Fluorescent light filter block assembly integrating multi-channel fluorescent light filter group and light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluorescent filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescent filter group and a light source are integrated, and more particularly, to an improved fluorescent filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescent filter group and a light source are integrated, according to the present invention, a plurality of fluorescent filter groups are applied in one housing, and a light source is also integrated in the housing, thereby constituting a single integral structure, enabling miniaturization, enabling accurate optical path alignment between the light source and an objective lens, and enabling a smooth and accurate optical system to be constructed without power supply abnormality, thereby improving the reliability of the optical system. Moreover, automatic operation is realized through the driving source, so that accurate and rapid alignment operation can be carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluorescence filter block assembly integrating a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source. More specifically, it relates to an improved fluorescence filter block assembly integrating a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source, wherein in a fluorescence optical system, without using a carrier, multiple fluorescence filter sets are applied in a single housing, and the light source is also integrally integrated into the housing, thereby forming an integral structure, enabling miniaturization, enabling precise optical path alignment between the light source and the objective lens, and enabling the construction of a smooth and precise optical system without abnormal power supply.

[0002] In addition, the fluorescence filter block assembly of the present invention has an automatic position adjustment function and can be automatically operated through a drive source, thereby enabling accurate and rapid alignment operations. It is a fluorescence filter block assembly with an improved automatic position adjustment function. Background Art

[0003] A fluorescence optical system is an optical system that irradiates a sample with light sources having different wavelengths and observes the target object using the fluorescence emitted by the sample, mainly used in cases where the sample itself has fluorescence characteristics or can adsorb fluorescent substances. For example, a specific cell can be labeled with a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent antibody and used to study the intracellular structure and function of the cell.

[0004] At this time, it usually includes a light source and multiple filters corresponding to the wavelengths matching the fluorescence staining. For example, it may include: an excitation filter for selecting the excitation wavelength from the light source; a dichroic beamsplitter for splitting the light beam passing through the excitation filter and irradiating it onto the sample; and an emission filter for blocking unnecessary stray signals (noise) in the excitation light reflected in response to the fluorescence of the sample and only allowing light in a narrow wavelength band near the maximum emission wavelength of the fluorophore to pass through, so that the desired fluorescence of the sample can reach the detector.

[0005] As the light source, a mercury lamp and a xenon arc lamp are mainly used. In recent years, as an alternative to the arc lamp, a solid-state light source with low cost and high precision, such as an LED, has been widely adopted.

[0006] In recent years, fluorescence channels for observing multiple wavelengths have been used in fluorescence optical systems. At this time, the optical system usually adopts a structure in which the light source and the fluorescence filter cube are separately and independently arranged. In this method, three fluorescence components, namely the excitation filter, the beam splitter, and the emission filter, are integrated into one cube, while the light source is arranged separately. At this time, a structure in which multiple filter cubes are integrated on a rotary turntable can be adopted. In this structure, the externally separately arranged light source is relatively large in volume, and due to the use of the turntable multi-channel structure, the size of the filter cube will also increase, resulting in a larger overall volume of the device, so there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to miniaturize.

[0007] In addition, various attempts have been made to miniaturize the multi-channel fluorescence light source system. In recent years, a structural form has also emerged, that is, three fluorescence filter sets are integrated with the light source in one cube, and each cube is installed on the turntable and switched for use by rotation. However, in this case, since multiple housings integrating three fluorescence filter sets and the light source as a whole will be formed, the overall volume is relatively large, and there are actually certain limitations in terms of miniaturization. In addition, since this structure adopts the turntable rotation method, in order to supply power to the light source, contact points connected to the circuit board in the socket must be provided in each filter cube, so the structure becomes complicated, and if there is poor contact due to foreign objects or other reasons during the rotation contact process, abnormal illumination of the light source will occur, which will further lead to the problem that observation cannot be performed.

[0008] Moreover, during the process of moving the position of the filter cube for alignment, if it is a manual operation structure, when the position of the filter cube is misjudged, experimental errors may occur; in the case of automatic adjustment, since the turntable carrier needs to be rotated, not only the volume of the device increases, but also it is difficult to achieve linear position alignment, so there are certain limitations.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a filter cube assembly that can be miniaturized and has an automatic position adjustment function so that it can be effectively applied to fluorescence microscopes.

[0010] [Prior Art Documents]

[0011] (Patent Document 1) U.S. Registered Patent Gazette No. 9,347,852 (May 24, 2016) Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention is proposed to solve various problems in the above-mentioned prior art, and its main purpose is to provide an improved fluorescence filter block assembly integrating a multi-channel (i.e., more than two channels) fluorescence filter set and a light source, and a filter block assembly with an improved automatic position adjustment function. In the fluorescence optical system, this assembly can apply multiple fluorescence filter sets in one housing without using a carrier, and the light source is also integrally integrated into the housing, thus forming an overall structure, enabling miniaturization; in addition, accurate optical path alignment can be achieved between the light source and the objective lens, ensuring a smooth and accurate optical system is constructed without abnormal power supply; moreover, automatic operation is realized through a driving source, enabling accurate and rapid alignment operations.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fluorescence filter block assembly, including:

[0016] a housing;

[0017] more than two fluorescence filter sets built in the housing;

[0018] a light source assembled in the housing and providing illumination.

[0019] In addition, to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides a fluorescence filter block assembly, including: a housing (such as a single housing); more than two fluorescence filter sets built in the housing; a light source assembled in the housing and providing illumination;

[0020] wherein, the housing includes a driving device, and the driving device can realize automatic position adjustment of the more than two fluorescence filter sets.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter block assembly can be used without a carrier.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter set may include three fluorescence components: an excitation filter; a dichroic beam splitter; and an emission filter.

[0023] In one embodiment, the three fluorescence components may be arranged in the order of excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter, and emission filter starting from the light source.

[0024] In one embodiment, the three fluorescence components may be designed as circular, polygonal, star-shaped or elliptical.

[0025] In one embodiment, the light source is fixed in an optical module, and the optical module can be installed on one side of each fluorescence filter set in the housing. The light source can be an LED.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one condenser lens may be further disposed between the light source and the fluorescence filter set.

[0027] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter block assembly may further include a bright field channel, and the bright field channel is built in the housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter set may be arranged in a straight line, a curve or a circle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the driving device may include: a driving source fixed to the housing; and a guiding member for controlling and guiding the operation of the driving source.

[0030] In one embodiment, the driving source may be a driving motor, a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor, a solenoid actuator or a voice coil motor.

[0031] In one embodiment, the guiding member may be a sliding guiding member for linear movement.

[0032] In one embodiment, the driving source is a driving motor, and a pinion is fixed on the driving motor, and the pinion may be engaged with a rack.

[0033] In one embodiment, the driving source is a driving motor, and a ballscrew or a lead screw is fixed on the driving motor, and the screw may be engaged with a nut.

[0034] In one embodiment, the driving source is a linear motor, and the linear motor may be embedded in a magnet track.

[0035] In one embodiment, the housing may further include a sensor for detecting the position of the housing.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sensor may be at least one of a linear encoder, a circular encoder or a limit switch.

[0037] In addition, the present invention provides a fluorescence filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system, wherein the fluorescence filter block assembly includes:

[0038] a housing;

[0039] Two fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel built into the housing; and

[0040] A light source assembled in the housing and providing illumination,

[0041] The fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in the order of excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter, and emission filter starting from the light source.

[0042] In addition, the present invention provides a fluorescence filter block assembly, including:

[0043] A housing;

[0044] Two fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel built into the housing; and

[0045] A light source assembled in the housing and providing illumination,

[0046] The fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in the order of excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter, and emission filter starting from the light source,

[0047] The housing contains a driving device, the driving device includes a driving motor as a driving source and a sliding guiding member as a guiding member, and can realize automatic position adjustment of two or more fluorescence filter sets.

[0048] In one embodiment, three fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel; four fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel; five fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel; six fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel, etc. can be built into the housing.

[0049] In one embodiment, a small gear is fixed on the driving motor, the small gear meshes with a rack, and the housing may further include a sensor for detecting the position of the housing, and the sensor may be a linear encoder and a limit switch.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorescence filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system, wherein the fluorescence filter block assembly includes:

[0051] A housing;

[0052] Two fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel built into the housing; and

[0053] Two light sources assembled on each fluorescence filter set of the housing and providing illumination,

[0054] The fluorescent filter block assembly does not use a carrier.

[0055] The one bright-field channel is located between two fluorescent filter groups.

[0056] Each light source is fixed on each optical module, and each optical module is assembled on one side of each fluorescent filter group of the housing, so as to achieve the optical path alignment between the light source and the objective lens.

[0057] The light emitted from the light source irradiates the sample through the objective lens.

[0058] The housing is a slidable housing further including a drive motor, and the switching use of the two fluorescent filter groups and one bright-field channel can be realized through the slidable housing.

[0059] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorescent filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system, wherein the fluorescent filter block assembly includes:

[0060] A housing;

[0061] Two fluorescent filter groups and one bright-field channel built in the housing;

[0062] Two light sources assembled on each fluorescent filter group of the housing and providing illumination; and

[0063] A driving device,

[0064] The fluorescent filter block assembly does not use a carrier.

[0065] The one bright-field channel is located between two fluorescent filter groups.

[0066] Each light source is fixed on each optical module, and each optical module is assembled on one side of each fluorescent filter group of the housing, so as to achieve the optical path alignment between the objective lens and the light source.

[0067] The light emitted from the light source irradiates the sample through the objective lens.

[0068] The driving device includes:

[0069] A drive source fixed on the housing; and

[0070] A guiding component for controlling and guiding the operation of the drive source,

[0071] The drive source is located between the fluorescent filter groups on which each optical module is assembled, and is fixed on one side of the surface on which each optical module is assembled.

[0072] The driving device can automatically adjust the positions of two fluorescence filter sets and a bright field channel to achieve automatic switching.

[0073] Beneficial effects

[0074] The main technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0075] First, since multiple fluorescence filter sets and a light source are integrally integrated into a single housing, the size of the entire optical system can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be lowered, making it applicable to multi-channel fluorescence microscopes.

[0076] Second, since it can be configured as a linear sliding type, there is no need for a mounting plate and a carrier for fixing the housing, the structure is simple and compact, the number of components can be reduced, and due to the uncomplicated structure, the probability of failure is relatively low.

[0077] Third, the power supply structure is simple and clear, and detection anomalies will not occur.

[0078] Fourth, when using an LED light source, no heat is generated, which not only helps with energy conservation but is especially suitable for live cell imaging (LCI) microscopes.

[0079] Fifth, since it is not separated into individual blocks, the optical alignment and integration are more stable than those of the separated type.

[0080] Sixth, the filter block can be moved to an exact position through electronic control.

[0081] Seventh, in the case of achieving automation, the filter block can be moved in the order preset by the user.

[0082] Eighth, each filter block is not separated into individual blocks but is configured as an integrated type, and each optical module is respectively assembled on one side of each fluorescence filter set in the housing, so that the light path between the light source and the objective lens can be correctly aligned, thereby improving the light efficiency, shortening the usage time of light, and ultimately reducing the incidence of condensation. Description of the Drawings

[0083] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filter block assembly according to the present invention.

[0084] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of

[0085] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of a fluorescence filter set and a light source constituting the filter block assembly of the present invention.

[0086] Figures 4 to 6Schematic diagrams of the filter block assembly according to the present invention shown from different perspectives.

[0087] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of another example of the filter block assembly according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0088] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] Before describing the present invention, the following description of specific structures or functions is only exemplified for embodiments according to the concept of the present invention. Embodiments according to the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various forms, and the embodiments described in this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0090] In addition, embodiments according to the concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various forms. Therefore, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this does not mean that embodiments according to the concept of the present invention are limited to a specific disclosed form, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the scope of the idea and technology of the present invention.

[0091] In the fluorescence imaging optical system according to the present invention, such as a fluorescence microscope, in order to measure two or more bands, at least two or more fluorescence channels are required. Such a fluorescence imaging optical system focuses the light from a light source of a specific band through an objective lens to excite the fluorescent substance labeled in cells, and collects the light of the emitted wavelength to an image sensor. At this time, if the optical path is not correctly aligned, it may cause the image not to be acquired or result in a serious degradation of the image quality, so attention must be paid.

[0092] In view of this, the present invention integrates a plurality of fluorescence filter sets and a light source in a single housing to achieve an integrated structure, thereby achieving miniaturization while facilitating accurate optical path alignment to ensure high precision.

[0093] More importantly, the present invention does not adopt a structure of individual filter blocks, so there is no need for the mounting plate or carrier required in the traditional technology. Especially in terms of power supply, the lead connection is simple and easy, and there is no need for the complex contact connection structure for connecting the circuit board as in the prior art, thus simplifying the structure and being able to provide an optimized structure suitable for miniaturization.

[0094] The fluorescence filter block assembly according to the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, it includes a housing 100, a plurality of (i.e., more than two) fluorescence filter sets 200 built into the housing 100, and a light source 300 assembled in the housing 100 and used for providing illumination.

[0095] In this application, the terms "built-in" or "assembled" used for the "housing" mean that each component element, such as the fluorescence filter set, the light source, the bright field channel, etc., are not separated from each other, but are integrally formed in a housing. However, although the above-mentioned component elements are physically integrated, each is constructed to be able to independently perform its inherent function or effect.

[0096] Therefore, the fluorescence filter block assembly according to the present invention does not include a mounting plate or a carrier. In other words, the fluorescence filter block assembly according to the present invention is composed of a single housing and does not require a separate structure for accommodating each filter set or filter block.

[0097] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter sets 200 are provided as at least two or more and are integrated with the housing 100 to achieve at least two or more fluorescence channels. Therefore, in this application, the term "fluorescence filter set" can be used interchangeably with the "fluorescence channel".

[0098] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter set 200 may include three fluorescence components, which are composed of an excitation filter 210, a dichroic beamsplitter 220, and an emission filter 230. In addition, the filter set 200 can be sequentially arranged in the order of the excitation filter 210, the dichroic beamsplitter 220, and the emission filter 230 with respect to the light source 300. Additionally, the above three fluorescence components included in the filter set 200 can be implemented in various shapes such as circular, polygonal, star-shaped, or oval-shaped.

[0099] Here, the excitation filter 210 is a device that only allows the wavelength (i.e., the excitation wavelength) of the illumination light in the light from the light source that can effectively excite a specific fluorophore or a narrow wavelength band near it to pass through.

[0100] The dichroic beamsplitter 220 is a device used to reflect the excitation light of the transmitted excitation wavelength for irradiating the sample, and is also referred to as a dichroic mirror.

[0101] The emission filter 230 refers to a device that, while blocking the noise of the excitation light, allows only the narrow wavelength band of the wavelength emitted from the sample or its vicinity to pass through in order for the desired fluorescence of the sample to reach the detector. In other words, the sample molecules are electronically and vibrationally excited and heated by the incident photons, relax to a low vibrational state, and emit photons with lower energy, i.e., longer wavelengths, than when absorbed, and then return to the electronic ground state. At this time, since the fluorescent molecules absorb a specific wavelength and emit light at another wavelength, the sample can be identified by its fluorescence emission spectrum based on the known incident light wavelength.

[0102] However, the fluorescence filter set 200 is not limited to the case consisting of the above three fluorescent components, and can be used without limitation as long as it can extract light with a specific wavelength from light mixed with multiple wavelengths. For example, a filter that transmits light with a certain transmittance regardless of the wavelength, a correction filter that adjusts the light intensity in a specific wavelength region, a broadband filter, etc. can also be used. In addition, the filters can be classified into filters for the infrared region, filters for the visible light region, filters for the ultraviolet region, and filters for the vacuum ultraviolet region, etc. according to the frequency region used.

[0103] In one embodiment, the light source 300 can be used without limitation as long as it is a light source commonly used in a fluorescence imaging optical system. For example, the light source 300 can be a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED light source, etc., and preferably an LED.

[0104] In one embodiment, in a state where the light source 300 is fixed to the optical module 310, it is assembled to one side end of the housing 100 by the optical module 310, thereby forming an integral body with the housing 100.

[0105] In one embodiment, between the light source 300 and the fluorescence filter set 200, for example, the excitation filter 210, a condenser lens 240 can be provided, or the condenser lens 240 can not be provided. In addition, not only one condenser lens 240 can be provided, but also multiple condenser lenses 240 can be provided to further improve the condensing quality.

[0106] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter block assembly further includes a bright field channel, and the bright field channel can be built into the housing 100.

[0107] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, two fluorescence filter sets 200 can be provided on both sides inside the housing 100, and a bright field channel can be provided in the middle. Of course, the fluorescence filter set can also be provided with three, four, five, six, seven or more, which is obvious.

[0108] At this time, multiple fluorescence channels, such as two fluorescence channels and one bright-field channel, although not shown in the figure, are physically formed as an integrated structure inside a housing 100, but are configured to be able to function independently of each other.

[0109] In one embodiment, in addition to being arranged in a straight line, the multiple fluorescence filter sets can also be arranged in a curved shape or a circular shape. If a bright-field channel is further included, the bright-field channel will also be configured according to the arrangement of the fluorescence filter sets.

[0110] Comparing the fluorescence filter block assembly of the present invention with the prior art, on the one hand, since all the main components are built-in or assembled in the housing 100 of the present invention, the housing, or in some cases the fluorescence filter block assembly, can be regarded as a filter block, making optical alignment easier and more accurate, driving and control more convenient, and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0111] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to switch between multiple fluorescence channels in a linear sliding manner. In a specific embodiment, the housing 100 can switch between two fluorescence channels and one bright-field channel.

[0112] For this purpose, the housing 100 may further include a driving motor and a sliding guiding member. In a specific embodiment, a motor base 110 is fixed on one side of the surface of the housing 100 where the optical module 310 is installed, and a sliding guiding member 120 is integrally fixed on the opposite side of the surface where the motor base 110 is installed.

[0113] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to be able to automatically adjust the positions of two or more fluorescence filter sets, so as to automatically switch between two or more fluorescence filter sets. In a specific embodiment, when the multiple fluorescence filter sets are arranged in a straight line, the housing 100 can be configured to slide linearly to achieve the automatic position adjustment of two or more fluorescence filter sets. In addition, when the fluorescence filter sets are arranged in a curved shape or a circular shape, etc., the housing 100 can be configured according to this arrangement structure to automatically adjust the positions of the fluorescence filter sets. If a bright-field channel is further included, its arrangement will also follow the arrangement of the fluorescence filter sets.

[0114] In a specific embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to be able to automatically adjust the positions of two fluorescence filter sets and one bright-field channel to achieve automatic switching.

[0115] To this end, the housing 100 may include a driving device. In one embodiment, the driving device includes a driving source for moving a plurality of fluorescence channels and / or bright field channels in the housing 100, etc., so as to enable automatic position adjustment. In a specific embodiment, when the plurality of channels are arranged in a straight line, the driving source may cause the housing 100 to slide linearly, thereby automatically adjusting the positions of the channels. At this time, the driving source may be configured to be fixed to the housing. As long as it is a means that can be attached to the housing and can move the device or component, it can be used as the driving source without limitation. For example, a driving motor (rotary motor), a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor (also known as "piezoelectric motor") using the piezoelectric effect, an ultrasonic motor using ultrasonic waves, an electromagnetic actuator (Solenoid Actuator) using electromagnetic force, and another form using electromagnetic force, namely a voice coil motor, etc. can be used.

[0116] In another embodiment, in addition to the driving source, the driving device may further include a guiding component. At this time, as long as the guiding component can control and guide the operation of the driving source, it can be used without limitation. For example, it may include a sliding guiding component for linear movement, a rail or track for guiding movement along a specific path, a bearing, a pin or a shaft for reducing the friction between the components driven by the driving source and achieving smooth movement, etc.

[0117] In a specific embodiment, the driving device may include a driving motor 130 as the driving source and a sliding guiding component 120 as the guiding component. In this specific embodiment, a motor base 110 is fixed to one side of the surface of the housing 100 where the optical module 310 is installed, and the sliding guiding component 120 is fixed to the same side or the other side as the side where the motor base is fixed.

[0118] In one embodiment, as Figures 4 to 6 shown, the sliding guiding component 120 is assembled to be inserted into a sliding groove (not shown) of a coupling component (F, see Figure 6 ) fixed to a receptacle, and can slide along the sliding groove.

[0119] In one embodiment, the driving motor 130 is fixedly installed on the motor base 110, and a pinion 132 is fixed to the motor shaft of the driving motor 130. In addition, a rack 134 is fixed at a position corresponding to the pinion 132 in the coupling component F, and the pinion 132 is meshed and connected with the rack 134.

[0120] In another embodiment, a ball screw or a lead screw may be fixed to the drive motor to replace the rack and pinion structure, and the screw may be meshed with a nut.

[0121] At this time, a linear encoder ENC may be installed on one side of the housing 100.

[0122] The linear encoder ENC is an electronic component for recognizing linear motion as an absolute position value. In the case of a non-contact structure, there is no wear, no need for maintenance, and no need for reference movement, so it is very useful for obtaining an absolute position value. Therefore, it can automatically recognize and move according to the order and position preset by the user, so as to achieve precise alignment and avoid defects caused by position errors.

[0123] In this case, a rotary encoder that reads the number of revolutions of the drive motor 130 to calculate the position value may also be used to replace the linear encoder ENC, and the absolute position value may also be physically controlled by a limit switch. In addition, as long as it is a sensor that can measure the position information of the housing, it can be used without limitation, and the above sensors can be used in combination of more than one type. For example, in the case of using the linear encoder ENC and the limit switch at the same time, more precise position control can be achieved. The types of such sensors are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0124] Therefore, when the drive motor 130 is started, the pinion 132 rotates and moves relative to the fixed rack 134, so that the housing 100 fixed with the drive motor 130 slides, and then the use positions of multiple fluorescence channels are switched. In other words, when it is necessary to switch from the state of observing through the first fluorescence channel to the state of observing through the second fluorescence channel, the drive motor 130 is started to move the housing 100. Then, the second fluorescence channel will move to the observable position, so that the sample can be observed through the second fluorescence channel.

[0125] In another specific embodiment, a linear motor may be used as the drive source of the driving device. At this time, the linear motor may be used in cooperation with a magnetic rail. In a specific embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the linear motor LM is fixed to the motor base 110, and the magnetic rail MT is fixed to the coupling member (F, see Figure 6 ).

[0126] The magnetic rail MT may be detachably fixed by fixing pins P, screws or bolts. The magnetic rail MT is configured to have an insertion groove The shape structure is configured to operate in a state where a part of the linear motor LM is inserted into the insertion slot. In other words, the linear motor LM performs a linear reciprocating motion along the magnetic track MT which is a magnet.

[0127] In this case, a sensor for measuring linear position information, such as a linear encoder ENC, can also be installed to achieve absolute position control; a limit switch can also be installed and used in place of the linear encoder ENC.

[0128] As described above, the present invention does not require the use of a carrier in the fluorescence imaging optical system. It can not only configure multiple filter sets in one housing, but also the light source is integrally formed with the housing, thus forming an overall structure to achieve miniaturization, and can build a smooth and precise optical system without abnormal power supply. Therefore, an improved filter block assembly integrating two or more fluorescence filter sets and a light source can be provided.

[0129] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter block assembly according to the present invention is used in a fluorescence imaging optical system. Therefore, the present invention provides a fluorescence filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system.

[0130] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorescence imaging optical system including the fluorescence filter block assembly. The term "fluorescence imaging optical system" used in this application includes any device that includes an optical system capable of performing fluorescence imaging without limitation. Typical examples include fluorescence microscopes or live cell imaging devices. Therefore, the imaging optical system including the fluorescence filter block assembly of the present invention is different from a device only used for fluorescence detection. In this system, the light from the light source will be irradiated onto the sample through the objective lens to achieve imaging.

[0131]

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 100: Housing

[0133] 200: Filter Set

[0134] 300: Light Source

Claims

1. A fluorescence filter block assembly, comprising: A housing; Two or more fluorescence filter groups built in the housing; And A light source assembled in the housing and providing illumination.

2. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fluorescence filter block assembly does not require the use of a carrier.

3. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a driving device, and the driving device can realize the automatic position adjustment of the two or more fluorescence filter groups.

4. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 3, wherein The driving device includes: A driving source fixed on the housing; and A guiding component for controlling and guiding the operation of the driving source.

5. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The driving source is any one of a driving motor, a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor, an electromagnetic actuator or a voice coil motor.

6. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The guiding component is a sliding guiding component for linear movement.

7. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The housing further includes a sensor for detecting the position of the housing.

8. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, wherein The fluorescence filter group includes three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter and an emission filter.

9. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, wherein The light source is fixed to an optical module, and the optical module is assembled on one side of each fluorescence filter group of the housing.

10. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, wherein At least one condenser lens is further provided between the light source and the fluorescence filter group.

11. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fluorescence filter block assembly further includes a bright field channel built in the housing.

12. A fluorescence filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system, comprising: A housing; Two fluorescence filter groups and a bright field channel built in the housing; And A light source assembled in the housing and used for providing illumination; Wherein, the fluorescence filter group includes three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in the order of excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter and emission filter in sequence starting from the light source.

13. A fluorescence filter block assembly, comprising: A housing; Two fluorescence filter groups and a bright field channel built in the housing; And A light source assembled in the housing and used for providing illumination; Wherein, the fluorescence filter group includes three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in the order of excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter and emission filter in sequence starting from the light source; The housing includes a driving device, the driving device includes a driving motor as a driving source and a sliding guiding component as a guiding component, and the driving device can realize the automatic position adjustment of two or more fluorescence filter groups.

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