JP2003307683A - Inverted microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inverted microscope which enables a user to check an optical element arranged on an optical path without substantially moving his or her body from a viewing state. <P>SOLUTION: The inverted microscope has front side and rear side fixing sections 1a and 1b for fixing a stage 3 to a microscope body 1, an objective lens 6 for viewing a specimen from the lower side of the stage 3, a viewing optical system for viewing the specimen image captured by the objective lens 6 by an eyepiece lens 12, an aperture 1c formed in the front side fixing section 1a of the microscope body 1, a reflection member 16 arranged within the microscope body 1. The objective lens 6 reflected by the reflecting member 16 through the aperture 1c from near the eyepiece 12 is made visible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inverted microscope for magnifying and observing a sample placed on a stage from below the stage with an objective lens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a typical configuration of an inverted microscope for observing a sample placed on a stage from below, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. That is, in such an inverted microscope, the stage on which the sample is placed is fixed to the microscope main body, and an objective lens for magnifying and observing the sample under the stage and a revolver for selectively inserting the objective lens into the optical path. And an optical system switching device that has various optical elements for selectively returning the wavelength of the illumination light from the light source to the sample side, and selectively switches these optical elements into and out of the optical path to switch the optical system. It is arranged. The objective lens, the revolver, and the optical system switching device can perform various operations such as switching from the outside of the microscope main body, and an opening is provided in the stage fixing portion of the microscope main body to perform these operations. ing.

However, in general, the front side of the microscope body is
Since an optical path for microscope observation is provided, the openings for operating the objective lens, the revolver, and the optical system switching device are usually opened on the left and right side surfaces when viewed from the front of the microscope body. For this reason, the display showing the optical element currently inserted in the optical path provided in the optical system switching device is checked by looking into the openings on the left and right side surfaces of the microscope main body. The person has to move the body greatly from the posture of observing the sample to the left or right, which is a problem in the confirmation work.

Further, for example, some inverted microscopes used for observing metals have visibility improved by arranging a mirror held rotatably at the back of the side surface of the main body of the microscope. However, in order to look at the mirror, I couldn't see it sufficiently without moving my body sideways from the observation state and looking into it.

Further, when the idea of providing such a mirror is applied to the microscope for biological observation disclosed in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3, these microscopes have
Since a device such as a manipulator or a TV camera may be arranged on the side of the stage of the microscope body, it is difficult to look through the mirror if there is a mirror on the side.

Therefore, conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 4, an opening for viewing the objective lens is provided in the stage, and a light transmitting member such as glass or resin is provided in that portion, and the objective lens is passed through this light transmitting member. The one that can be confirmed.

As disclosed in Patent Document 5, a mesh member is formed around the light-transmitting hole in the intermediate seat of the stage, and the objective lens can be confirmed through the mesh member.

As described in Patent Document 6, the outer side of the intermediate seat of the stage is formed of a transparent member having a circumferential width,
The objective lens can be confirmed through this transparent member.

Etc. have been considered.

[0010]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-94940

[0011]

[Patent Document 2] JP-A-6-342121

[0012]

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-123993

[0013]

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-66516

[0014]

[Patent Document 5] JP-A-11-6964

[0015]

[Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-242631

[0016]

By the way, normally, in an inverted microscope, very detailed work such as cell replacement by a manipulator is performed, including frequent replacement and movement of the sample on the stage. High rigidity is required as the material of the stage, and a metal material such as aluminum that is hard to break is used. However, in Patent Document 4, since a light transmitting member such as glass or resin is provided on the stage where the sample is frequently operated, there is a problem that the stage surface is scratched and visibility is deteriorated after many years of use. Occurs. In addition, it is necessary to provide an opening for checking the display part of the objective lens on the line of sight from the vicinity of the eyepiece so that the display part of the objective lens can be seen straight through. However, there is also a problem that it is disadvantageous in terms of design restrictions, manufacturing cost, rigidity, etc., because it requires processing such as making holes in its constituent elements.

Originally, in the middle seat of the stage on which the sample is to be placed, consideration is given to accuracy and rigidity in order not to cause one-sided blurring of the sample. Since the seat is composed of the mesh member, the accuracy is significantly deteriorated, and the seat may be easily deformed, so that there is a problem that one-sided blurring occurs in observation of the sample.

Further, in Patent Document 6, as in the case of Patent Document 4, since a transparent member such as glass or resin is provided on the stage, the stage surface is scratched due to long-term use and the visibility is reduced. Causes the problem of

Further, in the conventional inverted microscope, as a sample container, for example, a Petri dish having an inner diameter of about 35 to 100 mm is widely used.
In some cases, the field of view may be blocked by the sample container and the objective lens may not be visible from above the stage.

On the other hand, in most of the objective lenses, the display portion is displayed on the side surface (vertical surface), but in order to improve the visibility of the display portion, it is necessary to confirm the display portion at an angle as close to horizontal as possible. Is desirable.

However, in a general inverted microscope, as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 4, the objective lens is relatively low and the eyepiece lens is relatively high so that an observer can operate the microscope in a natural posture. It is located in a position. Therefore, when trying to directly look at the objective lens from the vicinity of the eyepiece, it is necessary to confirm the display part of the objective lens with a line of sight with a considerable angle (corresponding to "arrow S" in Patent Document 4). It is easily conceivable that the visibility is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inverted microscope in which the confirmation of the optical element arranged on the optical path can be easily performed from the observation state without moving the body. And

[0023]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing unit which is between the stage and the microscope main body, and which fixes the stage to the microscope main body, and an objective lens which observes the sample from below the stage. An observation optical system for observing a sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing portion on the front side of the microscope main body, and a reflecting member arranged in the microscope main body. It is characterized in that the objective lens reflected by the reflecting member is made visible from the vicinity of the eyepiece through the opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, an optical element switching device arranged in the observation optical system is provided, and the reflecting member is provided in the optical element switching device. I am trying.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the invention described above, the reflecting member is configured to have any one of a flat shape, a concave shape, and a convex shape.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reflecting member is held by a rotatable holding member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the objective lens has a display section provided with a display corresponding to the objective lens in the vicinity thereof, and the microscope is provided. It is characterized in that it has a display section at a position visible from the vicinity of the eyepiece lens of the main body, the display section additionally describing the objective lens corresponding to the display attached to the display section.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing portion which is provided between the stage and the microscope main body, and which fixes the stage to the microscope main body, and the stage. An objective lens for observing the sample from below, an observation optical system for observing a sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing part on the front side of the microscope body, and a predetermined Reflecting means having a plate-shaped member having two surfaces forming an angle, a projecting portion being provided in a width direction of a side surface of the plate-shaped member forming the predetermined angle, and a reflecting member being provided on one surface. And the reflecting means positions the projecting portion at a base end portion of the stage fixing portion that forms the opening portion, and abuts the other surface on a bottom portion of the opening portion. It mounted within the mouth portion, and wherein the objective lens in the visible to the reflected by the reflecting member reflecting means through said opening from said eyepiece vicinity.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 6, the reflecting means is formed by bending a plate member to form two surfaces forming a predetermined angle.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the sixth aspect, the reflecting means rotatably connects one surface provided with a reflecting member and the other surface provided with a protrusion, The feature is that the angle formed by these two surfaces can be arbitrarily set.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing portion for fixing the stage to the microscope main body between the stage and the microscope main body, and a lower portion of the stage. An objective lens for observing the sample from the side, an observation optical system for observing the sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing part on the front side of the microscope body, and the opening And a refraction means disposed in the portion, and the objective lens is made visible from the vicinity of the eyepiece through an optical path that is transmitted through the refraction means and is refracted.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to the ninth aspect, the refracting means has a shape in which a large number of triangular prisms are arranged.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the ninth aspect, the refracting means includes a supporting means and a refracting member supported by the supporting means so that a rotation inclination angle can be arbitrarily set. It has a feature.

As a result, according to the present invention, the observer only slightly moves the position of the eyes in the microscope observation state,
You can check the type of objective lens inserted in the optical path without having to move your body significantly, and you can switch the objective lens quickly and accurately according to changes in observation conditions. The stage to be placed has high rigidity,
A reliable structure that is not easily damaged

[0035]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of an inverted microscope to which the present invention is applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a microscope main body, and a stage 3 is arranged on a front side fixing portion 1a and a rear side fixing portion 1b which are stage fixing portions of the microscope main body 1. The sample 2 is placed on the stage 3.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an epi-illumination light source using a halogen lamp, mercury, etc. The light flux from this epi-illumination light source 4 is guided to the microscope main body 1, reflected by the dichroic mirror 5, and irradiated onto the sample 2 via the objective lens 6. To be done. In this case, a plurality of objective lenses 6 are held by the revolver 7 serving as an objective holding means, and are alternatively arranged on the optical axis 14.

The reflected light from the sample 2 is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 5 that constitutes the observation optical system, and the imaging lens 8 forms an enlarged image of the sample 2 together with the objective lens 6.
The light is reflected obliquely upward (at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the horizontal) by the reflection mirror 9, and after being relayed by the relay optical system 10, the light enters the eyepiece lens 12 attached to the observation lens barrel 11 and enters the eyes of the observer. Reach and be observed.

In this case, the revolver 7 holding the plurality of objective lenses 6 is held in the microscope main body 1 by the holder 13. The holding unit 13 moves the revolver 7 up and down along the optical axis 14 by operating a focusing handle (not shown) to change the relative distance between the sample 2 on the stage 3 and the objective lens 6 to focus the sample 2. Is possible. An optical element switching device 15 is provided below the objective lens 6 and between the revolver 7 and the reflection mirror 9. The optical element switching device 15 has a plurality of optical elements (not shown) in addition to the dichroic mirror 5 described above, and selectively selects optical elements such as these dichroic mirrors 5 from the optical axis 14 of the observation optical system. Is arranged at the intersection of the optical paths from the epi-illumination light source 4. On the upper surface of the optical element switching device 15, a sheet-shaped reflecting member 16 is provided as a reflecting member. The reflecting member 16 is for reflecting the image of the objective lens 6 held by the revolver 7. Here, as the sheet-shaped reflecting member 16, flat rubber, plastic,
It is conceivable that a reflective member is attached to or vapor-deposited on metal or the like.

Between the revolver 7 and the optical element switching device 15, an optical element 17 such as a polarizing plate or a Nomarski prism corresponding to various spectroscopic methods is disposed so that it can be selectively inserted into and removed from the optical axis 14. There is.

In the drawing, 18 is a transillumination light source,
The light flux from the transmissive illumination light source 18 is reflected by the reflection mirror 19 so that the sample 2 can be irradiated along the optical axis 14.

FIG. 2A shows the microscope body 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. In this case, an opening 1c is provided at the center of the front side fixed portion 1a of the microscope body 1. The opening 1c is for making the sheet-like reflecting member 16 provided on the optical element switching device 15 inside the microscope body 1 visible from the outside of the microscope body 1 as shown in FIG. Then, an observer who observes the sample with the eyepiece lens 12 separates his / her eyes from the eyepiece lens 12 and moves his / her eyes a little above the eyepiece lens 12, so that the object reflected from the reflecting member 16 through the opening 1c. The lens 6 can be seen through.

The objective lens 6 will be described below with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the peripheral surface of the objective lens 6 has a type and magnification of the objective lens, and a corresponding observation method, that is, P for phase difference observation.
A display unit 6a with a notation such as h for polarized light observation and P for observation of polarized light is provided. The display portion 6a can be identified by changing the color of characters by the corresponding observation method. A color band 6b is provided above the display portion 6a so that the color band 6b can be identified by changing the color for each magnification.

With such a structure, the observer always carries out normal microscope observation through the eyepiece lens 12 at the eye position A shown in FIG.

From this state, when the objective lens 6 in the optical path is to be switched in accordance with the change of the observation condition, the observer moves the eye position to B and passes through the opening 1c of the front side fixed portion 1a of the microscope main body 1. The display portion 6a and the color band 6b of the objective lens 6 reflected by the reflecting member 16 on the optical element switching device 15 are looked into.

The contents of the display unit 6a corresponding to the desired objective lens 6 are confirmed by confirming the objective lens 6 located on the optical axis 14 from the contents of the display unit 6a and the color of the color band 6b, and rotating the revolver 7. And color band 6b
The operation is continued until the color of can be confirmed from the opening 1c.

When the content of the display section 6a corresponding to the desired objective lens 6 and the color of the color band 6b can be confirmed through the opening 1c, the rotating operation of the revolver 7 is completed. As a result, the objective lens 6 optimal for new observation conditions can be switched to the optical path, and the observer can
By returning the eye position to A again, normal microscope observation through the eyepiece lens 12 can be performed.

Although the contents of the display portion 6a of the objective lens 6 which can be seen through the opening 1c are reflected images, the display portion 6a
Since the corresponding observation method can be identified by the color and the magnification can be identified by the color of the color band 6b, there is no problem in practical use.

Therefore, with this arrangement, the observer can insert the lens into the optical path by slightly moving the position of the eyes in the microscope observation state from A to B without having to move the body significantly. Since it is possible to confirm the type of the objective lens 6 and the like, it is possible to switch the objective lens 6 quickly and accurately when the observation condition is changed.

Further, the display portion 6a corresponding to the objective lens 6
Since it is a simple configuration in which the contents of the above and the color of the color band 6b are checked through the opening 1c, the cost can be reduced.

Further, the stage 3 on which the sample 2 is placed is
There is no need to use a light-transmissive member or a mesh member, and since it is possible to use a metal material such as aluminum that has high rigidity and is not easily damaged, the equipment etc. will hit or rub against the stage surface during sample operation. Even if this happens, the stage surface will not be damaged and the accuracy of sample support will not be reduced, and a highly reliable configuration can be maintained.

Further, the replacement of the middle seat according to the application, which is not possible with the conventional microscope using the glass middle seat, for example, replacement with the heat plate, can be carried out without impairing the visibility of the objective lens.

In the above-described first embodiment, the sheet-shaped reflecting member 16 is provided on the optical element switching device 15, but instead of this, for example, in the same portion as in FIG. You may make it provide the concave mirror 21a which is a concave-shaped reflective member as shown in FIG. 4 which attached | subjected the same code | symbol. In this way, an enlarged image of the display portion 6a of the objective lens 6 and the color band 6b can be seen through the opening 1c.

Further, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and as shown in FIG. 5, a convex mirror 2 which is a convex reflecting member.
It may be 1b. By doing so, not only the confirmation of the objective lens 6 through the opening 1c but also the insertion / removal state of the optical element 17 such as a polarizing plate or a Nomarski prism corresponding to various spectroscopic methods arranged under the revolver 7 into the optical path It is possible to check in a wide range.

Further, in the same portion as FIG. 1, a holding member 22 rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown is provided on the optical element switching device 15 as shown in FIG. A sheet-shaped reflecting member 16 may be provided. In this way, if the position of the reflecting member 16 is finely adjusted by rotating the holding member 22, the display portion 6a and the color band 6b of the objective lens 6 can be more easily seen through the opening 1c and the revolver can be easily seen. It is possible to selectively and widely check the insertion / removal state of the optical element 17 arranged on the lower side of the optical path 7 into / from the optical path. Of course, it is also possible to combine the rotatable holding member 22 with the concave mirror 21a or the convex mirror 21b described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Further, if the sheet-shaped reflecting member 16 is fixed on the optical element switching device 15 with something like an adhesive tape, it can be easily replaced even if the surface of the reflecting member 16 is significantly scratched. Is. Although not shown, the optical element switching device 15 is used when epi-illumination observation is not used.
In the case where the above is not arranged, a fixing member instead of the above may be fixedly arranged.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 7 and 8 show a schematic structure of a main portion of a second embodiment of the present invention.
The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the objective lens 6
, A revolver 7 that holds the objective lens 6 here.
A display unit 23 that displays numbers corresponding to the objective lens 6 is provided on the periphery of the display unit 23. In the display unit 23, the numbers corresponding to the objective lens 6 inserted in the optical axis 14 are reflected by the reflecting member 16. Is adjusted so that it can be seen through the opening 1c.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of display plates 24 are provided near the eyepiece lens 12 of the microscope body 1. These display plates 24 are provided with explanations indicating the type of the objective lens 6 corresponding to the numbers on the display unit 23, the magnification, and the corresponding observation method. The display plates 24 are housed in the removable pockets 25, respectively. ing.

According to this structure, when it is desired to switch the objective lens 6 in the optical path in accordance with the change of the observation condition,
The observer uses the optical element switching device 15 through the opening 1c.
Display unit 2 on the revolver 7 reflected by the reflection member 16 of
Peek at the number 3.

Next, the objective lens 6 located on the optical axis 14 is confirmed from the number visible from the opening 1c, and the revolver 7 is rotated, until the desired number of the objective lens 6 can be confirmed from the opening 1c. Continue the operation. In this case, the display plate 2 provided near the eyepiece 12 of the microscope body 1
By using 4 together, the objective lens 6 located on the optical axis 14 can be easily confirmed. Further, since each display plate 24 indicates the type of the objective lens 6, the magnification, the corresponding observation method, etc., it is desired to rotate the revolver 7 by a desired number when the number is seen through the opening 1c. Whether the objective lens 6 is located on the optical axis 14 can be determined at a glance.

When the number corresponding to the desired objective lens 6 can be confirmed through the opening 1c, the rotating operation of the revolver 7 is completed. This makes it possible to switch the objective lens 6, which is optimal for new observation conditions, into the optical path.

Therefore, in this way, it is possible to see at a glance what kind of objective lens 6 is set on the revolver 7 at that time, and how much the revolver 7 is rotated to obtain a desired value. Since it can be easily confirmed whether the objective lens 6 enters the optical path, the objective lens 6 can be switched quickly.

The display portion 23 on the peripheral portion of the revolver 7 is provided.
By displaying the numbers displayed on the display and the display on the display plate 24 with the phosphorescent paint, it is possible to easily confirm the objective lens 6 even in an observation in a dark room.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a schematic structure of a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the front side fixed portion 1a of the microscope body 1
An opening 1c is provided at the center of the. As shown in FIG. 10, the opening portion 1c includes a right side fixing portion 1aR, a left side fixing portion 1aL, and a bottom fixing portion 1a which constitute the front side fixing portion 1a.
It is formed in the space surrounded by B and the stage 3.
Further, the bottom fixing portion 1aB has a surface inclined by 45 ° with respect to the horizontal. A reflection mirror unit 31 is provided as a reflection means in such an opening 1c.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic structure of such a reflection mirror unit 31.

In this case, 31a is a plate-shaped member, and this plate-shaped member 31a is bent in two at an angle of approximately 30 ° to form two surfaces 31b and 31c and is reflected on one surface 31b. The member 32 is attached.

A tubular portion 31d is formed along the width direction of the plate-shaped member 31a on the side surface of the plate-shaped member 31a forming a predetermined angle, that is, the side surface on the bent side.
The shaft 33, which is the center of rotation of the reflecting member 32, is inserted through 1d. The shaft body 33 is made longer than the width dimension of the plate-shaped member 31 and is configured to form the protruding portions 33a which project from both sides of the plate-shaped member 31a by a predetermined dimension.

Then, such a reflection mirror unit 3
As shown in FIG. 10, the projection 33a of the shaft body 33 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the observation lens barrel 11 and the respective proximal end portions of the right side fixed portion 1aR and the left side fixed portion 1aL of the opening 1c. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the other surface 31c of the plate-shaped member 31a is attached to the bottom fixing portion 1aB by its own weight so as to be attached to the opening portion 1c of the microscope body 1. In this state, the objective lens held by the revolver 7 reflected by the reflection member 32 of the reflection mirror unit 31 can be seen through the opening 1c.

With such a structure, the observer always carries out normal microscope observation through the eyepiece lens 12 at the eye position A shown in FIG.

From this state, when the objective lens 6 in the optical path is to be switched in accordance with the change of the observation condition, the observer moves the eye position to B and passes through the opening 1c of the front side fixed portion 1a of the microscope body 1. The objective lens 6 reflected by the reflection member 32 on the reflection mirror unit 31 is looked into.

Therefore, even in this case, the observer only slightly moves the position of the eyes in the microscope observation state from A to B, and the reflection on the reflection mirror unit 31 can be performed without a large movement of the body. Since the type of the objective lens 6 inserted in the optical path can be confirmed through the member 32, the objective lens 6 can be switched quickly and accurately in accordance with the change of the observation condition.

Further, the reflection mirror unit 31 does not use any adhesive or the like, and the opening 1 of the front side fixing portion 1a is not used.
Since it is attached only in the state of being placed on c, the reflection mirror unit 31 can be attached and detached only by pinching. As a result, if the reflecting member 32 becomes dirty, it can be easily removed and cleaned.

Furthermore, in this case as well, since the stage 3 on which the sample 2 is placed does not need to use a light transmitting member or a mesh member, a tool or the like may hit or rub against the surface of the light transmitting member during the operation of the sample. Even if there is, the stage is not damaged and the accuracy of supporting the sample is not deteriorated, and the highly reliable configuration can be maintained.

The reflecting mirror unit 31 of the above-described embodiment has a structure in which the shaft body 33 is inserted along the bent portion of the plate member 31a folded in two, but instead of the shaft body 33, for example, As shown in FIG. 13, projections 31e are formed on both sides of the other surface 31c of the plate-shaped member 31a that has been folded in half and on which the reflection member 32 is not attached, and these projections 31e are used to open the opening of the microscope body 1. You may make it attach to the part 1c. Even in this case, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be expected.

Further, in the reflection mirror unit 31 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the plate member 31a is folded in two and the bending angle is constant, but this angle may be adjustable. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the reflection mirror unit 34 has, as two surfaces, a plate-like member 34a to which the reflection member 32 is attached and a protrusion (not shown) similar to that described in FIG. The plate-shaped members 34b are connected via a hinge 35, and the angle formed by the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b can be arbitrarily set by moving the plate-shaped member 34a in the direction of the arrow in the figure. in this case,
As the hinge 35, one having a large sliding resistance at the time of turning operation and capable of holding the angle between the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b is used.

By using such a reflection mirror unit 34, the angle formed by the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b can be adjusted. Therefore, after attaching the reflection mirror unit 34 to the opening 1c of the microscope main body 1, The direction of the reflecting member 32 can be adjusted to the best position where the objective lens 6 can be seen through the opening 1c. Further, by adjusting the angle formed by the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b, that is, the tilt angle of the reflection member 32 within the range of 20 ° to 25 °, various types are arranged below the revolver 7 through the opening 1c. It is possible to confirm the insertion / removal state of the optical element 17 such as a polarizing plate or a Nomarski prism corresponding to the spectroscopic method in the optical path.

FIG. 15 illustrates the range of the tilt angle of the reflecting member 32 of the reflecting mirror unit 34. In this case, the plate member 34a to which the reflecting member 32 is attached is set at an angle of 9 ° to 16 ° with respect to the horizontal plane. When kept within the range, the objective lens 6 can be confirmed through the opening 1c. For that purpose, the angle formed by the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b may be set to any one of the range of 27 ° to 35 °, of which the angle is 30 °.
Objective lens 6 visible through opening 1c when
It has been confirmed that the range of is the widest.

From this, in the reflection mirror unit 31 whose angle is fixed by the bending process described in FIGS. 11 and 13, the bending angle is set to 30 °. Further, in the reflection mirror unit 34 capable of adjusting the angle formed by the plate-shaped members 34a and 34b described with reference to FIG.
The angle between 4a and 34b is set between 27 ° and 35 ° so that the observer can easily see the objective lens 6.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the objective lens 6 has the color band for identifying the magnification which is normally used, but, for example, FIG.
It is also possible to use the objective lens 6 equipped with the color rubber band 41 as shown in FIG. In this case, the color rubber band 41 has a wider band width than the existing color line indicating the magnification of the objective lens 6 and is detachable, and its color is different for each magnification and a specific color is determined by matching the magnification. Has been.

As described above, by mounting the color rubber bands 41 on the objective lenses 6, respectively, when the objective lenses 6 are viewed through the opening 1c, the color rubber bands 41 representing the magnification are also clearly visible.
The magnification of can be recognized more accurately.

In the above description, the opening 1c is provided at the center of the front side fixing portion 1a of the microscope body 1, but the opening 1c is formed in a notch shape at the side edge portion of the front side fixing portion 1a. It also includes things. In short, it may be formed at a position where the objective lens 6 reflected by the reflecting member 16 can be seen. Further, for example, a reflecting member may be further arranged on the lower surface of the stage 3, and the image reflected by this reflecting member may be reflected by the reflecting member 16 so that it can be seen from the outside of the microscope body 1 through the opening 1c. In this way, various optical elements inside the microscope main body 1 can be observed over a wider area.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a schematic structure of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a microscope main body, and this microscope main body 1 is provided with a front side fixing portion 1a and a rear side fixing portion 1b, which are stage fixing portions, on the front side fixing portion 1a and the rear side fixing portion 1b. The stage 3 is arranged in the. The front side fixing portion 1a is composed of a pair of fixing members 1a1 and 1a2 arranged at a predetermined interval as shown in FIG. 17, and is formed between the fixing members 1a1 and 1a2 together with the lower surface of the stage 3. The opening 1e is formed.

The stage 3 has an opening 3a for an observation optical path formed at a position facing the optical axis 14 of the objective lens 6,
The sample 2 is placed on the opening 3a.

A revolver 7 is arranged below the stage 3, and a plurality of objective lenses 6 are held on the revolver 7 and alternatively arranged on the optical axis 14. In this case, the peripheral surface of the objective lens 6 is provided with a color band (not shown), a display section 6a indicating the magnification, the numerical aperture, and the like.

Above the microscope main body 1, a transmitted illumination light source 18 supported by the column 1d is provided. The illumination light from the transmissive illumination light source 18 is applied to the sample 2 along the optical axis 14, and the light transmitted through the sample 2 is the objective lens 6.
And a magnified image of the sample 2 is formed, is reflected in an obliquely upward direction (angle of 45 ° with respect to the horizontal) by a reflection mirror (not shown), and is attached to the observation lens barrel 11.
Incident on the observer's eye, enabling observation of the specimen image. In this case, an observer who observes the sample with the eyepiece lens 12 separates his / her eyes from the eyepiece lens 12 and moves the eye slightly above the eyepiece lens 12 to open the front fixing portion 1a of the microscope body 1 described above. It is also possible to look into the section 1e.

A refraction member 51 as refraction means is arranged in the opening 1e on the front side fixed portion 1a side. As shown in FIG. 18, the refracting member 51 has a shape in which a large number of elongated triangular prisms are arranged, and the elongated triangular prisms are viewed from the observer side, with the elongated triangular prisms facing upward. At this time, they are arranged so as to face sideways, and are fixed to the lower surface of the stage 3 in this state.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the refracting member 51 shown in FIG. 18 as seen from the Z direction in the drawing. The refracting member 51 here is
For example, it is molded from transparent plastic having a refractive index (n) of 1.4, the lower surface has a flat shape, and the upper surface has a continuous triangular shape of 45 ° surfaces. As a result, for example, the light beam 52 that is vertically incident on the 45 ° surface 51a
Is refracted at the emission surface 51b and is emitted at an angle of about 82 ° when the refractive index (n) of the air layer is 1, (Fresnel's law). That is, the refraction member 51 having such characteristics.
Is provided, and the light passing through the
As a result of the refraction, the observer can move his eyes slightly above the eyepiece lens 12 and look into the opening 1e side of the front side fixed portion 1a.
You will be able to see the and its surroundings at an angle close to horizontal.

With such a structure, the observer always carries out normal microscope observation through the eyepiece lens 12 at the eye position A shown in FIG.

From this state, when the objective lens 6 in the optical path is to be switched in accordance with the change of the observation condition, the observer slightly moves the eye position to B and opens the opening portion of the front side fixed portion 1a of the microscope main body 1. The display unit 6 of the objective lens 6 located below the stage 3 via the refracting member 51 only by looking at the 1e side.
You can check a and its surroundings at an angle close to horizontal.

Therefore, even in this case, the observer only slightly moves the position of the eyes in the microscope observation state from A to B, and does not move the body greatly, and the optical path is obtained through the refracting member 51. Since the type of the objective lens 6 inserted therein can be confirmed, the objective lens 6 accompanying the change of the observation condition can be confirmed.
Can be switched quickly and accurately.

Incidentally, the refraction member 51 of the above-mentioned embodiment.
Although a plurality of transparent triangular prisms are arranged side by side, for example, a semitransparent one, a wedge shape, a concave surface shape, a convex surface shape or the like can be used. These are variously selected and used according to the size and position of the stage 3 and the positions of the objective lens 6 and the eyepiece lens 12. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the refraction member 51 is fixed to the stage 3, but the fixation method of the refraction member 51 can be freely selected as long as the function is not lost as described above.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

In the fifth embodiment, the configuration of the inverted microscope is the same as that of FIG. 16, so that the figure is incorporated herein.

20 (a) and 20 (b) show a refracting means used in the fifth embodiment. In this case, the stage 3 is provided with a refracting member support portion 61 as a supporting means. The refraction member support portion 61 is formed with a pair of arm members 61a and 61b that are provided so as to project in parallel. Fitting holes 61a1 and 61b1 are formed at the tips of the arm members 61a and 61b.

Reference numeral 62 is a refracting member as described with reference to FIG. 18, and a rotating shaft 63 is provided so as to penetrate the refracting member 62. Both ends of the rotary shaft 63 are fitted with a spring washer 64 through the fitting holes 61a of the arm members 61a and 61b.
1, 61b1 are fitted to rotatably support the refraction member 62 on the arm members 61a and 61b of the refraction member support portion 61. In this case, the rotating shaft 63 is arranged such that the spring washer 64 is interposed between the fitting holes 61a1 and 61b1 of the arm members 61a and 61b, so that the refracting member 62 is provided.
The rotation inclination angle of can be set arbitrarily.

By doing so, the refracting member 62 arranged in the opening 1e of the front side fixing portion 1a of the microscope main body 1 is shown in FIG.
By rotating and tilting as indicated by the broken line in 0 (a), the viewing angle for confirming the display portion 6a of the objective lens 6 can be finely adjusted, so that better visibility can be secured. it can.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified at the stage of carrying out the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if 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 it is described in the section of the effect of the invention. In the case where the effect described above is obtained, a configuration in which this constituent element is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0103]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inverted microscope in which the confirmation of the optical element arranged on the optical path can be easily performed from the observation state with almost no movement of the body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an objective lens used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of another modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a reflection mirror unit used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a mounting state of a reflection mirror unit used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another reflection mirror unit used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another reflection mirror unit used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modified example of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a refraction member used in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a refraction member used in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refracting member used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Microscope body 1a ... Front fixed part 1b ... Rear fixed part 1c, 1e ... opening 1d ... prop 1aR ... Right side fixed part 1aL ... Left side fixed part 1aB ... Bottom fixed part 2 ... specimen 3 ... Stage 4… Epi-illumination light source 5 ... Dichroic mirror 6 ... Objective lens 6a ... Display section 6b ... Color band 7 ... Revolver 8 ... Imaging lens 9 ... Reflective mirror 10 ... Relay optical system 11 ... Observation barrel 12 ... Eyepiece 13 ... Holding unit 14 ... Optical axis 15 ... Optical element switching device 16 ... Reflective member 17 ... Optical element 18 ... Transmitted illumination light source 19 ... Reflective mirror 21a ... concave mirror 21b ... Convex mirror 22 ... Holding member 23 ... Display 24 ... Display board 25 ... Pocket 31 ... Reflective mirror unit 31a ... Plate-shaped member 31b. 31c ... surface 31d ... Cylindrical part 31e ... Projection 32 ... Reflective member 33 ... Shaft 33a ... Projection 34 ... Reflective mirror unit 34a, 34b ... Plate-shaped member 35 ... Hinge 41 ... Color rubber band 51 ... Refraction member 51a ... 45 ° surface 51b ... Emitting surface 52 ... Ray 61 ... Refractive member support 61a ..., 61b ... Arm member 61a1, 61b1 ... Fitting holes 62 ... Refraction member 63 ... Rotary axis 64 ... Spring washer

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Atsuhiro Tsuchiya             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Miwa Kojima             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Keisuke Tamura             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masato Kanao             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H052 AB05 AB10 AC04 AC05 AC14                       AC27 AD03 AD07 AD31 AD32                       AD33 AF21

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing section which is between the stage and the microscope main body, and which fixes the stage to the microscope main body, and the sample from below the stage. An objective lens for observation, an observation optical system for observing a sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing portion on the front side of the microscope body, and arranged in the microscope body An inverted microscope comprising: a reflecting member, wherein the objective lens reflected by the reflecting member can be viewed through the opening from the vicinity of the eyepiece lens. 2. The inverted microscope according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element switching device arranged in the observation optical system, wherein the reflecting member is provided in the optical element switching device. 3. The reflecting member has a planar shape, a concave shape,
The inverted microscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inverted microscope is configured to have any of a convex shape. 4. The inverted microscope according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting member is held by a rotatable holding member. 5. The objective lens has a display portion provided with a display corresponding to the objective lens in the vicinity, and is attached to the display portion at a position visible from the vicinity of the eyepiece lens of the microscope main body. 5. The display unit further comprising a description of the objective lens corresponding to a display.
The inverted microscope according to any one of 1. 6. A microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing section which is between the stage and the microscope main body, and which fixes the stage to the microscope main body, and the sample from below the stage. An objective lens for observation, an observation optical system for observing a sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing portion on the front side of the microscope body, and two surfaces forming a predetermined angle A reflecting member having a plate-shaped member having a protrusion provided in the width direction of the side surface forming the predetermined angle of the plate-shaped member, and having a reflecting member provided on one surface thereof, The reflecting means is mounted in the opening by positioning the projecting portion at the base end portion of the stage fixing portion forming the opening portion and by abutting the other surface against the bottom portion of the opening portion. Is, inverted microscope, characterized in that said the objective lens to the visible from the eyepiece near is reflected by the reflecting member of the reflecting means through the opening. 7. The reflection means bends a plate member,
7. The inverted microscope according to claim 6, wherein two surfaces forming a predetermined angle are formed. 8. The reflecting means rotatably connects one surface provided with a reflecting member and the other surface provided with a protrusion,
7. The inverted microscope according to claim 6, wherein the angle formed by these two surfaces can be arbitrarily set. 9. A microscope main body, a stage on which a sample is placed, a stage fixing section for fixing the stage to the microscope main body between the stage and the microscope main body, and the sample from below the stage. An objective lens for observation, an observation optical system for observing a sample image captured by the objective lens with an eyepiece lens, an opening formed in the stage fixing portion on the front side of the microscope main body, and an observation optical system arranged in the opening. An inverted microscope comprising: a refracting means, wherein the objective lens is made visible from the vicinity of the eyepiece lens through an optical path that passes through the refracting means and is refracted. 10. The inverted microscope according to claim 9, wherein the refracting means has a shape in which a large number of triangular prisms are arranged. 11. The inverted microscope according to claim 9, wherein the refraction means includes a support means and a refraction member supported by the support means such that a rotation inclination angle can be arbitrarily set.