Microscope with focus control system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a microscope with focus control system. Microscope (1) includes support structure (2), the stage (3) and at least one objective lens (4) of installing on support structure (2), and at least one of stage (3) and objective lens (4) can move along the focus direction and approach / away from another of stage (3) and objective lens (4), control knob (5), control knob (5) includes at least one rotatable ring (6) around its axis of rotation, focus system is placed between knob (5) and stage (3) and the at least one of objective lens (4), and focus system is configured to convert the rotation of predefined angle of rotatable ring (6) into the displacement of the at least one of stage (3) and objective lens (4) along the focus direction of predefined distance, and focus system includes the switch configured to change the value of predefined distance between the first value, the second value and the third value, and the button element (10) installed on knob (5) and connected to the switch, and button element (10) is configured to activate the switch when being pressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to microscopes, and more particularly to microscopes with a focusing control system. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, microscopes are equipped with a support structure commonly referred to as "static", on which the stage, objective lens, one or more eyepieces optically coupled to the objective lens, and illumination system are mounted.

[0003] Microscopes also include an image focusing system, which obtains a clear and detailed image of the observed object by adjusting the position of the objective lens relative to the stage, or vice versa.

[0004] In most microscopes, the focusing system has two pairs of knobs for fine focusing and coarse focusing, which are actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0005] There are also known electrically driven microscopes, which are equipped with dedicated motors that automate the movement of the stage on one or more axes. The use of electrically driven microscopes allows for the automation of laboratory analysis and the achievement of higher focusing accuracy.

[0006] One of the main challenges in designing a microscope is providing a focusing system that allows for rapid and precise focusing of a specimen.

[0007] Therefore, microscopes are easy to continuously improve in order to enhance their ease of use and comfort. Utility Model Content

[0008] One object of this invention is to provide a microscope in which focusing management is simplified through a simple and effective solution.

[0009] Another object of this invention is to provide a microscope that enables rapid and precise focusing.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a microscope that allows for more comfortable, faster, and more efficient focusing.

[0011] According to this invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a microscope comprising a support structure; a stage mounted on the support structure and at least one objective mounted on the support structure and facing the stage, the stage and at least one objective being movable toward / away from the other objective along a focusing direction; a control knob comprising at least one rotating ring rotatable about its axis; a focusing system disposed between the knob and the at least one objective, the focusing system being configured to convert rotation of the rotating ring at a predefined angle into displacement of the at least one objective along the focusing direction by a predefined distance, the focusing system comprising a switch configured to change the value of the predefined distance among a first value, a second value, and a third value; and a button element mounted on the knob and connected to the switch, the button element being configured to activate the switch when pressed.

[0012] Further features of this invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] This solution has various advantages over existing technology solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of actual embodiments of the invention illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 A microscope according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0016] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the knob on a microscope;

[0017] Figure 3 Showing the overall mounting with the microscope Figure 2 The knob. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the microscope according to this invention is indicated by reference numeral 1. The microscope 1 includes a support structure 2, a stage 3 mounted on the support structure 2, and at least one objective lens 4 also mounted on the support structure 2 and facing the stage 3.

[0019] The microscope 1 also includes one or two eyepieces optically connected to the objective lens 4, an illumination system arranged in the support structure 2, and other existing technology devices for the operation of the microscope 1.

[0020] In some versions, the microscope 1 may include multiple objectives 4 supported by a specific objective turret.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the support structure 2 includes a base 2a adapted to be placed on a working surface and a lens section 2b located above the base 2a. An illumination system is mounted in the base 2a, while the objective lens 4 is mounted on the objective lens turret, and the eyepiece is mounted on the lens section 2b. The stage 3 is mounted on the support structure 2 at a position between the lens section 2b and the base 2a.

[0022] The support structure 2 also has a front portion on which the objective lens 4 and the stage 3 are placed, and two side portions (right portion 2c and left portion 2d) arranged on both sides of the front portion.

[0023] At least one of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4 can be moved along the focusing direction to approach / move away from the other of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4. This focusing direction is linear and points perpendicularly from the stage 3 to the objective lens 4. Preferably, the stage 3 can be moved along the focusing direction while the objective lens 4 remains stationary. However, it is not excluded that both can be movable.

[0024] Microscope 1 includes Figure 2 The control knob 5 is shown. Knob 5 is operatively connected to the focusing system (described in detail below) for controlling the operation of the focusing system.

[0025] The knob 5 includes at least one rotating ring 6 that can rotate about its axis. The knob 5 includes a body 7 on which the rotating ring 6 is rotatably mounted. Thus, the user can hold and rotate the rotating ring 6 to adjust the focus of the microscope 1.

[0026] Preferably, the knob 5 includes only one rotating ring 6, through which various types of focusing can be performed.

[0027] exist Figure 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the knob 5 is fixedly mounted on the support structure 2, preferably on the side portion, and even more preferably on the left side portion 2d.

[0028] In another embodiment, not shown, the knob 5 is detachable to allow it to be positioned on the right or left side of the microscope as needed. Thus, the microscope 1 includes a coupling device 8, at least partially disposed on the support structure 2, and configured to detachably engage the knob 5 to the support structure 2. The coupling device 8 thus allows the user to engage and release the knob 5 as needed: the user can engage the knob 5 to the support structure 2 or detach it and place it on the worktable.

[0029] like Figure 3As shown, the engagement device 8 includes at least one engagement element 9, which is preferably arranged on one of the two side portions and adapted to engage with the knob 5. In this particular case, the engagement device 8 has a pair of engagement elements 8 arranged on the side portions 2c, 2d.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement devices 8 are magnetic: thus, they include a magnet and a magnetic field generator, one associated with the support structure and the other associated with the knob 5.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the magnet is associated with the support structure 2, while the magnetic field generator is associated with the knob 5.

[0032] As described above, the microscope 1 has a focusing system positioned between the knob 5 and at least one of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4. The focusing system is at least partially mounted on the support structure 2.

[0033] The focusing system is configured to convert a predefined angle of rotation of the rotating ring 6 into a predefined distance displacement of at least one of the stage 3 and objective lens 4 along the focusing direction. Specifically, the focusing system converts the rotation of the rotating ring 6 into an electrical signal, which is then sent to a moving device that, after processing, moves the stage 3 and / or objective lens 4 along the focusing direction. Therefore, the focusing system converts a predefined angle of rotation of the rotating ring 6 into a predefined distance displacement.

[0034] As described above, in the preferred embodiment, the focusing system is connected to the stage 3 to move the stage 3 along the focusing direction, while the objective lens 4 remains stationary.

[0035] Appropriately, the focusing system includes a transducer connected to the rotating ring 6. The transducer is configured to convert the rotation of the rotating ring 6 into a corresponding electrical control signal.

[0036] The transducer is mounted on the knob 5, and in particular on the main body 7, which is in turn mounted on the support structure 2.

[0037] The transducer includes a rotary encoder, preferably an incremental rotary encoder, configured to determine the rotation angle (or angular displacement) of the rotating ring 6. The encoder is then configured to generate an electrical signal representing the value of this rotation angle.

[0038] The encoder is also configured to detect the rotation direction of the rotating ring 6 such that rotation in one direction and rotation in another direction correspond to movement in both directions in the focusing direction.

[0039] The encoder is configured to associate a defined electrical displacement signal with a default predefined rotation angle. This predefined rotation angle is based on the number of predefined steps (or "steps") performed by the rotary ring 6 to execute the rotation angle. Preferably, these steps are defined to include between 10 and 40, more preferably 30, so that the value of the predefined rotation angle includes between 9° and 36°, more preferably 12°.

[0040] The focusing system includes a moving device connected to one of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4, preferably connected to the stage 3, so as to move it along the focusing direction.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the moving device is motor-driven, i.e., includes a motor operatively connected to the stage 3. This connection is made using a motion transmission system that converts the rotation of the motor into linear movement of the stage 3 along the focusing direction, such as a worm gear or rack and pinion system.

[0042] The moving device is configured to generate discrete movements of the stage 3, with a step size equal to a preset, predefined distance. Therefore, the motor is preferably a stepper motor.

[0043] The moving device is configured to receive an electrical control signal generated by a transducer, and to move one of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4 upon receiving such an electrical control signal. Thus, the moving device includes electronic equipment, preferably a control board, preferably arranged within the support structure 2, which manages the operation of the motor.

[0044] An electronic device is operatively connected to a transducer, for example, using a connection device such as a connector or a wireless connection device, and the electronic device is configured to receive electrical signals generated by the transducer. The electronic device is then configured to generate a motor actuation signal corresponding to the received electrical signals.

[0045] Based on each electrical control signal received from the transducer, the moving device moves the stage 3 a predefined distance.

[0046] Appropriately, the focusing system includes a switch configured to change the value of a predefined distance between a first value, a second value, and a third value. Essentially, the switch is connected to the aforementioned electronic device; when the switch is actuated, it changes the value of the predefined distance set in the electronic device by sequentially selecting one of three preset values: if the predefined distance value is the first value at a given time, then when the switch is actuated, the value changes to the second value; if the switch is actuated again, the value then changes to the third value, and so on.

[0047] Given that optical microscopes are typically equipped with a variety of magnifying objectives, generally ranging from 4x to 100x, the division into three modes is advantageous. In their finished state, the objectives have a variable depth of focus depending on the magnification (depth of focus is inversely proportional to magnification: low magnification corresponds to high depth of focus, and high magnification corresponds to low depth of focus). The switch allows the user to select the focusing mode deemed most suitable for the objective in use.

[0048] Preferably, the first distance is between 200 micrometers and 300 micrometers, more preferably 250 micrometers; the second distance is between 4 micrometers and 12 micrometers, more preferably 8 micrometers; and the third distance is between 0 micrometers and 3 micrometers, more preferably 1 micrometer.

[0049] The focusing system then includes a button element 10 mounted on the knob 5 and connected to a switch. The button element 10 is configured to activate the switch when pressed. Essentially, by pressing the button element, the user activates the switch to change a predefined distance value.

[0050] This solution allows for the use of a single knob 5 to both adjust the focus and switch between various modes.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, button element 10 is movably mounted on the body of knob 5 in the pressing direction. This direction is parallel to the rotation axis of rotating ring 6. Button element 10 partially corresponds to rotating ring 6: thus, rotating ring 6 is movably mounted on the body of knob 5 in the pressing direction. However, it cannot be ruled out that button element 10 can only be a part of rotating ring 6.

[0052] Furthermore, a spring element is present between the button element 10 and the body of the knob 5, the spring element being configured to elastically resist the pressing direction, thereby facilitating the return of the button element to the non-operating position. Additionally, a stop element is present to limit the movement of the button element within a predefined range.

[0053] The switch is configured to convert the movement of the button element 10 into a changing electrical signal, which is then sent to an electronic device.

[0054] The microscope 1 includes a conversion mechanism operably connected to the knob 5, which is configured to ensure that rotation of the rotating ring 6 at a predefined angle corresponds to a sound, preferably a mechanical sound, that can be perceived by the user, and that the sound is generated simultaneously with the displacement of the stage 3 and / or the objective lens 4 along the focusing direction.

[0055] The conversion mechanism is integrated into the moving device, specifically into the motor of the moving device. In fact, the motor is configured to produce the aforementioned sound when it rotates to move at least one of the stage 3 and the objective lens 4.

[0056] Furthermore, this mechanism integrated into the knob is configured to generate mechanical resistance to the achievement of this predefined angle. This noise and resistance are generated with each step (length) the conversion mechanism performs on the rotating ring 6. To generate this noise and resistance, the conversion mechanism includes multiple mechanical stop elements placed in contact with the rotating ring.

[0057] This solution allows users to measure the thickness of a sample observed under a microscope by counting the mechanical steps performed by the rotating ring: knowing the displacement value of each step in three different modes, the operator can estimate the sample thickness without taking their line of sight off the microscope.

[0058] Another function performed by knob 5 is the "retraction" function. Essentially, by using a switch, the electronics are configured to measure the duration of pressure applied to the button element. The electronics are then configured to activate the moving device in retraction mode when this duration exceeds a preset time value. In feedback mode, the moving device is configured to move the stage 3 a preset distance away from the objective lens 4 to facilitate the insertion or removal of a slide, or the placement of an immersion device, if the immersion objective lens is expected to be used.

[0059] The electronic device is also configured to store the position of the stage 3 before activating the moving device in retracted mode. Furthermore, the electronic device is configured to activate the moving device in start mode after the position is stored and button element 10 is pressed. In start mode, the moving device is configured to move the stage 3 to the stored position.

[0060] Given that the present invention has been described, and particularly as follows, the operation of the present invention will appear clear to those skilled in the art.

[0061] When the user presses the button element, the switch changes the microscope's operating mode, altering the distance the stage moves. By rotating the rotating ring by a predefined angle, the user can move the stage a set distance. Each such predefined angle rotation of the rotating ring 6 corresponds to a displacement of the stage by the set distance. By using a switching mechanism to count the number of rotations performed by the rotating ring and knowing the operating mode, the distance covered by the stage can be determined.

Claims

1. A microscope (1), comprising: - Supporting structure (2); - A stage (3) mounted on the support structure (2) and at least one objective lens (4) mounted on the support structure (2) and facing the stage (3), wherein at least one of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4) is movable toward / away from the other of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4) along the focusing direction; - Control knob (5), the control knob (5) includes at least one rotating ring (6) capable of rotating about its axis; The microscope (1) is characterized in that it further includes: - A focusing system disposed between the knob (5) and at least one of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4), the focusing system being configured to transform a rotation of the rotating ring (6) at a predefined angle into a displacement of at least one of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4) along the focusing direction by a predefined distance, the focusing system comprising: A switch configured to change the value of the predefined distance between a first value, a second value, and a third value; and A button element (10) is mounted on the knob (5) and connected to the switch, the button element (10) being configured to activate the switch when pressed.

2. A microscope (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The focusing system includes: - A transducer connected to the rotating ring (6), the transducer being configured to convert the rotation of the rotating ring (6) into a corresponding electrical control signal; - A moving device configured to receive the electrical control signal, the moving device being connected to at least one of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4) to move at least one of the stage (3) and the objective lens (4) upon receiving the electrical control signal.

3. The microscope (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that... The transducer includes a rotary encoder configured to determine the rotation angle of the rotating ring (6) and generate an electrical signal representing the value of the rotation angle.

4. The microscope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... The first value is included between 200 micrometers and 300 micrometers; the second value is included between 4 micrometers and 12 micrometers; and the third value is included between 0 micrometers and 3 micrometers.

5. The microscope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... It includes a conversion mechanism operably connected to the knob (5), the conversion mechanism being configured to make a user-perceptible sound correspond to a rotation of the rotating ring (6) at the predefined angle.

6. The microscope (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that... The conversion mechanism is configured to generate mechanical resistance to the realization of the predefined angle.

7. The microscope (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving device includes an electronic device configured to measure the pressure duration of the button element (10), the electronic device being configured to activate the moving device in a retraction mode when the duration exceeds a preset time value, and the moving device being configured to move the stage (3) away from the objective lens (4) by a preset distance in a feedback mode.

8. The microscope (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that... The electronic device is configured to store the position of the stage (3) before activating the mobile device in a retracted mode; the electronic device is configured to activate the mobile device in a start mode after the button element (10) is pressed after the storage; In the startup mode, the mobile device is configured to move the stage (3) to the stored location.

9. The microscope (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... The value of the predefined rotation angle is included between 9° and 36°.

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