JP2003015052A - Optical element switching unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy the diversification of types of usage of a microscope and to improve user-friendliness. SOLUTION: A microscope body 10 has a branch optical path 14 which is branched from an optical path and extends in the direction almost longitudinal to the front. A slider guide rail 16 which has a tilt angle α is laid in the middle of the front side of the body 10 and the branch optical path 14. A slider member 17 provided with a first to fourth fluorescence optical elements 18 to 21 at prescribed intervals is arranged on the slider guide rail 16 so as to be freely moved and guided. The first to fourth fluorescence optical elements 18 to 21 are selectively disposed on the optical path of the body 10 by adjusting the movement of the slider member 17 on the slider guide rail 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an inverted microscope, and more particularly to an optical element switching device used for fluorescent observation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Fluorescence observation is generally known as one form of observation using a microscope. This fluorescence observation is performed by selectively disposing a fluorescence optical element having a dichroic mirror having a desired wavelength characteristic on the optical path of the microscope body.

Therefore, conventionally, in an inverted microscope, an optical element as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 or 5 and 6 is used as a means for selectively disposing a plurality of fluorescent optical elements on the optical path. The switching device is assembled in the microscope main body, and desired fluorescence observation is performed using this optical element switching device.

That is, in the optical element switching device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of fluorescent optical elements 1a are linearly attached to the slide member 1 with a predetermined interval, and the slide member 1 is a microscope. The objective lens revolver mechanism 3 of the main body 2 is provided behind the objective lens revolver mechanism 3 so as to be linearly movable in both directions (arrow directions) substantially orthogonal to the front surface. Then, during fluorescence observation, the slide member 1 is linearly moved in the direction of the arrow to selectively arrange the plurality of fluorescence optical elements 1a on the optical path, thereby performing desired observation.

Further, in the optical element switching device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of fluorescent optical elements 4a are arranged in a disk-shaped turret member 4 in a substantially circular shape with a predetermined interval, and the turret is used. The member 4 is rotatably provided in correspondence with the optical path in the latter stage of the objective lens revolver mechanism 3 of the microscope body 2. Then, during the fluorescence observation, the turret member 4 is rotated to selectively arrange any one of the plurality of fluorescence optical elements 4a on the optical path, whereby desired observation is performed.

In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes a stage on which a sample (not shown) is placed, and the sample on the stage 5 is illuminated with light from a light source (not shown) provided in the microscope body 2. . Further, reference numeral 6 in the drawing denotes a lens barrel, and an observer observes an optical image of the sample on the stage 2 which is imaged through the objective lens 3a (see FIG. 4) of the objective lens revolver mechanism 3. .

Further, reference numeral 6 in the drawing denotes an expansion branch optical path to which an expansion device such as a television camera or a photographic device is attached, and is substantially orthogonal to the optical path formed by the objective lens 3a of the objective lens revolver mechanism 3. For example, it is provided so as to extend to both sides of the front surface of the microscope body 2.

However, in the case of the former optical element switching device, in the former case, the slide member 1 projects more than the microscope main body 2 and blocks the branch optical path 6 depending on the slide position of the slide member 1, so that the branch optical path 6 is blocked. Since it becomes difficult to effectively use the vicinity of, there is a problem that the usage pattern of the microscope is restricted.

In the latter case, the turret member 4
Has a problem in that the ratio of the above is large in the microscope main body 2 and the microscope main body 2 becomes large.

Both of them have a structure in which the slide member 1 and the turret member 4 are arranged on the microscope main body 2 slightly apart from the lens barrel, whereby the fluorescence optical elements 1a, 4 are provided.
Since the switching operation of “a” depends on the feeling of the spectroscope, the switching operation is complicated. Moreover, according to this, the fluorescence optical element 1 currently used at the time of fluorescence observation.
When confirming a and 4a, unless the speculum is moved greatly to look into the side of the microscope main body 2, it is difficult to confirm, and there is a risk of misidentification, resulting in poor usability. Have a defect.

[0011]

As described above, the conventional optical element switching device has a problem that it is not easy to use, and that the usage pattern of the microscope is restricted, or the microscope becomes large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical element switching device which can improve the usability while satisfying the diversification of microscope usage patterns. .

[0013]

According to the present invention, a microscope main body having a branched optical path that is branched from the optical path and extends in a substantially left-right direction with respect to the front surface, and a plurality of optical elements having different optical characteristics are predetermined. A slider member arranged at an interval, and the slider member is moved and guided in an angular direction located between the front side of the microscope main body and the branching optical path to select one of the plurality of optical elements. The optical element switching device is configured to include a slider guide means disposed on the optical path of the microscope body.

According to the above construction, the slider member is guided by the slider guiding means in the angular direction located between the front surface of the microscope main body and the branching optical path, and a desired optical element is moved according to the moving position. Place it on the optical path of the microscope body. This enables easy adjustment operation from the front of the microscope body, and realizes simple and easy usability. Moreover, by adjusting the movement, the slider member blocks the branch optical path of the microscope body or projects to the front for observation. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy various usage patterns of the microscope.

Further, according to the present invention, an index is provided in the vicinity of the lens barrel of the microscope main body, and a plurality of indexes are provided on the slider member so as to correspond to the plurality of optical elements, and the indexes are matched with each other. Thus, the device usage status can be determined.

According to the above construction, if the microscopist matches the index corresponding to the optical element of the slider member with the index arranged in the vicinity of the lens barrel of the microscope main body, the element switching setting can be performed. Accurate element switching operation can be easily realized.

Further, according to the present invention, the slide member is provided with a slide operation portion operably arranged near the lens barrel of the microscope body with respect to the slider member. According to this, at the observation position, the microscopist can adjust the movement of the slide member by using the slide operation portion arranged near the lens barrel, and thus the operability is improved and the element is quick and easy. The switching operation is realized.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show an optical element switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state viewed from the upper side, and FIG. 2 shows a state viewed from a side. Indicates.
That is, the microscope body 10 is provided with a stage 11 on which a sample (not shown) is placed, and an adjustable objective lens revolver mechanism 12 is disposed opposite to the stage 11 behind the stage 11. The objective lens revolver mechanism 12 is equipped with a plurality of objective lenses 121 (see FIG. 2) having different magnifications, and by adjusting the objective lens 121, a desired objective lens 121 is arranged on the optical path to observe at a desired magnification. It is possible.

The microscope body 10 is provided with a lens barrel 13 for speculum on the front side thereof, and an extension branching optical path 14 communicating with the optical path is provided extending in the substantially left and right direction on the front side ( For convenience of illustration, only one is shown in the figure). External devices such as a television camera and a photographic device (not shown) are selectively connected to and arranged in the extension optical path 14.

Further, an optical element switching mechanism 15 for fluorescence observation, which is a feature of the present invention, is provided at a stage subsequent to the objective lens revolver mechanism 12 in correspondence with the optical path of the objective lens 121.

In this optical element switching mechanism 15, a slider guide rail 116 constituting a slider guide means has a microscope barrel 13 of the microscope body 10 and a branched optical path 1 of the microscope body 10.
It is laid at an intermediate portion with respect to 4 at a predetermined angle α. Then, the slider member 1 is attached to the slider guide rail 16.
7 is mounted so as to be linearly movable in the rail direction (arrow direction).

The slider member 17 includes a plurality of, for example, first to fourth fluorescent optical elements 18 having different optical characteristics.
21 are linearly arranged at predetermined intervals. The slider member 17 has, for example, notch-shaped first to fourth index mounting portions 171 to 171 at one end portion corresponding to the front surface side.
174 is the first to fourth optical elements for fluorescence 18 to 21
Corresponding to the first to fourth index mounting portions 171 to 174, the first to fourth optical element identifying portions are provided on the first to fourth index mounting portions 171 to 174.
To the fourth indicators 22 to 25 are attached.

As a result, when the slider member 17 is moved on the slider guide rail 16 so that the first index 22 thereof is aligned with the main body index 101 provided in the vicinity of the lens barrel of the microscope main body 10, the slider 22 is moved. The first fluorescence optical element 18 is arranged on the optical path. Similarly, the slide member 17
When any one of the second to fourth indexes 23 to 25 is matched with the main body index 101 of the microscope main body 10, the second to fourth fluorescence optical elements 19 to 20 are selectively selected correspondingly. Placed on the optical path.

Further, the slide member 17 is provided with a slide operation portion 175 extending from the base portion of the fourth index attachment portion 174 so as to be located in the vicinity of the lens barrel of the microscope body 10. The slide operation portion 175 is guided by a spectroscope, for example, by holding it in a hand while looking into the lens barrel 13 and moving and urging the slider member 17 along the slider guide rail 16 in the arrow direction. The rail 16 is moved linearly in the direction of the arrow.

In the above structure, when performing fluorescence observation, first, the sample is placed on the stage 11, and the objective lens revolver mechanism 12 is operated to operate the desired objective lens 121.
Is arranged on the optical path to drive a light source unit (not shown). In this state, the speculum operator wants to dispose on the optical path by holding the slide operation portion 175 of the slider member 17 located near the front lens barrel in his hand while looking into the lens barrel 13 and moving it in the arrow direction. Thru | or the 1st thru | or 4th index | indexes 22-25 corresponding to the optical elements 18-21 for fluorescence are used for the microscope main body 10.
The main body index 101 located near the lens barrel is matched.

Here, on the optical path after the objective lens 121 of the objective lens revolver mechanism 12, the first to fourth fluorescence corresponding to the first to fourth indexes 22 to 25 matched with the main body index 101 are provided. The optical elements 18 to 21 for light are selectively arranged, and the fluorescence observation of the optical image is performed through the first to fourth optical elements for fluorescence 18 to 21 arranged on this optical path. In this fluorescence observation state, the microscopist visually recognizes, from the observation position, the first to fourth indicators 22 to 25 that are aligned with the main body indicator 101 of the microscope main body 10, and thus the first indicator placed on the optical path. To the fourth optical element for fluorescence 18 to
It is possible to recognize which one is 21.

At this time, when the slide member 17 is linearly moved along the slide guide rail 16 in the direction of the arrow, the angle α between the lens barrel 13 of the microscope body 10 and the intermediate portion of the branched optical path 14 is set.
The space A (see FIG. 1) that allows the external device (not shown) to be mounted is formed in the vicinity of the branch optical path 14 by being projected in the direction of. This realizes a microscope usage mode in which an external device is selectively attached to the branched optical path 14 of the microscope body 10 during fluorescence observation.

As described above, the optical element switching device includes the microscope main body 10 having the branch optical path 14 which is branched from the optical path and extends substantially in the left-right direction with respect to the front surface. A slider guide rail 16 is laid with an inclination angle of an angle α located in the middle, and the first to fourth fluorescent optical elements 18 to 2 are laid on the slider guide rail 16.
1 are provided at predetermined intervals so as to be movable and guided, and the slider member 17 is attached to the slider guide rail 1.
The first to fourth optical elements for fluorescence 18 to 21 are selectively arranged on the optical path of the microscope main body 10 by adjusting the movement of the microscope.

According to this, the slider member 17 is guided to move in the angular direction of the angle α located between the front side of the microscope main body 10 and the branch optical path 14, and the first to the first depending on the moving position. By arranging the four fluorescence optical elements 18 to 21 on the optical path of the microscope main body 10, an easy adjustment operation from the front side of the microscope main body 10 is possible and a simple usability is realized. Then, according to this, when the movement of the slider member 17 is adjusted, the slider member 17 does not block the branched optical path 14 of the microscope main body 10 or significantly protrude to the front side, thereby not adversely affecting the speculum. Even during fluorescence observation, a desired microscope usage pattern using the branched optical path 14 can be realized.

Further, the slide member 17 is provided with the first to fourth indicators 22 to 25, and the first to fourth optical elements 18 for fluorescence.
21 to 21, and a main body index 101 is provided in the vicinity of the lens barrel of the microscope main body 10, so that the first to fourth indexes 22 to 25 of the slide member 17 match the main body index 101. The fourth fluorescent optical elements 18 to 21 are arranged in the optical path of the microscope body 10.

According to this, at the observation position, the microscopist positions one of the first to fourth indexes 22 to 25 of the slider member 17 on the body index 101 arranged near the lens barrel of the microscope body 10. By making them coincident with each other, the element switching setting can be performed, so that an accurate element switching operation can be simply and easily realized.

Furthermore, the microscope body 1 of the slider member 17
Slide operation unit 1 operably arranged near the lens barrel 0
75 is provided. According to this, since the microscopist can directly operate the slide operation unit 175 near the lens barrel from the observation position, the operability is improved and a quick and easy element switching operation is realized. , Its usability can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the first to fourth
4 of the fluorescent optical elements 18 to 21 of FIG.
Although the description has been given of the case of arranging in the above, the number is not limited to this, and it is possible to constitute.

In the above embodiment, the slide operation portion 175 of the slider member 17 is formed, and the slide operation portion 175 is configured to be held and held by a speculum operator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but it is also possible to have a structure in which a part of the slider member 17 is held in the hand of the spectroscope and operated linearly although the operability is slightly deteriorated.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the slider member 17 is arranged on one side of the front lens barrel 13 so as to be linearly movable and inclined by the angle α. Alternatively, the slider member 17 may be arranged on the other side of the lens barrel 13 so as to be linearly movable with an inclination angle of the angle α.

In the above embodiment, the case where the first to fourth optical elements for fluorescence 18 to 21 for performing fluorescence observation are selectively arranged on the optical path has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a switching structure in which other optical elements are selectively arranged on the optical path.

Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and in addition, various modifications can be carried out at the stage of carrying out the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention can be obtained. When the above is obtained, the configuration in which this constituent element is deleted can be extracted as the invention.

[0040]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical element switching device which can improve the usability while satisfying the diversification of the usage patterns of the microscope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram shown for explaining an optical element switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which FIG. 1 is viewed from a side surface.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional slide type optical element switching device.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which FIG. 3 is viewed from a side surface.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional turret type optical element switching device.

6 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which FIG. 5 is viewed from the side.

[Explanation of symbols]

10… The microscope body. 101 ... Main body index. 11 ... Stage. 111 ... Screw hole. 12 ... Objective lens revolver mechanism. 121 ... Objective lens. 13 ... A lens barrel. 14 ... Branch optical path for expansion. 15 ... Optical element switching mechanism. 16 ... Slider guide rail. 17 ... A slider member. 171 ... The 1st index mounting part. 172 ... A second index mounting portion. 173 ... A third index mounting portion. 174 ... Fourth indicator mounting portion. 175 ... A slide operation unit. 18 ... The 1st optical element for fluorescence. 19 ... The 2nd optical element for fluorescence. 20 ... Third fluorescent optical element. 21 ... Fourth fluorescent optical element. 22 ... First index. 23 ... A second index. 24 ... Third indicator. 25 ... Fourth indicator. A ... Space.

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Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A slider member in which a microscope main body having a branching optical path branched from the optical path and extending in a substantially left-right direction with respect to the front surface, and a plurality of optical elements having different optical characteristics are arranged at predetermined intervals. And guiding the slider member in an angular direction intermediate between the front side of the microscope main body and the branching optical path to selectively select any one of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path of the microscope main body. An optical element switching device, comprising: a slider guide means disposed in the optical element. 2. An index is provided near the lens barrel of the microscope main body, and a plurality of indexes are provided on the slider member so as to correspond to the plurality of optical elements. The optical element switching device according to claim 1, wherein the optical element switching device is configured so that the situation can be determined. 3. The optical element switching device according to claim 1, wherein the slider member is further provided with a slide operation portion operably arranged near a lens barrel of the microscope body.