Objective Changer

Abstract

An objective changer for a microscope is described, comprising a changing device for transferring at least a first objective held in a first objective holder from a first stand-by position along a first transfer path into an operating position where the first objective defines an optical axis and a second objective held in a second objective holder from a second stand-by position along a second transfer path into an operating position where the second objective defines an optical axis. The first and second transfer paths differ from each other but both extend substantially perpendicular to the optical axis at least within a first area of the first transfer path and a first area of the second transfer path.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priorities of the German patent application DE 102009026978.9 having a filing date of Jun. 16, 2009 and of the German patent application DE 102009029146.6 having a filing date of Sep. 2, 2009. The entire content of these 2 prior German patent applications is herewith incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]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.[0003]Objective changers of this type are known from the prior art. In addition to the known objective turrets, in which several objectives are mounted on a carrier in circular arrangement and the desired objective can be swiveled into the operating position by rotating the carrier, objective changers are known in which objectives can be individually brought from a stand-by position into an oper...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]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.

[0020]It is particularly advantageous if 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.

[0023]What is particularly advantageous is a combination of both features mentioned, namely that 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. For this, the slide is in particular connected via the at least one guide rod to a guide receptacle of an adjusting unit. Thus, the guide receptacle so to speak holds the at least one guide rod along which the slide moves. On the other hand, the guide groove is in particular formed on a stationary carrier of the adjusting unit. 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. For this, the guide receptacle of the slide must usefully be movably or pivotably mounted in the stationary carrier. As already described, 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). This solution makes possible a particularly accurate and stable displacement of the objectives.

[0024]Further, it is advantageous if for each slide an own drive is provided. Such a drive can be provided, for example, by a threaded spindle. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to move several slides via one drive, wherein the moving of an objective into the operating position would have to cause the simultaneous moving of the other objectives into their stand-by positions, which in particular in the case of two objectives can be realized relatively easily. The drive can be accomplished either manually or by a motor.

[0028]It is advantageous if 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. In the mentioned example of the microscope with objective changer, 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.

Problems solved by technology

Such manipulations require a large free space around the object.

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.

Given this solution it proves to be disadvantageous that the two objectives are in a fixed position relative to one another so that the free working space is highly limited because of the second objective which is located in the stand-by position and arranged in the direction of the user.

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