WO2011052425A1

WO2011052425A1 - Image-capturing unit

Info

Publication number: WO2011052425A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/068355
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大敬野中; 淳平大喜多
Original assignee: 浜松ホトニクス株式会社
Priority date: 2009-10-30
Filing date: 2010-10-19
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: JP2013019919A

Abstract

An image-capturing unit configured so that the prism can be smoothly interchanged and that the range of measurement can be stabilized. An image-capturing unit (1) is provided with: a prism unit (5) in which a prism (9) is held; a housing (3) provided with a prism insertion section (23), in which the prism unit (5) can be removably inserted, and allowing measurement light to enter the housing (3) from the outside; and two image-capturing elements (7a, 7b) incorporated in the housing (3). The prism insertion section (23) is formed in such a manner that, when the prism unit (5) is inserted therein, the prism insertion section (23) positions the prism unit (5) to a position within the housing (3) together with the prism (9). The image-capturing elements (7a, 7b) are respectively provided at positions which can receive the measurement light dispersed by the prism (9).

Description

Imaging unit

The present invention relates to an imaging unit that images measurement light from the outside.

In recent years, live microscopic imaging of living cells has become an indispensable research tool for elucidation of intracellular signal transduction mechanisms including calcium ions. Recently, the research means has been developed into a method for simultaneously acquiring more information such as interaction between a plurality of functional cells and signal information. Moreover, functional research not only in cultured cells but also at a tissue level closer to a living body has been actively conducted. In particular, (i) observing fluorescence of different wavelengths at the same time, (ii) performing ratio imaging of two-wavelength fluorescence, (iii) simultaneously imaging fluorescence of two different wavelengths generated by FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer), etc. Therefore, research to elucidate the intracellular information transmission mechanism has been widely conducted.

When imaging light of different wavelengths in the research as described above, a prism is used as a color separation optical system, and it is necessary to spectrally image the measurement light observed with an existing microscope and image it. As conventional imaging devices including this prism, those disclosed in

Patent Documents

1 and 2 below are known. The imaging device described in the following Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a prism block having a prism and a joining projection and an imaging block having a solid-state imaging device are joined, and even after the prism block is joined to the imaging block. The prism can be removed. Further, the imaging device described in Patent Document 2 is configured to always press a prism case that holds a prism against a housing rear plate of an imaging lens system.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-4686 JP-A-5-219514

However, in the imaging devices described in

Patent Documents

1 and 2 described above, when the prism is to be replaced according to the wavelength range to be measured, the prism replacement operation is not efficient and the prism positioning mechanism is insufficient. There was a tendency that imaging with a stable measurement range was difficult.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging unit that allows a prism to be smoothly exchanged and a measurement range to be stabilized.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging unit according to the present invention includes a prism holding member that holds a prism inside, and a prism insertion portion that allows the prism holding member to be attached and detached. And a prism insertion unit that positions the prism holding member together with the prism inside the casing when the prism holding member is inserted. Thus, the two or more image sensors are respectively provided at positions where the measurement light divided by the prism can be received.

According to such an imaging unit, the prism holding member that holds the prism is detachably inserted into the prism insertion portion formed in the housing portion, so that the prism is positioned inside the housing portion. At the same time, the measurement light divided by the prism is received by two or more imaging elements provided inside the housing. Thus, the prism can be smoothly exchanged corresponding to the wavelength range of the measurement light, and stable imaging with respect to the measurement range is realized by the imaging device even when the prism is exchanged.

According to the present invention, the prism can be smoothly exchanged and the measurement range can be stabilized.

It is a schematic block diagram of the imaging unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the prism unit of FIG. It is a top view of the prism unit of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an imaging unit in a state in which a prism unit is inserted into the housing part of FIG. 1. It is a top view of the imaging unit of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the imaging unit in FIG. 5. It is sectional drawing along the VII-VII line of the imaging unit of FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the positional relationship of each part in the imaging unit of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the imaging unit which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the imaging unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the XI-XI line of the imaging unit of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the imaging unit which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the imaging unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the XIV-XIV line of the imaging unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the imaging unit which is a modification of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the imaging unit which is another modification of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the imaging unit which is another modification of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the imaging unit which is another modification of this invention. It is a top view of the prism unit of FIG. It is a top view of the imaging unit of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the XXI-XXI line of the imaging unit of FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 1 is an apparatus that spectrally captures measurement light such as fluorescence of the sample A to be observed connected to the microscope apparatus 101 and connected by the microscope apparatus 101. As the microscope apparatus 101 to be connected, for example, a structure in which measurement light (for example, fluorescence) emitted from the sample A disposed therein is emitted from the output port 107 via the microscope optical system 103 and the reflecting mirror 105. Is used. The imaging unit 1 is connected to the output port 107 of the microscope apparatus 101 and has a housing part 3 having an incident window 2 through which measurement light is incident, and a prism unit (prism) detachably housed in the housing part 3. Holding member) 5 and two

image pickup elements

7a and 7b built in the casing 3 so as to face the prism unit 5.

2 and 3, the prism unit 5 has a prism case 13A having a trapezoidal cross section, and two

prisms

9a and 9b are held inside the prism case 13A. These two

prisms

9a and 9b are joined together to form a color separation prism 9. The optical element held in the prism case 13A is not limited to the color separation prism, but is a polarization prism that separates the direction in which the measurement light travels by polarization, or a split prism that simply separates the direction in which the measurement light travels without color separation. There may be. A circular incident hole 15a and

emission holes

15b and 15c are provided at positions facing the light incident surface 11a and the

light emission surfaces

11b and 11c of the

prisms

9a and 9b on the side surface of the prism case 13A. The size of the incident hole 15 is determined by the light beam incident from the imaging lens of the microscope optical system 103 of the microscope apparatus 101 and the light receiving area of the

imaging elements

7a and 7b, and is large enough not to block the light beam through the incident hole 15. ing. As a result, it is possible to make the measurement light accurately enter the prism 9 and make it difficult for the disturbance light to enter the prism 9. The shapes of the entrance hole 15a and the

exit holes

15b and 15c are determined by the shape of the light receiving surfaces of the

image sensors

7a and 7b and the microscope optical system 103, and are not limited to a circle but may be a polygon such as a triangle or a rectangle.

Prism unit 5 having the above configuration, a portion of the wavelength range L ₂ of the fluorescence L ₁ in a predetermined wavelength range that is incident along the center axis of the entrance aperture 15a, along the central axis of the incident hole 15a The light passes through the prism 9 and is emitted from the light exit surface 11b to the outside through the exit hole 15b. Here, the centers of the entrance hole 15a and the exit hole 15b are located on the coaxial optical path, and the radius of the exit hole 15b is the same as the radius of the entrance hole 15a, or the radius of the exit hole 15b is larger than the radius of the entrance hole 15a. small. In general, the size of the light beam of the fluorescence L ₂ when passing through the exit aperture 15b is compared with the size of the light beam of the fluorescence L ₁ when passing through the entrance aperture 15a, comparable or smaller. Therefore, by reducing the size of the exit aperture 15b so as not to shield the fluorescence L _2, it is possible to prevent the disturbance light is incident on the image sensor 7a. At the same time, the prism unit 5, the other portion of the wavelength range L ₃ of its fluorescence L _1, prism 9a, is reflected by the bonding surface and the light incident surface 11a of 9b, the light emitting surface of the prism 9 After passing through 11c, the light is emitted to the outside through the emission hole 15c. Here, the center of the exit hole 15c is located on the optical axis of the light beam of the fluorescence L ₃ emitted from the light emitting surface 11c, the radius as large as the radius of the exit aperture 15c is incident hole 15a, or exit aperture 15c Is smaller than the radius of the incident hole 15a. In general, the size of the light beam of the fluorescence L ₃ when passing through the exit aperture 15c is also compared with the size of the light beam of the fluorescence L ₁ when passing through the entrance aperture 15a, comparable or smaller. Therefore, by reducing the size of the exit aperture 15c so as not to shield the fluorescence L _3, it is possible to prevent the disturbance light is incident on the image sensor 7b. Such prism 9 has a role of dispersing the fluorescence L ₁ in different directions, the spectral characteristics (spectral wavelength characteristics and emission angle), prism 9a, is determined by the material and shape of 9b. In addition, when the shapes of the incident hole 15a and the emission holes 15b and 15c are other than circular, the area of the emission holes 15b and 15c may be equal to or smaller than the area of the incident hole 15a.

Further, a flange portion 13B is integrally formed at the upper end portion of the prism case 13A of the prism unit 5 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the prism case 13A. The flange portion 13B extends vertically from the side surface of the prism case 13A in four directions, and the surface 17a on the opposite side to the prism case 13A and the surface 17b on the opposite side are substantially vertical flat surfaces. At the edge of the flange portion 13B, there are two through

holes

19a and 19b that penetrate from the surface 17a to the surface 17b on the opposite side, and two

holes

21a and 21b that are recessed toward the surface 17a on the surface 17b. Is formed. Note that the prism case 13A and the flange portion 13B are not limited to being formed integrally, but may be configured differently to form a prism unit by combining them.

The prism unit 5 is detachably inserted into the housing unit 3 with the prism 9 built-in. As a result, the prism can be exchanged according to the wavelength range to be measured. 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging unit 1 in a state in which the prism unit 5 is inserted into the housing unit 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the imaging unit 1 in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an imaging unit 1 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of the imaging unit 1 of FIG.

As shown in these drawings, the housing portion 3 is formed with a prism insertion portion 23 for inserting the prism unit 5, and the prism unit 5 extends along the side surface of the prism case 13 </ b> A along the prism insertion portion 23. As shown, the prism case 13A is inserted into the prism insertion part 23 from the end face 5a side opposite to the flange part 13B. The prism insertion portion 23 has a two-stage structure having an upper step portion (step portion) 23A and a lower step portion 23B so as to correspond to the outer shape of the prism unit 5. Here, the width of the upper step portion 23A and the lower step portion 23B is slightly wider than the width of the flange portion 13B and the prism case 13A, and the depth of the lower step portion 23B is slightly deeper than the height of the prism case 13A.

In a state where the prism unit 5 is inserted into the prism insertion portion 23, the flange portion 13B and the prism case 13A are accommodated in the upper step portion 23A and the lower step portion 23B, respectively, with a gap in the outer periphery thereof. At this time, the surface 17b of the flange portion 13B on the prism case 13A side comes into contact with the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A, and the prism unit 5 is positioned in the insertion direction (the depth direction of the prism insertion portion 23). Accordingly, since the flange portion 13B and the upper step portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23 are formed so as to correspond to the outer shape of the prism unit 5, the flange portion 13B comes into contact with the upper step portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23, so The portion 13B serves as a lid, and can prevent light from the outside from leaking into the housing. Thereby, light can be easily shielded by simply inserting the prism unit 5 into the prism insertion portion 23. Further, a gap is also formed between the end surface 5a of the prism case 13A and the bottom surface 33 of the lower step portion 23B. In addition, pins (projections) 25a and 25b are respectively embedded and fixed at positions facing the

holes

21a and 21b of the flange portion 13B on the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A, and the holes of the flange portion 13B. By fitting the

pins

25a and 25b to 21a and 21b, the prism unit 5 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (a direction along the bottom surface of the prism insertion portion 23) (FIG. 6). Here, the hole portion 21a of the flange portion 13B has a circular shape with substantially the same radius as the opposing pin 25a, but the hole portion 21b has a minor axis that is the same size as the radius of the opposing pin 25b and larger than that. It has an elliptical shape with a major axis. Thereby, even when the positional accuracy of the

holes

21a and 21b and the

pins

25a and 25b of the flange portion 13B is insufficient, the fitting can be performed and positioning can be reliably performed because one of the holes is an ellipse. Regarding such a positioning structure, a pin (protruding portion) may be provided in the flange portion 13B, and a hole portion may be provided in the prism insertion portion 23. As a result, the prism unit 5 is positioned two-dimensionally inside the housing 3 together with the prism 9.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, fixing screws (fixing members) 27a and 27b are provided between the flange portion 13B and the upper step portion 23A. These fixing

screws

27a and 27b pass through the through

holes

19a and 19b, and are fixed by being screwed into screw holes formed in the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A of the housing portion 3, so that the prism unit 5 is positioned at the prism insertion portion. It has a role to stabilize in the 23.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an information transmission unit 31A and an information reading unit 31B are attached to the bottom surface (outer surface) 5a of the prism case 13A and the bottom surface (inner surface) 33 of the lower step portion 23B, respectively. . This information transmission unit 31A has a function for transmitting information related to the type of the prism 9 in the prism unit 5 to the housing unit 3 side in accordance with the insertion of the prism unit 5 into the prism insertion unit 23. An IC tag that transmits various information in a non-contact manner is used. The information reading unit 31B has a function of reading identification information from the information transmitting unit 31A, and an information reading device such as an IC tag reader / writer is used. In addition, since a gap is formed between the bottom surface (outer surface) 5a of the prism case 13A and the bottom surface (inner surface) 33 of the lower step portion 23B, the possibility that the information transmitting unit 31A and the information reading unit 31B come into contact with each other is reduced. It is possible to prevent destruction of the information transmitting unit 31A and the information reading unit 31B.

Next, the positional relationship between the prism unit 5 and the

image sensors

7a and 7b in the housing 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the prism unit 5 is easily positioned in the insertion direction and the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction simply by being inserted into the prism insertion portion 23 due to the structure of the flange portion 13B. At this time, the prism unit 5 is disposed so that the incident hole 15 a faces the incident window 2 of the housing portion 3, and the prism unit 5 further has the

light emitting holes

15 b and 15 c of the light emitting window of the housing portion 3. It arrange | positions so that it may oppose (not shown). In addition, an image sensor 7 a that receives the measurement light L ₂ in the long wavelength region and an image sensor 7 b that receives the measurement light L ₃ in the short wavelength region are arranged so that the light receiving surfaces face the respective emission windows of the housing 3. Among these, the image pickup device 7 a is supported by the moving mechanism 29, and is movable by the moving mechanism 29 along the optical axis of the measurement light L ₂ that passes through the prism 9. Note that the prism 9 and the

imaging elements

7a and 7b may be configured such that the imaging element 7b receives a long wavelength region and the imaging element 7a receives a short wavelength region. Here, the

image sensors

7a and 7b are arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the light receiving surface substantially coincides with the insertion direction. Thereby, even when a plurality of image sensors are arranged, the size of the housing 3 can be made compact. The measurement lights L ₂ and L ₃ are imaged on the entire light receiving surfaces of the image sensor 7 a and the image sensor 7 b, but only a part of the pixel area is used for imaging as an imaging pixel area. As a result, the measurement range can be stabilized even if the positioning accuracy of the surfaces perpendicular to the optical axis of the image sensor 7a and the image sensor 7b is insufficient. In addition, it is preferable that the moving mechanism 29 supports the image sensor 7 a that receives the measurement light L ₂ that is transmitted without being reflected in the prism 9. In many cases, the housing of the microscope apparatus 101 protrudes in a plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the measurement light L ₁ from the output port 107 of the microscope apparatus 101. Accordingly, when considering the connection between the imaging unit 1 and the output port 107 of the microscope apparatus 101, it is preferable not to enlarge the casing 3 of the imaging unit 1 in the plane direction of the incident window 2, and thus the imaging element 7a is moved by the moving mechanism 29. Is supported by. In addition, although elements, such as CCD and CMOS, are used as image pick-up

element

7a, 7b, the cooling CCD suitable for weak light measurement is used suitably. As the moving mechanism 29, a drive stage or a manual stage using a linear motor, a stepping motor, a piezo motor, or the like is used.

According to the imaging unit 1 described above, even when the prism 9 is replaced by detachably inserting the prism unit 5 holding the prism 9 into the prism insertion portion 23 formed in the housing 3, At the same time that the prism 9 is positioned inside the housing 3, the measurement light dispersed by the prism 9 is received by the two

image sensors

7 a and 7 b provided inside the housing 3. Thereby, when it is going to replace the prism 9 according to the wavelength range to measure, the prism 9 corresponding to the wavelength range can be replaced | exchanged smoothly. Furthermore, even when the prism 9 is replaced, the position of the prism 9 can be two-dimensionally stabilized with respect to the

imaging elements

7a and 7b, so that stable imaging with respect to the sample A measurement range is realized.

Here, the prism unit 5 is formed with a flange portion 13B extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction with respect to the prism insertion portion 23, and the flange portion 13B comes into contact with the prism insertion portion 23 so that the prism unit 5 moves in the insertion direction. Positioned. In this case, the prism unit 5 can be easily positioned in the insertion direction while providing a gap between the prism unit 5 and the prism insertion portion 23. As a result, the prism unit 5 can be smoothly inserted into the casing 3 and a slight processing error can be allowed. Further, the flange portion 13B can prevent light from the outside of the housing 3 from entering the inside of the housing 3, and noise can be reduced. Furthermore, using the gap, the information transmission unit 31A and the information reading unit 31B can be attached to the prism unit 5 and the prism insertion unit 23, respectively. If the prism 9 is replaced and used, generally, the range formed on the light receiving surfaces of the

image sensors

7a and 7b tends to change according to the measurement lights L ₂ and L ₃ that are split by the prism 9. . Even in this case, since the type information of the prism 9 is transmitted from the information transmitting unit 31A to the information reading unit 31B, the prism 9 is used in the image processing unit or the like connected to the

imaging elements

7a and 7b in the housing unit 3. Necessary pixel signals can be appropriately taken out and processed immediately after insertion. The identification information transmitted by the information transmission unit 31A includes information indicating “position information of the four corners” and “information regarding the position and range” of the imaging range in the

image sensors

7a and 7b.

The flange portion 13B of the prism unit 5 is provided with

holes

21a and 21b, and the prism insertion portion 23 is provided with

pins

25a and 25b, whereby the prism unit 5 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The As a result, the configuration for positioning the prism 9 when the prism unit 5 is inserted into the prism insertion portion 23 is simplified.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 9 is a perspective view showing an imaging unit 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a plan view of the imaging unit 51 in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a XI-XI line of the imaging unit 51 in FIG. FIG. The main difference between the imaging unit 51 and the first embodiment is that the flange portion 63B of the prism unit 55 is formed on the opposite side to the insertion direction.

Specifically, the prism unit 55 has a prism case 63A having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and the prism 9 is held inside the prism case 63A. In addition, similarly to the prism unit 5, a circular incident hole 65a and two emission holes (not shown) are provided on the side surface of the prism case 63A. Further, a flange portion 63B is integrally formed at the lower end portion of the prism case 13A of the prism unit 55 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the prism case 63A. The flange portion 63B has a substantially flat surface 67a opposite to the prism case 63A. And two through-

holes

69a and 69b and two

hole parts

71a and 71b are formed in the edge part of the surface 67a of the flange part 13B.

A prism insertion portion 73 for inserting the prism unit 55 is formed in the housing portion 53, and the prism unit 55 has a flange so that the side surface of the flange portion 63 </ b> B is along the inner surface of the prism insertion portion 73. It is inserted into the prism insertion portion 73 from the surface 67a side of the portion 63B. The prism insertion portion 73 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the prism unit 55, the depth thereof is substantially the same as the height of the prism unit 55, and the width thereof is slightly larger than the width of the flange portion 63B.

When the prism unit 55 is inserted into the prism insertion portion 73, the flange portion 63B is accommodated in the prism insertion portion 73 with a gap in the outer periphery thereof. Then, the surface 67a of the flange portion 13B comes into contact with the bottom surface 83 of the prism insertion portion 73, and the prism unit 55 is positioned in the insertion direction (the depth direction of the prism insertion portion 73). In addition, pins 75a and 75b are embedded and fixed at positions facing the

holes

71a and 71b of the flange part 63B on the bottom surface 83 of the prism insertion part 73, respectively, and the

holes

71a and 71b of the flange part 63B are fixed. By fitting the

pins

75a and 75b to 71b, the prism unit 55 is positioned in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (the direction along the bottom surface 83 of the prism insertion portion 73) (FIG. 11). Further, the flange portion 63B and the prism insertion portion 73 are fixed by fixing

screws

77a and 77b. As a result, the prism unit 55 is positioned and fixed two-dimensionally inside the housing portion 53 together with the prism 9.

In addition, in the gap between the side surface of the flange portion 63B and the prism insertion portion 73, an information transmission portion 81A and an information reading portion 81B are attached in order to transmit identification information regarding the prism 9.

Also with the imaging unit 51 described above, when the prism 9 is to be replaced in accordance with the wavelength range to be measured, the prism unit 55 corresponding to the wavelength range can be replaced smoothly. Furthermore, even when the prism unit 55 is replaced, the position of the prism 9 can be two-dimensionally stabilized with respect to the

imaging elements

7a and 7b, so that stable imaging with respect to the measurement range of the sample A is realized.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. 12 is a perspective view showing an imaging unit 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the imaging unit 201 in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is an XIV-XIV line of the imaging unit 201 in FIG. FIG. The main difference of the imaging unit 201 from the first embodiment is that a fixing lever (spring member) 203 is provided in the housing unit 3 as a positioning mechanism of the prism unit 5.

Specifically, a fixing lever 203 that urges the prism unit 5 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction when the prism unit 5 is inserted is attached to the upper stage portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23 of the housing unit 3. It has been. The fixing lever 203 is fitted on the edge of the upper step portion 23A so as to be slidable in one direction along the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A, and is inserted between the fixing lever 203 and the outer peripheral surface of the upper step portion 23A. The spring member 207 is biased toward the central portion along the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A. Further,

protrusions

209a, 209b, and 209c for sandwiching the flange portion 13B together with the fixing lever 203 are embedded in the edge portion of the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A so as to surround the center portion of the upper step portion 23A.

When the prism unit 5 is inserted into the casing 3 having such a configuration with the fixing lever 203 slid to the edge of the upper step portion 23A, the edge of the flange portion 13B and the inner peripheral surface of the upper step portion 23A. Since the fixing lever 203 is interposed between the flange portion 13B and the flange portion 13B, the flange portion 13B is stored in the upper step portion 23A in a state of being pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. Then, the surface 17b of the flange portion 13B on the prism case 13A side comes into contact with the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A, and the edge portion of the flange portion 13B is sandwiched between the fixing lever 203 and the projecting

portions

209a, 209b, and 209c. 5 is positioned in the insertion direction and in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (FIG. 14). Thereby, the prism unit 5 is positioned two-dimensionally inside the housing unit 3 together with the prism 9 in a state where the side surface and the bottom surface of the prism case 13A are separated from the prism insertion unit 23.

Further, similarly to the imaging unit 1, the imaging unit 201 may be provided with a fixing screw 27a, an information transmission unit 81A, and an information reading unit 81B.

Also with such an imaging unit 201, the prism unit 55 corresponding to the wavelength range to be measured can be replaced smoothly, and stable imaging with respect to the sample A measurement range is realized.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, the insertion direction of the prism unit with respect to the casing is not limited to a specific direction. For example, as in the image pickup unit 251 shown in FIG. 15, or may be prism insertion portion 273 is formed along a plane including the optical axis of the measurement light L ₁ to the housing 253. Specifically, the prism insertion portion 273 has a two-stage structure of an upper step portion 273A and a lower step portion 273B formed from the side surface of the housing portion 253 toward the inside, and a prism constituted by a prism case 263A and a flange portion 263B. the unit 255, along a plane including the optical axis of the measurement light L _1, may be inserted from the side of the casing 253.

Also, the positioning structure of the prism unit with respect to the casing can take various modifications. For example, like the imaging unit 301 shown in FIG. 16, the flange portion 313B of the prism unit 305 is formed so that the side surface thereof is linearly inclined toward the prism case 13A, and the inner periphery of the upper step portion 323A of the prism insertion portion 323 is formed. The surface is formed so as to be inclined corresponding to the shape and width of the flange portion 313B. With such a shape, when the prism unit 305 is inserted into the housing portion 303, the flange portion 313B is fitted into the upper step portion 323A, and the positioning structure of the prism unit 305 with respect to the housing portion 303 is simplified. The That is, positioning can be performed only by fixing with the fixing

screws

27a and 27b, and the

holes

21a and 21b, the

pins

25a and 25b (FIG. 6) and the like are not required.

Further, countersunk

screws

377a and 377b may be used as members for positioning and fixing the prism unit 5 with respect to the casing 3 as in the imaging unit 351 shown in FIG. In this case, through

holes

369a and 369b penetrating from the outer surface 17a toward the inner surface 17b are formed at the edge of the flange portion 13B of the prism unit 5, and these through

holes

369a and 369b are countersunk screws 377a, The inner diameter is formed so as to decrease from the outer surface 17a to the inner surface 17b so as to correspond to the head shape of 377b. Even with such a structure, when the prism unit 5 is inserted into the housing 3 and fixed, the

countersunk screws

377a and 377b are fitted into the through

holes

369a and 369b. The positioning structure for 3 is simplified. That is, positioning is possible only by fixing with the

countersunk screws

377a and 377b.

Further, as in the imaging unit 401 shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, as a positioning structure for the prism unit 5 with respect to the housing portion 3, a combination of an elastic member and a fitting structure of the protruding portion and the hole portion may be employed. Good.

That is, two

hole portions

21a and 21b that are recessed toward the opposite surface 17a on the surface 17b are formed at two adjacent corner portions of the flange portion 13B of the prism unit 5. The hole 21b is formed in a substantially elliptical shape having a long axis substantially parallel to a line connecting the center of the hole 21a and the center of the hole 21b. Furthermore, two through-

holes

19a and 19b penetrating from the surface 17a to the surface 17b are formed at the edge of the flange portion 13B. On the other hand, the

pins

25a and 25b are respectively located at positions facing the

holes

21a and 21b on the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23 in a state where the prism unit 5 is inserted into the housing portion 3. Is embedded and fixed. The pin 25a has a substantially cylindrical shape with substantially the same radius as the opposing hole 21a, and the pin 25b has a substantially cylindrical shape with a radius substantially the same as the short diameter of the opposing hole 21b. is doing. Further, an elastic pin (spring member) 403 is provided on the inner wall surface of the upper step portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23 so as to protrude toward the corner opposite to the corner where the hole portion 21b of the flange portion 13B is provided. ing. The elastic pin 403 includes an elastic member such as a spring member inside, and is inserted so as to be positioned in a gap between the flange portion 13B and the prism insertion portion 23, and the prism unit 5 is inserted into the prism insertion portion 23. It has a role of energizing in the direction from the hole 21a toward the hole 21b along the bottom surface of the upper stage 23A.

By inserting the prism unit 5 having the above structure into the prism insertion portion 23 of the housing portion 3, the

pins

25a and 25b are fitted into the

holes

21a and 21b of the flange portion 13B, and at the same time, the flange portion 13B. Is urged by the elastic pin 403 to move away from the elastic pin 403 along the bottom surface of the upper step portion 23A of the prism insertion portion 23 with the hole 21a as a fulcrum with respect to the prism unit 5 (indicated by the arrow in FIG. Direction) is applied. As a result, the hole portion 21b of the flange portion 13B and the pin 25b come into contact with each other and the mutual positional relationship is stabilized, so that the prism unit 5 can be securely inserted in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction into the housing portion 3. Positioned.

Here, the prism holding member is formed with a flange portion extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction with respect to the prism insertion portion, and the prism holding member is positioned in the insertion direction by contacting the flange insertion portion with the prism insertion portion. Is preferred. It is also preferable that the prism insertion portion has a surface that contacts the edge of the flange portion, and the prism holding member is positioned in the insertion direction when the edge of the flange portion contacts the surface. is there. In this case, when the prism holding member is inserted into the prism insertion portion, the prism holding member can be easily positioned in the insertion direction even if a gap is provided between the prism holding member and the prism insertion portion. As a result, the prism holding member can be smoothly inserted into the housing, and some processing errors can be allowed. Here, “extends substantially vertically” is a concept including a case where any surface of the member forms a substantially vertical surface.

The flange portion of the prism holding member is provided with a protrusion or a hole, and the prism insertion portion is provided with a hole or a protrusion corresponding to the prism holding member. It is also preferable that the prism holding member is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by fitting the portion into the hole or the protruding portion of the prism insertion portion. With such a configuration, when the prism holding member is inserted into the prism insertion portion, the prism can be easily positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

Further, it is also preferable that the prism insertion portion is formed with a step portion that fits into the flange portion, and the prism holding member is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by fitting the flange portion into the step portion. It is. With such a step portion, when the prism holding member is inserted into the prism insertion portion, the prism can be easily positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. In addition, the positioning mechanism can be relatively simplified.

Furthermore, it is also preferable that a fixing member for fixing the prism holding member to the prism insertion portion is provided between the flange portion and the prism insertion portion. By providing such a fixing member, the position of the prism in the housing can be further stabilized.

The fixing member may be a screw member that penetrates the flange portion toward the prism insertion portion, or is inserted into a gap between the flange portion and the prism insertion portion, and the flange portion is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. It may be a spring member that biases in any direction.

Furthermore, a gap portion is formed between the outer surface of the prism holding member and the inner surface of the prism insertion portion, and an information transmitting portion is provided on the outer surface of the prism holding member in contact with the gap portion. It is also preferable that an information reading unit is provided on the inner surface of the prism insertion unit in contact therewith. By adopting such a configuration, when a prism is replaced, the type information of the prism can be easily obtained, and the imaging process according to the type of the prism is facilitated.

The present invention uses an imaging unit, allows a prism to be smoothly exchanged, and stabilizes the measurement range.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,51,201,251,301,351,401 ... Imaging unit, 3, 53, 253, 303 ... Housing part, 5,55, 255,305 ... Prism unit (prism holding member), 7a, 7b ... Imaging Element, 9, 9a, 9b ... Prism, 13B, 63B, 263B, 313B ... Flange, 21a, 21b, 71a, 71b ... Hole, 23, 73, 273, 323 ... Prism insert, 25a, 25b, 75a, 75b ... pin (protruding portion), 27a, 27b, 77a, 77b ... fixing screw (fixing member), 31A, 81A ... information transmitting unit, 31B, 81B ... information reading unit, 203 ... fixing lever (spring member), 403 ... Elastic pins (spring members), 377a, 377b ... flat head screws (fixing members).

Claims

A prism holding member for holding the prism inside;
A prism insertion part in which the prism holding member is detachable is formed, and a housing part into which measurement light is incident from the outside,
Two or more image sensors incorporated in the housing;
With
The prism insertion part is formed to position the prism holding member together with the prism inside the housing part when the prism holding member is inserted,
The two or more image pickup devices are respectively provided at positions where the measurement light divided by the prism can be received.
An imaging unit characterized by that.
The prism holding member is formed with a flange portion extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction with respect to the prism insertion portion,
The prism holding member is positioned in the insertion direction by the flange portion coming into contact with the prism insertion portion.
The imaging unit according to claim 1.
The prism insertion portion has a surface that contacts the edge of the flange portion,
The prism holding member is positioned in the insertion direction by the edge portion of the flange portion being in contact with the surface.
The imaging unit according to claim 2.
The flange portion of the prism holding member is provided with a protrusion or a hole,
The prism insertion portion is provided with a hole or a protrusion corresponding to the prism holding member,
The prism holding member is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by fitting the protruding portion or the hole of the prism holding member into the hole or the protruding portion of the prism insertion portion.
The imaging unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The prism insertion portion is formed with a stepped portion that fits with the flange portion,
By fitting the flange portion to the stepped portion, the prism holding member is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
The imaging unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein:
A fixing member for fixing the prism holding member to the prism insertion portion is provided between the flange portion and the prism insertion portion.
The imaging unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein:
The fixing member is a screw member that penetrates the flange portion toward the prism insertion portion.
The imaging unit according to claim 6.
The fixing member is a spring member that is inserted into a gap between the flange portion and the prism insertion portion, and biases the flange portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.
The imaging unit according to claim 6.
A gap is formed between the outer surface of the prism holding member and the inner surface of the prism insertion portion,
An information transmission unit is provided on the outer surface of the prism holding member in contact with the gap,
An information reading unit is provided on the inner surface of the prism insertion unit in contact with the gap.
The imaging unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: