JP2005062219A - Optical member switching device and microscope using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical member switching device having high versatility by which the kind of an optical member inserted in an optical path is discriminated even in a dark place. <P>SOLUTION: The optical member switching device 40 is constituted so that a plurality of optical members 13A to 13F can be inserted in/pulled out from the optical path of a microscopic optical system. The device 40 is equipped with display members 32A to 32F for displaying information on the optical member inserted in the optical path, a display window 35 for observing the members 32A to 32F, an almost transparent light transmission plate 39 arranged on the window 35 and illuminating the window 35, and an illumination means 38 for supplying illuminating light to the plate 39. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical member switching device having a display unit that displays a type of an optical member that is selectively switched to an optical path of a microscope optical system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When observing a specimen using a microscope or taking a micrograph of the specimen, the observation work environment is often darkened. For this reason, for example, a display unit that displays the type of optical member that can be selectively switched according to each observation method such as bright field, dark field, fluorescence, polarization, differential interference, and phase difference is provided. The display was difficult to see or could not be seen due to the darkness.
[0003]
Therefore, there has been proposed an optical member switching device having a display member that uses a phosphorescent member that accumulates light in the display unit, illuminates the display unit with the light accumulated in the dark, and allows the observer to identify the type of optical member. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-258692
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above disclosed example, in order to accumulate light in the phosphorescent display member, light other than the effective light flux of the illumination optical system is guided to the front surface of the display member with an optical fiber or a reflecting mirror, and the light is irradiated to accumulate the light. Yes. In the above disclosed example, it is necessary to prepare a member having a dedicated structure for storing light in which an optical fiber and a reflecting mirror are arranged in the microscope body. For this reason, it is necessary to route the optical fiber in the apparatus in order to store the display member, which has a complicated structure in manufacturing.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical member switching device having a simple structure in manufacturing that can identify the type of an optical member inserted into an optical path even in a dark place. Yes.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an optical member switching device configured such that a plurality of optical members can be inserted into and removed from an optical path of a microscope optical system, the optical member being inserted into the optical path. A display member for displaying information; a display window for observing the display member; a substantially transparent light guide plate disposed on the display window for illuminating the display window; and an illumination means for supplying illumination light to the light guide plate. An optical member switching device is provided.
[0008]
Further, in the present invention, an optical member switching device configured to be able to insert / remove a plurality of optical members into / from the optical path of the microscope optical system, and displays information on the optical members inserted into the optical path. A display member made of a phosphorescent member capable of storing and emitting light, a substantially transparent light guide plate that covers the display member and supplies light to the display member, and a display window for observing the display member An optical member switching device is provided.
[0009]
Moreover, it is preferable that the optical member switching apparatus of this invention has an illumination means to supply light to the said display member through the said light-guide plate.
[0010]
Moreover, in the optical member switching apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that a part of outer periphery of the said light-guide plate is formed larger than the outer peripheral part of the said optical member switching apparatus.
[0011]
In the optical member switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the surface of the light guide plate facing the display member is formed in a concave shape.
[0012]
In the present invention, in the optical member switching device configured to be able to insert and remove a plurality of optical members into and from the optical path of the microscope optical system, a display member that displays information on the optical member inserted into the optical path; A display window for observing the display member, an illuminating means for illuminating only the display member that can be observed on the display window, and a selector switch for switching the illumination state of the illuminating means, and an operator operated the selector switch In accordance with the above, it is preferable that the illumination means is in an illumination state.
[0013]
In the optical member switching device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the illumination unit includes an LED light source disposed in the vicinity of the display window.
[0014]
The present invention also provides a microscope having the optical member switching device.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including a partial perspective view of a fluorescence microscope having an optical member switching device according to the present invention. 2A and 2B show an optical member switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. 3A and 3B show an optical member switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a plan view, and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view along the line AA. 4A and 4B show an optical member switching device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a plan view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along a line AA including a partial perspective view. . 5A and 5B show an optical member switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a plan view and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
[0017]
In the following explanation, an explanation will be given using a microscope in which an objective lens generally called an inverted microscope is arranged below the observation sample, but an objective lens generally called an upright microscope is arranged above the observation sample. The same applies to the microscope that has been used.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, the illumination light emitted from the transmitted illumination light source 3 is applied to the observation sample 9 placed on the stage 7 through the transmitted illumination optical system 5. The light transmitted through the observation sample 9 is collected by the objective lens 11, passes through the optical member switching device 15 with the filter block 13 removed from the optical axis, and is enlarged by the eyepiece 19 through the imaging optical system 17. Observed.
[0019]
On the other hand, in fluorescence observation, the excitation light emitted from the fluorescence observation light source 21 enters the optical member switching device 15 with the filter block 13 inserted into the optical axis via the excitation light illumination optical system 23, and the optical The light passes through the filter 13a, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 13b, and irradiates the observation sample 9 through the objective lens 11. The fluorescence generated in the observation sample 9 by being excited by the irradiated excitation light is condensed by the objective lens 11 and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 13b, and the fluorescence is selected by the optical filter 13c. The image is picked up by the lens 19 or an image pickup device (not shown) and magnified and observed by a monitor (not shown).
[0020]
The optical member switching device 15 is provided with a display member to be described later, which displays the type (name) of the filter block 13 inserted in the optical axis, and the light source unit 25 illuminates the display member when necessary. A light guide plate 27 is provided.
[0021]
Thus, the inverted fluorescence microscope 1 having the optical member switching device 15 according to the present invention is configured.
[0022]
(First embodiment)
Next, the optical member switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
In FIG. 2, an example in which the filter block 13 </ b> A is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system and the display member 32 </ b> A that is information on the filter block 13 </ b> A is displayed on the display window 35 will be described.
[0024]
A plurality of (for example, six) filter blocks 13A to 13F can be exchanged and attached to the turret portion 31, and display members 32A to 32F for displaying the types of filter blocks corresponding to the attached filter blocks 13A to 13F are provided as turrets. A turret portion 31 provided on the upper surface of the portion 31 is rotatably supported by the turret support portion 33.
[0025]
The upper part of the turret part 31 is covered, an opening 37 is provided in a part corresponding to the optical path of the microscope optical system, and an illumination opening is provided at a position substantially opposite to the rotation axis of the turret part 31 to supply illumination light. A light source (for example, LED light source) 38 and a display window 35 provided at a predetermined angle with respect to the opening 34 (approximately 90 degrees in the present embodiment) are provided on the turret support 33. A turret cover portion 37 fixed by screws 36 is provided.
[0026]
The turret cover part 37 has a light guide plate 39 that covers the display window 35 between the light source part 38 and the display window 35 on the surface on the turret part 31 side and guides the illumination light from the light source part 38 to the display window 35. Is provided. In this way, the optical member switching device 40 is configured.
[0027]
The turret unit 31 has a configuration in which the filter block 13A and the like can be switched into the optical path of the microscope optical system by rotating around the turret support unit 33 and can be attached to a predetermined position of the microscope by the turret support unit 33. doing.
[0028]
In the filter block 13A and the like, optical filters 13a and 13c that transmit only light of a predetermined wavelength are disposed, and only a predetermined wavelength in the illumination light incident from the fluorescence observation light source 21 (right side in the drawing) is disposed. A reflecting or transmitting dichroic mirror 13b is arranged so that fluorescence observation can be performed.
[0029]
Display members 32 </ b> A to 32 </ b> F for identifying information of the filter blocks 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> F attached to the turret portion 31 are arranged on the turret cover portion 37 side of the turret portion 31.
[0030]
Since the display member 32A and the like can be replaced with the filter block 13A and the like, the display member 32A and the like have a configuration that can be replaced according to the filter block 13A and the like attached to the turret portion 31. The display member 32A and the like are configured to be identified by an observer through a display window 35 provided in the turret cover portion 37, and to know which of the filter blocks 13A or the like is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system. Yes.
[0031]
The positional relationship between the filter block 13A and the display member 32A is arranged to correspond to the positional relationship between the opening 34 and the display window 35.
[0032]
On the turret cover portion 37 side of the display window 35, a light guide plate 39 that makes it possible to identify the display member (32 </ b> A in the figure) in the display window 35 in the dark place is disposed. In the turret cover portion 37 near the other end of the light guide plate 39, a light source portion 38 for supplying illumination light to the light guide plate 39 is disposed, and the light source can be turned on / off with a switch (not shown). Yes.
[0033]
The light source unit 38 is covered with a cover member 38a so that light does not leak outside. Light from the light source unit 38 is guided to the display window 35 by the light guide plate 39, and the light guide plate 39 on the display member 32A shines lightly so that the display member 32A can be identified.
[0034]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the observer switches on the light source unit 38 when necessary in the dark so that the filter blocks (13A to 13F) loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system can be used. ) Can be identified.
[0035]
Further, since the light source can be turned off, unnecessary light that hinders observation of weak fluorescence or the like can be eliminated, and observation of weak fluorescence or the like can be performed more than before. In addition, unlike the conventional example, this optical member switching device itself has a light source unit, so that it is not necessary to provide a special light source device for illuminating the display member on the microscope body, and it is easy for various microscopes. It is possible to make a microscope observation in a dark place.
[0036]
In the above description, the case where the number of filter blocks is six has been described. However, the number of filter blocks that can be set in the turret portion can be appropriately designed. Various light sources such as a lamp, LED, and LD can be used as the light source of the light source unit. Moreover, you may use the member which has luminous property for a display member.
[0037]
In this way, after the light source is emitted for the time required for light storage, the light source is turned off and the type of filter block can be identified by the light emission of the light-accumulating member, thereby reducing power consumption and power consumption of batteries and the like. Is possible. Further, the surface of the display window 35 facing the display member 32A of the light guide plate 39 may be formed in a substantially concave shape so that the display member 32A can be easily illuminated.
[0038]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, an optical member switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment resides in the arrangement of the light source unit and the light guide plate. The same reference numerals are given to the same members as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
In FIG. 3, an example in which the filter block 13 </ b> A is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system and the display member 32 </ b> A that is information on the filter block 13 </ b> A is displayed on the display window 35 will be described.
[0040]
A light guide plate 49 is disposed in the display window 35 formed in the turret cover portion 37, and an LED member 48 that supplies illumination light to the light guide plate 49 at the end of the display window 37 is disposed and fixed to the turret cover portion 37. An optical member switching device 50 is configured.
[0041]
The LED member 48 is turned on / off by a switch (not shown) by an external operation of the operator. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0042]
In the second embodiment, the entire light guide plate 49 disposed on the display window 35 shines lightly by the light from the LED member 48 disposed in the vicinity of the display window 35, so that the display member 32A can be identified. It becomes.
[0043]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the observer switches on the LED member 48 when necessary in the dark, the filter blocks (13A to 13F) loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system are used. ) Can be identified.
[0044]
Further, since the light source can be turned off, unnecessary light that hinders observation of weak fluorescence or the like can be eliminated, and observation of weak fluorescence or the like can be performed more than before. In addition, unlike the conventional example, this optical member switching device itself has a light source unit, so that it is not necessary to provide a special light source device for illuminating the display member on the microscope body, and it is easy for various microscopes. It is possible to make a microscope observation in a dark place.
[0045]
In the above description, the case where the number of filter blocks is six has been described. However, the number of filter blocks that can be set in the turret portion can be appropriately designed. Various light sources such as a lamp, LED, and LD can be used as the light source of the light source unit. Moreover, you may use the member which has luminous property for a display member.
[0046]
In this way, after the light source is emitted for the time required for light storage, the light source is turned off and the type of filter block can be identified by the light emission of the light-accumulating member, thereby reducing power consumption and power consumption of batteries and the like. Is possible. Further, the surface of the display window 35 facing the display member 32A of the light guide plate 49 may be formed in a substantially concave shape so that the display member 32A can be easily illuminated.
[0047]
(Third embodiment)
Next, an optical member switching device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the light guide plate and the place where the luminous member is used for the display member, and the same members as in the first embodiment are the same. Reference numerals are assigned and description is omitted.
[0048]
In FIG. 4, a state in which the filter block 13A is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system and the display member 52A which is information of the filter block 13A is displayed on the display window 35 will be described as an example.
[0049]
A portion corresponding to the opening 34 and the display window 35 is cut between the turret portion 31 and the turret cover portion 37, and a substantially circular plate that covers the luminous display members 52 </ b> B to 52 </ b> F disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface of the turret portion 31. A light guide plate 59 is disposed.
[0050]
Each of the surfaces of the light guide plate 59 facing the display members 52B to 52F is formed in a substantially concave shape 59A in order to make it easier to irradiate the display members 52B to 52F with light for storage that will be described later. A light source unit 38 that supplies light for storing light to display members 52 </ b> B to 52 </ b> F located at a place other than the display window 35 via the light guide plate 59 is disposed above the turret cover unit 37. The light source unit 38 is turned on / off by a switch (not shown) by an external operation of the operator.
[0051]
In the region of the light source unit 38 of the turret cover unit 37, an opening 38 b is provided so that the light of the light source unit 38 can be applied to the light guide plate 59. Further, the light source unit 38 is provided with a cover member 38a in order to prevent leakage light, and an optical member switching device 60 is configured. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0052]
In the third embodiment, when the fluorescence is measured in the dark, the display member 52 </ b> A at the position of the display window 35 has been accumulated by the light from the light source unit 38 through the light guide plate 59. The display member 52A is illuminated with light so that the information of the filter block 13A loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system can be identified.
[0053]
Moreover, the light from the light source part 38 is irradiated to the display members 52B to 52F other than the display window 35 through the light guide plate 59, and the display members 52B to 52F are made to accumulate the light. When another filter block (for example, 13B) is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system (when placed at the position of the opening 34), a display member 52B for displaying information on the filter block 13B is displayed on the display window. The light set to 35 and accumulated in the display member 52B enables the observer to identify the filter block loaded in the optical path.
[0054]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the observer can identify the filter blocks (13A to 13F) loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system even in the dark.
[0055]
Further, unlike the conventional example, the optical member switching device 60 itself has a light source unit, and therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special light source device for illuminating the display member on the microscope body. It can be easily installed to enable microscopic observation in the dark.
[0056]
In the above description, the case where the number of filter blocks is six has been described. However, the number of filter blocks that can be set in the turret portion can be appropriately designed. Various light sources such as a lamp, LED, and LD can be used as the light source of the light source unit.
[0057]
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an optical member switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The difference between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment is that the shape of the light guide plate and the light source section are not provided, and the same members as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Omitted.
[0058]
In FIG. 5, an example in which the filter block 13 </ b> A is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system and the display member 52 </ b> A that is information on the filter block 13 </ b> A is displayed on the display window 35 will be described.
[0059]
A portion corresponding to the opening 34 and the display window 35 is cut between the turret portion 31 and the turret cover portion 37 to cover the phosphorescent display members 52B to 52F disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface of the turret portion 31, and the outer peripheral portion. A light guide plate 69 having a substantially elliptical plate shape, which is larger than the turret cover portion 37, is disposed.
[0060]
Each of the surfaces of the light guide plate 69 facing the display members 52B to 52F is formed in a substantially concave shape 59A so as to easily irradiate each of the display members 52B to 52F with light for storage that will be described later, and an optical member switching device 60 is provided. It is configured. Other configurations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0061]
In the fourth embodiment, the light guide plates 69a and 69a formed by protruding ambient light (for example, a ceiling light or sunlight from windows) protruding from the turret cover portion 37 are phosphorescent. The light is guided to the positions of the display members 52B to 52F and stored. In general, before performing observation or the like, work is performed with the periphery of the microscope brightened, such as preparation of a specimen, so that the display members 52A to 52F can be stored during that time.
[0062]
When the fluorescence is measured in the dark, the display member 52A at the position of the display window 35 illuminates the display member 52A with the light accumulated so far, and is installed in the optical path of the microscope optical system. 13A information can be identified. Even when another filter block (for example, 13B) is loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system (when the filter block is disposed at the position of the opening 34), the display member 52B that displays information on the filter block 13B is displayed. The light set in the window 35 and accumulated in the display member 52B enables the observer to identify the filter block 13B loaded in the optical path.
[0063]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the observer can identify the filter blocks (13A to 13F) loaded in the optical path of the microscope optical system even in the dark.
[0064]
In addition, unlike the conventional example, the optical member switching device 70 can use ambient light placed on the microscope as a light source for storing light, so that a special light source device for illuminating the display member on the microscope body is not provided. It can be easily attached to various microscopes and can be observed in a dark place.
[0065]
In the above description, the case where the number of filter blocks is six has been described. However, the number of filter blocks that can be set in the turret portion can be appropriately designed.
[0066]
The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and is not limited to the above-described configuration and shape, and can be appropriately modified and changed within the scope of the present invention.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical member switching device having a simple structure in manufacturing that can identify the type of an optical member inserted into an optical path even in a dark place.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram including a partial perspective view of a fluorescence microscope having an optical member switching device according to the present invention.
2A and 2B show an optical member switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show an optical member switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
4A and 4B show an optical member switching device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 4A is a plan view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA including a partial perspective view. .
5A and 5B show an optical member switching device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a plan view and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inverted fluorescence microscope 3 Transmission illumination light source 5 Transmission illumination optical system 7 Stage 9 Observation sample 11 Objective lens 13, 13A-13F Filter block 13a, 13c Optical filter 13b Dichroic mirror 15, 40, 50, 60, 70 Optical member switching apparatus 17 Imaging optical system 19 Eyepiece lens 21 Light source for fluorescence observation 23 Excitation light illumination optical system 25, 38, 48 Light source part 31 Turret parts 32 A to 32 F, 52 A to 52 F Display member 33 Turret support part 34 Opening part 35 Display window 36 Screw 37 Turret cover 27, 39, 49, 59, 69 Light guide plate

Claims (8)

An optical member switching device configured to be able to insert / remove a plurality of optical members into / from the optical path of the microscope optical system,
A display member for displaying information of the optical member inserted in the optical path;
A display window for observing the display member;
A substantially transparent light guide plate disposed on the display window and illuminating the display window;
Illumination means for supplying illumination light to the light guide plate;
An optical member switching device comprising: An optical member switching device configured to be able to insert / remove a plurality of optical members into / from the optical path of the microscope optical system,
A display member composed of a phosphorescent member capable of storing and emitting light to display information of the optical member inserted in the optical path;
A substantially transparent light guide plate that covers the display member and supplies light to the display member;
A display window for observing the display member;
An optical member switching device comprising: 3. The optical member switching device according to claim 2, further comprising illumination means for supplying light to the display member via the light guide plate. The optical member switching device according to claim 2, wherein a part of the outer periphery of the light guide plate is formed larger than the outer peripheral portion of the optical member switching device. 5. The optical member switching device according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the light guide plate facing the display member is formed in a concave shape. 6. An optical member switching device configured to be able to insert / remove a plurality of optical members into / from the optical path of the microscope optical system,
A display member for displaying information of the optical member inserted in the optical path;
A display window for observing the display member;
Illumination means for illuminating only the display member that can be observed through the display window;
A changeover switch for switching the illumination state of the illumination means,
An optical member switching device, wherein the illumination unit is brought into an illumination state in response to an operator operating the changeover switch. The optical member switching device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit includes an LED light source disposed in the vicinity of the display window. A microscope comprising the optical member switching device according to claim 1.

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