US20100315707A1 - Objective Changer - Google Patents

Objective Changer Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100315707A1
US20100315707A1 US12/797,388 US79738810A US2010315707A1 US 20100315707 A1 US20100315707 A1 US 20100315707A1 US 79738810 A US79738810 A US 79738810A US 2010315707 A1 US2010315707 A1 US 2010315707A1
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Prior art keywords
objective
area
slide
holder
changer according
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Abandoned
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US12/797,388
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English (en)
Inventor
Manfred Gilbert
Gerhard Pfeifer
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Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
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Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
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Assigned to LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH reassignment LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GILBERT, MANFRED, PFEIFER, GERHARD
Publication of US20100315707A1 publication Critical patent/US20100315707A1/en
Priority to US13/852,152 priority Critical patent/US8553323B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B21/00—Microscopes
    • G02B21/24—Base structure
    • G02B21/248—Base structure objective (or ocular) turrets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B21/00—Microscopes
    • G02B21/02—Objectives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an objective changer, in particular for a microscope, having a changing device for at least two objectives as well as to a microscope having such an objective changer.
  • Objective changers of this type are known from the prior art.
  • objective changers in which objectives can be individually brought from a stand-by position into an operating position which is common to all objectives.
  • manipulators remain in their position relative to the sample throughout the entire examination.
  • several (i.e. at least two) objectives for object examination in order to be able, for example, to change from a general image having a low magnification to a detailed image having a high magnification.
  • DE 10 2007 042 260 A1 of the applicant suggests an objective changer having a changing device for at least two objectives in which each of the objectives can be pendulously swung into its operating position near the focal position via the changing device. From the operating position, the objectives can be swung into a stand-by position.
  • the pendulous swinging motion takes place in one plane. Swinging-in of the one objective can cause the swinging-out of the other objective.
  • the objectives can be lowered during swinging-in and lifted during swinging-out. As the entire swinging area of the objectives has to be kept free of manipulators, this objective changer proved to be disadvantageous for some applications.
  • DE 10 2007 018 862 A1 suggests an objective changing device for a microscope having two fixed objectives which are arranged movably with respect to the sample chamber. By a corresponding displacement, one of the two objectives can be brought into the operating position, while the respective other one is in the stand-by position.
  • EP 1 168 027 B1 suggests an objective changer by means of which the longitudinal axis of the objective can be moved substantially coaxially to the optical axis of the objective for an objective change.
  • an objective can be moved along a curved guide rail, this curve extending approximately parabolically, the plane of the parabola including the optical axis of the objective and the apex of the parabola corresponding to the desired position (operating position) of the objective.
  • the objective is lifted from its desired position by means of a gripper arm in the direction of its optical axis and is brought into a storage position (stand-by position) by means of a swivel arm.
  • a selected objective is brought from a storage position via a feed channel extending coaxially to the optical axis of the objective but perpendicular to the optical axis of the microscope into its desired position, wherein it has to be erected for this purpose from a “lying position” into an “upright position” so that the optical axis of the objective coincides with the one of the microscope.
  • German patent specification DE 198 22 870 C2 a device for an objective change in an up-right microscope having at least two objectives and an associated focusing device is known, which can move the objective located in the active position (i.e. in the operating position) in the direction of the optical axis, as well as having a common slide receiving the objectives in objective holders, which slide can be moved perpendicular to the optical axis for objective change.
  • one single actuating element is provided with which in addition also the desired objective can be lifted or lowered and be brought into the active position.
  • This actuating element is a rod mounted on the slide, which rod is used as a pull rod in order to bring one of the two objectives mounted on the slide into the operating position and the other one into the stand-by position.
  • an objective changer which makes possible an objective change that is as easy as possible while providing the largest-possible free space around the objective located in the operating position and the preparation to be examined.
  • the inventive objective changer having a changing device for at least two objectives, by means of which one objective each can be transferred from a stand-by position into an operating position, the objective located in the operating position defining an optical axis, is characterized in that for each objective the changing device has a movable objective holder for transferring an objective from a respective stand-by position assigned thereto into the operating position along a displacement path which is different from the one of other objectives, each displacement path being oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis at least within a first area.
  • the objectives can be moved directly at their respective objective holders either manually or by a motor.
  • slides are provided which carry the objective holders and which in turn can each be driven manually or by a motor.
  • the latter case is to be assumed in the following, i.e. the presence of a slide on which an objective holder is arranged which in turn can carry an objective.
  • each objective is moved substantially perpendicular to the optical axis by means of a drivable slide assigned thereto.
  • the optical axis usually runs in vertical direction so that the objectives are moved in horizontal direction in the objective changer according to the invention.
  • the mentioned (first) area of the displacement path constitutes the main part of the entire displacement path of an objective from its stand-by position into the operating position.
  • each objective has its own displacement path, they can be moved independent of one another.
  • the possible free space compared to objective changers having objectives that are fixedly coupled to one another is increased even more since all objectives which are not required can be moved into respective stand-by positions lying outside the required free space, wherein each time space-optimized displacement paths can be defined.
  • the mentioned (first) area of the displacement path constitutes the entire displacement path from the stand-by position to the operating position so that in the example mentioned the objective is moved along a horizontal displacement path from its stand-by position into the operating position.
  • the mentioned first area is directly bordered by a second area of the displacement path, wherein the end of the second area can represent the operating position of the objective or at least can lie in direct proximity to the operating position of the objective.
  • the provision of such a second area is particularly advantageous in the mentioned applications of an objective changer for a microscope in the field of electrophysiology.
  • the second area of the displacement path then usefully forms the area in which the objective is moved within the inner area of a container (Petri dish) in the direction towards or away from the object to be examined.
  • the displacement path within the second area can then have a vertical movement component in addition to the horizontal movement component in terms of vector geometry.
  • each objective has its own displacement path, wherein it is advantageous when the displacement paths within the (first) areas lie in one common plane and in particular extend in a straight line and/or in a curved manner.
  • the displacement paths within the (first) areas thus advantageously lie in a horizontal plane and, for example, extend in straight lines towards one another in a fan-shaped manner.
  • curved courses within the mentioned plane are conceivable, just as is a combination of straight and curved courses. What is decisive for the selection of the courses of the displacement paths is that the objectives can be transferred from their respective stand-by position into the operating position in a collision-free manner.
  • the displacement paths must lie as close to one another as possible so that the free working space is limited as little as possible.
  • the invention makes it possible to move a selected objective individually into the operating position, while the other objectives remain in their respective stand-by positions, wherein these stand-by positions can be chosen sufficiently far away from the operating position so that the objectives in stand-by do not effectively limit the free working space. Further, it is guaranteed that the objectives can be transferred in horizontal direction (perpendicular to the optical axis of a microscope) and thus, for example, away from an observing person into their stand-by positions. Such substantially horizontally extending displacement paths can be realized, in particular in microscopes, with a relatively low technical expense, as will be shown by the embodiments explained further below.
  • the horizontal movability of the objectives results in a far greater free space compared to vertical displacements since the latter usually have a disturbing effect, limit the free space and finally require a high construction expense.
  • the displacement paths along which the objective holders can be moved are arranged in the changing device such that all objectives arranged in an objective holder can simultaneously assume a respective parking position, in particular their respective stand-by position. In this way, all objectives can in particular be parked in a rear position as viewed from the user. As a result thereof, the sample space becomes free for e.g. manual manipulation.
  • the slide of an objective or an objective holder on which the objective is mounted can be moved along at least one guide rod.
  • the at least one guide rod extends advantageously exclusively in a straight line.
  • a guide rod represents the entire displacement path of an objective from its stand-by position into the operating position so that, as viewed from the stand-by position, the guide rod, for example, first extends horizontally straight (first area) to then get a vertical component (downwardly curved second area).
  • a slide can also be movable along a guide groove provided in an adjusting unit.
  • the guide groove represents the displacement path of an objective from its stand-by position into the operating position.
  • the slide is movable on the one hand along at least one guide rod which in particular extends in a straight line, and on the other hand that the slide is movable along a guide groove that defines the displacement path from a stand-by position into the operating position.
  • the slide is in particular connected via the at least one guide rod to a guide receptacle of an adjusting unit.
  • the guide receptacle so to speak holds the at least one guide rod along which the slide moves.
  • the guide groove is in particular formed on a stationary carrier of the adjusting unit.
  • the slide and the guide receptacle By coupling the slide and the guide receptacle to the guide groove in the stationary carrier it can now be caused that the slide moves, on the one hand, along the guide rods within the guide receptacle (linear) while, on the other hand, it simultaneously passes through the desired defined displacement path due to the coupling to the guide groove in the stationary carrier.
  • the guide receptacle of the slide must usefully be movably or pivotably mounted in the stationary carrier.
  • the displacement path is advantageously comprised mainly of a horizontally extending first area which is bordered by an angled second area by which the objective can be brought into its final operating position (by lowering the same).
  • an own drive is provided.
  • Such a drive can be provided, for example, by a threaded spindle.
  • the drive can be accomplished either manually or by a motor.
  • the objectives can be moved in a fixed spatial orientation along their displacement paths, i.e. for example with their longitudinal axis always parallel to the above-defined optical axis. It can however be advantageous to transport the objectives in an inclined position from a stand-by position in the direction of the operating position and to bring them into an upright position only after reaching the operating position (or shortly before), in which upright position their longitudinal axis runs parallel to the optical axis.
  • the free space underneath the objective to be moved can be increased.
  • the container edge can be easily overcome by such an inclination so that only after reaching the container interior the objective can be erected (corresponding to the position in the operating position).
  • the objective is moved in an inclined position over the mentioned first area, while it already assumes an upright or at least more upright position (corresponding to the one in the operating position) in the mentioned second area.
  • the mentioned upright position is only assumed when the operating position is reached.
  • the objective holder is arranged so as to be pivotable on the slide and is connected to the slide via a biasing device and/or a lever mechanism by which the center axis of the objective holder (corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the objective present in the objective holder) can be held under an inclination angle relative to the above-mentioned optical axis at least in the first area of the displacement path.
  • the biasing device mentioned can be a device which holds the objective holder, which is pivotably arranged on the slide, by means of a (tension or pressure) spring, which is inclined relative to the pivot axis and connects the objective holder to the slide, in an inclined manner relative to the horizontal plane, wherein a stop can be provided in order to limit the angle of inclination.
  • the longitudinal axis of an objective inserted into the objective holder then has an angle of inclination relative to the vertical or the optical axis which is defined by the longitudinal axis of the objective in the operating position.
  • a mechanism When the objective reaches its operating position, a mechanism must be provided which can bring the objective from a possibly still inclined position into an upright position against the spring force. Examples of such mechanisms will be explained further below.
  • the lever mechanism mentioned for creating an angle of inclination can, for example, comprise a lever pivotably mounted on the slide, which lever interacts with a pin mounted on the objective holder in order to create the mentioned angle of inclination.
  • the objective holder is in turn pivotably arranged on the slide.
  • the inclination angle mentioned can also be chosen larger so that the objectives can be kept away as far as possible from possible containers or objects on the sample table.
  • the lever mechanism can be designed such that when passing through the first horizontal area of the already mentioned guide groove of the adjusting unit the objective is held by the lever in a highly inclined position which can exceed the inclination caused by the spring.
  • the lever When reaching the second angled area of the guide groove of the adjusting unit, the lever starts to tilt so that the objective leaves the highly inclined position and reduces the angle of inclination.
  • the guide of the slide likewise reaches the angled area so that, as a result thereof, a lowering of the objective is caused, this resulting in a further reduction of the angle of inclination.
  • the angle of inclination finally is zero degree so that the longitudinal axis of the objective coincides with the optical axis.
  • the changing device of the objective changer in particular the mentioned adjusting units for the objectives is or are connected to an intermediate plate on which, for example, a centering mount for the fixed positioning of an objective holder is arranged.
  • the centering mount is located at the operating position of the objective and receives the objective holder in a defined spatial position so that an exact alignment of the longitudinal axis of the objective along the optical axis (of the microscope) is guaranteed.
  • the provision of the mentioned intermediate plate makes a modular structure of the objective changer possible.
  • the mentioned intermediate plate can, for example, be connected to a corresponding counter-receptacle on a support element of the microscope via a dovetail connection.
  • the support element can be adjustable in focusing direction.
  • the invention further relates to a microscope having an objective changer according to the invention.
  • a microscope having an objective changer according to the invention.
  • Such microscopes usually have a support element which is adjustable in focusing direction and on which the changing device of the objective changer, in particular the mentioned adjusting units, can be mounted.
  • a centering mount for the fixed positioning of an objective holder is usefully arranged on the mentioned support element of the microscope.
  • An alternative to this embodiment is the already mentioned modular design using an intermediate plate. With the latter design, the centering plate can also be mounted on the microscope (or its support element).
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microscope in which the objective changer according to the invention can be used.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of a support element of a microscope of FIG. 1 with an embodiment of the objective changer according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of an adjusting unit of an embodiment of the objective changer according to the invention with a centering mount.
  • FIG. 4 shows the carrier of the adjusting unit of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 shows the rear view of the adjusting unit of FIG. 3 without the carrier of FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 6 shows a detail of an embodiment of a slide with an objective holder.
  • FIG. 7 shows an illustration similar to the one of FIG. 3 with an objective.
  • FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an objective holder with objective.
  • FIG. 9 shows a view of an adjusting unit similar to the one of FIG. 5 , wherein an objective holder with objective which is lowered over a container can be seen.
  • FIG. 10 schematically shows the sequence of motions of an objective from a stand-by position into the operating position.
  • FIG. 11 shows an adjusting unit of an embodiment of the objective changer according to the invention with a lever mechanism for inclining the objective axis.
  • FIG. 12 is a rear view of the illustration of FIG. 11 without the carrier of the adjusting unit.
  • FIG. 13 is an illustration similar to the one of FIG. 9 , now with the embodiment of an objective changer according to FIG. 11 before reaching the operating position.
  • FIG. 14 is an illustration like FIG. 13 , in which the operating position of the objective is now reached.
  • FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of an inventive objective changer having a modular design.
  • FIG. 1 shows a microscope 1 , as used in particular in the field of electrophysiology.
  • the support element which is adjustable in height in focusing direction has the reference sign 2 .
  • This support element 2 supports the objective changer with the objectives.
  • the support element 2 is adjustable in height.
  • a sample table with a sample placed thereon is mounted on the table holder 34 of the vertical post of the microscope 1 . Due to the touch and vibration sensitivity of the samples to be examined the sample table is no longer moved after positioning. During the examinations the working distance to the examined preparation is often very short; often the objectives can even dip into the liquid surrounding the preparation. For the examination of the preparations, these are usually manipulated, i.e. via precision-mechanically formed manipulators current, voltage or specific substances are applied to specific preparation areas.
  • manipulators Throughout the entire examination, these manipulators remain in their position relative to the sample. During the examination it is however usually necessary to change the objectives in order to obtain different (detailed) images of the sample.
  • the manipulations require a large free space around the currently used objective and the object, wherein this free space must not be limited even when the objectives are changed since the manipulators have to be kept in an unchanged position during an objective change.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the support element 2 of the microscope 1 of FIG. 1 .
  • the changing device 41 of the objective changer can be taken.
  • this changing device 41 is designed for two objectives and thus has two adjusting units 3 a , 3 b . These adjusting units 3 a , 3 b are mounted on the support element 2 .
  • Each adjusting unit 3 a , 3 b has a drive 11 and a slide 10 with an objective holder 15 arranged thereon.
  • the structure of each adjusting unit 3 a , 3 b will be explained in more detail further below.
  • a centering mount 4 which, in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 , is fixed to the support element 2 . From FIG.
  • the arrangement of the adjusting units 3 a and 3 b can clearly be seen, which both are arranged in a V-shape relative to one another and lie in one plane which is perpendicular to the optical axis 42 of the microscope 1 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • This optical axis 42 is accordingly defined by the longitudinal axis of an objective 19 located in the operating position (see also FIGS. 10 and 14 ).
  • Each slide 10 moves an objective holder 15 in order to transfer the objective 19 present in the objective holder 15 from its stand-by position into the operating position.
  • the stand-by positions of different objectives are different from one another just as are the respective displacement paths.
  • the operating position is the position in which the microscope 1 can provide an image of the preparation to be examined with the aid of the objective 19 .
  • the objective 19 has to be transferred from the operating position into its stand-by position in as little space as possible. This takes place via the adjusting units 3 a and 3 b illustrated in FIG. 2 , which move the objective along a displacement path which is assigned thereto and oriented perpendicular to the optical axis 42 . Due to their own drives 11 , each objective holder can be moved independent of the other. This independent movability likewise reduces the space requirement compared to objective changers having fixedly coupled objectives/objective holders. Finally, the horizontal movability provides for a large free space compared to a vertical movability since a vertical movability—as can be taken from FIG.
  • both objectives are alternatingly moved “rearwards”, as viewed from a user of the microscope 1 , thus away from the user, as a result whereof even more free space is created.
  • both objectives can be moved “rearwards” into their respective stand-by position as viewed from the user, so that both objectives are simultaneously “parked” in their stand-by position.
  • the sample space is free for manual manipulations.
  • FIG. 3 shows a detail view of an adjusting unit 3 (corresponding to the adjusting units 3 a and 3 b of FIG. 2 ). Additionally illustrated is a centering mount 4 (similar to the illustration in FIG. 2 ). The latter centering mount 4 is again mounted on the support element 2 of the microscope 1 and is fixedly oriented to the optical axis 42 . By functional engagement between an objective 19 and the centering mount 4 a spatially fixed positioning of an objective 19 in its operating position is guaranteed.
  • the adjusting unit 3 has a carrier 5 mounted on the support element 2 which is adjustable in height (see FIG. 2 ).
  • This carrier 5 has a bearing bore 7 in which a guide receptacle 8 is mounted so as to be pivotable in vertical direction.
  • This guide receptacle 8 receives the slide 10 on which the objective holder 15 is arranged.
  • the latter usually includes an objective thread 18 for receiving an objective 19 .
  • the guide receptacle 8 includes at least one guide rod 9 a , 9 b and a threaded spindle 11 b in the case of a threaded spindle drive 11 .
  • the slide 10 can be moved along the threaded spindle 11 b and along the guide rods 9 a , 9 b .
  • the support arm 10 a of the slide 10 has a point of support 10 b for the (inclined) mounting of the objective holder 15 . On this, reference will be made in detail further below.
  • the guide receptacle 8 could be directly fixed to the support element 2 (see FIG. 2 ). If it is however desired to lower the objective in the direction of the preparation shortly before reaching the operating position, the two-part structure having a guide receptacle 8 that can be pivoted in vertical direction as well as a stationary carrier 5 is advantageous. The mode of operation will be explained in the following.
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the carrier 5 of FIG. 3 .
  • the bearing bores 7 for receiving the guide receptacle 8 in a vertically pivotable manner are visible.
  • the carrier 5 On its inner side (facing the guide receptacle 8 ) the carrier 5 has a guide groove 6 which has a first horizontal area 6 a and a second angled area 6 b .
  • the horizontal area 6 a serves to move the objective from its stand-by position in the direction of the operating position along a displacement path which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 42 .
  • the second area 6 b serves to lower the objective in the direction of the preparation and thus to bring the objective into its operating position. While, in the illustration according to FIG.
  • the slide 10 moves linearly over the displacement area of the guide receptacle 8 , the guide receptacle 8 is lowered when the angled area 6 b is reached.
  • the slide 10 is oriented in the guide groove 6 of the carrier 5 via a bolt 14 projecting through a slot 12 in the guide receptacle 8 , which bolt carries a (ball) bearing 13 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a rear view of FIG. 3 .
  • the operation sequence is as follows: As a starting position the rear stand-by position may be taken here in which the objective 19 is furthermost from the preparation.
  • the slide 10 is set into motion by the threaded spindle drive 11 with the threaded spindle 11 b and held via the (ball) bearing 13 so as to be oriented in the horizontal area 6 a of the guide groove 6 .
  • the bearing 13 reaches the angled area 6 b of the guide groove 6
  • the guide receptacle 8 starts to pivot downwardly about the bearing bore 7 (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the inclination of the objective longitudinal axis relative to the vertical is reduced.
  • the objective 19 is then in its operating position.
  • the bearing 13 is located outside the guide groove 6 , as a result whereof the objective 19 is oriented in the optical axis by the centering mount 4 alone.
  • FIG. 7 substantially shows the same illustration as FIG. 3 , wherein merely one objective 19 is mounted on the objective holder 15 . Details of the objective holder 15 are illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • the outside of the objective holder 15 is cylindrical in shape with a groove 20 and a beveled side 21 and a bottom surface 31 .
  • the centering mount 4 has a surface 32 and a counter bearing 33 .
  • the inclination of the longitudinal axis 19 is however advantageous in order to bring an objective 19 over the edge of a container in which the preparation to be examined is located while providing a free space as large as possible.
  • the inclined longitudinal axis of the objective 19 then avoids an additional vertical adjusting space which would limit the free space.
  • FIG. 9 shows an adjusting unit 3 of an objective changer in which the objective 19 is in its operating position.
  • the objective 19 is oriented in the optical axis 42 merely by the centering mount 4 .
  • the objective 19 projects into a dish-shaped container 22 in which the preparation to be examined is contained.
  • the first horizontal area 6 a and the second angled area 6 b (with vertical adjustment component) can be seen, the (ball) bearing 13 having arrived at the end of the second area 6 b.
  • the slide 10 has a support arm 10 a with a point of support 10 b at which an objective holder 15 is arranged so as to be pivotable in vertical direction.
  • a biasing device comprised of a spring 16 and a stop 17 on the slide 10 the objective holder 15 is pulled against the stop 17 in an inclined manner by the spring force of the spring 16 mounted on the slide 10 and the objective holder 15 so that the longitudinal axis of the objective 19 comprises an angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical or the optical axis 42 .
  • the angle of inclination a is reduced until upon reaching the centering mount 4 and upon engagement between the objective holder 15 and the centering mount 4 the angle of inclination is reduced to zero degree.
  • FIG. 10 once again schematically shows the sequence of motions of an objective 19 on its way into the operating position.
  • an inclination of the longitudinal axis of the objective 19 relative to the vertical or the optical axis 42 can be seen.
  • a lowering of the guide receptacle 8 (pivotably mounted about the bearing bore 7 ) takes place within the second area 6 b , which results in a reduction of the angle of inclination of the objective axis until the longitudinal axis of the objective coincides with the optical axis 42 when the objective holder 15 and the centering mount 4 are engaged. From FIG.
  • the drawn-in measure “A” indicates the distance between the objective underside 19 in the inclined position and the one in the vertical position.
  • the objective 19 can consequently move over a container edge in the inclined position and thereafter (when displaced along the second area 6 b ) “dip” into the container interior.
  • the measure A represents the height of the container edge, which height can be overcome by the inclination of the objective 19 .
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 show a lever mechanism 23 to 28 for increasing the measure A shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the lever mechanism comprises an objective-side lever 24 which is pivotably mounted on the axis 23 of the slide 10 .
  • a pin 26 on the objective holder 15 is connected to an arm of the lever 24 in that the lever 24 engages under the pin 26 and, as a result thereof, holds the objective holder 15 in a highly inclined position.
  • a second lever 25 likewise mounted on the axis 23 is located on the other side of the guide receptacle 8 , i.e. on the side opposite to the slide 10 .
  • a (ball) bearing 28 is mounted via a bolt 27 , which bearing—such as the bearing 13 of the slide 10 —orients itself in the guide groove 6 of the carrier 5 of the adjusting unit 3 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 The displacement of the objective 19 from the first area 6 a of the displacement path into the second area 6 b is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
  • the existing highly inclined position of the objective 19 remains unchanged. This inclination can in particular be higher than the one achieved by the spring arrangement according to FIG. 6 in order to be able to use other, in particular higher cups than the usually used Petri dishes.
  • the front bearing 28 enters the second area 6 b of the displacement path (see FIG.
  • the lever 25 is tilted from its horizontal position, as a result whereof the objective-side lever 24 coupled thereto is likewise tilted (downwards) and in this way reduces the inclination (angle of inclination ⁇ ) of the objective 19 .
  • the angle of inclination ⁇ Shortly before the second (rear) bearing 13 reaches the second area 6 b of the displacement path, the angle of inclination ⁇ has dropped to a value approximately corresponding to the one which is chosen in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 .
  • a lowering of the objective 19 with a further reduction of the angle of inclination ⁇ takes place as a result of the downward pivoting of the guide receptacle 8 pivotably mounted in the bearing bore 7 .
  • the final position is shown in which the longitudinal axis of the objective 19 coincides with the optical axis 42 so that the objective 19 has reached its operating position.
  • the adjusting units 3 of each objective 19 are not mounted on the support element 2 of a microscope 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) but on an intermediate plate 29 .
  • This intermediate plate 29 has on its upper side a dovetail 30 which can be inserted into a corresponding counter receptacle on the support element 2 of the microscope 1 .
  • the intermediate plate 29 together with the corresponding connecting piece (here dovetail 30 ) and the changing device 41 mounted on the intermediate plate forms a module which, as needed, can easily be inserted into an existing microscope 1 .
  • the centering mount 4 is fixed to the intermediate plate 29 . It can, however, also be useful to directly connect the centering mount 4 to the support element 2 of the microscope 1 (as in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

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DE102009026978 2009-06-16
DEDE102009026978.9 2009-06-16
DEDE102009029146.6 2009-09-02
DE102009029146.6A DE102009029146B4 (de) 2009-06-16 2009-09-02 Objektivwechsler und Mikroskop mit einem solchen Objektivwechsler

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DE102009029146A1 (de) 2010-12-23
CN101923211B (zh) 2015-02-11
JP2011002833A (ja) 2011-01-06
JP5683141B2 (ja) 2015-03-11
US20130222898A1 (en) 2013-08-29

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