Interchangeable device for optical components in microscopes

Abstract

An exchangeable device for optical components in a microscope, having: - an optical component (12) having a flat face (13), - a carrier (1) for the insertion and / or retention of the optical component (12), and - a receptacle (26) for the retention of the carrier (1) in the beam path of the microscope, characterized in that - the carrier (1) has a support face (8) for the flat face (13) of the optical component (1) and a locating face (10) lying in the same plane, which is not covered by the optical component (12) in the case of an inserted optical component (12), and - the receptacle (26) has an abutment face (28) for the mounting of the locating face (10) and first fixing means (11) for fixing the carrier (1) located at the receptacle (26) and for applying the locating face (10) onto the abutment face (28).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an exchangeable device for optical components in a microscope, having an optical component, a carrier for the insertion and retention of the optical component, and a receptacle for retaining the carrier in the beam path of the microscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a device is known in EP 1055947 B1 in the form of an exchangeable system for optical components. Various optical components, such as reflectors, filters, polarizers or magnification systems, are received in a component and are held by spring force against a stop in the exchangeable system. Here, the components have two flanges which are pressed by springs against two parallel corners at the exchangeable system. Here, the corners at the exchangeable system are each formed by two mutually perpendicular faces.

[0003] EP 2018585 B1 discloses a microscope with an exchangeable device for optical elements, and DE 102012003984 A1 discloses an exchangeable device for optical components on a microscope.

[0004] In the prior art, exchangeable devices are incorporated in microscopes which make it possible to introduce different beam splitters and filters into the beam path of the microscope. Exchangeable carriers for beam splitters and filters are also known from the prior art. SUMMARY

[0005] On the basis thereof, it should be provided that an exchangeable device for optical components in a microscope makes it possible to position the optical components more precisely in the beam path of the microscope and reduces the handling effort.

[0006] The invention is defined in claim 1. Advantageous refinements are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] The exchangeable device is used to introduce optical components into the beam path of a microscope. The exchangeable device is used, for example, in a fluorescence microscope in order to achieve fluorescence illumination and fluorescence absorption. The optical components can be beam splitters or filters; other optical components can also be envisaged for any microscope application, for example vertical illumination, bright field, dark field or pole application / contrast. It is also proposed to introduce a plurality of optical components simultaneously into the beam path of the microscope. By means of an optical component in the form of a beam splitter, a light beam emitted by a light source (excitation light) is coupled into the beam path of an objective in the microscope.

[0008] Optical components are placed in and / or held by a carrier to be introduced into the beam path of the microscope. In fluorescence microscopy, for example, a press-and-hold flange is used as a carrier. Other carriers (e.g., frame-like holders) are also compatible with the replaceable device. The optical component (which is placed in the carrier) has a flat surface. For example, the optical component can be implemented as a plate with parallel planes. Further, support surfaces, also having flat surfaces, are provided in the carrier. The optical component preferably presses its flat surface against the support surface of the carrier by means of a second fixing device. The carrier is then secured to the receiving member. A first fixing device is provided to secure the carrier to the receiving member. In particular, magnets are disposed on the carrier and the receiving member. These magnets can be located on the receiving surface and the positioning surface. By means of the first fixing device, the positioning surface on the carrier is held against and secured to the abutment surface on the receiving member. The main advantage of replaceable devices is that the surface where the optical components (or beam splitters in the case of fluorescence microscopy) are located and the surface of the carrier where the receiver is located lie on the same plane. Therefore, only the flatness of this surface is factored into tolerance calculations, allowing for more precise positioning of the optical components in the beam path and more cost-effective production of the carrier and receiver. For example, in machining during clamping, the reduced tolerance chain results in smaller deviations and easier processing.

[0009] The second fixing device is preferably mounted on the carrier and secures these components against forces (centrifugal force, acceleration force, inertial force) generated during operation or transport, preventing the optical components from lifting off the support surface. The second fixing device can also be mounted at the receiving element. In most cases, one or more elastic elements are used as fixing devices. Here, the elastic element can be a component of the optical components (e.g., a solid joint) or can be implemented as an additional leaf spring. Similarly, the elastic element can be directly fastened to the receiving element for the carrier.

[0010] In fluorescence microscopy, the receiver is typically implemented as a reflector turret, but other forms of receivers are also conceivable. Advantageously, however, is that microscopes, especially fluorescence microscopes, contain multiple different optical components, which can be switched manually or mechanically. Therefore, it is preferable that multiple carriers are secured to the receiver.

[0011] Importantly, the positioning surface on the carrier and the supporting surface on the carrier are located on the same plane. In a preferred embodiment, the positioning surface and the supporting surface are formed, for example, at the same flange portion (shoulder, etc.). If the carrier is fastened to the receiving member by means of a first fixing device, the optical component rests on the carrier with its flat surface, and the receiving member also rests against the same plane of the carrier.

[0012] In order to secure the carrier to the receiving element in this way, it is necessary that the optical component does not obscure the positioning surface on the carrier when it presses against the support surface on the carrier.

[0013] For shorter force flows, it is advantageous that the magnet rests within the receiving or contacting surface, ensuring that the magnet does not extend beyond the corresponding surface. Besides magnetic force, contact force can also be achieved using spring elements, screw fasteners, etc. Using the described principle of securing the carrier, beam splitters, filters, or other optical components of different sizes can be mounted onto the receiving element. Thus, multiple carriers of different sizes can be secured to the receiving element. Importantly, the magnetic force (or other corresponding force) is designed, when using a secondary securing device, to prevent the forces generated during operation and transport (spring force, centrifugal force, inertial force, etc.) from detaching the carrier from the receiving element.

[0014] If a magnet is used to achieve the contact force between the carrier and the receiver, it further offers the advantage that the carrier can be replaced at the receiver more easily and without tools. This simplifies the carrier replacement design, which is desirable for users, especially given the use of very specialized optical components, particularly in fluorescence microscopy.

[0015] Furthermore, the ability to incorporate optical components of different sizes into the receiver ensures that the same receiver is suitable for several different carriers. This increases the number of receivers with identical structures that can be produced, thus making even new manufacturing methods (such as aluminum die casting) profitable if necessary.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the optical component introduced into the beam path of the microscope can be a beam splitter, and the support surface for the flat surface of the beam splitter is located on a plane that is inclined at 45° relative to the optical axis that extends vertically between the detector and the sample. Here, the receiving element also correspondingly requires a receiving surface inclined at 45°; however, these receiving surfaces can be manufactured without problems using common manufacturing machines (e.g., a 5-axis milling machine).

[0017] In principle, the carrier and beam splitter can be moved parallel to the working surface only by means of positioning and support surfaces. Therefore, even if the components are displaced, the reflection angle of the beam splitter remains the same—provided that the corresponding ground-defined area of ​​the beam splitter has a functional layer.

[0018] Preferably, side guides are provided at the carrier to prevent the splitter from shifting laterally on the carrier. Similarly, abutment pins are provided at the receiving end to prevent the carrier from shifting laterally at the receiving end.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the carrier can be formed in two parts, a top component and a bottom component, which are preferably connected to each other by a hinge. Preferably, the top component has a positioning surface and a support surface, and the bottom component has an elastic element. In the two-piece embodiment of the carrier, the optical component can be placed on the elastic element at the bottom component, where a side guide is optionally used to prevent lateral displacement of the optical component on the bottom component. The hinge allows the top component to be precisely positioned against the bottom component. There, the top component can be connected to the bottom component by additional fastening devices. These additional fastening devices for connecting the top and bottom components can be, for example, magnets, where the magnetic closure allows for simple, tool-free operation by the user. Similarly, screwing or fastening with a flexible metal plate can also be used. If the top component is fastened to the bottom component, the elastic element presses the flat surface of the optical component against the support surface at the top component of the carrier, thereby securing the optical component in the carrier.

[0020] The filter can also be introduced into the beam path of the microscope using a carrier. In another preferred embodiment, the carrier may have a notch for securing the filter holder. The filter is located in the filter holder on the receiving member and can be secured in and centered within the filter holder by means of a columnar mating hole. The columnar mating hole for centering the filter can also be directly provided on the carrier. Preferably, an additional fixing device (e.g., a magnet) is placed in the notch on the carrier to mount the filter holder onto the carrier. Here, the fixing must be designed so that the forces (centrifugal force, acceleration force, inertial force) generated during operation and transport will not cause the filter to lift off its fastened surface. In addition to directly fastening the filter holder to the carrier, a filter wheel may be provided on the receiving member, and the filter holder and the filter therein may be secured to the filter wheel. In this embodiment, fixation can further be achieved by means of a magnet. Here, in order to center the filter, a columnar mating hole may be provided on the filter holder or filter wheel, and the magnetic force must be selected in this way.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier may have a chamfer on one side. Similarly, the optical components may have a chamfer on one side. This design of the carrier and optical components ensures that the optical components are mounted on the correct side. This prevents the coating of the optical components from being mistakenly placed in the beam path of the microscope. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 The structure of the microscope is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 The carrier is shown as an embodiment for pressing and snapping into the small flange.

[0025] Figure 3 The top component of the carrier is shown as an embodiment of the pressing and snapping small flange.

[0026] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The connection between the carrier and the receiving component is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a filter with a filter holder is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This shows the connection between the filter holder and the carrier.

[0029] Figure 8 This demonstrates a fully replaceable device with a carrier.

[0030] Figure 9 The structure of the carrier in the embodiment serving as a retainer is shown.

[0031] Figure 10 A view showing the bottom side of the retainer is provided.

[0032] Figure 11 A view of the receiving element is shown when the carrier is implemented as a retainer.

[0033] Figure 12 The diagram shows a fully replaceable device with retainers, and

[0034] Figure 13 A receiving part with a filter wheel is shown. Specific Implementation

[0035] exist Figure 1 The image illustrates the basic structure of a microscope M, which includes a replaceable device W. In addition to the replaceable device W, the microscope M also has a light source L, objective lenses O, a tube lens T, and a detector D. A beam splitter ST is provided in the replaceable device W, by means of which the illumination beam LS from the light source L, incident along the optical axis OAB, is redirected along the optical axis OA to the sample P. The beam splitter ST is mounted in a carrier TR.

[0036] By means of a replaceable device W and a carrier TR housed therein, a beam splitter ST is held in the beam path so that the illumination beam LS emitted by the light source L is coupled along the optical axis OA into the detection beam path of the microscope M and thereby illuminates the sample P. In one embodiment, the beam splitter ST has filtering properties, thereby reflecting and transmitting the beam LS. In another embodiment, a filter is additionally introduced into the beam path. The replaceable device is particularly used in fluorescence microscopy. Because there are many different pigments used in fluorescence microscopy (each of which is excited and emits light at different wavelengths), the replaceable device contains multiple different beam splitters ST, which can be switched between. Here, each beam splitter ST is housed in a carrier TR. Generally, the possibility of replacing the carrier TR is provided because very specialized beam splitters ST are often used.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The image shows a carrier 1 as an embodiment of a press-and-lock small flange member. The carrier 1 is constructed in two parts. It consists of a bottom part 2 and a top part 4. The top part 2 and the bottom part 4 are connected by a hinge 6. At the top part 4 of the carrier 1, a support surface 8 and a positioning surface 10 are provided at the flange portion 9. The positioning surface 10 is also located on the same plane defined by the support surface 8 on the flange portion. The positioning surface 10 has a magnet 11. The support surface 8 may also have a magnet 11. A separator 12 with a flat surface 13 is present on the support surface 8 of the carrier 1. The separator 12 has a chamfer 14. Another magnet 16 is arranged at the top part 4. Furthermore, a side guide 17 is provided at the carrier 1, and filter holders 18 are located in recesses 19 for this purpose at both the bottom part 2 and the top part 4. Furthermore, in… Figure 2 The closing direction 21 is given in advance.

[0038] The separator 12 is introduced into the beam path of the microscope M by means of a carrier 1. For this purpose, the separator 12 is abutted (at the top part 4 of the carrier 1) against the support surface 8 with its flat surface 13 (when the top sides 4 and 2 of the carrier 1 are guided together) and is secured to the support surface by means of a fixing device such as a magnet, a bolt, or a flexible metal plate. In one embodiment, the separator 12 is particularly implemented as a plate with parallel planes. Figure 2 The partition 12 is shown below, with its flat surface 13 abutting against the support surface 8. In practice, this is only the case when the carrier 1 is closed. If the partition 12 is fastened to the support surface 8 with its flat surface 13, it should not obscure the positioning surface 10, as the positioning surface 10 is used to secure the carrier 1 to the receiving member 26. Figure 2In this embodiment, the carrier 1 is secured to the receiving member 26 by means of a fixing device (in this embodiment, by means of a magnet 11 on the positioning surface 10). The top member 4 can be precisely positioned against the bottom member 2 by means of the hinge 6. Magnets 16 are also used in this embodiment to secure the top member to the bottom member; these magnets are on the top member 4 but not on the positioning surface 10. In this embodiment, filter holders 18 are positioned in recesses 19 at both the top member 4 and the bottom member 2 to introduce the filter 20 into the beam path in addition to introducing the separator 12.

[0039] exist Figure 3 The reverse side of carrier 1 is shown. Therefore, Figure 3 This shows a view of the bottom component 2 of the carrier when the carrier 1 is configured to press and snap into the small flange. In addition to the features already described, in Figure 3 The diagram also shows elastic elements 22, which are fastened to the bottom component 2 of the carrier 1. Additionally, chamfers 24 on the bottom component 2 of the carrier 1 are visible. First, the separator 12 is inserted into the carrier 1, positioning it between the side guides 17. The side guides 17 prevent the separator 12 from shifting laterally while in its inserted state. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the elastic element 22 is implemented as a leaf spring. When the carrier 1 closes along the closing direction 21 and thus the top part 4 is fixed to the bottom part 2 by means of the magnet 16, the elastic element 22 causes the separator 12 to press against the support surface 8 of the top part 4 of the carrier with its flat surface 13, in such a way that the separator 12 will not be lifted off the support surface 8 due to forces such as centrifugal force, acceleration force, inertial force, etc. generated during operation or forces generated during transport. Figure 3 The diagram further shows that chamfers (14, 24) are provided at both the partition 12 and the bottom component 2 of the carrier 1. Chamfer 14 is provided on one side at the partition, and chamfer 24 is provided on one side at the bottom component 2 of the carrier 1. This arrangement ensures that the partition 12 is inserted with the correct side facing.

[0040] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B The image shows the connection between the carrier 1 and the receiver 26 in an embodiment implemented as a press-and-lock small flange, which in this embodiment is designed as a reflector turret of the microscope M. (As shown in...) Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs can be seen, the receiving part 26 is provided with an abutment surface 28 and an abutment pin 30. The abutment pin 30 simplifies the positioning of the carrier 1 at the receiving part 26. After the carrier 1 is placed at the receiving part 26, the abutment surface 28 directly abuts against the positioning surface 10 at the flange portion 9 of the carrier 1, and in this embodiment is fastened to these positioning surfaces by means of a magnet 11. It is also conceivable that a bolt connection or fastening by means of an elastic element or other suitable fixing device could be used.

[0041] If already Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the filter 20 can also be introduced into the beam path with the help of the carrier 1. Figures 5 to 7 The filter 20 is shown to be placed on the carrier when the carrier 1 is implemented as a press-and-lock small flange.

[0042] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the filter holder 18 is shown, in which the filter 20 is located. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown is a half-section. The filter holder has a circular receiving portion 32 for the filter 20. A columnar mating hole 34 is provided on the receiving portion 32, in which the filter 20 is seated. The filter holder 18 has a receiving portion 32 on its inner radius. This receiving portion is used to receive the filter 20. The filter 20 is fixed in the filter holder 18 and in the receiving portion 32 by means of the columnar mating hole 34. In embodiments without the filter holder 18, the filter 20 can also be directly fixed to the carrier 1 through the columnar mating hole 34. Further, in this embodiment, the filter holder 18 has four magnets 33, which are used to fasten the filter holder in the recess 19 of the carrier 1.

[0043] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The filter holder 18 is shown being inserted into the top part 4 of the carrier 1. A recess 19 for inserting the filter holder 18 is provided in the top part 4 of the carrier 1. The filter holder 18 is placed against the recess 19. Magnets 33 are also present in the recess 19, and these magnets, together with the magnets 33 on the filter holder 18, secure the filter holder to the carrier 1.

[0044] Figure 8 The receiver 26 (implemented as a reflector turret in this embodiment) is shown, which is fully assembled with six carriers 1 (implemented as press-fit and snap-fit ​​small flanges in this embodiment). Figure 8In this configuration, the dimensions of the filter 20 and the filter holder 18 (in which the filter and the filter holder are introduced into the beam path) are the same as those in the figures above. Here, the notch 19 and the filter holder 18 can be dimensionally adapted to allow the desired filter 20 to be introduced into the beam path. Therefore, both smaller and larger filters 20 can be accommodated using a replaceable device W.

[0045] If the filter 20 exceeds a certain lateral extension dimension, it may sometimes be impossible to insert it into the small pressing and snapping flange (as already used in the above figure). Therefore, in the replaceable device W, the frame-like retainer 36 is inserted into the receiving member 26 as a carrier 1. Figure 9 This situation is illustrated in the text.

[0046] exist Figure 9 In this process, retainer 36 is used as carrier 1 and is in conjunction with... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The retainer is secured to the receiver 26 in a similar manner to the previous method. A contact surface 28 and a contact pin 30 are provided at the receiver 26. The contact pin 30 simplifies the positioning of the retainer 36 at the receiver 26.

[0047] The retainer 36 has a top side 38 and a bottom side 40. Figure 10 A view of the bottom side 40 of the retainer 36 is shown. The retainer 36 has a support surface 8 at the bottom side 40. Furthermore, the retainer 36 has a magnet 11 at the bottom side 40. The magnet 11 is used to secure the retainer 36 to the receiver 26. These receivers can be provided either at the support surface 8 or at the positioning surface 10. If the retainer 36 is secured to the receiver 26 by means of a spacer 12, the spacer 12 abuts against the support surface 8 of the retainer 36 with its flat surface 13.

[0048] Figure 11 A view of the receiving member 26 is shown. The receiving member has the already described receiving pin 30 and abutment surface 28. Further, in this embodiment, an elastic element 22 is provided at the receiving member 26. If the retaining member 36 is to be fastened at the receiving member, the separator 12 is first inserted into the receiving member 26. Figure 11 As shown, the separator is placed on the elastic element 22, so that after the retainer 36 is fastened to the receiver 26, the separator 12 abuts its flat surface 13 against the support surface 8 of the retainer 36 and is pressed against these support surfaces 8 by means of the elastic element 22. In this embodiment, the elastic element 22 is used; for example, a solid connector integrated into the receiver 26 may also be conceivable. In this embodiment, the retainer 36 is held in place at the receiver 26 by means of a magnet 11. Here, the magnitude of the magnetic force is set to correspond to the reaction force (spring force, centrifugal force, inertial force, etc.).

[0049] Figure 12 The receiving element 26 (implemented as a reflector turret in this embodiment) is shown, which is fully assembled with six carriers 1 (implemented as frame-like retainers 36 in this embodiment). The replaceable device W allows a relatively large filter 20 in this embodiment to be introduced into the beam path, which incorporates the basic principle that the support surface 8 on which the separator 12 rests with its flat surface 13 and the contact surface 28 on which the carrier 1 abuts are located on the same plane. Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the separator 12 also rests against the support surface 8 of the retainer 36 with its flat surface 13. The retainer 36 is located on the contact surface 28 of the receiver 26 in the same plane.

[0050] If the replaceable device is as follows Figures 9 to 12 If implemented in the manner described herein, the filter 20 can be introduced into the beam path by means of the receiving member 26. Figure 13 In this configuration, the receiving element 26 is implemented as a reflector turret. A filter wheel 42 is securely mounted at the receiving element 26. Figure 8 Similar to the principle described above, recesses 19 are provided in the filter wheel 42, and the filter holder 18 is secured in these recesses by means of magnets 33. The filter 20 is again centered by means of columnar mating holes 34, either in the filter wheel 42 or in the filter holder 18. The magnetic force used to hold the filter holder 18 in the recesses 19 is further selected such that the forces generated during operation or transport (centrifugal force, acceleration force, inertial force) will not cause the filter holder 18 to lift off the support 32.

[0051] List of reference signs

[0052] 1. Carrier

[0053] 2 Bottom components

[0054] 4. Top component

[0055] 6. Hinges

[0056] 8 Support surface

[0057] 9. Flange portion

[0058] 10 Positioning Surfaces

[0059] 11 Magnets

[0060] 12 separators

[0061] 13. Flat surface

[0062] 14. Beveling

[0063] 16 Magnets

[0064] 17 Side guides

[0065] 18 Filter retainer

[0066] 19 Notch

[0067] 20 filters

[0068] 21. Closing direction

[0069] 22 Elastic elements

[0070] 24. Beveling

[0071] 26 Acceptance documents

[0072] 28. Surface against

[0073] 30 stickers for sale

[0074] 32 Support section

[0075] 33 Magnets

[0076] 34 columnar mating holes

[0077] 36 Retaining parts

[0078] 38 Top side

[0079] 40 Bottom side

[0080] 42 Filter Wheel

Claims

1. A replaceable device for an optical component in a microscope, the replaceable device comprising: An optical component (12) having a flat surface (13). The carrier (1) for inserting and / or holding the optical component (12), and Receiving element (26) for holding the carrier (1) in the beam path of the microscope. Its features are, The carrier (1) has a support surface (8) for the flat surface (13) of the optical component (1) and a positioning surface (10) located on the same plane, wherein the positioning surface is not covered by the optical component when the optical component (12) has been placed in it, and The receiving member (26) has a mating surface (28) for mounting the positioning surface (10) and a first fixing device (11) for fixing the carrier (1) positioned at the receiving member (26) and for applying the positioning surface (10) to the mating surface (28).

2. The replaceable device according to claim 1, characterized in that... A second fixing device (22) is used to fix the optical component (12) and to apply the flat surface (13) to the contact surface (28).

3. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The abutting surface (28) and the positioning surface (10) are formed at the flange portion (9).

4. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The optical component (12) is a beam splitter, and the support surface (8) of the flat surface (13) of the optical component (12) is inclined at 45° relative to the optical axis.

5. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving member (26) has an abutment pin (30) that abuts against the carrier (1) when it is in the inserted state.

6. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The carrier (1) is formed in two parts by a top part (4) and a bottom part (2), wherein the positioning surface (10) and the support surface (8) are formed at the top part (4) and the bottom part (2) holds the optical component (12) at the top part (4).

7. The replaceable device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top component (4) and the bottom component (2) are connected by means of a hinge (6).

8. The replaceable device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top component (4) and the bottom component (2) are fixed relative to each other by means of magnets, studs, and / or elastic metal plates.

9. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first fixing device and / or the second fixing device include a bolt, a magnet, and / or a spring.

10. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A notch for securing the filter holder (18) is provided at the carrier (1).

11. The replaceable device according to claim 10, characterized in that, A magnet (11) for fastening the filter holder (18) is placed in the recess (19).

12. The replaceable device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filter (20) is centered in the filter holder (18) and / or in the carrier (1) by means of a columnar fitting hole.

13. The replaceable device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The carrier (1) and the optical component (12) include chamfers (14, 24) on one side, which are used to position the optical component (12) in a plane defined by the positioning surface (10) and the abutment surface (28).

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