JP2024013433A - Optical element holder and optical element holder assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

To easily replace an optical element mounted to an optical element holder.SOLUTION: An optical element holder (100) comprises a holding part (110) holding an optical element (Op), and a press-forcing member (120) pressing the optical element (Op). The holding part (110) includes: a main body part (110a); a first wall part (110b) partially covering an outer periphery of the optical element (Op); a second wall part (110c) facing the first wall part (110b) and partially covering the outer periphery of the optical element (Op); and a groove (110 g) positioned between the first wall part (110b) and the second wall part (110c), into which the optical element (Op) is inserted. The press-forcing member (120) presses the optical element (Op) inserted into the groove (110g) of the holding part (110).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to optical element holders and optical element holder assemblies.

Fluorescence microscopes are used to observe specimens such as living cells or proteins. In a fluorescence microscope, a specimen is observed using a fluorescence filter. In a fluorescence microscope, switching and using a plurality of built-in fluorescence filters is being considered (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 describes a microscope in which fluorescence filters can be switched in a filter turret that includes a plurality of fluorescence filters each including an excitation filter, a dichroic mirror, and an absorption filter. In the fluorescence microscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the combination of the fluorescence filter and the semiconductor light-emitting element is changed by switching the semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light according to the characteristics of the switchable fluorescence filter.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-77839

In the microscope of Patent Document 1, the excitation filter and absorption filter are built into the filter turret, so mounting and removing the excitation filter and absorption filter from the filter turret is complicated, and the filters cannot be easily replaced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical element holder and an optical element holder assembly in which optical elements can be easily replaced.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical element holder includes a holding part that holds an optical element, and a pressing member that presses the optical element held by the holding part, and the holding part is connected to a main body part. , a first wall portion that protrudes from the main body portion and partially covers the outer peripheral portion of the optical element; and a first wall portion that protrudes from the main body portion and faces the first wall portion and partially covers the outer peripheral portion of the optical element. a second wall portion; and a groove located between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, into which the optical element is inserted; and the pressing member is inserted into the groove of the holding portion. The optical element is pressed.

In one embodiment, the optical element has a disc shape, and at least one of the first wall part and the second wall part of the holding part covers half of the outer circumference of the optical element.

In one embodiment, a through hole is provided in the main body of the holding part, and the pressing member is arranged in the through hole of the main body.

In one embodiment, the pressing member includes a ball plunger.

In one embodiment, the groove includes a first portion having a width larger than the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the optical element, and the groove is located closer to the main body than the first portion, and the groove includes a first portion having a width larger than the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the optical element. and a second portion having a width less than the thickness of the second portion.

In one embodiment, the groove has an inner surface facing a side of the optical element, a first covering surface facing the first main surface of the optical element, and a second main surface facing the optical element. provided between a second covered surface and one of the first covered surface and the second covered surface and the inner surface, and inclined with respect to each of the one covered surface and the inner surface; and a distance between the other of the first covering surface and the second covering surface and the inclined surface is smaller than the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the optical element.

In one embodiment, the holding portion includes a first component having the main body portion and the first wall portion, and a second component having the second wall portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, an optical element holder assembly includes a plurality of optical element holders, each of which is described above, and a base plate to which the second part of the plurality of optical element holders is connected; The plurality of optical element holders are arranged along the circumferential direction.

In one embodiment, in two circumferentially adjacent optical element holders among the plurality of optical element holders, a through hole is provided in the main body of the holding part of one of the optical element holders, and the pressing member is , the holding portion of the other optical element holder is disposed in the through hole of the main body portion, and is cut out so as to avoid a path through which the pressing member is inserted into the through hole.

According to the present invention, the optical element mounted on the optical element holder can be easily replaced.

(a) and (b) are typical perspective views of the optical element holder of this embodiment. (a) to (c) are schematic perspective views for explaining mounting of an optical element to the optical element holder of the present embodiment. (a) is a schematic plan view of the optical element holder of this embodiment before an optical element is attached, and (b) is a schematic plan view of the optical element holder of this embodiment before an optical element is attached. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the optical element holder of the present embodiment after the optical element is attached. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element holder of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the optical element holder of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an optical element mounted on an optical element holder of this embodiment. (a) to (c) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining mounting of an optical element to the optical element holder of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder assembly of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the optical element holder assembly of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder assembly of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an optical element holder and an optical element holder assembly according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals and the description will not be repeated. Note that in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other may be described. Typically, the X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction.

First, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder 100, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder 100 holding the optical element Op.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the optical element holder 100 includes a holding section 110 and a pressing member 120. The holding part 110 holds the optical element Op (see FIG. 1(b)). Pressing member 120 is attached to holding section 110.

The holding part 110 has a main body part 110a, a first wall part 110b, a second wall part 110c, and a groove 110g. The main body portion 110a has an inner circumferential surface surrounding the side portion of the optical element Op. The thickness of the main body portion 110a is greater than the thickness of the optical element Op. The first wall portion 110b, the second wall portion 110c, and the groove 110g are provided on the side of the main body portion 110a.

The first wall portion 110b protrudes from the end of the main body portion 110a in the +Z direction. The first wall portion 110b has a shape in which the center is depressed in the −X direction.

The second wall portion 110c protrudes from the end of the main body portion 110a in the -Z direction. The second wall portion 110c faces the first wall portion 110b. The second wall portion 110c extends parallel to the first wall portion 110b at a predetermined distance apart. The second wall portion 110c has a shape in which the center is depressed in the −X direction.

The groove 110g is provided between the first wall portion 110b and the second wall portion 110c. The groove 110g is recessed with respect to the first wall portion 110b and the second wall portion 110c.

Here, the main body portion 110a has a first side portion 110a1, a center portion 110a2, and a second side portion 110a3. The central portion 110a2 is located between the first side portion 110a1 and the second side portion 110a3. The central portion 110a2 connects the first side portion 110a1 and the second side portion 110a3.

The first side portion 110a1 is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the center portion 110a2, and extends in the +X direction from the center portion 110a2.

The second side portion 110a3 is located on the −Y direction side with respect to the center portion 110a2, and extends from the center portion 110a2 in the +X direction. The second side portion 110a3 faces the first side portion 110a1.

The first wall portion 110b, the second wall portion 110c, and the groove 110g extend across the first side portion 110a1, the center portion 110a2, and the second side portion 110a3.

Here, the first wall portion 110b is located on the −Y direction side with respect to the first side portion 110a1, is located on the +X direction side with respect to the main body portion 110a, and is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the second side portion 110a3. Located in

Further, the second wall portion 110c is located on the −Y direction side with respect to the first side portion 110a1, is located on the +X direction side with respect to the main body portion 110a, and is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the second side portion 110a3. To position.

Similarly, the groove 110g is located in the −Y direction with respect to the first side portion 110a1, located in the +X direction with respect to the main body portion 110a, and located in the +Y direction with respect to the second side portion 110a3. .

The optical element Op is inserted into a groove 110g located between the first wall part 110b and the second wall part 110c of the holding part 110. The groove 110g has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the optical element Op mounted by the optical element holder 100. When the optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the main body part 110a, the outer peripheral part of the optical element Op is partially covered by the first wall part 110b and the second wall part 110c. In this state, the pressing member 120 attached to the holding part 110 presses the optical element Op, thereby attaching the optical element Op to the optical element holder 100.

The pressing member 120 presses the optical element Op held by the holding part 110. The pressing member 120 can adjust the strength with which it presses the optical element Op. Further, the pressing member 120 may be able to adjust the strength with which it presses the optical element Op.

The optical element Op can be removed from the optical element holder 100. When the pressing member 120 reduces the degree of pressing on the optical element Op or stops pressing it, the optical element Op can be extracted from the groove 110g.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the holding section 110 holds the optical element Op. Here, the optical element Op has a cylindrical shape or a disk shape. The optical element Op is thin. The thickness of the optical element Op is smaller than the radial length of the optical element Op.

The optical element Op acts on transmitted light. For example, the optical element Op may be a filter. The filter allows the transmittance of light to vary depending on the wavelength. For example, the optical element Op may transmit light of a specific wavelength while blocking transmission of light of another wavelength. In one example, optical element Op is a fluorescence filter.

Alternatively, the optical element Op may be a lens. Lenses allow you to control the traveling direction of transmitted light.

The holding part 110 removably holds the optical element Op. The optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the holding part 110. For example, in a state where the holding part 110 holds the optical element Op, at least a portion of the optical element Op is exposed from the holding part 110. Typically, the holding part 110 partially covers the outer circumference of the optical element Op.

Pressing member 120 is attached to holding section 110. The pressing member 120 presses the optical element Op held by the holding part 110. Thereby, the pressing member 120 presses the optical element Op held by the holding part 110 to the opposing side. Therefore, the optical element Op is fixedly attached to the optical element holder 100.

For example, the pressing member 120 presses the side surface of the optical element Op. The pressing member 120 may contact and press the optical element Op. Alternatively, the pressing member 120 may press the optical element Op indirectly without contacting the optical element Op.

The pressing member 120 is detachably attached to the holding part 110. By removing the pressing member 120 from the holding part 110, the optical element Op can be easily inserted into the holding part 110.

For example, the pressing member 120 is a ball plunger. In this case, by adjusting the position of the pressing member 120 with respect to the holding part 110, the strength with which the optical element Op is pressed can be adjusted. Further, since the pressing member 120 is a ball plunger, the optical element Op can be pressed without applying an excessive load to the optical element Op.

Note that the pressing member 120 may be a spring. Alternatively, the pressing member 120 may be a block-shaped elastic body. Thereby, the pressing member 120 can press the optical element Op against the holding part 110 with appropriate strength.

In the optical element holder 100, the holding part 110 may hold the optical element Op alone. Alternatively, the holding section 110 may cooperate with the pressing member 120 to hold the optical element Op.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) are schematic perspective views for explaining how the optical element Op is attached to the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the pressing member 120 is removable from the holding part 110. Here, the holding portion 110 is provided with a through hole 110h. The through hole 110h is located on the side of the main body portion 110a of the holding portion 110. In one example, the through hole 110h is located in the first side portion 110a1 of the main body portion 110a.

For example, each of the through hole 110h and the pressing member 120 is provided with a thread groove. Thereby, the position of the pressing member 120 within the through hole 110h can be fixed and adjusted.

The first wall portion 110b has a first covering surface 110t and a first end surface 110d1. The first covering surface 110t partially covers the outer peripheral portion of the optical element Op. The first end surface 110d1 is located at the end of the first wall portion 110b that is remote from the main body portion 110a.

The first end surface 110d1 has a shape in which the center is depressed in the −X direction. For example, the first end surface 110d1 has an arc shape. Typically, the diameter of the circle corresponding to the first end surface 110d1 is smaller than the diameter of the optical element Op.

The second wall portion 110c has a second covering surface 110u and a second end surface 110d2. The second covering surface 110u partially covers the outer peripheral portion of the optical element Op. The second end surface 110d2 is located at the end of the second wall portion 110c that is remote from the main body portion 110a.

The second end surface 110d2 has a shape in which the center is depressed in the −X direction. For example, the second end surface 110d2 has an arc shape. Typically, the diameter of the circle corresponding to the second end surface 110d2 is smaller than the diameter of the optical element Op.

A groove 110g is provided between the first wall portion 110b and the second wall portion 110c. The groove 110g is defined by an inner surface 110s, a first covering surface 110t, and a second covering surface 110u. The inner surface 110s connects with each of the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u. The first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u face each other. Typically, the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u extend parallel to each other.

The inner surface 110s is a surface spanning the first side portion 110a1, the center portion 110a2, and the second side portion 110a3. The inner surface 110s includes a surface of the first side portion 110a1 on the −Y direction side, a surface of the central portion 110a2 on the +X direction side, and a surface of the second side portion 110a3 on the +Y direction side.

The first covering surface 110t is the surface on the −Z direction side of the first wall portion 110b. The first covering surface 110t is located on the inner surface 110s side of the first wall portion 110b.

The second covering surface 110u is a surface on the +Z direction side of the second wall portion 110c. The second covering surface 110u is located on the inner surface 110s side of the second wall portion 110c.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), before mounting the optical element Op on the optical element holder 100, the position of the optical element Op with respect to the optical element holder 100 is adjusted. Specifically, before inserting the optical element Op into the groove 110g of the optical element holder 100, the optical element Op is oriented parallel to the first wall part 110b and the second wall part 110c of the holding part 110 in the optical element holder 100. It will be done.

The optical element Op has a cylindrical shape. The optical element Op has a first main surface Ops, a second main surface Opt, and a side surface Opu. The first main surface Ops and the second main surface Opt have a substantially circular shape. The first principal surface Ops and the second principal surface Opt extend in the XY plane, and the normals of the first principal surface Ops and the second principal surface Opt extend in the Z direction. The thickness (length along the Z direction) hp of the side surface Opu is smaller than the diameter or radius of each of the first principal surface Ops and the second principal surface Opt.

The width of the groove 110g (the length of the groove 110g in the Z direction) is approximately equal to the thickness (length in the Z direction) hp of the optical element Op, or slightly larger than the thickness hp of the optical element Op.

The first wall portion 110b extends in a substantially semicircular arc shape. The first covering surface 110t is the surface on the −Z direction side of the first wall portion 110b. The first covering surface 110t extends in an arcuate shape having a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the optical element Op.

The second wall portion 110c extends in a substantially semicircular arc shape. The second covering surface 110u is a surface on the +Z direction side of the second wall portion 110c. The second covering surface 110u extends in an arcuate shape having a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the optical element Op.

In the holding portion 110, the width (length in the Z direction) hg of the groove 110g is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the thickness (length in the Z direction) hp of the optical element Op. However, as will be described later, in at least a portion of the groove 110g of the holding portion 110, the width hg of the groove 110g may be smaller than the thickness hp of the optical element Op.

As shown in FIG. 2(c), the optical element Op is mounted on the optical element holder 100. Here, the optical element Op is fixed to the holding part 110 by the pressing member 120 pressing the optical element Op.

First, the optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the holding part 110. The optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the holding part 110 along the insertion direction from the front side (-X direction side) to the back side (+X direction side). Thereafter, the tip of the pressing member 120 located in the through hole 110h is made to protrude to the inner surface 110s of the holding portion 110, so that the pressing member 120 presses the optical element Op. Thereby, the optical element Op is fixed to the holding part 110.

At this time, the inner surface 110s of the holding portion 110 faces the side surface Opu of the optical element Op. The inner surface 110s of the holding portion 110 may or may not be in contact with the side surface Opu of the optical element Op.

The first covering surface 110t overlaps with a part of the outer circumference of the first principal surface Ops of the optical element Op. Here, the first covering surface 110t has an arc shape corresponding to approximately half of the circumference. The first covering surface 110t of the holding portion 110 may or may not be in contact with the first principal surface Ops of the optical element Op.

The second covering surface 110u overlaps with a part of the outer circumference of the second principal surface Opt of the optical element Op. The second covering surface 110u faces the first covering surface 110t. Here, the second covering surface 110u has an arc shape corresponding to approximately half the circumference. The second covering surface 110u of the holding portion 110 may or may not be in contact with the second principal surface Opt of the optical element Op.

According to the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment, the optical element Op can be easily attached and detached. Since the optical element Op is fixedly attached to the optical element holder 100, the optical element Op can be suitably used. Further, in the optical element holder 100, the optical element Op can be removed from the optical element holder 100 by adjusting the pressure of the pressing member 120 against the optical element Op. Therefore, according to the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment, the optical element Op can be easily replaced.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment before the optical element Op is attached. FIG. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment before the optical element Op is attached. FIG. 3(b) is a sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb in FIG. 2(b).

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the first wall portion 110b extends across the first side portion 110a1, the center portion 110a2, and the second side portion 110a3. The first covering surface 110t is the surface on the −Z direction side of the first wall portion 110b. The first covering surface 110t is located on the inner surface 110s side of the first wall portion 110b. The first covering surface 110t has a substantially arc shape.

The first covering surface 110t has an arcuate portion 110ta and an extension portion 110tb. The arc portion 110ta extends in an arc shape. The diameter defining the outer periphery of the arc portion 110ta is approximately equal to the diameter of the optical element Op. Here, when the center of the circle that defines the outer circumference of the arcuate portion 110ta is referred to as a reference point, the arcuate portion 110ta is connected to the reference point from the end located on the -X direction side and the +Y direction side with respect to the reference point. - Extends in an arc shape to the end located on the Y direction side. The extension portion 110tb extends in the +X direction from the ends of the arcuate portion 110ta on the −Y direction side and the +X direction side.

A through hole 110h is provided in the first side portion 110a1. The arc portion 110ta is not provided in a portion corresponding to the through hole 110h.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the second wall portion 110c extends across the first side portion 110a1, the center portion 110a2, and the second side portion 110a3. The second covering surface 110u is a surface on the +Z direction side of the second wall portion 110c. The second covering surface 110u is located on the inner surface 110s side of the second wall portion 110c. The second covering surface 110u has a substantially arc shape.

The second covering surface 110u has an arcuate portion 110ua, an extension portion 110ub, and an extension portion 110uc. The arc portion 110ua extends in an arc shape. The diameter defining the outer periphery of the arc portion 110ua is approximately equal to the diameter of the optical element Op. Here, when the center of the circle that defines the outer periphery of the circular arc portion 110ua is called a reference point, the circular arc portion 110ua extends from the end located on the +Y direction side with respect to the reference point to the -Y direction side with respect to the reference point. It extends in an arc shape to the end where it is located. The extension part 110ub extends in the +X direction from the end of the arc part 110ua on the +Y direction side. The extension portion 110uc extends in the +X direction from the end of the arcuate portion 110ua on the −Y direction side. Note that the reference point for the arcuate portion 110ua of the second wall portion 110c may overlap the reference point for the arcuate portion 110ta of the first wall portion 110b in the Z direction.

The second covering surface 110u covers half of the outer circumference of the optical element Op. On the other hand, the first covering surface 110t does not cover half of the outer circumference of the optical element Op.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment after the optical element Op is attached.

As shown in FIG. 4, the optical element Op is inserted into a groove 110g located between the first wall part 110b and the second wall part 110c of the holding part 110. In this case, the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u partially cover the outer peripheral portion of the optical element Op. Specifically, the first covering surface 110t partially covers the outer periphery of the first main surface Ops of the optical element Op, and the second covering surface 110u partially covers the outer periphery of the second main surface Opt of the optical element Op. to cover.

As understood from FIGS. 1 to 4, the shapes of the first wall portion 110b and the first covering surface 110t are different from those of the second wall portion 110c and the second covering surface 110u. Typically, in the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment, the first wall portion 110b is located vertically above, and the second wall portion 110c is located vertically below. Therefore, the second wall portion 110c and the second covering surface 110u support the outer peripheral portion of the optical element Op with a wider area than the first wall portion 110b and the first covering surface 110t. Further, since the first wall portion 110b and the first covering surface 110t are shorter than the second wall portion 110c and the second covering surface 110u in the +Y direction side, the operator can determine the position of the pressing member 120 and the pressing member The degree of pressure applied by 120 can be easily confirmed.

When the optical element Op is attached to the optical element holder 100, the center Oc of the optical element Op overlaps in the Z direction with the reference point for the arcuate portion 110ta of the first wall portion 110b, and also overlaps with the reference point for the arcuate portion 110ua of the second wall portion 110c. overlaps with the reference point in the Z direction. Further, the width of the first wall portion 110b is approximately equal to the width of the second wall portion 110c. Thereby, the first wall portion 110b and the second wall portion 110c cover the optical element Op almost evenly.

Note that the through hole 110h in which the pressing member 120 is arranged is located in a portion of the inner surface 110s that is not covered by the first wall portion 110b. Therefore, the through hole 110h is located on the +X direction side and the +Y direction side with respect to the reference point of the arc portion 110ta of the first wall portion 110b.

Therefore, when the optical element Op is attached to the optical element holder 100, the pressing member 120 is located on the front side (+X direction side) than the center Oc of the optical element Op, and on the front side than the center Oc of the optical element Op. Press the side.

In the optical element holder 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second covering surface 110u covers half of the outer periphery of the optical element Op, while the first covering surface 110t covers the outer periphery of the optical element Op. Although not covering half the circumference, each of the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u may cover a half circumference of the outer circumference of the optical element Op.

Furthermore, in the optical element holder 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first wall portion 110b, the second wall portion 110c, the inner surface 110s, the first covering surface 110t, and the second covering surface 110u each have an arc shape. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The first wall portion 110b, the second wall portion 110c, the inner surface 110s, the first covering surface 110t, and the second covering surface 110u may be linear.

Further, in the optical element holder 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the optical element Op is pressed by one pressing member 120, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The optical element Op may be pressed by two or more pressing members 120. For example, two pressing members 120 arranged at opposing positions with respect to the optical element Op may press the optical element Op against each other. Furthermore, the two pressing members 120 may be arranged on the near side with respect to the center Oc of the optical element Op, and may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the optical element Op.

Note that, as described above, in the holding portion 110, the first covering surface 110t or the second covering surface 110u extends in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 110s. The first covering surface 110t or the second covering surface 110u may be directly connected to the inner surface 110s. Alternatively, the first covering surface 110t or the second covering surface 110u may be indirectly connected to the inner surface 110s via another surface.

Further, in the optical element holder 100, the holding part 110 may be able to fix the optical element Op without using the pressing member 120. For example, the holding part 110 may hold the inserted optical element Op to some extent even when the pressing member 120 is not attached. In one example, in the holding portion 110, the space of the groove 110g into which the optical element Op is inserted becomes narrower on the back side, so that the optical element Op inserted into the groove 110g may be fixed to the groove 110g.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3(a).

As shown in FIG. 5, the optical element holder 100 includes a holding section 110 and a pressing member 120. The holding part 110 has a main body part 110a, a first wall part 110b, a second wall part 110c, and a groove 110g. The first wall portion 110b, the second wall portion 110c, and the groove 110g are provided on the side of the main body portion 110a.

Here, the groove 110g further includes an inclined surface 110v in addition to the inner surface 110s, the first covering surface 110t, and the second covering surface 110u. The first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u are each orthogonal to the inner surface 110s.

The groove 110g is defined by an inner surface 110s, a first covering surface 110t, a second covering surface 110u, and an inclined surface 110v. The first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u face each other. The inner surface 110s connects with the second covering surface 110u.

Here, the inclined surface 110v is provided between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. The inclined surface 110v is inclined with respect to each of the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. For example, the inclined surface 110v is located at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to each of the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. Note that the inclined surface 110v may be flat or curved.

As described above, the thickness (length in the Z direction) hp of the optical element Op is smaller than the distance hg1 between the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u. Thereby, the optical element Op can be inserted into the groove 110g.

On the other hand, the distance hg2 between the inclined surface 110v and the second covering surface 110u is shorter than the distance hg1 between the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u. In this case, since the distance hg2 between the inclined surface 110v and the second covering surface 110u is smaller than the thickness hp of the optical element Op, further entry of the optical element Op into the groove 110g is suppressed, and the optical element Op can be fixed at a specific position within the groove 110g.

The inclined surface 110v may be produced by fabricating the main body portion 110a having the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t, and then processing the boundary between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. Alternatively, the inner surface 110s, the first covering surface 110t, the second covering surface 110u, the inclined surface 110v, and the main body portion 110a may be manufactured integrally.

In the optical element holder 100 shown in FIG. 5, the inclined surface 110v is provided between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t, and the inclined surface 110v is provided between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The inclined surface 110v may be provided between the inner surface 110s and the second covering surface 110u. Alternatively, the inclined surface 110v may be provided between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t, and may also be provided between the inner surface 110s and the second covering surface 110u.

Note that although FIGS. 1 to 5 show the holding section 110 that is integrally configured in the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment, the holding section 110 may be formed of a plurality of parts.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the optical element holder 100 includes a holding section 110 and a pressing member 120. The holding part 110 is composed of a first part 112 and a second part 114. The holding part 110 can be configured by assembling the first part 112 and the second part 114.

The first component 112 has a main body portion 112a and a wall portion 112b. The wall portion 112b extends from the main body portion 112a in the XY plane.

The main body portion 112a has a first side portion 112a1, a center portion 112a2, and a second side portion 112a3. The central portion 112a2 is located between the first side portion 112a1 and the second side portion 112a3, and connects the first side portion 112a1 and the second side portion 112a3.

The first side portion 112a1 is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the center portion 112a2, and extends in the +X direction from the center portion 112a2.

The second side portion 112a3 is located on the −Y direction side with respect to the center portion 112a2, and extends in the +X direction from the center portion 112a2. The second side portion 112a3 faces the first side portion 112a1.

The wall portion 112b protrudes from the end of the main body portion 112a in the +Z direction. The wall portion 112b is located in the −Y direction with respect to the first side portion 112a1, located in the +X direction with respect to the main body portion 112a, and located in the +Y direction with respect to the second side portion 112a3. The wall portion 112b of the first component 112 has an end surface 112d recessed in the -X direction.

The first component 112 has an inner surface 110s and a first covering surface 110t. The first covering surface 110t is the surface of the wall portion 112b on the -Z direction side. The first covering surface 110t is located on the inner surface 110s side of the wall portion 112b.

The inner surface 110s is a surface spanning the first side portion 112a1, the center portion 112a2, and the second side portion 112a3. The inner surface 110s includes a surface of the first side portion 112a1 on the −Y direction side, a surface of the central portion 112a2 on the +X direction side, and a surface of the second side portion 112a3 on the +Y direction side.

A through hole 110h is provided in the first side portion 112a1 of the inner surface 110s. A pressing member 120 is inserted into the through hole 110h.

The second component 114 is a flat plate having an end surface 114d recessed in the -X direction. In the second component 114, the end surface 114d has a shape in which the center is depressed in the −X direction. The shape of the end surface 114d is similar to the shape of the end surface 112d of the wall portion 112b of the first component 112.

The first part 112 and the second part 114 are assembled to configure the optical element holder 100. A portion of the second component 114 near the end surface 114d functions as a second wall portion of the optical element holder 100. Therefore, a portion of the second component 114 that faces the first covered surface 110t of the first component 112 and is located near the end surface 114d becomes the second covered surface.

In FIGS. 1 to 6, the optical element Op mounted on the optical element holder 100 is approximately cylindrical or disc-shaped, and the thickness (length along the Z direction) of the optical element Op is approximately constant. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The thickness (length along the Z direction) of the optical element Op may vary depending on the location. For example, the optical element Op may be relatively thick at the outer periphery and relatively thin at the center.

Next, the optical element Op mounted on the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the optical element Op mounted on the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the optical element Op includes an element main body Op1, a storage case Op2, and a fastener Op3. For example, the element body Op1 is a filter or a lens. The element body Op1 has a cylindrical shape or a disk shape.

The storage case Op2 stores the element body Op1. The storage case Op2 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. One end of the storage case Op2 is open without a bottom, and the other end is provided with a bottom with a through hole.

Storage case Op2 has a bottom and side parts. An annular through hole is provided at the bottom. The length of the outer peripheral surface of the storage case Op2 along the radial direction is longer than the length of the element main body Op1 along the radial direction. The length along the radial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the storage case Op2 is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the length along the radial direction of the element body Op1.

The fastener Op3 fastens the element body Op1 housed in the storage case Op2. The fastener Op3 is arranged within the storage case Op2. The fastener Op3 is annular. The length along the radial direction of the inner peripheral surface of the fastener Op3 is smaller than the length along the radial direction of the element body Op1. The length along the radial direction of the outer circumferential surface of the fastener Op3 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the length along the radial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the storage case Op2.

In this way, the optical element Op may include a storage case Op2 and a fastener Op3 in addition to the element body Op1. In this case, the thickness of the optical element Op may be larger than the thickness hp1 of the element main body Op1. For example, in the storage case Op2 that stores the element body Op1, when the thickness hp2 of the outer peripheral part that overlaps the first wall part 110b and the second wall part 110c of the optical element holder 100 is larger than the thickness hp1 of the element body Op1, The thickness of the optical element Op is the thickness hp2 of the storage case Op2, which is greater than the thickness hp1 of the element main body Op1.

Next, the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining mounting of the optical element Op to the optical element holder 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the holding part 110 is constructed by assembling the first part 112 and the second part 114. The first component 112 is located on the +Z direction side with respect to the second component 114. The first component 112 and the second component 114 form a groove 110g between the wall portion 112b of the first component 112 and the second component 114.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), the optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the holding part 110. The optical element Op has an element main body Op1, a storage case Op2, and a fastener Op3. The thickness (length in the Z direction) hp2 of the storage case Op2 is greater than the thickness (length in the Z direction) hp1 of the element body Op1. Therefore, the thickness hp2 of the storage case Op2 becomes the thickness hp of the optical element Op.

Here, the groove 110g is defined on the inner surface 110s, the first covering surface 110t, the second covering surface 110u, and the inclined surface 110v. The inclined surface 110v is provided between the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t. The inclined surface 110v is inclined with respect to each of the inner surface 110s and the first covering surface 110t.

As described above, the thickness (length in the Z direction) hp of the optical element Op is smaller than the distance hg1 between the first covering surface 110t and the second covering surface 110u. Therefore, the optical element Op is inserted into the groove 110g of the holding part 110. On the other hand, the distance hg2 between the inclined surface 110v and the second covering surface 110u is smaller than the thickness hp of the optical element Op.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8C, further entry of the optical element Op into the groove 110g is suppressed, and the optical element Op can be fixed at a specific position within the groove 110g.

In addition, in the optical element holder 100 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the first component 112 has the entire inner surface 110s of the optical element holder 100, and the first component 112 has the upper part of the flat second component 114. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The second component 114 may have a protrusion, and the inner surface 110s of the optical element holder 100 may be configured by each of the first component 112 and the second component 114.

Furthermore, although the optical element holder 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 can be mounted with one optical element Op, the optical element holders 100 each capable of mounting one optical element Op may be mounted all at once. .

Next, an optical element holder assembly 10 including a plurality of optical element holders 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the optical element holder assembly 10 includes a plurality of optical element holders 100 each having a first part 112 and a second part 114, and the second parts 114 of the plural optical element holders 100 are connected. A base plate 20 is provided. The base plate 20 has a thin disk shape and is provided with end surfaces 114da to 114df.

Here, each of the plurality of optical element holders 100 includes a first component 112 and a second component 114, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Note that the second components 114 of the plurality of optical element holders 100 constitute a base plate 20 that is connected along the circumferential direction. The base plate 20 has a thin disk shape and is provided with end surfaces 114da to 114df. Further, the first parts 112 of the plurality of optical element holders 100 are arranged on the base plate 20. The first part 112 of the optical element holder 100 is attached to the base plate 20 by the attachment part.

Here, the optical element holder assembly 10 includes optical element holders 100a to 100f as the plurality of optical element holders 100. Typically, optical element holders 100a-100f have the same shape.

The optical element holders 100a to 100f are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Each of the optical element holders 100a to 100f is provided with a mounting portion on the inside in the radial direction.

In this way, the optical element holders 100a to 100f are arranged along the circumferential direction. Here, attention is paid to the optical element holder 100a and the optical element holder 100b which are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the optical element holders 100a to 100f. In the optical element holder 100b, a through hole 110h is provided in the main body 110a of the holding part 110, and the pressing member 120 is arranged in the through hole 110h of the main body 110a. On the other hand, in the optical element holder 100a, the holding part 110 is cut out so as to avoid the path through which the pressing member 120 of the optical element holder 100b is inserted into the through hole 110h. Therefore, the pressing member 120 of the optical element holder 100b is inserted into the through hole 110h without being obstructed by the holding part 110 of the optical element holder 100a. Therefore, even after the optical element holder assembly 10 is assembled, the position and attachment/detachment of the pressing member 120 can be easily adjusted.

Optical element holder assembly 10 may be mounted on a microscope. Alternatively, the optical element holder assembly 10 may be mounted on photographic equipment.

In the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment, optical element holders 100a to 100f are arranged in the circumferential direction. By rotating the base plate 20 with the center of the base plate 20 as the rotation axis, the optical element holders 100a to 100f used can be easily changed.

Next, the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the optical element holder assembly 10 includes a base plate 20 to which a first part 112 of each of the optical element holders 100a to 100f and a second part 114 of each of the optical element holders 100a to 100f are connected. A plurality of second parts 114 are integrally connected to the base plate 20. Optical element holders 100a to 100f are configured by attaching a plurality of first parts 112 to base plate 20.

Further, the first component 112 has a through hole 112p and a through hole 112q. Here, the through hole 112p and the through hole 112q are provided in the main body portion 112a. Specifically, the through hole 112p and the through hole 112q penetrate the central portion 112a2 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

Further, the second component 114 has a through hole 114p and a through hole 114q. The through hole 114p and the through hole 114q penetrate the second component 114 in the thickness direction (Z direction).

The through hole 114p of the second component 114 is provided corresponding to the through hole 112p of the first component 112, and the through hole 114q of the second component 114 is provided corresponding to the through hole 112q of the first component 112. A bolt is passed through the through hole 112p of the first part 112 and a through hole 114p of the second part 114, and a bolt is passed through the through hole 112p of the first part 112 and the through hole 114p of the second part 114, and each is screwed. The first part 112 and the second part 114 can be combined by solidifying with.

Next, the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the optical element holder assembly 10 of this embodiment. In the optical element holder assembly 10 shown in FIG. 11, optical elements Opa to Opf are mounted on optical element holders 100a to 100f.

As shown in FIG. 11, the optical element holder assembly 10 includes optical element holders 100a to 100f mounted on a base plate 20. As shown in FIG. Optical elements Opa to Opf can be attached to the optical element holders 100a to 100f, respectively. Each of the optical element holders 100a to 100f allows easy replacement of the optical elements Opa to Opf.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For ease of understanding, the drawing mainly shows each component schematically, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the diagram may differ from the actual one for convenience of drawing. may be different. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention. be.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is suitably used for the optical element holder and optical element holder assembly which can easily replace an optical element.

10 Optical element holder assembly 100 Optical element holder 110 Holding part 110a Main body part 110b First wall part 110c Second wall part 110g Groove 110s Inner surface 110t First covering surface 110u Second covering surface 112 First part 114 Second part 120 Pressure Component Op Optical element

Claims (9)

a holding part that holds the optical element;
a pressing member that presses the optical element held by the holding part,
The holding part is
The main body and
a first wall portion that protrudes from the main body portion and partially covers an outer peripheral portion of the optical element;
a second wall portion that protrudes from the main body portion, faces the first wall portion, and partially covers an outer peripheral portion of the optical element;
a groove located between the first wall part and the second wall part, into which the optical element is inserted;
The pressing member is an optical element holder that presses the optical element inserted into the groove of the holding part. The optical element has a disc shape,
The optical element holder according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first wall part and the second wall part of the holding part covers a half circumference of an outer peripheral part of the optical element. A through hole is provided in the main body part of the holding part,
The optical element holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing member is arranged in the through hole of the main body. The optical element holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing member includes a ball plunger. The groove is
a first portion having a width greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the optical element;
The optical element holder according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second part located closer to the main body than the first part and having a width smaller than the thickness of the outer peripheral part of the optical element. The groove is
an inner surface facing the side of the optical element;
a first covering surface facing the first main surface of the optical element;
a second covering surface facing the second main surface of the optical element;
an inclined surface provided between one of the first covered surface and the second covered surface and the inner surface, and inclined with respect to each of the one covered surface and the inner surface; death,
The optical element according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the other of the first coated surface and the second coated surface and the inclined surface is smaller than the thickness of the outer peripheral part of the optical element. holder. The holding part is
a first part having the main body and the first wall;
The optical element holder according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second component having the second wall portion. a plurality of optical element holders, each of which is described in claim 7;
a base plate to which the second parts of the plurality of optical element holders are connected;
An optical element holder assembly, wherein the plurality of optical element holders are arranged along a circumferential direction. In two optical element holders adjacent in the circumferential direction among the plurality of optical element holders,
A through hole is provided in the main body part of the holding part of one optical element holder, and the pressing member is arranged in the through hole of the main body part,
The optical element holder assembly according to claim 8, wherein the holding portion of the other optical element holder is cut out so as to avoid a path through which the pressing member is inserted into the through hole.

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