise rotation of the dimming member frame 115 is limited by the dimming member stopper 117. Also, the dimming member frame 11
Numeral 5 is in contact with the dimming member stopper 117 by a spring 117a (or gravity).
Is located on the illumination light path of the camera.

Polarizer slider 18 with polarizer 8 and analyzer slider 1 with analyzer 9
9 is fitted on a PO guide 20 and an AN guide 21 provided on the main body frame 111, respectively.

Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are connected outside the main body frame 111, and the other is moved in conjunction with the movement of one of the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19. I have.

The rightward sliding of the polarizer slider 18 or the analyzer slider 19 or both (in the figure, the analyzer slider side) is restricted by a slider stopper 124 provided on the optical path switching frame 107. Also, PO guide 20 or AN guide 2
One or both (in the figure, the case of the PO guide side is shown) is provided with a click 25 for retaining
A click groove 26 corresponding to the click 25 is provided in the polarizer slider 18 or the analyzer slider 19 or both (in the figure, the case of the polarizer slider side) in pairs with 5, and the click 25 is fitted in the click groove 26. In this state, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are prevented from falling off.

Also in this case, since the trajectory of the slide of the analyzer slider 19 and at least a part of the trajectory of the rotation of the dimming member frame 115 overlap with each other, the dimming member frame 115 is moved by moving the analyzer slider 19 rightward in the drawing. , The dimming member frame 115 rotates against the elastic force of the spring 117a according to the amount of movement of the analyzer slider 19 at this time.

Even in such a configuration, in the case of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 9, the optical path switching knob 14 is pulled out, and the bright field illumination optical system 3 is inserted into the illumination optical axis n. . Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pulled out and are at the click positions off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. Further, the dimming member frame 115 is in contact with the dimming member stopper 117 by a spring 117a, and the dimming member 10 is inserted on the illumination optical axis n.

In the case of dark field observation, as shown in FIG. 10, the optical path switching knob 14 is pushed in, and the dark field illumination optical system 6 is inserted into the illumination optical axis n. Also,
Polarizer slider 18 and analyzer slider 19
Is pulled out and is at the click position off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. In this case, when the optical path switching knob 14 is pushed in, the optical path switching frame 107 moves to the left in the figure, the dimming member frame 115 comes into contact with the analyzer slider 19 and is rotated clockwise in the figure, and the dimming member 10 Off axis n.

Further, in the case of polarization observation or differential interference observation, as shown in FIG. 11, the optical path switching knob 14 is pulled out, and the bright field illumination optical system 3 is inserted into the illumination optical axis n. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pushed in, and the illumination optical axis n
And inserted into the observation optical axis m. In this case, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pushed in so that the dimming member frame 115 is moved to the analyzer slider 1.
9 is rotated clockwise in the figure, and the dimming member 10 is removed from the illumination optical axis n.

Therefore, even in this case, as described in the first embodiment, each of the observation methods can be switched between bright field, dark field, polarization, and differential interference observation with one operation. The same effect can be expected.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments described above, switching between bright and dark field observation is performed by operating the optical path switching knob 14 in and out, but this third embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiment, switching between bright and dark field observation is performed by a rotational movement method using a cube.

FIGS. 12 to 15 show a schematic configuration of an observation method switching apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Is a top view from the eyepiece side, and FIGS. 13 to 15 are front views from the illumination light source side. 13 shows a state of bright field observation, FIG. 14 shows a state of dark field observation, and FIG. 15 shows a state of polarization or differential interference observation. 12 to 15, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the bright field illumination lens 1 and the semi-transparent mirror 2
And a dark-field cube 28 having a dark-field illumination lens 4 and a ring-shaped reflecting mirror 5 are provided side by side in the circumferential direction of a columnar cube mounting member 30 as an optical path switching means. The cube mounting member 30 is rotatably pivotally mounted on a cube shaft 29 provided on the main body frame 211. In this case, the rotation range of the cube mounting member 30 is limited by the cube stoppers 31a and 31b.

The main body frame 211 is attached to the cube mounting member 30.
An optical path switching lever 33 protruding from the hole 32 provided in the side wall 211c to the outside of the main body frame 211 is provided, and by rotating this optical path switching lever 33 in the direction of arrow D in the drawing,
The bright-field cube 27 and the dark-field cube 28 are moved to enable switching to selectively position either one on the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m.

On the illumination side of the bright field cube 27, a dimming member frame 215 containing the dimming member 10 is rotatably supported by a shaft 16. In this case, the dimming member frame 215 is
The counterclockwise rotation in the figure is restricted by the dimming member stopper 217. The dimming member frame 215 is in contact with the dimming member stopper 217 by a spring (or gravity) (not shown), and is always positioned on the illumination optical path of the bright-field illumination optical system 3. Further, the bright field cube 27 is provided with a slider stopper 224 for restricting the sliding of the analyzer slider 19.

According to such a configuration, in the case of bright-field observation, the optical path switching lever 33 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by the solid line in FIG. 12, and as shown in FIG. The bright field cube 27 is inserted into the illumination optical axis n. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pulled out and are at the click positions off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the dimming member frame 215 is in contact with the dimming member stopper 217 by a spring (not shown).
0 is inserted on the illumination optical axis n.

In the dark field observation, the light path switching lever 33 is rotated clockwise as shown by the broken line in FIG. 12, and the dark field cube 28 is illuminated as shown in FIG. It is inserted into the optical axis n. In addition, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are drawn out, and are at the click positions off the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. In this case, the bright field cube 27 is also rotated by the rotation operation of the optical path switching lever 33, and the dimming member frame 215 is
Is rotated clockwise in the figure in contact with the analyzer slider 19, and the dimming member 10 is displaced from the illumination optical axis n.

Further, in the case of polarization observation or differential interference observation, the light path switching lever 33 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by the solid line in FIG. n. Further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pushed in and inserted into the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. In this case, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are pushed into the
Reference numeral 5 contacts the analyzer slider 19 and rotates clockwise in the drawing, and the dimming member 10 is removed from the illumination optical axis n.

Accordingly, even in this case, except that the switching operation between the bright-field illumination and the dark-field illumination is performed by rotating the optical path switching lever 33, the same as in the first embodiment, The switching of each observation method between dark field, polarization, and differential interference observation can be performed by one operation when switching from any observation method to any observation method, and the same effect as described above can be expected.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the user can easily attach and detach only the dimming member while the bright-field cube is mounted on the apparatus.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a schematic configuration of an observation method switching apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Is a top view as seen from the eyepiece side, and FIG. 17 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the same parts as those in FIGS. 12 and 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the bright field illumination lens 1 and the semi-transparent mirror 2
Field cube having a bright field illumination lens 4
And a dark-field cube 28 having a ring-shaped reflector 5
It is provided on a cube mounting member 30 that is pivotally mounted around a cube shaft 29 erected on the main body frame 311. The rotation range of the cube mounting member 30 is limited by the cube stoppers 31a and 31b.

The main frame 311 is attached to the cube mounting member 30.
An optical path switching lever 33 protruding from the hole 32 provided in the side wall 311c to the outside of the main body frame 211 is provided. By rotating the optical path switching lever 33 in the direction of arrow D in the figure,
The bright-field cube 27 and the dark-field cube 28 are moved to enable switching to selectively position either one on the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m.

The bright field cube 27 is provided with a dimming member mounting portion 35 having a screw hole 35a. And
The dimming member mounting portion 35 is provided with a dimming member frame 34 having the dimming member 10. In this case, the dimming member frame 34
Is provided with a screw portion 34a, and a screw (not shown) is screwed into the screw hole 35a of the dimming member mounting portion 35 from the screw portion 34a so that it can be attached and detached. In this case, the configuration may be such that the dimming member frame 34 is fixed to the dimming member mounting portion 35 using a C-ring.

On the other hand, a hole 36 larger than the dimming member frame 34 is provided on the side surface 311d of the main body frame 311 located when the bright field cube 27 deviates from the optical path. The hole 36 is provided from outside the body frame 311 to the bright field cube 2.
7 for attaching and detaching the dimming member frame 34 to and from the dimming member mounting portion 35. This hole 36 is usually covered with a lid 37 that can be attached to and detached from the main body frame 311.

According to such a configuration, switching between bright-field observation and dark-field observation can be performed by rotating the optical path switching lever 33 in the direction of arrow B in the figure. In this case, when the optical path switching lever 33 is rotated, the cube mounting member 30 having the bright-field cube 27 and the dark-field cube 28 rotates about the cube axis 29, so that either the bright-field cube 27 or the dark-field cube 28 When one of them comes into contact with the cube stoppers 31a and 31b, one of the bright-field cube 27 and the dark-field cube 28 is positioned on the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m.

When the polarization or differential interference observation is performed, that is, when the dimming member 10 is removed from the bright-field illumination optical path, first, the optical path switching lever 33 is operated to rotate the dark-field cube 28 once. Inserted on the illumination optical axis n, in this state, the lid 37 attached to the main frame 311 is removed, and the dimming member frame 34 screwed to the dimming member mounting portion 35 of the bright field cube 27 is removed. (Or remove the C ring and remove the dimming member 10). Then, again, the lid 37
, The light path switching lever 33 is rotated to insert the bright field cube 27 on the illumination optical axis n, and further, the polarizer slider 18 and the analyzer slider 19 are inserted on the illumination optical axis n and the observation optical axis m. Thereby, polarization or differential interference observation can be performed.

Conversely, when the light-reducing member 10 is to be inserted into the bright-field illumination optical path, the dark-field cube 28 is again inserted on the illumination optical axis n, and then the lid 37 of the main frame 311 is removed. The frame 34 is attached to the dimming member mounting portion 3 of the bright field cube 27.
5 by screwing (or mounting using a C-ring).

Accordingly, since the dimming member frame 34 can be attached and detached while the bright field cube 27 is mounted in the apparatus, the dimming member frame 34 is automatically inserted into the optical path. Eliminating the need for a mechanism to make it detachable, and a mechanism to make the cube turret or cube removable, eliminates the need for a simple configuration and is inexpensive. It is possible to realize an observation method switching with a good light amount balance at the time of switching between polarization and differential interference observation. Such a configuration is sufficient for a user who uses only bright / dark field observation, and can provide a system that can cope with polarization or differential interference observation at low cost if necessary.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent requirements. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the problem described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. When the effect described above can be obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The above embodiment includes the following invention.

(1) Either the cube having the bright-field illumination optical system or the cube having the dark-field illumination optical system is selectively inserted and removed at the intersection of the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis. In an observation method switching device for a microscope that switches between illumination observation and dark field observation, a dimming member provided for the bright field cube may be detachably attached while the bright field cube is mounted in the apparatus. Characteristic microscope observation method switching device.

In this way, the user can attach and remove the dimming member as needed when the observation method is switched while the bright-field cube is mounted in the apparatus. In addition, it is possible to realize an observation method switching with a good light amount balance when switching between bright field observation, dark field observation, and polarization or differential interference observation.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, the switching between the observation methods of bright-field observation, dark-field observation, and polarization or differential interference observation can be performed when switching from any observation method to any observation method. It is possible to provide an observation method switching device for a microscope which can be performed by one operation and can maintain a stable light amount balance even when switching various observation methods.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified optical system of an observation method switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an observation method switching device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a bright-field observation state of the observation method switching device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of dark field observation of the observation method switching device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of polarization or differential interference observation of the observation method switching device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining switching between bright-field observation and dark-field observation by the observation method switching apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining switching between bright-field observation and dark-field observation of the observation method switching apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an observation method switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of bright field observation of the observation method switching device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state of dark-field observation of the observation method switching apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state of polarization or differential interference observation of the observation method switching apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an observation method switching device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a bright-field observation state of the observation method switching apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state of dark field observation of the observation method switching device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state of polarization or differential interference observation of the observation method switching apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an observation method switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part of an observation method switching device according to a fourth embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Bright-field illumination lens 2 ... Semi-transparent mirror 3 ... Bright-field illumination optical system 4 ... Dark-field illumination lens 5 ... Ring-shaped reflecting mirror 6 ... Dark-field illumination optical system 7 ... Optical path switching frame 7a ... Side 8 ... Polarizer 9 ... Analyzer 10: dimming member 11: body frame 11a. 11b ... side wall 12a. 12b: Optical path switching guide 13: Hole 14: Optical path switching knob 15: Dimming member frame 16: Shaft 17: Dimming member stopper 17a: Spring 18: Polarizer slider 19: Analyzer slider 20: PO guide 21: AN guide 22a. 22b ... Slider hole 23 ... Connecting plate 24 ... Slider stopper 25 ... Click 26 ... Click groove 27 ... Bright field cube 28 ... Dark field cube 29 ... Cube shaft 30 ... Cube mounting member 31a. 31b Cube stopper 32 Hole 33 Optical path switching lever 34 Light dimming member frame 34a Screw part 35a Screw hole 35 Dimming member mounting part 36 Hole 37 Lid 101 Illumination light source 107 Optical path switching frame 107a Side surface 111: body frame 111a. 111b ... side wall 112a. 112b: optical path switching guide 113: hole 115: light reducing member frame 117: light reducing member stopper 117a: spring 124: slider stopper 211: body frame 211c: side wall 215: light reducing member frame 217: light reducing member stopper 224: slider stopper 311: body frame 311c: side wall 311d: side surface

Claims (4)

[Claims] An optical system includes a bright-field illumination optical system and a dark-field illumination optical system, and the bright-field illumination optical system and the dark-field illumination optical system are selectively inserted into and removed from an intersection between an illumination optical axis and an observation optical axis. An observation method switching device for a microscope that switches between bright field observation and dark field observation by interposing the illumination optical axis in conjunction with insertion / removal of the bright field illumination optical system on the intersection of the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis. A pair of polarizing plates that are inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis and a pair of polarizing plates that are inserted into and removed from the observation optical axis for polarized light or differential interference observation. An observation method switching apparatus for a microscope, wherein the light reducing member is inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis in conjunction with insertion and removal of a plate from the illumination optical axis or the observation optical axis. 2. The illuminating optical axis of at least one of the pair of polarizing plates, wherein the dimming member is rotatably provided in a direction crossing the illuminating optical axis of the bright field illumination optical system. 2. The observation method switching device for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the light reducing member is rotated so as to be inserted into and detached from the illumination optical axis in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the light from the observation optical axis. 3. A bright-field illumination optical system comprising: a bright-field illumination optical system and a dark-field illumination optical system arranged in a line in a linear direction and capable of linearly moving. 3. The microscope observation method switching device according to claim 1, wherein the dark field illumination optical system is selectively inserted into and removed from an intersection between the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis. 4. A rotatable optical path switching means provided with a cube having the bright-field illumination optical system and a cube having the dark-field illumination optical system arranged in a circumferential direction. 3. The observation method switching device for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the bright-field illumination optical system and the dark-field illumination optical system are selectively inserted into and removed from the intersection between the illumination optical axis and the observation optical axis.