Fluorescent channel automatic switching module and microscopic imaging device with same

By designing the fluorescence channel automatic switching module and using mobile components to automatically control the position change of the fluorescence cube, the problem of manual switching of channels in traditional fluorescence microscopy imaging devices is solved, and the problem of manual switching of channels in traditional fluorescence microscopy imaging devices is time-consuming and affecting the consistency of experiments is achieved, and the rapid and accurate fluorescence channel switching is achieved, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of the experiment.

CN222580322UActive Publication Date: 2025-03-07SHENZHEN BEIJIERUI BIOMEDICAL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420567480.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-22
Publication Date
2025-03-07
Estimated Expiration
2034-03-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional fluorescence microscopy imaging devices require manual switching of different fluorescence channels, resulting in time-consuming and possible introduction of additional variables, affecting the consistency and repeatability of experimental results.

Method used

An automatic switching module for fluorescence channel is designed, including a fluorescence light source generator, multiple fluorescence cubes and moving components. The screw is driven by the motor to rotate, and the nut connector converts the rotational motion into a linear motion, driving the moving plate to slide on the slide rail, realizing the translational movement of the fluorescence cube, and automatically controlling the position change of the fluorescence cube through the controller to achieve fast and accurate switching between different fluorescence channels.

Benefits of technology

It realizes fast and precise switching between fluorescence channels, improves the operation convenience of experiments, reduces errors caused by improper operation, greatly improves imaging efficiency and experimental accuracy, and is particularly suitable for complex samples that need to be observed with multiple labels.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic fluorescent channel switching module and a microscopic imaging device with the same, and the automatic fluorescent channel switching module comprises a fluorescent light source generator, a plurality of fluorescent cubes and a moving assembly, the moving assembly comprises a motor, a lead screw fixed to the output end of the motor, a nut connecting piece rotationally connected with the lead screw, a moving plate fixed to the nut connecting piece, a sliding rail and a controller used for controlling the motor. The fluorescent light source generator and the fluorescent cubes are both arranged on the movable plate, the movable plate is in sliding connection with the sliding rail, the multiple fluorescent cubes are arranged side by side, and the arrangement direction of the multiple fluorescent cubes is parallel to the sliding rail. The fluorescence channel automatic switching module disclosed by the utility model can automatically control the position change of the fluorescence cube, realizes rapid and accurate switching among different fluorescence channels, and improves the imaging efficiency and the experiment accuracy.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of microscopic optical imaging, in particular to a fluorescent channel automatic switching module and a microscopic imaging device having the same. Background Art

[0002] Microscopic optical imaging, also commonly known as "optical microscopic imaging" or "optical microscopy" (Optical Microscopy, or Light Microscopy), refers to the technology that can obtain a magnified image of a tiny sample after the visible light passes through the sample or is reflected from the sample through one or more lenses. The obtained image can be observed directly with the eye through the eyepiece, or recorded with a photosensitive plate or digital image detector such as CCD, CMOS, and can also be displayed and analyzed on a computer.

[0003] Conventional optical microscopy using white light brightfield illumination is usually limited: it can only image dark samples (transmission type) or highly reflective samples (reflection type), but cannot image transparent samples.

[0004] Fluorescence microscopy, which is based on the excitation and fluorescence emission of (exogenous or endogenous) fluorescent molecules in the sample, can overcome the limitation of being unable to image transparent samples. However, traditional fluorescence microscopy devices often require manual switching when switching between different fluorescence channels, which is not only time-consuming but also may introduce additional variables, affecting the consistency and repeatability of experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a fluorescence channel automatic switching module and a microscopic imaging device having the same, so as to solve the problem that traditional fluorescence microscopic imaging devices need to manually switch different fluorescence channels, which is time-consuming and may introduce additional variables, affecting the consistency and repeatability of experimental results.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] On the one hand, the present application provides a fluorescence channel automatic switching module, comprising:

[0008] A fluorescent light source generator for generating light within a plurality of specific wavelength ranges;

[0009] A plurality of fluorescent cubes, each of which corresponds to light within a specific wavelength range;

[0010] A moving assembly, comprising: a motor, a lead screw fixed to an output end of the motor, a nut connector rotatably connected to the lead screw, a moving plate fixed to the nut connector, a slide rail, and a controller for controlling the motor;

[0011] The fluorescent light source generator and the fluorescent cube are both arranged on the movable plate, and the movable plate is slidably connected to the slide rail. A plurality of fluorescent cubes are arranged side by side, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of fluorescent cubes is parallel to the slide rail.

[0012] Optionally, the moving component further includes a bearing and a bearing seat, the bearing is sleeved on an end of the screw rod away from the motor, and the bearing is fixed to the bearing seat.

[0013] Optionally, the fluorescent channel automatic switching module also includes a sensing sheet and two photoelectric switches; the sensing sheet is arranged on the movable plate; and one photoelectric switch is fixed at each end of the moving range of the movable plate to sense the passage of the sensing sheet.

[0014] Optionally, guide rail stops are provided at both ends of the slide rail.

[0015] On the other hand, the present application provides a microscopic imaging device, including the above-mentioned fluorescent channel automatic switching module, and also including: a base for carrying various components, a loading component for supporting and positioning a sample to be observed, an optical path adjustment component, and a fluorescent camera;

[0016] Along the optical path from the sample to the fluorescent camera, the optical path adjustment component includes in sequence: an objective lens, a first right-angle mirror and a tube lens;

[0017] The moving component is used to move the corresponding fluorescent cube to a position between the objective lens and the first right-angle mirror according to imaging requirements.

[0018] Optionally, a second right-angle mirror and a beam splitter cube are provided in sequence on the light path from the tube lens to the fluorescent camera.

[0019] Optionally, the microscopic imaging device also includes an automatic lifting assembly for adjusting the height of the objective lens, and the automatic lifting assembly includes: a support fixed to the base; a slide mounting plate connected to the support via fine-tuning screws; an automatic linear slide fixed to the slide mounting plate; and a support member connecting a slider of the automatic linear slide and the objective lens.

[0020] Optionally, the microscopic imaging device further comprises an electric turntable, and the objective lens is arranged on the supporting member via the electric turntable.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The fluorescence light source generator and the fluorescence cube are both set on the moving plate. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the nut connector converts the rotational motion of the lead screw into linear motion, thereby driving the moving plate to slide on the slide rail, thereby realizing the translational movement of multiple fluorescence cubes set side by side. The position change of the fluorescence cube can be automatically controlled by the controller to achieve fast and accurate switching between different fluorescence channels, which not only improves the convenience of experimental operation, but also reduces the errors caused by improper operation, greatly improves the imaging efficiency and the accuracy of the experiment, and is particularly suitable for complex samples that need to observe multiple labels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0024] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification so as to facilitate understanding and reading by persons familiar with this technology. They are not used to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented, and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modification, change in proportion or adjustment of size, without affecting the effects and purposes that can be achieved by the present invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic switching module of the fluorescent channel in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fluorescent channel automatic switching module in this embodiment from another angle;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microscopic imaging device in this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the optical path adjustment component in this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic lifting component in this embodiment.

[0030] Explanation of the reference numerals: 10. Fluorescent light source generator; 20. Fluorescent cube; 30. Moving assembly; 31. Motor; 32. Screw rod; 33. Nut connector; 34. Moving plate; 35. Slide rail; 36. Bearing; 37. Bearing seat; 38. Guide rail block; 41. Sensor sheet; 42. Photoelectric switch; 50. Base; 60. Object carrier assembly; 70. Optical path adjustment assembly; 71. Objective lens; 72. First right-angle mirror; 73. Tube lens; 74. Second right-angle mirror; 75. Beam splitter prism cube; 80. Fluorescent camera; 90. Automatic lifting assembly; 91. Support; 92. Slide mounting plate; 93. Automatic linear slide; 94. Support; 100. Electric turntable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the utility model's purpose, features, and advantages more obvious and easy to understand, the following will be combined with the drawings in the utility model embodiments to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the utility model embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only part of the utility model embodiments, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a centrally arranged component at the same time.

[0033] The technical solution of the utility model is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The fluorescent channel automatic switching module disclosed in this embodiment includes: a fluorescent light source generator 10 (used to generate light within a plurality of specific wavelength ranges), a plurality of fluorescent cubes 20 (each fluorescent cube 20 corresponds to light within a specific wavelength range), and a moving component 30;

[0035] The moving assembly 30 includes: a motor 31 (a stepper motor or a servo motor), a screw rod 32 fixed to the output end of the motor 31, a nut connector 33 rotatably connected to the screw rod 32, a moving plate 34 fixed to the nut connector 33, a slide rail 35, and a controller for controlling the motor 31;

[0036] The fluorescent light source generator 10 and the fluorescent cube 20 are both arranged on the moving plate 34 , and the moving plate 34 is slidably connected to the slide rail 35 . The multiple fluorescent cubes 20 are arranged side by side, and the arrangement direction of the multiple fluorescent cubes 20 is parallel to the slide rail 35 .

[0037] The fluorescent light source generator 10 and the fluorescent cube 20 are both arranged on the moving plate 34. The motor 31 drives the screw rod 32 to rotate, and the nut connector 33 converts the rotational motion of the screw rod 32 into linear motion, thereby driving the moving plate 34 to slide on the slide rail 35, thereby realizing the translational movement of multiple fluorescent cubes 20 arranged side by side. The position change of the fluorescent cube 20 can be automatically controlled by the controller to realize fast and accurate switching between different fluorescent channels, which not only improves the convenience of experimental operation, but also reduces the error caused by improper operation, greatly improves the imaging efficiency and the accuracy of the experiment, and is particularly suitable for complex samples that need to observe multiple labels.

[0038] Each fluorescence cube 20 corresponds to different fluorescence excitation and emission filtering requirements. The fluorescence light source generator 10 is combined with multiple fluorescence cubes 20 to generate and select light within a specific wavelength range as needed to meet the needs of multi-channel fluorescence imaging. The fluorescence cube 20 can be easily switched through the mobile component 30, making the switching and positioning of the light source and the fluorescence cube 20 simple and fast, greatly improving the experimental efficiency and conversion speed.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 Furthermore, the moving assembly 30 also includes a bearing 36 and a bearing seat 37. The bearing 36 is sleeved on an end of the screw rod 32 away from the motor 31, and the bearing 36 is fixed to the bearing seat 37.

[0040] The smooth rotation of the screw rod 32 is ensured by adding the bearing 36 and the bearing seat 37. This improvement reduces the friction and wear during operation, improves the movement accuracy of the moving plate 34 and the long-term stability of the module.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 Furthermore, the fluorescent channel automatic switching module also includes a sensing sheet 41 and two photoelectric switches 42; the sensing sheet 41 is arranged on the movable plate 34; a photoelectric switch 42 is fixed at each end of the moving range of the movable plate 34 for sensing the passage of the sensing sheet 41.

[0042] The two photoelectric switches 42 are respectively fixed at the two ends of the motion range of the moving plate 34, and can accurately sense the passage of the sensing sheet 41, thereby realizing the limit control of the moving plate 34, which ensures that the moving plate 34 will not exceed the predetermined motion range, avoids possible mechanical interference or damage, and improves the safety and stability of the equipment. At the same time, the photoelectric switch 42 far away from the first right-angle mirror 72 is positioned as the zero point position, which provides an initial reference point for the movement of the entire moving assembly 30, ensuring that each fluorescent channel switching can accurately move the corresponding fluorescent cube 20 to the predetermined position.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 Furthermore, guide rail blocks 38 are provided at both ends of the slide rail 35 .

[0044] By providing rail blocks 38 at both ends of the slide rail 35, excessive movement of the movable plate 34 can be prevented from causing equipment damage or deviation from the track, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the entire movable assembly 30 and ensuring smooth operation of the entire automatic switching module.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The microscopic imaging device disclosed in this embodiment includes the above-mentioned fluorescent channel automatic switching module, and also includes: a base 50 for carrying various components, a loading component 60 (an automatic loading stage) for supporting and positioning the sample to be observed, an optical path adjustment component 70, and a fluorescent camera 80; along the optical path from the sample to the fluorescent camera 80, the optical path adjustment component 70 includes: an objective lens 71, a first right-angle mirror 72 and a tube lens 73 in sequence; the moving component 30 is used to move the corresponding fluorescent cube 20 to a position between the objective lens 71 and the first right-angle mirror 72 according to imaging requirements.

[0046] In the vertical direction, the sample, the objective lens 71 , the fluorescence cube 20 , and the first right-angle mirror 72 are located on the same axis; the slide rail 35 is placed horizontally. In one embodiment, the first right-angle mirror 72 , the tube lens 73 , and the fluorescence camera 80 are arranged in sequence along a direction parallel to the slide rail 35 .

[0047] Reference Figure 4 In another embodiment, a second right-angle mirror 74 and a beam splitter cube 75 are sequentially arranged on the optical path from the tube lens 73 to the fluorescence camera 80. By adding the second right-angle mirror 74 and the beam splitter cube 75, the function of the microscopic imaging device is expanded, and a bright field camera and a corresponding light source assembly can be further added to realize multiple imaging modes (for example, white light field imaging and quantitative phase imaging) in one microscopic imaging device.

[0048] The components such as the motor 31, the screw rod 32, the nut connector 33, the moving plate 34, the slide rail 35 and the controller together constitute the moving component 30 of the microscopic imaging device, which is responsible for accurately controlling the position and movement of the fluorescent cube 20, so as to facilitate fast and accurate switching between different fluorescent channels. It not only improves the convenience of experimental operation, but also reduces the errors caused by improper operation, effectively solves the limitations of traditional microscopic imaging devices in terms of operating efficiency, imaging quality and manual switching, greatly improves the imaging efficiency and accuracy of the experiment, and is particularly suitable for complex samples that need to observe multiple labels.

[0049] Fluorescence Cube 20 is a key optical component in microscope imaging systems, especially in applications involving fluorescence imaging. It is a cubic structure composed of excitation filters, emission filters and dichroic mirrors, which is used to precisely control the light path through the microscope, ensuring that only light of specific wavelengths is allowed to pass, thereby achieving efficient fluorescence excitation and fluorescence signal collection.

[0050] The beam splitter cube 75 is mainly formed by bonding two right-angled triangular prisms. The bonding interface is usually coated with a special optical coating. Through the specific coating, the beam splitter cube can select a specific wavelength of light for transmission and reflect other wavelengths of light.

[0051] It should be noted that the above-mentioned optical devices such as the objective lens 71, the first right-angle mirror 72, the tube lens 73 and the beam splitter cube 75 are all prior arts and are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the structure and principle of each optical device will not be described here one by one. In addition, those skilled in the art can infer the angle setting of each device based on the name, position relationship, connection relationship and other information of each device disclosed in this application. Therefore, the angle setting of each device will not be described here one by one.

[0052] Reference Figure 5 Furthermore, the microscope imaging device also includes an automatic lifting component 90 for adjusting the height of the objective lens 71, and the automatic lifting component 90 includes: a support 91, which is fixed to the base 50; a slide mounting plate 92, which is connected to the support 91 through fine-tuning screws; an automatic linear slide 93, which is fixed to the slide mounting plate 92; and a support member 94, which connects the slider of the automatic linear slide 93 and the objective lens 71.

[0053] The automatic lifting assembly 90 realizes accurate and automatic adjustment of the height of the objective lens 71, so that the user can conveniently adjust the focal length and quickly obtain clear imaging, which improves the convenience and efficiency of operation during the experiment.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 Furthermore, the microscope imaging device also includes an electric turntable 100 , and the objective lens 71 is set on the support member 94 through the electric turntable 100 .

[0055] The objective lens 71 is combined with the support 94 through the electric turntable 100, making the switching of the objective lens 71 more convenient, accurate and rapid, allowing the user to quickly select objective lenses 71 of different magnifications through electric control, thereby adapting to different observation and imaging needs, and significantly improving the use flexibility and operational convenience of the microscope imaging analyzer.

[0056] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fluorescent channel automatic switching module, characterized in that: include: A fluorescent light source generator (10) for generating light within a plurality of specific wavelength ranges; A plurality of fluorescent cubes (20), each of the fluorescent cubes (20) corresponding to light within a specific wavelength range; A moving assembly (30) comprising: a motor (31), a screw rod (32) fixed to an output end of the motor (31), a nut connecting piece (33) rotatably connected to the screw rod (32), a moving plate (34) fixed to the nut connecting piece (33), a slide rail (35), and a controller for controlling the motor (31); The fluorescent light source generator (10) and the fluorescent cube (20) are both arranged on the movable plate (34), and the movable plate (34) is slidably connected to the slide rail (35), a plurality of the fluorescent cubes (20) are arranged side by side, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of fluorescent cubes (20) is parallel to the slide rail (35).

2. The fluorescent channel automatic switching module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving assembly (30) further comprises a bearing (36) and a bearing seat (37); the bearing (36) is sleeved on an end of the screw rod (32) away from the motor (31), and the bearing (36) is fixed to the bearing seat (37).

3. The fluorescent channel automatic switching module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sensing sheet (41) and two photoelectric switches (42); The sensing sheet (41) is arranged on the movable plate (34); a photoelectric switch (42) is fixed at each end of the moving range of the movable plate (34) to sense the passage of the sensing sheet (41).

4. The fluorescent channel automatic switching module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Guide rail stoppers (38) are provided at both ends of the slide rail (35).

5. A microscopic imaging device, characterized in that: A fluorescent channel automatic switching module comprising any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a base (50) for carrying various components, a loading component (60) for supporting and positioning a sample to be observed, an optical path adjustment component (70), and a fluorescent camera (80); Along the light path from the sample to the fluorescent camera (80), the light path adjustment component (70) comprises in sequence: an objective lens (71), a first right-angle mirror (72), and a tube lens (73); The moving component (30) is used to move the corresponding fluorescent cube (20) to a position between the objective lens (71) and the first right-angle mirror (72) according to imaging requirements.

6. The microscopic imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second right-angle mirror (74) and a beam splitting prism cube (75) are also arranged in sequence on the optical path from the tube lens (73) to the fluorescent camera (80).

7. The microscopic imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an automatic lifting component (90) for adjusting the height of the objective lens (71), the automatic lifting component (90) comprising: A support (91) fixed to the base (50); A slide mounting plate (92) connected to the support (91) via fine-tuning screws; An automatic linear slide (93) fixed to the slide mounting plate (92); and a support member (94) connecting a slider of the automatic linear slide table (93) and the objective lens (71).

8. The microscopic imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an electric turntable (100), and the objective lens (71) is arranged on the support member (94) via the electric turntable (100).