Imaging module and microscopic imaging equipment
By arranging the image acquisition module and the light source in parallel intervals along the Y direction in a microscopic imaging device, and using an optical path adjustment mirror group to change the direction of the optical path, the imaging beam is incident along the Z direction, thus solving the problem of vertical space occupation caused by the layout of optical components and achieving efficient use of space.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING SPERMCAPTURER BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The layout of optical components in existing microscopic imaging equipment results in a large vertical space occupation and an overall large space occupation.
The image acquisition module and the light source are arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction. The optical path adjustment lens group changes the direction of the optical path, so that the imaging beam is incident on the image acquisition module downward in the Z direction, reducing the vertical space occupation.
By designing the optical path adjustment lens group, the vertical space occupied is reduced, and excessive horizontal space is avoided, thus reducing the overall space occupied by the imaging module.
Smart Images
Figure CN224152750U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of optical imaging technology, and in particular relates to an imaging module and a microscopic imaging device. Background Technology
[0002] Microscopic imaging equipment is commonly used for the observation and detection of microscopic organisms, playing a crucial role in microscopic biological research. Its principle involves using light passing through the sample and entering the objective lens to form an image. It is generally suitable for observing transparent or translucent samples, including, for example, cells and tissue sections.
[0003] Microscopic imaging systems require a large number of optical components, including objectives and lenses. Currently, most microscopic imaging devices use a vertical layout to arrange the optical components, which results in the entire system requiring a large vertical space and occupying a large overall space. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides an imaging module and a microscopic imaging device to solve the technical problem in the prior art that the vertical space occupies a large amount, resulting in a large overall space occupancy.
[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an imaging module, including a stage, a light source, a focusing selection mechanism, an image acquisition module, and an optical path adjustment mirror assembly. The stage is used to load a sample; the light source is disposed below the stage and is capable of emitting a light beam toward the sample; the focusing selection mechanism is disposed above the stage and is used to magnify the image of the sample; the image acquisition module and the light source are arranged at a distance in the Y direction; the optical path adjustment mirror assembly is configured to change the optical path direction at least twice and allow the imaging beam to be incident downward along the Z direction onto the image acquisition module.
[0006] In an optional embodiment of this application, the optical path adjustment mirror group includes a first mirror group, a second mirror group, and a tube mirror group; the first mirror group, the tube mirror group, and the second mirror group are arranged sequentially at intervals along the Y direction, and the imaging beam is incident on the first mirror group after passing through the focusing selection mechanism.
[0007] In an optional embodiment of this application, the focusing selection mechanism includes a rotation drive device, a turntable, and multiple objectives; the turntable is connected to the rotation drive device, and the multiple objectives are all connected to the turntable; the rotation drive device drives the turntable to rotate so as to rotate any objective between the first reflecting mirror group and the stage.
[0008] In the optional solutions of this application, a multi-axis motion module is also included, and the stage is connected to the multi-axis motion module; the multi-axis motion module is configured to enable the stage to have a lifting motion degree of freedom and an X-axis motion degree of freedom.
[0009] In an optional embodiment of this application, the multi-axis motion module includes a linear transmission mechanism and a linear drive unit; the linear transmission mechanism extends along the X direction, the linear drive unit is connected to the linear transmission mechanism and extends along the Z direction, and the stage is connected to the linear drive unit.
[0010] In an optional embodiment of this application, the multi-axis motion module further includes a limiting unit, which is used to limit the lower limit of the stage.
[0011] In the optional solutions of this application, the housing assembly is also included, and the stage, light source, focusing selection mechanism, image acquisition module, optical path adjustment lens group and multi-axis movement module are all disposed within the housing assembly.
[0012] In an optional embodiment of this application, the housing assembly is provided with a through hole, which is located on the X-axis side of the housing assembly and its X-axis projection at least covers the stage.
[0013] In an optional embodiment of this application, the multi-axis motion module is located between the light source and the image acquisition module in the Y direction; a partition is provided inside the housing assembly, and the partition is located between the multi-axis motion module and the image acquisition module.
[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a microscopic imaging device, including the imaging module described above.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0016] In the imaging module provided in this application, the light source provides an upward incident light beam on the sample. The imaging beam formed by the sample passes through the focusing selection mechanism and then enters the optical path adjustment lens group, and then enters the image acquisition module for imaging.
[0017] Since the image acquisition module and the light source are arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction, the optical path adjustment lens group needs to change the direction of the pipeline and make the imaging beam incident on the image acquisition module downward in the Z direction. Therefore, the optical path is changed at least twice: first, the vertical upward optical path is changed to the Y direction, and then the optical path along the Y direction is changed to the vertical downward.
[0018] As can be seen, the optical path adjustment lens group can change a certain section of the optical path along the Y direction, that is, change the vertical optical path to a part of the optical path along the horizontal direction. In other words, it deflects the vertical optical path, thereby reducing the vertical space occupation. Moreover, the image acquisition module and the light source are spaced apart in the Y direction, and the imaging beam is incident vertically downward on the image acquisition module, avoiding excessive horizontal space occupation, thus reducing the overall space occupied by the imaging module. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging module provided according to one embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal layout of the imaging module in the image;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal layout of the imaging module from another perspective;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the optical path formed by the optical elements in the diagram.
[0024] Figure Labels
[0025] 100. Imaging module; 101. Sample;
[0026] 10. Stage; 20. Light source;
[0027] 30. Focusing selection mechanism; 31. Rotation drive device; 32. Turntable; 33. Objective lens;
[0028] 40. Image acquisition module;
[0029] 50. Optical path adjustment mirror group; 51. First reflecting mirror group; 52. Second reflecting mirror group; 53. Tube mirror group;
[0030] 60. Multi-axis motion module; 61. Linear transmission mechanism; 62. Linear drive unit; 63. Limiting unit; 631. Light blocking plate; 632. Photoelectric switch;
[0031] 70. Housing assembly; 71. Partition; 72. Cover; 73. Substrate; H1. Through hole. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To make the above and other features and advantages of this application clearer, the application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments given herein are for the purpose of explanation to those skilled in the art and are exemplary only, not restrictive.
[0033] The “X direction”, “Y direction” and “Z direction” mentioned in this application are determined based on the Cartesian coordinate system constructed by the imaging module 100. The Z direction is the up and down direction, as well as the vertical direction. The X and Y directions define the horizontal direction, which is the ground.
[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an imaging module 100 provided according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal layout of the imaging module 100. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal layout of the imaging module 100 from another perspective. Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the optical path formed by the optical elements in the diagram.
[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application includes an imaging module 100, which includes at least a stage 10, a light source 20, a focus selection mechanism 30, an image acquisition module 40, and an optical path adjustment lens group 50.
[0036] The stage 10 is used to load the sample 101; the light source 20 is located below the stage 10 and can emit a light beam toward the sample 101; the focusing selection mechanism 30 is located above the stage 10 and is used to magnify the image of the sample 101; the image acquisition module 40 and the light source 20 are arranged at a distance in the Y direction.
[0037] The optical path adjustment mirror group 50 is configured to change the optical path direction at least twice and allow the imaging beam to be incident downward along the Z direction into the image acquisition module 40.
[0038] In this embodiment, the light source 20 provides an upward incident light beam onto the sample 101. The imaging beam formed by the sample 101 passes through the focusing selection mechanism 30 and then enters the optical path adjustment lens group 50, and then is incident on the image acquisition module 40 for imaging.
[0039] Since the image acquisition module 40 and the light source 20 are arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction, the optical path adjustment mirror group 50 needs to change the direction of the pipeline and make the imaging beam incident on the image acquisition module 40 downward in the Z direction. Therefore, the optical path is changed at least twice: first, the vertical upward optical path is changed to the Y direction, and then the optical path along the Y direction is changed to the vertical downward.
[0040] As can be seen, the optical path adjustment mirror group 50 can change a certain section of the optical path along the Y direction, that is, change the vertical optical path to a part of the optical path along the horizontal direction, that is, deflect the vertical optical path, thereby reducing the vertical space occupation. Moreover, the image acquisition module 40 and the light source 20 are spaced apart in the Y direction, and the imaging beam is incident vertically downward on the image acquisition module 40, avoiding excessive horizontal space occupation, thus reducing the overall space occupied by the imaging module 100.
[0041] In one optional embodiment, the light source 20 may be, for example, an LED lamp, a halogen lamp, etc. In another optional embodiment, the light source 20 is further provided with a light-diffusing plate to make the light beam incident on the sample 101 more uniform.
[0042] In one alternative embodiment, the image acquisition module 40 may employ, for example, an industrial camera or a photoelectric sensor. Additionally, the sample 101 here may refer to a glass slide, tissue section, sperm counting chamber, etc., containing the microscopic organism to be detected.
[0043] As a further preferred embodiment, based on the above-mentioned scheme, in the specific embodiments of this application, one or more of the following additions or combinations may also be made.
[0044] In some optional embodiments, the optical path adjustment mirror group 50 includes a first mirror group 51, a second mirror group 52, and a tube mirror group 53. The first mirror group 51, the tube mirror group 53, and the second mirror group 52 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the Y direction, and the imaging beam is incident on the first mirror group 51 after passing through the focusing selection mechanism 30.
[0045] In this embodiment, the light beam emitted by the light source 20 is incident on the sample 101 and forms an imaging beam that passes vertically upward through the focusing selection mechanism 30, and then enters the first reflecting mirror group 51 to change the vertical imaging beam to the Y direction. After passing through the tube lens group 53, it enters the second reflecting mirror group 52 to change the Y-direction imaging beam to vertically downward so that it enters the image acquisition module 40.
[0046] Of course, it should be understood that when a longer optical path is required to meet imaging needs, the number of mirror groups can be appropriately increased so that the optical path undergoes more directional changes, thereby extending the optical path through multiple detours in the horizontal direction.
[0047] It should be noted that the mirror assembly here can be a combination of a mirror mount and a lens. For example, the reflecting mirror assembly is a combination of a reflecting mirror mount and a reflecting lens, and the tube mirror assembly 53 is a combination of a tube mount and a convex lens.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the acute angle between the reflector in the first reflector group 51 and the plane containing XZ is 45°, the acute angle between the reflector in the second reflector group 52 and the plane containing XZ is 45°, and the included angle between the two is 90°. Of course, the arrangement angle of the first reflector group 51 and the second reflector group 52 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be adjusted according to the optical path design requirements.
[0049] In a further optional embodiment, the focusing selection mechanism 30 includes a rotation drive 31, a turntable 32, and a plurality of objectives 33. The turntable 32 is connected to the rotation drive 31, and the plurality of objectives 33 are all connected to the turntable 32. The rotation drive 31 drives the turntable 32 to rotate, thereby enabling any objective 33 to be rotated between the first mirror group 51 and the stage 10.
[0050] In this embodiment, the focusing selection mechanism 30 is a turntable mechanism, which drives the turntable 32 to rotate through the rotation drive device 31, so as to rotate the required objective lens 33 between the first reflecting mirror group 51 and the stage 10 for magnifying the sample image.
[0051] It should be noted that objective lens 33 is widely used in the optical path of microscopic imaging, and will not be explained here. In addition, at least some of the multiple objective lenses 33 can be of the same specification, or the specifications of each objective lens 33 can be different. The specifications of objective lens 33 can refer to the magnification, focal length, etc.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable 32 is a circular turntable parallel to the XY plane. The turntable 32 has multiple holes evenly spaced along its circumference. These holes can be used to mount the objective lens 33 and allow the imaging beam to pass through. In the description of the above embodiment, "the imaging beam passes through the focusing selection mechanism 30" means that the imaging beam passes through the objective lens 33 in the focusing selection mechanism 30. Of course, the focusing selection mechanism 30 is not limited to the turntable mechanism illustrated; for example, it could be a linear selection mechanism, where multiple objective lenses 33 have linear motion degrees of freedom along the X or Y direction for selecting the desired objective lens 33. Comparatively, the turntable mechanism occupies less space.
[0053] In some optional embodiments, the imaging module 100 further includes a multi-axis motion module 60, to which the stage 10 is connected; the multi-axis motion module 60 is configured to enable the stage 10 to have a vertical motion degree of freedom and an X-axis motion degree of freedom.
[0054] In this embodiment, the stage 10, under the action of the multi-axis motion module 60, has Z-axis and X-axis motion degrees of freedom, so that the sample 101 located on the stage 10 also has Z-axis and X-axis motion degrees of freedom. This arrangement is mainly to facilitate the loading of the sample 101 onto the stage 10 and the adjustment of the distance (focal length adjustment) between the sample 101 and the objective lens 33.
[0055] In a further optional embodiment, the multi-axis motion module 60 includes a linear drive mechanism 61 and a linear drive unit 62. The linear drive mechanism 61 extends along the X direction, the linear drive unit 62 is connected to the linear drive mechanism 61 and extends along the Z direction, and the stage 10 is connected to the linear drive unit 62.
[0056] In this embodiment, the multi-axis motion module 60 provides X-axis and Z-axis motion degrees of freedom through a combination of linear transmission mechanism 61 and linear drive unit 62.
[0057] Specifically, the linear drive unit 62 is mounted on the linear transmission mechanism 61, so the linear drive unit 62 has X-axis motion degree of freedom, and at the same time, the linear drive unit 62 can provide Z-axis motion degree of freedom, so the stage 10 connected to the linear drive unit 62 has X-axis motion degree of freedom and Z-axis motion degree of freedom.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the linear transmission mechanism 61 is a slider guide rail transmission mechanism, and the linear drive unit 62 is a linear movement unit driven by a motor and built based on a ball screw. The platform 10 is mounted on the lifting nut seat on the linear drive unit 62 for lifting and lowering movement. That is, the X-axis motion degree of freedom is manually operated by the operator, while the Z-axis motion degree of freedom is automatically operated.
[0059] In a further optional embodiment, the multi-axis motion module 60 further includes a limiting unit 63, which is used to limit the lower limit of the stage 10.
[0060] In this embodiment, the limiting unit 63 is used to limit the lower limit of the stage 10 to prevent the stage 10 from interfering with the components below it.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting unit 63 includes a light-blocking plate 631 disposed on the lifting nut seat of the linear drive unit 62 and a photoelectric switch 632 located on one side of the light-blocking plate 631. When the light-blocking plate 631 reaches the position of the photoelectric switch 632, it changes the switching signal emitted by the photoelectric switch 632, thereby preventing the lifting nut seat from continuing to drive the platform 10 downward. Of course, the limiting unit 63 is not limited to the combination of the light-blocking plate 631 and the photoelectric switch 632; for example, it can also be a combination of a lever and a limiting switch.
[0062] It should be understood that the upper limit of the stage 10 can be determined based on the travel distance of the linear drive unit 62 in the Z direction. Of course, the upper limit can also be determined by arranging photoelectric switches and limit switches, but this will increase the cost.
[0063] In some optional embodiments, the imaging module 100 further includes a housing assembly 70, in which the stage 10, light source 20, focus selection mechanism 30, image acquisition module 40, optical path adjustment lens group 50, and multi-axis movement module 60 are all disposed.
[0064] In this embodiment, the stage 10, light source 20, focusing selection mechanism 30, image acquisition module 40, optical path adjustment mirror group 50 and multi-axis movement module 60 are all integrated into the housing assembly 70. The housing assembly 70 provides a sealed environment to prevent external particles from contaminating the optical components inside the housing assembly 70.
[0065] In a further optional embodiment, the housing assembly 70 is provided with a through hole H1, which is located on the X-direction side of the housing assembly 70 and projects in the X-direction to at least cover the stage 10.
[0066] In this embodiment, the housing assembly 70 has a through hole H1 aligned with the stage 10 in the X direction. The stage 10 can pass through the through hole H1 to extend outside the housing assembly 70 to facilitate loading of the sample 101.
[0067] In one alternative embodiment, since the linear drive mechanism 61 provides X-axis motion freedom, the operator can pull out the stage 10 through the through hole H1 to load the sample 101.
[0068] In one optional embodiment, the housing assembly 70 includes a substrate 73 and a cover 72. The stage 10, light source 20, focus selection mechanism 30, image acquisition module 40, optical path adjustment mirror group 50, and multi-axis movement module 60 are all mounted on the substrate 73. The cover 72 is connected to the substrate 73 and covers the stage 10, light source 20, focus selection mechanism 30, image acquisition module 40, optical path adjustment mirror group 50, and multi-axis movement module 60. In one optional embodiment, a through-hole H1 is formed on the cover 72.
[0069] In some alternative embodiments, the multi-axis motion module 60 is located in the Y direction between the light source 20 and the image acquisition module 40. A partition 71 is provided within the housing assembly 70, located between the multi-axis motion module 60 and the image acquisition module 40.
[0070] In this embodiment, the multi-axis motion module 60 and the light source 20 are located on one side of the partition 71 in the Y direction, and the image acquisition module 40 is located on the other side of the partition 71. In this way, the scattered light generated by the light source 20 can be prevented from affecting the imaging of the image acquisition module 40.
[0071] Another aspect of this application provides a microscopic imaging device, which includes the imaging module 100 described above. Obviously, this microscopic imaging device possesses all the advantages brought by the imaging module 100, which will not be repeated here.
[0072] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" mentioned in this application are for the purpose of better describing the corresponding technical features, rather than limiting the number of technical features.
[0073] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. An imaging module, comprising: include: A stage (10) is used to load a sample (101); A light source (20) is disposed below the stage (10) and is capable of emitting a light beam toward the sample (101); A focus selection mechanism (30) is disposed above the stage (10) and is used to magnify the image of the sample (101); The image acquisition module (40) is arranged at a distance from the light source (20) in the Y direction; as well as The optical path adjustment mirror group (50) is configured to change the optical path direction at least twice and allow the imaging beam to be incident downward along the Z direction into the image acquisition module (40).
2. The imaging module of claim 1, wherein, The optical path adjustment mirror group (50) includes a first reflecting mirror group (51), a second reflecting mirror group (52), and a tube mirror group (53); The first reflector group (51), the tube mirror group (53) and the second reflector group (52) are arranged sequentially at intervals along the Y direction, and the imaging beam is incident on the first reflector group (51) after passing through the focusing selection mechanism (30).
3. The imaging module of claim 2, wherein, The focusing selection mechanism (30) includes a rotation drive device (31), a turntable (32), and multiple objective lenses (33); The turntable (32) is connected to the rotation drive device (31), and the plurality of objective lenses (33) are all connected to the turntable (32); The rotation drive device (31) drives the turntable (32) to rotate so as to rotate any of the objective lenses (33) between the first mirror group (51) and the stage (10).
4. The imaging module of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a multi-axis motion module (60), to which the stage (10) is connected; The multi-axis motion module (60) is configured to give the stage (10) a degree of freedom for lifting and lowering as well as a degree of freedom for moving in the X direction.
5. The imaging module of claim 4, wherein, The multi-axis motion module (60) includes a linear transmission mechanism (61) and a linear drive unit (62); The linear transmission mechanism (61) extends along the X direction, the linear drive unit (62) is connected to the linear transmission mechanism (61) and extends along the Z direction, and the stage (10) is connected to the linear drive unit (62).
6. The imaging module of claim 5, wherein, The multi-axis moving module (60) further includes a limiting unit (63), which is used to limit the lower limit of the stage (10).
7. The imaging module of claim 4, wherein, It also includes a housing assembly (70), in which the stage (10), the light source (20), the focusing selection mechanism (30), the image acquisition module (40), the optical path adjustment mirror group (50), and the multi-axis movement module (60) are all disposed.
8. The imaging module of claim 7, wherein, The housing assembly (70) is provided with a through hole (H1) located on the X-direction side of the housing assembly (70) and projected in the X-direction to at least cover the stage (10).
9. The imaging module of claim 7, wherein, The multi-axis motion module (60) is located in the Y direction between the light source (20) and the image acquisition module (40); The housing assembly (70) is provided with a partition (71) located between the multi-axis moving module (60) and the image acquisition module (40).
10. A microscopic imaging apparatus, characterized by, An imaging module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. An imaging module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.