Microscope and system for microscope

Abstract

The invention relates to a microscope and a system for a microscope. The microscope has a microscope holder, at least one microscope objective arranged on the microscope holder, a holding frame for receiving a sample or a sample carrier, and a sample stage having a receiving device for receiving the holding frame. The microscope according to the invention is characterized in that it has an incubator module which can be arranged on a holding frame, and in that the incubator module and the holding frame together at least partially enclose a sample space, and the holding frame is free of active means for climate control of the sample space. The system for a microscope of the present invention is a system for a microscope having a plurality of different holding frames and a plurality of different incubator modules.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates in a first aspect to a microscope according to the preamble of claim 1. In another aspect, the invention relates to a system with a plurality of different holding frames and a plurality of different incubator modules for a microscope according to the preamble of claim 29. Such microscopes and systems are known in a large number of embodiments. BACKGROUND

[0002] Microscopes of the aforementioned type have at least the following components: a microscope stand, at least one microscope objective arranged on the microscope stand, a holding frame for accommodating at least one sample and / or at least one sample carrier and / or at least one combination of sample and sample carrier, and a sample stage with accommodation means for accommodating the holding frame.

[0003] Modern modular, flexible microscopes usually have a motorized or manual x-y sample stage which allows lateral movement of the sample in order to bring the desired sample position into the image field. With these microscopes very different samples are examined. In order to avoid having to use different sample stages for different samples, respectively different holding frames are applied which provide a suitable support or accommodation for the respective sample and sample carrier. These different holding frames can be designed in such a way that they can be arranged or mounted on the same sample stage, respectively. There is thus a mechanical interface between the holding frame and the sample stage.

[0004] In order to provide suitable temperature and atmosphere conditions for biological samples, there are modules which provide temperature regulation and / or gas supply for the space in the vicinity of the sample.

[0005] A variant of such incubator modules has a specially heatable holding frame which comprises a lid. Suitable, usually different heatable holding frames are provided for different samples or sample holders.

[0006] An important disadvantage which can be seen as a known solution is that a relatively large number of different holding frames must be kept in order to provide a solution for as many different sample types and examination methods as possible. This leads to higher procurement costs for the customer and higher development, product maintenance and sales costs for the supplier. SUMMARY

[0007] It can be seen as a task of the invention to provide a microscope and a microscope system with different holding frames and different incubator modules for a microscope, in which the aforementioned disadvantages can be at least partially avoided.

[0008] This task is solved by a microscope with the features of claim 1 and a system with the features of claim 29.

[0009] The microscope according to the application and the advantageous embodiments of the inventive system are described in the following, in particular in connection with the dependent claims and the figures.

[0010] The microscope of the type described above is improved according to the application by means of a climate chamber module which can be arranged on the holding frame, and is further characterized in that the climate chamber module and the holding frame together at least partially enclose a sample space, and that the holding frame has no active means for climate control of the sample space.

[0011] The system of the type described above is characterized according to the application in that each holding frame has a holding frame-side interface, each climate chamber module has a climate chamber-side interface, and each holding frame-side interface can engage in a defined manner with each climate chamber-side interface.

[0012] The microscope can essentially be any optical microscope which is set up for essentially any microscopy method. In particular, the microscope can be a wide-field microscope or a scanning microscope, a light sheet microscope, a light field microscope and / or a fluorescence microscope.

[0013] The term "microscope stand" refers to the assembly of the microscope which is usually spatially constant, for example arranged on a table. The microscope stand usually comprises a metal frame or a metal housing, for example an aluminum die-cast housing, as an essential component.

[0014] The microscope objective can be any, in particular commercially available microscope objective, which is selected in an appropriate manner to be suitable for the respective desired microscopy method.

[0015] The term "sample stage" refers to a mechanical assembly which is set up for holding a sample to be examined in a defined spatial position and orientation relative to the microscope objective.

[0016] The term "holding frame" refers to a mechanical assembly, for example frame-shaped, which is set up for arrangement on the sample stage. To this end, the sample stage has appropriately designed accommodation means, for example with recesses and / or appropriate mechanical stops. The accommodation means serve to hold the holding frame in a defined spatial position on the sample stage. Furthermore, the holding frame serves to position a sample holder or a sample in a defined spatial arrangement relative to the microscope objective.

[0017] It can be considered an essential idea of the application that, in contrast to the solutions according to the prior art, there are no active means for climate control of the sample space on the holding frame. In this sense, the holding frame according to the application has no active means for climate control of the sample space. These embodiments of the holding frame are also referred to as purely passive embodiments, the holding frame accordingly being referred to as a purely passive holding frame. Thus, the holding frame of the microscope according to the application primarily fulfills a mechanical function. It can be possible to appropriately design and utilize the thermal conductivity properties of the holding frame.

[0018] The advantage thereby achieved is that the one or more holding frames can be realized relatively simply and thus inexpensively.

[0019] The incubator module to be arranged on the holding frame according to the application at least partially encloses the sample space together with the holding frame according to the application, in which the samples to be examined are arranged in a prescribed manner.

[0020] With the feature of the application (incubator module can be arranged on the holding frame) it is meant that the incubator module can be arranged on the holding frame.

[0021] The term "interface on the side of the holding frame" refers to the features of the embodiment of the holding frame, especially with respect to shape, material and / or surface, within the area of the holding frame (area in which the holding frame is in mechanical contact with the incubator module when the incubator module is arranged in a prescribed manner on the holding frame).

[0022] The term "interface on the side of the incubator module" refers to the features of the embodiment of the incubator module, especially with respect to shape, material and / or surface, within the area of the incubator module (area in which the incubator module is in mechanical contact with the holding frame when the incubator module is arranged in a prescribed manner on the holding frame).

[0023] In the case that the incubator module is arranged in a prescribed manner on the holding frame, the relevant incubator module engages in a prescribed manner with the relevant holding frame.

[0024] First of all, the present application recognizes that there is no need to provide active means for climate control of the sample space on the one or more holding frames.

[0025] Furthermore, the present application has recognized that the active means required for climate control of the sample space (for example means for partitioning and / or for supplying air to the sample space) can be installed exclusively in the specialized incubator module.

[0026] An important advantage of the present application, which can be considered as such, is that with fewer and less expensive components (i.e. holding frames and incubator modules) the same number of different samples can be examined and the same number of different sample conditions can be achieved compared to the solutions according to the prior art.

[0027] A further important advantage of the present application is that the quality of the temperature regulation obtainable with the arrangement according to the present application is roughly as good as the quality that can be obtained with systems in which a holding frame is heated.

[0028] The microscope stand can be an upright stand, in which the microscope objective looks at the sample to be examined from above. However, the microscope stand can also be an inverted stand, in which the microscope objective points at the sample to be examined from below. This arrangement is often preferred for the examination of biological samples.

[0029] In the simplest embodiment, the sample stage can be a fixed sample stage. In a preferred variant, however, the sample stage is an x-y translation stage which is adjustable at least in the lateral direction, i.e. transversely to the optical axis direction of the microscope objective. It is particularly preferred if an adjustment option in the optical axis direction of the microscope objective is also provided. Such a sample stage can be referred to as an x-y-z translation stage. Here, the microscope objective can not only be adjusted in the optical axis direction relative to the microscope stand and relative to the sample stage, but the microscope objective can also be moved relative to the microscope stand, whereas the sample stage is moved relative to the microscope objective in the optical axis direction.

[0030] The microscope objective can generally be arranged in an objective changer having a plurality of different microscope objectives, for example a linear changer or an objective turret.

[0031] In more complex solutions, the sample stage can also be rotatable or pivotable at least about an axis. The sample stage can be rotatable or pivotable, for example, about at least one axis which is parallel to the optical axis of the microscope objective.

[0032] Furthermore, the sample stage is manually adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, the sample stage has one or more motorized drives which can be controlled, in particular, by a control unit.

[0033] Finally, there is an automatic sample supply device for loading the microscope according to the application with a sample to be examined.

[0034] In order to fix the holding frame on the sample stage, there can be at least one fixing device. The fixing device can have at least one mechanical clamping device and / or at least one magnetic device.

[0035] In a preferred variant of the microscope according to the application, the sample stage has a device for changing the spacing of the holding frame relative to the microscope objective, in particular in the optical axis direction of the microscope objective. With this device, a small change in the spacing of the sample to be examined relative to the microscope objective can be achieved without the need to operate a possibly present z drive. The device for changing the spacing can essentially be manually operated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device for changing the spacing has a piezoelectric actuator.

[0036] In order to control the components of the microscope, the microscope can preferably have a control unit, for example a PC. The control unit can be appropriately set up for controlling at least one of the following components: one motorized drive or a plurality of motorized drives of the sample stage, the objective changer, the device for changing the spacing of the holding frame relative to the microscope objective.

[0037] In order to provide a defined, in particular climate-controllable sample space, a mechanical interface is suitably formed between the incubator module and the holding frame. The mechanical interface can have an incubator-side interface on the incubator module. Furthermore, the mechanical interface can have a holding frame-side interface on the holding frame. The mechanical interface is preferably set up such that the sample space and the area outside the sample space are thermally decoupled from one another.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the interface is set up to provide a greater thermal conduction between the parts of the incubator module and the holding frame facing the sample space than between the parts of the incubator module and the holding frame facing away from the sample space.

[0039] In an embodiment that is relatively simple to implement, the incubator-side interface and / or the holding frame-side interface has a groove and the respective other interface has a protruding flange, which is set up to engage with the groove. The protruding flange can also be referred to as a key. The protruding flange or key can be set up, for example, to engage with the groove form- locking.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protruding flange or key and the groove are formed such that, when the protruding flange engages with the groove, the protruding flange touches a radially inner wall of the groove and forms an air gap with respect to a radially outer wall of the groove. In this variant, a greater thermal conduction between the parts of the incubator module and the holding frame facing the sample space than between the parts of the incubator module and the holding frame facing away from the sample space is achieved.

[0041] In a simple variant, the incubator module can be set up to be placed on the holding frame. However, it is also possible for at least one of the components (holding frame and incubator module) to have at least one mechanical securing device for securing the incubator module on the holding frame. The at least one mechanical securing device can have, for example, at least one mechanical clamp or be implemented by a magnet.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, the incubator-side interface and / or the holding frame-side interface has a magnetic connection element.

[0043] In other preferred embodiments, at least one of the components (incubator-side interface and holding frame-side interface) has a seal for thermal decoupling and / or for preventing gas flow. The at least one seal can be a partial or complete circumferential seal.

[0044] In preferred embodiments of the application, a climate-controllable sample space is formed at least by the incubator module and the holding frame.

[0045] Basically, the application can be implemented with an incubator module which, like the holding frame, has no active components for climate control of the sample space. Such an incubator module can be implemented, for example, by a lid to be placed on the holding frame or by a bell jar to be placed.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the microscope according to the application, however, the incubator module has active means for climate control of the sample space. It can be particularly advantageous to provide that only the incubator module has active means for climate control of the sample space.

[0047] As active means, there can be, for example, a temperature regulation device, in particular a settable temperature regulation device, for heating and / or cooling the sample space. The temperature regulation device can have a temperature measuring device, in particular in the interior of the sample space. The temperature measuring device can have, for example, a thermocouple.

[0048] Furthermore, the temperature regulation device can have heating means and / or cooling means. The temperature regulation device can have, in particular, an ohmic heater, for example with at least one heating wire and / or at least one heating film.

[0049] Complementarily or alternatively, the temperature regulation device can have a Peltier element for heating and / or cooling the sample space.

[0050] Complementarily or alternatively, the temperature regulation device can have at least one fluid channel formed in the incubator module, for example in a frame of the incubator module, through which a heated or cooled fluid, for example air or water, can be passed in order to temperature-regulate the sample space.

[0051] It is also possible, however, for the temperature regulation device to be formed outside the incubator module. The temperature regulation device can have, for example, an infrared lamp with which the holding frame and the sample holder can be irradiated from the side facing away from the incubator module. Complementarily or alternatively, the temperature regulation device can have a fan with which the holding frame and / or the sample holder can be acted upon from the side facing away from the incubator module by means of a heated or cooled gas, in particular air.

[0052] In order to provide a desired atmosphere in the sample space, i.e. a desired partial pressure of different gases, in a preferred embodiment variant of the microscope according to the application, the incubator module has means for gas supply to the sample space.

[0053] It is also possible for the temperature regulation device to have a gas inlet for feeding a heated or cooled gas, for example air or nitrogen, into the sample space. The means for gas supply to the sample space can thus also implement the function of the temperature regulation device.

[0054] The term "temperature conditioning of an object, in particular a sample" means the process of bringing the object, in particular the sample, to a defined target temperature and keeping it at or approximately at the target temperature for at least a defined time.

[0055] Depending on the ambient temperature and the target temperature, heat has to be extracted from or delivered to the object, for example the sample. The sample can have to be heated or cooled. The heating or cooling of the sample can be performed by blowing a heated or cooled gas, for example air or nitrogen, into the sample space.

[0056] Supplementarily or alternatively, the temperature conditioning of the sample space can be performed by temperature conditioning of the incubator module. The temperature conditioning can for example be performed by temperature conditioning of the lid of the incubator module. Supplementarily or alternatively, the temperature conditioning of the sample space can be performed by temperature conditioning of the frame of the incubator module. Supplementarily or alternatively, the temperature conditioning of the sample space can be performed by temperature conditioning of the area of the holding frame or the sample holder which faces away from the incubator module. The temperature conditioning of the sample space can for example be performed by temperature conditioning of the holding frame and / or the sample holder.

[0057] Basically, the present application can be implemented with an incubator module formed from unique parts. In an advantageous implementation variant, the incubator module has at least one frame and a lid. The term "frame" shall mean a component which is mathematically topologically substantially a ring-shaped component. It is particularly preferred that one incubator side interface or the incubator side interface can be formed on the frame of the incubator module. The frame of the incubator module which forms the incubator side interface can have at least a part of the active means for climate control of the sample space.

[0058] The incubator module can have at least one further frame which is arranged between the frame on which the incubator side interface is formed and the lid of the incubator module. The further frame can have at least a part of the active means for climate control of the sample space. However, it is also feasible that the further frame and / or the frame which forms the incubator side interface do not have one or more active means for climate control and serve only for providing the appropriate height of the incubator module above the sample to be examined.

[0059] The lid can also have at least a part of the active means for climate control of the sample space. Finally, the active means for climate control of the sample space can be formed completely in the lid of the incubator module.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the microscope according to the present application, wherein at least one, wherein a plurality or wherein each of the active means for climate control of the sample space is manually adjustable and / or controllable. The control unit can be appropriately set up for controlling the at least one, the plurality or each of the active means.

[0061] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the holding frame is configured such that the holding frame can also be used for a microscope without the incubator module. Thereby the functionality of the microscope can be further improved.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment a leveling device is provided between the holding frames, which is set up for adjusting the orientation of the holding frames relative to the optical axis of the microscope. The leveling device can for example be set up for (in particular independently) pivoting the holding frames about rotation axes which extend approximately perpendicular to one another and to the optical axis. The leveling device can for example be realized by three settable leveling screws.

[0063] In the inventive system the interfaces on the side of the holding frames and / or the interfaces on the side of the incubator can respectively be distinguished. The advantages of the invention are particularly evident in embodiments of the inventive system in which the interfaces on the side of the holding frames are respectively identical and / or the interfaces on the side of the incubator are respectively identical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Further advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the following description in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

[0065] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a microscope according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 2 Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial view of a further embodiment of a microscope according to the invention;

[0067] Figure 3 Fig. 3 shows a view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 along the section line A-A in Fig. 2; Figure 2 Figure 2

[0068] Figure 4 Fig. 4 shows a schematic partial view of a further embodiment of a microscope according to the invention;

[0069] Figure 5 Fig. 5 shows a view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 along the section line A-A in Fig. 4; Figure 4 Figure 4

[0070] Figure 6 Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a mechanical interface between an incubator module and a holding frame for a microscope according to the invention;

[0071] Figure 7 Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a mechanical interface between an incubator module and a holding frame for a microscope according to the invention;

[0072] Figure 8 ​​​​: third embodiment of the mechanical interface between the incubator module and the holding frame for a microscope according to the present application, in an unconnected condition; and

[0073] Figure 9 : an embodiment of the mechanical interface according to the present application, in a condition in which the incubator module is engaged with the holding frame in a prescribed manner. Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The same and identically acting components are generally identified by the same reference signs in the figures.

[0075] One embodiment of a microscope 100 according to the present application is set forth in connection with Figure 1 The microscope 100 according to the present application, which is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view, initially has a microscope stand 10 and a microscope objective 12 arranged on the microscope stand. Furthermore, the microscope 100 also has a holding frame 40 for accommodating a sample 20. The inventive part of the microscope 100 is finally a sample stage 30 with an accommodation device for accommodating the holding frame 40. In the case exemplarily shown in Figure 1 , the holding frame 40 is accommodated in a prescribed manner in the accommodation device of the sample stage 30, which is formed within an opening region of the sample stage 30. According to the present application, the microscope 100 also has an incubator module 50 arranged on the holding frame 40. According to the present application, the incubator module 50 and the holding frame 40 together at least partially enclose a sample space 16. According to the present application, the holding frame 40 has no active means for climate control of the sample space 16. This means that the holding frame 40 has no active means for climate control of the sample space 16. Thus, the holding frame 40 primarily fulfills a mechanical function, wherein the thermal conduction of the holding frame can be suitably designed and utilized.

[0076] In the shown embodiment, the microscope stand 10 is an inverted stand, i.e. the microscope objective 12 views the sample or sample carrier 20 from below. The microscope objective 12 can be arranged on a not shown objective turret, for example. The optical axis of the microscope objective 12 is identified using reference sign 14. Figure 1 An eyepiece 18 is also shown schematically and exemplarily in

[0077] ​As is illustrated, the sample carrier 20 is arranged in a receptacle of the holding frame 40. The holding frame can be a metal frame-like assembly, for example made of aluminum, which itself is arranged in a receptacle formed on the sample stage 30. By "frame-like" it is meant that the assembly has a generally toroidal shape in mathematical topology. The sample stage 30 likewise has a generally toroidal shape in mathematical topology. This means that both the holding frame 40 and the sample stage 30 have an opening through which the microscope objective 12 can optically observe the sample carrier 20 along its optical axis 14. As Figure 1 is seen, the receptacle for the sample carrier 20 is formed in the holding frame 40 by a protrusion (no reference numeral) of the holding frame 40 pointing into the interior of the opening, i.e. in the direction of the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, on which the sample carrier 20 is supported based on its gravitational action. In Figure 1 the gravitational force acts in the negative z-direction. The right-hand coordinate system and the rectangular coordinate system are given in the lower region of the microscope stand 10. The receptacle for the holding frame 40 in the sample stage 30 is likewise formed by a protrusion (no reference numeral) of the sample stage 30 pointing into the interior of the opening, i.e. in the direction of the optical axis 14, on which the holding frame 40 is supported based on its gravitational action. In the illustrated embodiment, the incubator module 50 rests on the holding frame 40. In order to fix the incubator module 50 relative to the holding frame 40, for example, there can be magnets. An example of such a connection is set forth below.

[0078] By means of the incubator module 50 and the sample holder 20, the sample space 16 is at least partially thermally insulated from the region 15 located outside the incubator module 50.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample stage 30 is an x-y-z-translation stage. This means that the sample stage 30 and, in turn, the holding frame 40 and the sample carrier 20 can be adjusted to a desired target position not only laterally, i.e. in the positive and negative x-directions and the positive and negative y-directions (illustrated by the double arrow 34), but also axially, i.e. in the positive and negative z-directions, relative to the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12. The possibility of manipulation in the lateral directions is illustrated in Figure 1 by the double arrow 34, the possibility of manipulation in the axial directions is illustrated by the double arrow 36. For the movement of the sample stage 30 in the lateral and axial directions, there are motorized drives 38 which are illustrated schematically.

[0080] In one variant, the sample stage 30 can also have a device for changing the spacing of the holding frame 40 relative to the microscope objective 12, in particular in the direction of the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12. For example, the device can have a piezoelectric actuator arranged between the sample stage 30 and the holding frame 40.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, a control unit 90, such as a PC, is ultimately present, which can be configured to drive components of the microscope, such as the sample stage 30, objective stage, and / or piezoelectric actuators. The control unit can also be used in a generally known manner to evaluate data from a detector (not shown) to acquire measurement data from the microscope. Also not shown is a light source, by which the sample 20 can be illuminated (e.g., excitation light from a fluorescent dye used to prepare the sample). This light source can, for example, be located in region 17 below the sample carrier 20, i.e., on the side of the sample carrier facing away from the incubator module 50.

[0082] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 A second embodiment of the microscope according to the present invention will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the microscope is shown accordingly, which includes a sample holder 21, a sample stage 31, a holding frame 41, and an incubator module 51. The microscope according to the invention... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The components not shown in the diagram can be roughly as follows: Figure 1 It is constructed in the same manner as shown. Here, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view is shown along the line indicated by arrow AA. Microscope objective 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The optical axis 14 (not shown) is in Figure 2 Zhongru Figure 1 Extending vertically like that, in Figure 3 The center is perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0083] The sample stage 31, the holding frame 41, and the incubator module 51 are similar to Figure 1 The sample stage 30, holding frame 40, or incubator module 50. The holding frame 41 and incubator module 51 differ in the areas where they mechanically contact each other. The holding frame 41 is configured to accommodate a sample holder 21, which is a porous sample holder. Figure 3 As illustrated, the sample holder 21 has a total of 25 "holes," i.e., pits or recesses 71, for accommodating different samples. By properly positioning the sample stage 31 relative to the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, desired holes, such as segments of four holes 71 at a time, can be placed into the field of view of the microscope objective 12.

[0084] The opening areas of the sample stage 31 and the holding frame 41 are in Figure 2 The figure is identified by reference numeral 31b. The boss pointing inward (i.e., in the direction of opening 31b) is identified by reference numeral 31a, on which the retaining frame 41 is supported by gravity on the sample stage 31.

[0085] Figure 2 The incubator module 51, which is shown schematically, has a heating device 62, which consists for example of a heating wire, for providing suitable climatic control conditions in the sample space 16, and an opening 61 with which a desired gas can be introduced into the sample space 16 from the outside. The gas can also be temperature-regulated.

[0086] A mechanical interface is formed between the incubator module 51 and the holding frame 41, which combines Figure 6 is explained. Figure 6 Only the region in which the incubator module 51 and the holding frame 41 contact one another in a prescribed manner is shown. Figure 6 The incubator module 51 is also shown in its state of being lifted relative to the holding frame 41, and thus not engaging with the holding frame 41.

[0087] The mechanical interface has, as an interface on the holding frame side, a groove 82 which surrounds the opening 31b (see Figure 2 ), and, as an interface on the incubator side, a protruding flange or a protruding key 81 which likewise surrounds the opening 31b. In the embodiment shown, the flange or the key 81 is constructed in such a way that it can be accommodated in the holding frame's groove 82 in a form-locking manner. To achieve this, the incubator module 51 is inserted into the holding frame 41 in the direction of the downwardly pointing arrow in Figure 6

[0088] A third embodiment of a microscope according to the application is explained in connection with Figures 4 to 6 Figure 4 and Figure 5 A partial view of a microscope is shown accordingly, which has a sample holder 22, a sample stage 32, a holding frame 42 and an incubator module 52. Here, only the differences compared to the Figure 2 and Figure 3 embodiments are explained.

[0089] The sample holder 22 is a sample holder for a Petri dish 72. In comparison with the incubator module 51 of Figure 2 , the incubator module 52 is a simpler variant, in which only a heating device 62 is present. In comparison with the sample holder 21 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the sample holder 22 has a different geometry. Likewise, the holding frame 42 differs from the holding frame 41 in the region of the accommodation of the sample holder 22.

[0090] The mechanical interface formed in the region between the incubator module 51, 52 and the holding frame 41, 42, however, is not different compared to the embodiments of Figure 2 and Figure 3 . This is shown schematically in Figure 6 . This means that in the embodiments of Figure 4 and Figure 5 , as for the​​Figure 2 and Figure 3 As illustrated in the embodiments, the incubator module 52 can be inserted into the circumferential groove 82 formed on the retaining frame 42 using its protruding circumferential flange 81.

[0091] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 This illustrates another example of a mechanical interface. Only the relationship with... Figure 6 The differences between the embodiments are as follows. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, retaining frame 41 is replaced by a modified retaining frame 41a, and retaining frame 42 is replaced by a modified retaining frame 42a. Figure 6 The difference between the embodiments is that the slots 85 in the retaining frames 41a and 42a are... Figure 6 The groove 82 is wider radially outward compared to the protruding flange or key 81, and therefore wider. For example... Figure 8 As shown, this results in the protruding flange 81 contacting the corresponding retaining frame only radially inward when incubator module 51 is inserted into retaining frame 41a and incubator module 52 is inserted into retaining frame 42a. However, an air gap 86 is formed radially outward. In this embodiment, the protruding flange 81 is thus configured to contact the radially inward wall of groove 85 when engaging with groove 85 and to form an air gap 86 with the radially outward wall of groove 85. In this variant, the thermal conductivity between the portion of each incubator module and each retaining frame facing the sample space 16 is greater than the thermal conductivity between the portion of the incubator module and the portion of the retaining frame facing away from the sample space 16.

[0092] Here we can see a particular advantage of the present invention: due to the identical design of the mechanical interfaces, the retaining frames and incubator modules 51 and 52 can be arbitrarily combined with each other. By using different retaining frames 41, 42, 41a, 42a and different incubator modules 51 and 52, a system for... Figure 1 The present invention system of microscopes of the type shown, wherein each holding frame 41, 42, 41a, 42a has a holding frame side interface 81 or 85, and each incubator module 51, 52 has an incubator side interface 82, wherein each holding frame side interface can be engaged with each incubator side interface 82 in a prescribed manner.

[0093] In combination Figures 2 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 81 on the frame side and the interface 82 on the incubator side are the same.

[0094] Figure 7 An alternative variation of the mechanical interface is shown, wherein the interfaces on the incubator side are formed by surrounding magnets 83. The interfaces on the retaining frame side each have a similarly surrounding material region 84 made of magnetic material.

[0095] Here too, the holding frame and the incubator module 51, 52 can be combined with one another in any combination, due to the identical design of the mechanical interfaces.

[0096] With the present application, a new type of microscope and a new type of system of microscope components is proposed, which enable a substantial reduction of the components to be held under essentially the same experimental or measurement technical options.

[0097] List of reference signs

[0098] 10 microscope stand

[0099] 12 microscope objective

[0100] 14 optical axis of the microscope objective 12

[0101] 15 area outside the incubator volume 16

[0102] 16 incubator volume, sample space

[0103] 17 side of the sample holder 21, 22 facing away from the incubator module

[0104] 18 eyepiece

[0105] 20 sample, sample holder, slide

[0106] 21 sample, sample holder, multi-well sample carrier

[0107] 22 sample, sample holder for petri dishes

[0108] 30 sample stage, x-y-z-stage

[0109] 31 sample stage, x-y-z-stage

[0110] 31a protruding flange, part of the accommodation of the sample stage 31

[0111] 31b opening in the sample stage 31 and the holding frame 41

[0112] 32 sample stage, x-y-z-stage

[0113] 32a protruding flange, part of the accommodation of the sample stage 32

[0114] 32b opening in the sample stage 32 and the holding frame 42

[0115] 34 double arrow (adjustment in y-direction)

[0116] 36 double arrow (adjustment in z-direction)

[0117] 38 drive for adjusting the sample stage 30 in x, y, z direction

[0118] 40 holding frame

[0119] 41 holding frame

[0120] 41a holding frame with wider slot 85

[0121] 42 holding frame

[0122] 42a holding frame with wider slot 85

[0123] 50 incubator module

[0124] 51 incubator module with temperature regulation and gas supply

[0125] 52 incubator module with temperature regulation

[0126] 61 gas supply

[0127] 62 heating device

[0128] 71 sample area in multi-well sample carrier 21

[0129] 72 petri dish

[0130] 81 interface means on incubator side, protruding flange, key

[0131] 82 interface means on holding frame side, slot

[0132] 83 magnet

[0133] 84 magnet or ferromagnetic material

[0134] 85 interface means on holding frame side, widened slot

[0135] 86 air gap

[0136] 100 microscope according to the invention

Claims

1. A microscope, wherein the microscope has: Microscope stand (10). At least one microscope objective (12) is arranged on the microscope stand (10). A retaining frame (40; 41; 42) for accommodating at least one sample (20) and / or at least one sample carrier (21; 22) and / or at least one combination of sample and sample carrier, and The sample stage (30; 31; 32) has receiving devices (31a, 31b; 32a, 32b) for accommodating the retaining frame (40; 41; 42). Its features It has an incubator module (50; 51; 52) that can be arranged on the retaining frame (40; 41; 42), and Its characteristics also lie in, The incubator module (50; 51; 52) and the retaining frame (40; 41; 42) together at least partially surround the sample space (16), and The retaining frames (40; 41; 42) do not have active devices for climate control of the sample space (16).

2. The microscope according to claim 1, Its features are, The sample stage (30) has means for changing the spacing of the retaining frame (40) relative to the microscope objective (12), particularly in the direction of the optical axis (14).

3. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 or 2, In order to drive the components of the microscope, the microscope has a control unit (90) configured to drive at least one of the following components: The sample stage (30) has one or more motor drives (38). Objective lens turret Device for changing the distance between the retaining frame (40) and the microscope objective (12).

4. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, Mechanical interfaces (81, 82, 83, 84) are formed between the incubator modules (51; 52) and the retaining frame (41; 42).

5. The microscope according to claim 4, Its features are, The mechanical interface has an incubator-side interface (81; 83) on the incubator module (51; 52) and / or The mechanical interface has a retaining frame side interface (82; 84; 85) on the retaining frame (41; 42).

6. The microscope according to any one of claims 4 or 5, Its features are, The mechanical interfaces (81, 82; 83; 84) are configured to insulate the sample space (16) and the area outside the sample space (15) from each other.

7. The microscope according to any one of claims 4 to 6, Its features are, The mechanical interfaces (81, 82; 83, 84) are configured to provide thermal conduction between the portions of the incubator module (50; 51; 52) and the retaining frame (40; 41; 42) facing the sample space (16), the thermal conduction being greater than the thermal conduction between the portions of the incubator module (50; 51; 52) and the retaining frame (40; 41; 42) facing away from the sample space (16).

8. The microscope according to any one of claims 5 to 7, Its features are, The incubator-side interface and / or the retaining frame-side interface (82, 85) have slots, and The corresponding other interface (81) has a protruding flange that is configured to engage with the groove.

9. The microscope according to claim 8, Its features are, The protruding flange (81) contacts the radially inward wall of the groove (85) when engaging with the groove (85) and forms an air gap relative to the radially outward wall of the groove.

10. The microscope according to any one of claims 5 to 9, Its features are, The interface (83) on the incubator side and / or the interface (84) on the retaining frame side have magnetic connection elements.

11. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Its features are, The incubator module (51; 52) has active devices (61, 62) for climate control of the sample space (16).

12. The microscope according to claim 11, Its features are, As an active device, there exists a temperature control device for heating and / or cooling the sample space (16).

13. The microscope according to claim 12, Its features are, The temperature regulating device has an ohmic heater (62), which in particular has a heating wire or a heating film.

14. The microscope according to any one of claims 12 or 13, Its features are, The temperature control device has a Peltier element for heating and / or cooling the sample space (16).

15. The microscope according to any one of claims 12 to 14, Its features are, The temperature regulating device has at least one fluid channel formed in the incubator module (50; 51; 52), for example in the frame of the incubator module (50; 51; 52), to allow a heating or cooling fluid, such as air or water, to pass through in order to regulate the temperature of the sample space (16).

16. The microscope according to any one of claims 12 to 15, Its features are, The temperature control device has an infrared lamp that can illuminate the holding frame (40; 41; 42) and the sample holder (21; 22) from the side (17) opposite to the incubator module (50; 51; 52).

17. The microscope according to any one of claims 12 to 16, Its features are, The temperature control device has a fan that allows the holding frame (40; 41; 42) and / or sample holder (21; 22) to be acted upon from the side (17) opposite to the incubator module (50; 51; 52) by means of heated or cooled gas, especially air.

18. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 17, Its features are, The incubator module (51) has a device (61) for supplying gas to the sample space (16).

19. The microscope according to any one of claims 12 to 18, Its features are, The temperature control device has a gas inlet for introducing a heating or cooling gas, such as air or nitrogen, into the sample space (16).

20. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 19, Its features are, The incubator module (51; 52) has at least one frame and a cover.

21. The microscope according to claim 20, Its features are, An incubator-side interface or an incubator-side interface (81; 83) is formed on the frame of the incubator module (51; 52).

22. The microscope according to claim 21, Its features are, The frame of the incubator module (51; 52) on which the incubator side interface (81; 83) is formed has at least a portion of an active device for climate control of the sample space (16).

23. The microscope according to any one of claims 20 to 22, Its features are, The incubator module (51; 52) has at least one additional frame arranged thereon between the frame forming the interface (81; 83) on the incubator side and the cover of the incubator module (51; 52).

24. The microscope according to claim 23, Its features are, The additional frame has at least a portion of an active device for climate control of the sample space (16).

25. The microscope according to any one of claims 20 to 24, Its features are, The cover has at least a portion of an active device for climate control of the sample space (16).

26. The microscope according to any one of claims 11 to 25, Its features are, At least one, several or each of the active devices (61, 62) for climate control of the sample space (16) are manually adjustable and / or driveable, and in particular the control unit (90) is specifically configured to drive at least one, several or each of the active devices (61, 62).

27. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 26, Its features are, The retaining frame (40; 41; 42) is configured such that it can be used with the microscope even without the incubator module (50; 51; 52).

28. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 27, Its features are, A leveling device is arranged between the retaining frames (40; 41; 42), the leveling device being configured to adjust the orientation of the retaining frames (40; 41; 42) relative to the optical axis of the microscope.

29. In particular, a system for a microscope (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, having a plurality of different holding frames (41; 42) and a plurality of different incubator modules (51; 52), Its features are, Each of the retaining frames (41; 42) has an interface (82; 84; 85) on the retaining frame side. Each incubator module (51; 52) has an incubator-side interface (81; 83), and Each of the interfaces (82; 84; 85) on the retaining frame side can be coupled to each of the interfaces (81; 83) on the incubator side in a specified manner.

30. The system according to claim 29, Its features are, At least two of the interfaces on the frame side (82; 85) and / or at least two of the interfaces on the incubator side (81; 83) are different.

31. The system according to claim 29 or 30, Its features are, The interfaces (82; 85) on the retaining frame side are all the same and / or the interfaces (81) on the incubator side are all the same.

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