JP2009258419A - Microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microscope, which is usable in an environment, having an unspecified external DC power source and can extend the opportunity to use it. <P>SOLUTION: The microscope comprises a lighting circuit, having an AC/DC converter and a DC/DC converter for lighting a light source for illuminating an observation object and a detection switching part which detects whether an external power source is AC/DC, and selectively operates the AC/DC converter and the DC/DC converter according to the detection result; and an inlet 14 for taking voltage of the external power source, to which a connector 15a of an AC power supply cable 15 or a DC power supply connector 16, having a positive terminal 16a and a negative terminal 16b, is attached selectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope including a light source for illuminating an observation target.

  When observing pathogenic bacteria with a microscope, illumination with natural light such as sunlight or room light lacks brightness, so there is a microscope including a light source such as an LED or a halogen lamp for illuminating an observation target (for example, Patent Documents). 1). In such a microscope, in general, a light source is turned on by operating a lighting circuit including an AC / DC converter built in the microscope by a commercial AC power source drawn from an outlet with an AC power cable. However, the light source cannot be turned on when there is no outlet or at the time of a power failure, and the microscope cannot be used.

  In view of this, some microscopes have a built-in battery or can be equipped with a dry cell so that the microscope can be used at any place even when there is no outlet or during a power failure.

JP 2003-215464 A

  However, in a battery built-in type microscope, if the battery is exhausted, an outlet for supplying commercial AC power is eventually required for charging. Therefore, if the microscope is used in a place without such an outlet, it cannot be charged and cannot be used after being consumed. In a dry-cell-mounted microscope, when a dry battery is exhausted, it can be replaced with a new battery. However, it cannot be used in the absence of a new dry battery, and cannot be used after exhaustion. Also, the weight is increased by the amount of the battery, which is inconvenient when carrying the microscope.

  In particular, there are many cases where observation of pathogenic bacteria, etc., is required in outdoor places where pathogenic bacteria are generated in developing countries in the tropics. Many. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the microscope becomes unusable as described above, and there is a problem that the opportunity for using the microscope is reduced and observation becomes impossible when desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a microscope that can be used and can be used in an environment where there is an unspecified external DC power supply.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a microscope according to the present invention includes a light source for illuminating an observation target, an AC / DC voltage converter and a DC / DC voltage conversion for lighting the light source. And a detection switching unit for detecting whether the voltage of the external power supply is alternating current or direct current and selectively operating the alternating current / direct current voltage converter and the direct current / direct current voltage converter according to a detection result; A connection circuit for taking in the voltage of the external power source into the detection switching unit by selectively attaching and detaching a lighting circuit having a DC power source connector or a DC power source connector having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. And a section.

  In addition, a microscope according to the present invention includes a light source for illuminating an observation target, a lighting circuit having a DC / DC voltage converter for lighting the light source, and an AC power source incorporating the AC / DC voltage converter. An adapter connector or a DC power supply connector having a terminal for + and a terminal for −, and a connection insertion part for taking in the voltage of the external power source into the DC / DC voltage converter by being selectively attached and detached. Features.

  A microscope according to the present invention includes a light source for illuminating an observation target, a lighting circuit having a DC / DC voltage converter for lighting the light source, and a DC connected to the DC / DC voltage converter. The connector of the power supply cable for AC and the connector for the AC power adapter incorporating the AC / DC voltage converter is selectively attached and detached so that the DC / DC voltage converter is preferentially connected to the DC power cable side. And a connection insertion portion for taking in a voltage.

  The microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the DC power connector detachably attached to the connection insertion portion is provided as an accessory.

  The microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above invention, the DC power connector has a DC power cable.

  The microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the DC power cable has a connector for a DC external power supply at the tip.

  The microscope according to the present invention can turn on a light source by a lighting circuit even if it is an unspecified external DC power supply in addition to a general AC power supply as an external power supply. It can be used in an environment where there is an unspecified external direct current power source such as an in-vehicle battery, and the opportunity for using the microscope can be expanded.

  The best mode for carrying out a microscope according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described below, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is an external perspective view showing an overall configuration of a microscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a schematic horizontal cross section of a base portion. 4 is a rear view of the base portion, and FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration incorporated in the base portion.

  The microscope 1 according to the present embodiment includes a lens barrel 4 having an eyepiece 3 or the like at the top of a main body 2 and an objective lens that approaches and faces an observation target 6 set on a stage 5 that can move up and down, left and right and back and forth. 7 is provided. The microscope 1 includes a base 8 that is positioned below the stage 5 and supports the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the base 8 includes an illumination optical system including a light source 9 that illuminates the observation target 6 on the stage 5 at a position on the optical axis of the objective lens 7. For example, an LED is used as the light source 9, but a halogen lamp or the like may be used.

  In addition, the microscope 1 of the present embodiment has a lighting circuit 10 for lighting the light source 9 built in the base 8. The lighting circuit 10 includes an AC / DC converter (AC / DC voltage converter) 11, a DC / DC converter (DC / DC voltage converter) 12, and a detection switching unit 13 so as to be used for both AC and DC. The light source 9 is turned on by either the AC / DC converter 11 or the DC / DC converter 12. The AC / DC converter 11 is a voltage converter that converts an input AC voltage into a predetermined DC voltage in order to turn on the light source 9. As an example, the AC / DC converter 11 according to the present embodiment has an input voltage detection function, can handle an AC power supply of 100 to 240 V, and can be used all over the world. And may be limited to a specific AC voltage. The DC / DC converter 12 is a voltage converter that step-up or step-down converts an input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage in order to turn on the light source 9. As an example, the DC / DC converter 12 of the present embodiment has an input voltage detection function, and can be adapted to a DC power source of 1.5 to 24V. Thereby, in addition to the 12V battery for cars, it can respond to the voltage of various unspecified external DC power sources, such as a 6V battery for motorcycles, a solar cell, a hand-operated manual generator, and a bicycle generator. However, the DC / DC converter 12 may have a corresponding range set for a specific DC voltage in accordance with marketability and cost.

  The detection switching unit 13 detects whether the voltage of an external power source input from an inlet described later is alternating current or direct current, and the AC / DC converter 11 and the DC / DC converter 12 according to the detection result. Is a circuit having a switching function for selectively operating. The detection of whether the voltage of the external power source input to the detection switching unit 13 is alternating current or direct current is performed using an existing technique using characteristics such as having a zero-cross point in a predetermined cycle in the case of alternating current. Done. Therefore, if the input external power supply voltage is alternating current, the detection switching unit 13 operates the AC / DC converter 11 by switching the input path so that the external power supply voltage is input to the AC / DC converter 11 side. Let On the other hand, if the input external power supply voltage is a direct current, the detection switching section 13 operates the DC / DC converter 12 by switching the input path so that the external power supply voltage is input to the DC / DC converter 12 side. Let

  Further, the microscope 1 according to the present embodiment includes an inlet (connection insertion portion) 14 for taking in the voltage of the external power source with respect to the lighting circuit 10 on the back surface portion of the base 8. This inlet 14 is connected to the input side of the detection switching unit 13 and is exposed to the outside of the base 8, and the connector 15a of the AC power cable 15 or the DC power connector 16 is selectively attached and detached by the insertion method. Is. The AC power cable 15 may be a commercially available cable, and has a plug 15b connected to a commercial AC power outlet at the other end. The DC power supply connector 16 is an accessory formed so that the connector shape is the same as that of the connector 15a, and includes a + terminal 16a and a-terminal 16b. This DC power supply connector 16 can supply a DC voltage by connecting the + terminal 16a and the-terminal 16b to the + side terminal and -side terminal on the battery side, which is an external DC power supply, by an electric cable or the like. To do.

  The detection switching unit 13 of the present embodiment includes a known protection circuit configuration, and by any chance, the electric cable connected to the DC power connector 16 is inserted into a commercial AC power outlet, or The lighting circuit 10 is configured not to be broken even if the connection between the positive side and the negative side of the DC is wrong.

  In such a configuration, when the microscope 1 is used in an environment where the commercial power supply situation is stable, the connector 15a of the AC power cable 15 is inserted into the inlet 14 and the plug 15b is connected to the commercial power supply. Connect to the AC power outlet. As a result, the AC voltage from the external AC power source is input to the detection switching unit 13. When the detection switching unit 13 detects an AC voltage, the detection switching unit 13 switches the voltage supply path to operate the AC / DC converter 11 side. Thus, the AC / DC converter 11 turns on the light source 9 by converting the input AC voltage into a predetermined DC voltage and outputting it to the light source 9 side. As a result, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  On the other hand, if there is no commercial AC power outlet but the microscope 1 is used in a place where there is an external DC power source such as a car battery, the DC power connector 16 is inserted into the inlet 14. The + terminal 16a and the-terminal 16b are connected to the + side terminal and the-side terminal on the battery side serving as an external DC power source by an electric cable or the like. As a result, a DC voltage from the battery (external DC power supply) is input to the detection switching unit 13. When the detection switching unit 13 detects a DC voltage, the detection switching unit 13 switches the voltage supply path so as to operate the DC / DC converter 12 side. As a result, the DC / DC converter 12 boosts or steps down the input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the light source 9 side, thereby turning on the light source 9. As a result, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  Accordingly, the light source 9 can be turned on and the microscope 1 can be used regardless of whether the external AC power source uses a general outlet or the external DC power source such as a car battery. Therefore, for example, when a power failure occurs while using the microscope 1 with an external AC power source that uses a general outlet, or when you want to use it in an environment that does not have an outlet, if you have an external DC power source such as a car battery, The microscope 1 can be used. As a result, the microscope 1 can be used even in situations and environments that could not be used in the past, and the opportunities for using the microscope 1 can be expanded.

  In particular, there are many cases where it is desired to observe pathogenic bacteria with a microscope outdoors in developing countries in the tropics, etc., where pathogenic bacteria are generated. There are many cases. On the other hand, motorcycles (scooters, small motorcycles) and the like are often used as a means of transportation, and it is easy to obtain a battery for motorcycles. Therefore, according to the microscope 1 of the present embodiment, even in such an environment, the microscope 1 can be used if a battery for motorcycles can be obtained. Of course, the battery is not limited to batteries for cars and motorcycles, and can be widely used in environments where there are various unspecified external DC power sources such as solar cells, hand-operated manual generators, bicycle generators, and the like.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modification of the DC power connector of Modification 1. The DC power connector 20 of Modification 1 has a DC power cable 21, and a positive clip 22 a and a negative clip 22 b are provided at the distal end of the DC power cable 21 as a connector for an external DC power source. These + clip 22a and-clip 22b have springs that bias in the pinching direction, and maintain the electrical connection by attaching the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery like a clothespin. is there.

  By providing this DC power connector 20 as an accessory of the microscope 1 instead of the DC power connector 16 described above, the user does not need to prepare a wire cable, and even a battery that can be an unspecified external DC power source. If secured, the microscope 1 can be used, and the trouble of searching for an electric cable can be saved. In addition, since the DC power supply connector 20 is provided as a genuine product, there is no fear that an electric wire cable whose performance is not guaranteed is used, and safety can be ensured.

  The front end of the DC power cable 21 only needs to function as a connection tool for the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery, and is not limited to the positive clip 22a and negative clip 22b. It may be. Furthermore, a special connector may not be provided, and the front end of the DC power cable 21 may be an electric wire.

(Embodiment 2)
7 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the base portion of the microscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a rear view of the base portion, and FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing an AC power adapter. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a DC power supply connector, and FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration incorporated in the base portion.

  The lighting circuit 30 for the light source 9 in the microscope according to the second embodiment is configured such that the AC / DC converter 11 and the detection switching unit 13 are omitted, and only the DC / DC converter 12 is provided. On the input side of the DC / DC converter 12, an inlet 31 having a circular connector female structure is provided as a connection insertion portion. The inlet 31 is configured to selectively attach or detach the AC power adapter 32 or the DC power connector 33.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the AC power adapter 32 includes a plug 32 b connected to a commercial external AC power outlet, and also includes an AC / DC converter (AC / DC converter) 34. It has a function of converting an input AC voltage into a certain DC voltage. This AC power adapter 32 has a circular connector male structure connector 32 a that is inserted into and removed from the inlet 31 at the tip of an AC power cable 35 connected to the AC / DC converter 34.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the DC power connector 33 has the same circular connector male structure as the connector 32a, and has a DC power cable 21 as in the case shown in FIG. 21 includes a positive clip 22a and a negative clip 22b as connectors for an external DC power source.

  In such a configuration, when the microscope 1 is used in an environment where the commercial power supply situation is stable, the connector 32a of the AC power adapter 32 is inserted into the inlet 31 and the plug 32b is used as a commercial. Connect to the AC power outlet. As a result, the AC voltage from the external AC power source is input to the AC / DC converter 34 in the AC power adapter 32, and the input AC voltage is converted into a predetermined DC voltage. The converted DC voltage is input to the DC / DC converter 12 of the lighting circuit 30 via the inlet 31. Therefore, the DC / DC converter 12 boosts or steps down the input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the light source 9 side, thereby lighting the light source 9. In this way, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  On the other hand, if there is no commercial AC power outlet but the microscope 1 is used in a place where there is an external DC power source such as a car battery, the DC power connector 33 is inserted into the inlet 31. The + clip 22a and the-clip 22b are connected to the + side terminal and the-side terminal on the battery side which are external DC power sources. As a result, a DC voltage from the battery (external DC power supply) is input to the DC / DC converter 12. Therefore, the DC / DC converter 12 boosts or steps down the input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the light source 9 side, thereby lighting the light source 9. In this way, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  Thereby, also in the case of this Embodiment 2, the effect similar to the case of Embodiment 1 is acquired. In particular, according to the second embodiment, the AC power supply adapter 32 built in the AC / DC converter 34 is used when the AC power supply side is used. The switching portion can be omitted, the structure in the base 8 of the microscope 1 can be simplified and reduced in weight, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, if the user does not use the external AC power supply and the external DC power supply (battery) frequently and mainly uses the external DC power supply (battery), the AC power supply adapter 32 built in the AC / DC converter 34 is used. Since the frequency is low, the AC power adapter 32 is sold separately, so that the microscope price can be easily reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the base portion of the microscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration incorporated in the base portion. The third embodiment basically conforms to the configuration of the second embodiment. However, the inlet 31 is exclusively used for the insertion of the connector 32a of the AC power adapter 32, and the DC power connector 33 is eliminated and the DC is connected. Power cable 21 is directly connected to DC / DC converter 12.

  In such a configuration, if the microscope 1 is used in an environment where commercial power supply conditions are stable, the connector 32a of the AC power adapter 32 is connected to the inlet 31 as in the case of the second embodiment. The plug 32b is connected to a commercial AC power outlet. As a result, the AC voltage from the external AC power source is input to the AC / DC converter 34 in the AC power adapter 32, and the input AC voltage is converted into a predetermined DC voltage. The converted DC voltage is input to the DC / DC converter 12 of the lighting circuit 30 via the inlet 31. As a result, the DC / DC converter 12 boosts or steps down the input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the light source 9 side, thereby turning on the light source 9. As a result, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  On the other hand, if there is no commercial AC power outlet but the microscope 1 is used in a place where there is an external DC power source such as a car battery, the + clips 22a and-for the DC power cable 21 are used. The clip 22b is connected to the + side terminal and the-side terminal on the battery side which are external DC power sources. As a result, a DC voltage from the battery (external DC power supply) is input to the DC / DC converter 12. Therefore, the DC / DC converter 12 boosts or steps down the input DC voltage to a predetermined DC voltage and outputs it to the light source 9 side, thereby lighting the light source 9. As a result, the microscope 1 using the light source 9 can be used.

  Thereby, also in the case of this Embodiment 3, the effect similar to the case of Embodiment 1 is acquired. In particular, according to the third embodiment, it is not necessary for the user to replace the connector with respect to the inlet 31 when using an external AC power supply and when using an external DC power supply, thereby saving the effort of power supply connection. Can do. Further, there is no risk of losing the DC power cable 21.

  In the third embodiment, the DC power cable 21 may be normally stored in the base 8 of the microscope 1 or the like, and may be pulled out and used when necessary. Also, the lighting circuit 30 should be provided with a diode or the like when power is supplied to the DC / DC converter 12 simultaneously from the AC power adapter 32 side and the DC power cable 21 side. The priority circuit is configured to give priority to power supply from the AC power adapter 32 side.

1 is an external perspective view showing an overall configuration of a microscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a back side perspective view of a part of microscope. It is a general | schematic horizontal sectional view of a base part. It is a rear view of a base part. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure integrated in the base part. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the DC power connector of Modification 1; It is a general | schematic horizontal sectional view of the base part of the microscope of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a rear view of a base part. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the power adapter for alternating current. It is a perspective view which shows the power supply connector for direct current | flow. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure integrated in the base part. It is a general | schematic horizontal sectional view of the base part of the microscope of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure integrated in the base part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microscope 9 Light source 10 Lighting circuit 11 AC / DC converter 12 DC / DC converter 13 Detection switching part 14 Inlet 15 AC power cable 15a Connector 16 DC power connector 16a + terminal 16b-terminal 20 DC power connector 21 DC Power cable 22a + clip 22b-clip 30 lighting circuit 31 inlet 32 AC power adapter 33 DC power connector 34 AC / DC converter

Claims (6)

A light source for illuminating the observation object;
AC / DC voltage converter and DC / DC voltage converter for turning on the light source, and whether the voltage of the external power source is AC or DC, and the AC / DC voltage converter according to the detection result And a lighting switching circuit that selectively operates the DC / DC voltage converter,
An AC power cable connector or a DC power connector having a + terminal and a-terminal is selectively attached and detached, and a connection insertion section for taking in the voltage of the external power source into the detection switching section;
A microscope comprising: A light source for illuminating the observation object;
A lighting circuit having a DC / DC voltage converter for lighting the light source;
A connector for an AC power adapter incorporating an AC / DC voltage converter or a DC power connector having a + terminal and a − terminal is selectively attached and detached, and the voltage of the external power source is supplied to the DC / DC voltage converter. A connection insert for capturing,
A microscope comprising: A light source for illuminating the observation object;
A lighting circuit having a DC / DC voltage converter for lighting the light source;
A DC power cable connected to the DC / DC voltage converter;
A connector for an AC power adapter having a built-in AC / DC voltage converter is selectively attached and detached so that the voltage of the external power supply is preferentially taken into the DC / DC voltage converter with respect to the DC power cable side. A connection insert,
A microscope comprising:   The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the DC power supply connector detachably attached to the connection insertion portion is provided as an accessory.   The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the DC power connector has a DC power cable.   The microscope according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the DC power cable has a connector for a DC external power supply at a tip portion.

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