A bright field illumination module suitable for all-electric FRET microscopy

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of bright field illumination module suitable for full electric FRET microscope, including there is lens holder and connecting sleeve;Horizontal plate is provided on lens holder, and connecting sleeve bottom end is arranged on horizontal plate;Connecting sleeve top end is provided with installation slot, and light source and condenser lens group are further provided in installation slot, condenser lens group top end is arranged in light source, and condenser lens group bottom end is in contact with installation slot;Electric diaphragm is further provided below connecting sleeve, and connecting sleeve bottom end is further provided with mounting piece, electric diaphragm includes upper casing and lower casing, and upper casing and lower casing are connected by screw, upper casing top end is provided with connecting piece, and upper casing is connected with connecting sleeve by connecting piece;Condenser lens group is further provided at lower casing bottom end, and condenser lens group is connected with lower casing.Module is automatically adjusted by electric diaphragm to match objective lens with light aperture, and condenser lens group and condenser lens group ensure that light field is uniform, simultaneously, light source is compact integration to realize miniaturization, reduce use limit, increase practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of bright-field illumination technology for microscopes, and more specifically, relates to a bright-field illumination module suitable for fully electric FRET microscopes. Background Technology

[0002] FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) microscopy is a microscopic imaging device based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology. It is mainly used to observe and analyze the interactions and dynamic processes between biomolecules and has important applications in cell biology, molecular biology and other fields. In the functional system of FRET microscopy, bright-field imaging plays a key role. As a pre-processing step of fluorescence imaging, it can clearly present the morphological characteristics of cells, helping experimenters to effectively identify the spatial distribution of apoptotic cells, cell debris and live cells, and thus complete the precise pre-positioning of target areas.

[0003] Current Kohler illumination systems for microscopes have limitations in their application:

[0004] Firstly, the system is quite large, which restricts equipment integration and spatial layout;

[0005] Secondly, the adjustment method is still mainly manual operation, which is complicated and requires high professional skills from the operators.

[0006] Third, the application of automation technology is insufficient, making it impossible to automatically adjust the aperture according to the objective lens magnification to achieve optical matching;

[0007] Fourth, the uniformity of the illumination field is poor;

[0008] These issues directly affect the stability and reliability of image quality. Utility Model Content

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a bright-field illumination module suitable for fully electric FRET microscopes. This solves the technical problems in the prior art where the existing Kohler illumination system for microscopes suffers from large size, cumbersome manual adjustment, insufficient automation, inability to automatically match the light transmission aperture according to the objective lens, and poor illumination uniformity, which directly affect the stability and reliability of imaging quality.

[0010] The purpose and effectiveness of this utility model for a bright-field illumination module suitable for a fully electric FRET microscope are achieved through the following specific technical means:

[0011] A bright-field illumination module for a fully motorized FRET microscope includes a frame and a connecting sleeve. A horizontal plate is mounted on the frame, and the bottom end of the connecting sleeve is mounted on the horizontal plate. A mounting groove is formed at the top of the connecting sleeve, within which a light source and a condenser lens assembly are disposed. The top end of the condenser lens assembly passes through the light source, and the bottom end of the condenser lens assembly contacts the mounting groove. An electric diaphragm is also provided below the connecting sleeve, and a mounting component is provided at the bottom of the connecting sleeve. The electric diaphragm includes an upper housing and a lower housing, which are connected by screws. A connector is provided at the top of the upper housing, and the upper housing is connected to the connecting sleeve via the connector. A condenser lens assembly is also provided at the bottom of the lower housing, and the condenser lens assembly is connected to the lower housing.

[0012] The above technical solution further includes that multiple sets of lenses are provided in both the light-collecting lens group and the light-condensing lens group, and gaskets are provided between the multiple sets of lenses. Mechanical retaining rings for pressing the multiple sets of lenses are also provided in both the light-collecting lens group and the light-condensing lens group.

[0013] The above technical solution further includes that the light source includes a mounting sleeve and an LED lamp bead, the bottom end of the mounting sleeve passes through the mounting groove at the top end of the connecting sleeve; the LED lamp bead passes through the mounting sleeve and is connected to the mounting sleeve by bolts, and a heat sink is also provided at the top end of the LED lamp bead passing through the mounting sleeve.

[0014] The above technical solution further includes that the upper housing is provided with a mounting platform, a motor cover is detachably provided on the mounting platform, a motor body is provided between the motor cover and the mounting platform, and the shaft end of the motor body passes through the mounting platform and is provided between the upper housing and the lower housing, and a drive gear is provided on the shaft end of the motor body.

[0015] The above technical solution further includes that the lower housing is provided with an installation ring groove, in which a planar thrust roller bearing and a driven gear are sequentially fitted. The bottom end of the driven gear contacts the planar thrust roller bearing, and the driven gear also meshes with the driving gear. A rotating ring is also fixedly connected to the top end of the driven gear by a screw.

[0016] The above technical solution further includes that the inner wall of the driven gear is provided with a mechanical limit, and the mounting ring groove is provided with a limit groove, and the two sides of the mechanical limit contact the two sides of the limit groove respectively.

[0017] The above technical solution further includes that multiple sets of aperture blades are evenly arranged between the top of the rotating ring and the upper housing. The two ends of the aperture blades are respectively provided with positioning posts and movable posts. The top of the rotating ring is provided with movable grooves corresponding to the multiple sets of aperture blades. The movable posts are movably arranged in the movable grooves, and the positioning posts pass through the upper housing.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. The module features an electric aperture structure. The motor body is mounted on the mounting platform of the upper housing, with its shaft extending through the mounting platform and between the upper and lower housings, connecting to the drive gear. A flat thrust roller bearing and a driven gear are sequentially fitted into the mounting ring groove of the lower housing. The driven gear meshes with the drive gear, and a rotating ring is fixed to the top of the driven gear with screws. When the rotating ring rotates, it drives the aperture blades, automatically adjusting the light transmission aperture. This allows for automatic matching of the light transmission aperture according to the objective lens magnification, achieving optical matching and improving the ease of operation of the lighting system.

[0020] 2. Both the condenser lens and the focusing lens assembly contain multiple lens groups, with gaskets between the lenses to ensure the lens spacing meets requirements. Mechanical retaining rings are installed within the lens assembly to press the multiple lens groups together, ensuring uniform force on the lenses and maintaining accurate relative positions, thereby improving the uniformity of the illumination light field.

[0021] 3. The light source consists of a mounting sleeve, LED beads, and a heat sink. The bottom end of the mounting sleeve is inserted into the mounting groove at the top of the connecting sleeve. The LED beads are installed inside the mounting sleeve and fixed with bolts. Their top ends pass through the mounting sleeve and connect to the heat sink. The heat sink base and the aluminum substrate of the LED beads are tightly fitted, making the light source compactly integrated and achieving module miniaturization. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the light source of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the light-collecting lens assembly of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the condenser lens assembly of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the electric aperture of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of region a in the middle.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the lower housing and the driven gear of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aperture blade of this utility model.

[0031] In the diagram, the correspondence between component names and drawing numbers is as follows:

[0032] 1. Frame; 2. Connecting sleeve; 3. Light source; 4. Condenser lens assembly; 5. Motorized aperture; 6. Condenser lens assembly; 101. Upper housing; 102. Lower housing; 201. Lens; 202. Washer; 203. Mechanical retaining ring; 301. Mounting sleeve; 302. LED bead; 303. Heat sink; 401. Motor cover; 402. Motor body; 403. Drive gear; 501. Flat thrust needle roller bearing; 502. Driven gear; 503. Rotating ring; 601. Mechanical limit; 602. Limit groove; 701. Aperture blade; 702. Positioning post; 703. Movable post; 704. Movable groove. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, but should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0034] Example:

[0035] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this utility model provides a bright-field illumination module suitable for a fully electric FRET microscope, including a frame 1 and a connecting sleeve 2. A horizontal plate is provided on the frame 1, and the bottom end of the connecting sleeve 2 is set on the horizontal plate. A mounting groove is opened at the top of the connecting sleeve 2, and a light source 3 and a condenser lens group 4 are also provided in the mounting groove. The top end of the condenser lens group 4 passes through the light source 3, and the bottom end of the condenser lens group 4 contacts the mounting groove. An electric aperture 5 is also provided below the connecting sleeve 2, and a mounting component is also provided at the bottom of the connecting sleeve 2. The electric aperture 5 includes an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102, which are connected by screws. A connector is provided at the top of the upper housing 101, and the upper housing 101 is connected to the connecting sleeve 2 through the connector. A condenser lens group 6 is also provided at the bottom of the lower housing 102, and the condenser lens group 6 is connected to the lower housing 102. The frame 1 is equipped with a horizontal plate, which provides an installation position for the bottom of the connecting sleeve 2. The bottom of the connecting sleeve 2 is fixedly connected to the horizontal plate. The frame 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 form a modular basic support structure to ensure the stable installation position of the light source 3, the light-collecting lens group 4, the motorized aperture 5, and the condenser lens group 6.

[0036] A mounting groove is provided at the top of the connecting sleeve 2 to accommodate the light source 3 and the focusing lens group 4. The light source 3 and the focusing lens group 4 are set in the mounting groove, with the top of the focusing lens group 4 passing through the light source 3 and the bottom of the focusing lens group 4 contacting the mounting groove. The light emitted from the light source 3 passes through the focusing lens group 4 and enters the motorized aperture 5, realizing the orderly transmission of light within the connecting sleeve 2. A mounting component is provided at the bottom of the connecting sleeve 2, and a connecting component is provided at the top of the upper housing 101 of the motorized aperture 5. The connecting component cooperates with the mounting component, and the upper housing 101 is connected to the connecting sleeve 2 through the connecting component. The upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 are connected by screws. The electric aperture 5 forms a complete assembly through the connection between the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102. The assembly is set under the connecting sleeve 2 to realize the adjustment of the light aperture of the light transmitted through the condenser lens group 4. The bottom of the lower housing 102 is provided with a condenser lens group 6, which is connected to the lower housing 102. The condenser lens group 6 receives the light after it is adjusted by the electric aperture 5, focuses the light, and provides the microscope with an illumination beam that meets the observation requirements, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the light illumination.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, both the condenser lens group 4 and the focusing lens group 6 contain multiple sets of lenses 201, and gaskets 202 are provided between each set of lenses 201. Mechanical retaining rings 203 for pressing the multiple sets of lenses 201 are also installed within the condenser lens group 4 and the focusing lens group 6. The multiple sets of lenses 201 are arranged according to optical requirements. Through the refraction of light by each lens 201, optical processing such as focusing and collimation of the light emitted from the light source 3 is achieved, thus meeting the requirements of the bright-field illumination module for light transmission path and illumination effect. Gaskets 202, which are annular structures, are installed between adjacent lenses 201 to limit the axial spacing of the multiple sets of lenses 201. This ensures that the relative positions of each lens 201 meet the focal length and aberration correction requirements of the optical system, and avoids affecting illumination uniformity due to spacing deviations.

[0038] Meanwhile, mechanical retaining rings 203 are installed inside the lens barrels of the light-collecting lens group 4 and the light-condensing lens group 6. The mechanical retaining rings 203 are ring-shaped elastic components. During installation, they generate axial pressure through radial compression to tightly press multiple lens groups 201 inside the lens barrel, keeping the lens groups 201 in a fixed state within the lens group. This prevents the lens groups 201 from shifting or tilting due to equipment vibration or external forces, ensuring the stability and reliability of the optical system.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the light source 3 includes a mounting sleeve 301 and an LED bead 302. The bottom end of the mounting sleeve 301 passes through the mounting groove at the top of the connecting sleeve 2. The LED bead 302 passes through the mounting sleeve 301 and is connected to the mounting sleeve 301 by bolts. The top end of the LED bead 302 passes through the mounting sleeve 301 and is also equipped with a heat sink 303. The light source 3 is composed of the mounting sleeve 301 and the LED bead 302. The bottom end of the mounting sleeve 301 is precisely inserted into the mounting groove at the top of the connecting sleeve 2, and the two form a nested fit, providing a stable mounting base for the LED bead 302, ensuring that the position of the light source 3 is fixed in the module, so that the light is emitted from a fixed path to the light collecting lens group 4.

[0040] The LED bead 302 is inserted into the mounting sleeve 301. Multiple bolts pass through the screw holes on the side wall of the mounting sleeve 301 and are tightened to the fixing holes of the LED bead 302, achieving a mechanical connection between the LED bead 302 and the mounting sleeve 301. This ensures the LED bead 302 remains in a stable position during operation, preventing the light emission direction from shifting due to vibration or other factors. Simultaneously, the top of the LED bead 302 penetrates a pre-drilled hole in the top of the mounting sleeve 301, directly contacting the bottom plane of the heat sink 303. The heat sink 303 fills the gap between the two with a thermally conductive interface material, forming a heat conduction channel. The heat sink 303 increases the contact area with air through large-area heat dissipation fins, utilizing natural convection or forced air cooling to dissipate the heat generated by the LED bead 302, maintaining the LED bead 302's operating temperature within the rated range and ensuring its luminous efficiency and lifespan.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an mounting platform is also provided on the upper housing 101, and a motor cover 401 is detachably mounted on the mounting platform. A motor body 402 is also positioned between the motor cover 401 and the mounting platform, with the shaft end of the motor body 402 passing through the mounting platform and positioned between the upper and lower housings 101. A drive gear 403 is also provided on the shaft end of the motor body 402. The mounting platform on the surface of the upper housing 101 provides a mounting reference plane for the motor body 402. The height and position of the mounting platform ensure that after the motor body 402 is installed, its shaft end and the transmission components between the upper and lower housings 101 and 102 are on the same horizontal working plane, ensuring accurate power transmission. The motor cover 401 is detachably mounted on the mounting platform, providing a fully enclosed protection for the motor body 402 during installation, preventing external dust and debris from entering and affecting motor performance. It can be quickly removed during disassembly, facilitating troubleshooting, component replacement, and other maintenance operations on the motor body 402.

[0042] The shaft end of the motor body 402 passes through a pre-set through hole in the mounting platform and extends into the space between the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102. The shaft end is fixed to the drive gear 403 by keyway or threaded connection. When the motor body 402 is powered on, the shaft end drives the drive gear 403 to rotate, transmitting the motor power to the adjustment mechanism between the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 to achieve automatic adjustment of the light transmission aperture.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lower housing 102 also has a mounting ring groove, in which a flat thrust roller bearing 501 and a driven gear 502 are sequentially fitted. The bottom end of the driven gear 502 contacts the flat thrust roller bearing 501, and the driven gear 502 also meshes with the driving gear 403. A rotating ring 503 is also fixedly connected to the top end of the driven gear 502 by screws. The mounting ring groove in the lower housing 102 provides mounting space for the flat thrust roller bearing 501 and the driven gear 502, limits their mounting positions, and ensures the accurate relative positions of the components of the electric aperture 5. The flat thrust roller bearing 501 reduces the axial friction when the driven gear 502 rotates, making the driven gear 502 rotate more smoothly and reducing transmission losses. At the same time, the driven gear 502 meshes with the driving gear 403. The driving gear 403 is driven to rotate by the motor body 402. Through gear meshing, the power of the driving gear 403 is transmitted to the driven gear 502, realizing power transmission and speed conversion, and driving the driven gear 502 to rotate.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the driven gear 502 also has a mechanical limit 601 on its inner wall and a limit groove 602 on its mounting ring groove. The mechanical limit 601 contacts the two sides of the limit groove 602 on both sides. The mechanical limit 601 on the inner wall of the driven gear 502 and the corresponding limit groove 602 on the mounting ring groove, with the two sides of the mechanical limit 601 contacting the two sides of the limit groove 602, limit the rotation angle range of the driven gear 502 through their cooperation, preventing excessive rotation that could cause misalignment and damage to the aperture blade 701; at the same time, it provides a positioning reference for the rotation of the driven gear 502, ensuring that the angle is consistent each time it rotates to the limit position, thus ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the light transmission diameter adjustment of the electric aperture 5; in addition, it restricts the axial movement of the driven gear 502, keeping it radially stable within the mounting ring groove, preventing offset when meshing with the driving gear 403, and ensuring smooth and reliable gear transmission.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, multiple sets of aperture blades 701 are evenly arranged between the top of the rotating ring 503 and the upper housing 101. Each aperture blade 701 has a positioning post 702 and a movable post 703 at its two ends. A movable groove 704 is formed at the top of the rotating ring 503 corresponding to the multiple sets of aperture blades 701. The movable post 703 is movably positioned within the movable groove 704, and the positioning post 702 passes through the upper housing 101. Multiple sets of aperture blades 701 are evenly arranged circumferentially between the top of the rotating ring 503 and the upper housing 101. The aperture blades 701 have an arc-shaped structure, and the combination of multiple sets of aperture blades 701 forms a centrally adjustable light-transmitting aperture. When the rotating ring 503 rotates, it drives the aperture blades 701 to move synchronously. The opening and closing of the inner edge of the aperture blades 701 changes the size of the light-transmitting area, meeting the matching requirements of different magnification objectives of the fully electric FRET microscope for light intensity and field of view.

[0046] The aperture blade 701 is provided with a positioning post 702 and a movable post 703 at both ends. The positioning post 702 is a cylindrical protrusion that passes through a positioning hole on the bottom surface of the upper housing 101. The positioning post 702 and the positioning hole are fitted with a clearance fit, providing a fixed rotation fulcrum for the aperture blade 701, restricting the radial movement of the aperture blade 701, ensuring the stability of the aperture blade 701 during operation, and avoiding irregularities in the edge of the light-transmitting aperture due to shaking, which would affect the uniformity of illumination. The top of the rotating ring 503 is provided with a movable groove 704 corresponding to multiple sets of aperture blades 701. The movable groove 704 is a long groove, and the movable post 703 is a cylindrical protrusion. The bottom end of the movable post 703 is embedded in the movable groove 704, and the outer diameter of the movable post 703 is fitted with the width of the movable groove 704 with a clearance fit. When the rotating ring 503 rotates, the movable groove 704 follows the rotating ring 503 to make a circular motion. The movable column 703 slides along the groove wall in the movable groove 704, driving the aperture blades 701 to swing in a fan shape around the positioning column 702, realizing the synchronous opening and closing of multiple sets of aperture blades 701, completing the automatic adjustment of the light aperture, ensuring that the adjustment process is smooth and stable, without any jamming.

[0047] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bright-field illumination module suitable for a fully electric FRET microscope, comprising a frame (1) and a connecting sleeve (2), characterized in that: A horizontal plate is provided on the frame (1), and the bottom end of the connecting sleeve (2) is provided on the horizontal plate; a mounting groove is provided at the top end of the connecting sleeve (2), and a light source (3) and a light-collecting lens group (4) are also provided in the mounting groove. The top end of the light-collecting lens group (4) passes through the light source (3), and the bottom end of the light-collecting lens group (4) contacts the mounting groove. An electric aperture (5) is also provided under the connecting sleeve (2), and an installation part is also provided at the bottom end of the connecting sleeve (2). The electric aperture (5) includes an upper housing (101) and a lower housing (102). The upper housing (101) and the lower housing (102) are connected by screws. A connector is provided at the top end of the upper housing (101), and the upper housing (101) is connected to the connecting sleeve (2) through the connector. A condenser lens group (6) is also provided at the bottom end of the lower housing (102), and the condenser lens group (6) is connected to the lower housing (102).

2. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the light-collecting lens group (4) and the light-condensing lens group (6) are provided with multiple sets of lenses (201), and gaskets (202) are provided between the multiple sets of lenses (201). Mechanical retaining rings (203) for pressing the multiple sets of lenses (201) are also provided in the light-collecting lens group (4) and the light-condensing lens group (6).

3. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source (3) includes a mounting sleeve (301) and an LED lamp bead (302). The bottom end of the mounting sleeve (301) passes through the mounting groove at the top end of the connecting sleeve (2). The LED lamp bead (302) passes through the mounting sleeve (301) and is connected to the mounting sleeve (301) by bolts. The top end of the LED lamp bead (302) passes through the mounting sleeve (301) and is also provided with a heat sink (303).

4. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper housing (101) is also provided with a mounting platform, and a motor cover (401) is also detachably mounted on the mounting platform. A motor body (402) is also provided between the motor cover (401) and the mounting platform, and the shaft end of the motor body (402) passes through the mounting platform and is located between the upper housing (101) and the lower housing (102). The shaft end of the motor body (402) is also provided with a drive gear (403).

5. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower housing (102) is also provided with an installation ring groove, in which a planar thrust roller bearing (501) and a driven gear (502) are sequentially fitted. The bottom end of the driven gear (502) contacts the planar thrust roller bearing (501), and the driven gear (502) also meshes with the driving gear (403). The top end of the driven gear (502) is also fixedly connected to a rotating ring (503) by screws.

6. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner wall of the driven gear (502) is also provided with a mechanical limit (601), and the mounting ring groove is also provided with a limit groove (602). The two sides of the mechanical limit (601) are respectively in contact with the two sides of the limit groove (602).

7. A bright-field illumination module for a fully electric FRET microscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple sets of aperture blades (701) are evenly arranged between the top of the rotating ring (503) and the upper housing (101). The two ends of the aperture blades (701) are respectively provided with positioning posts (702) and movable posts (703). The top of the rotating ring (503) is provided with movable grooves (704) corresponding to the multiple sets of aperture blades (701). The movable posts (703) are movably arranged in the movable grooves (704), and the positioning posts (702) pass through the upper housing (101).

Images