Tilt adjustment mechanism
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITUTOYO CORP
- Filing Date
- 2018-11-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for adjusting the tilt of a lens unit with respect to a lens barrel are cumbersome and unpredictable, as the fulcrum of inclination is not fixed, making it difficult to accurately adjust the lens in a desired direction.
A tilt adjusting mechanism comprising a first and second member with contact elements and adjusting/fixing members, where the contact elements have curved surfaces that engage with inclined surfaces on the second member, allowing precise adjustment of the lens unit's tilt by determining a fixed fulcrum point.
Enables easy and predictable adjustment of the lens tilt by fixing the fulcrum, allowing precise control over the direction of inclination, simplifying the adjustment process.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Cross-references to related applications
[0001] The present invention contains an object related to Japanese patent application No. 2017-217009, filed with the Japanese Patent Office on November 10, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated for reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a tilt adjustment mechanism that can adjust the tilt of, for example, a lens unit with respect to a lens tube. Description of the related technique
[0003] For example, in a microscope or an optical measuring instrument, such as an image measuring instrument, it may be desirable to adjust the inclination of a lens unit relative to a lens tube. In this case, it is possible, for example, to adjust the inclination by providing a variety of adjusting and fixing screws on an element attached to the lens unit or on an element attached to the lens tube, and by using the adjusting and fixing screws (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-122485).
[0004] When adjusting the tilt of a lens using multiple adjustment screws, the height of these screws must be repeatedly adjusted, checking the lens tilt each time. However, the direction of the lens tilt varies depending on the adjustment screw, and the point of reference for the tilt is not fixed. Therefore, it is difficult to predict whether the lens tilt can be adjusted in the desired direction by adjusting the height of certain screws to a specific degree, and making the adjustment is not straightforward. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention was conceived in this context, and one object of the invention is to provide a tilt adjustment mechanism that can effortlessly adjust the tilt of, for example, a lens unit with respect to a lens tube.
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tilt adjustment mechanism that can adjust the tilt of a lens unit with respect to a lens tube comprises a first element that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens unit, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens tube; a second element that is opposite the first element and that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens tube, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens unit; a plurality of contact elements that are attached to the first element, projecting from the first element towards the second element and contacting the second element; and a plurality of adjustment / fastening elements that can adjust the tilt of the first element with respect to the second element and that can fasten the first element to the second element.The second element has an inclined surface that the contact elements touch, and each of the contact elements has a curved surface that touches the inclined surface.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a tilt adjustment mechanism that can adjust the tilt of a lens unit with respect to a lens tube comprises a first element that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens unit, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens tube; a second element that is opposite the first element and that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens tube, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens unit; a plurality of contact elements that are attached to the second element, projecting from the second element towards the first element and contacting the first element; and a plurality of adjusting / fastening elements that can adjust the tilt of the first element with respect to the second element and that can fasten the first element to the second element.The first element has an inclined surface that is touched by the contact elements, and each of the contact elements has a curved surface that touches the inclined surface.
[0008] The lens tube can have a first internal thread, and the lens unit can have a first external thread that can be screwed into the first internal thread. The first element can have a second internal thread that can be screwed onto the first external thread, and the first element can be attached to and removed from the lens unit using the second internal thread. The second element can have a second external thread that can be screwed into the first internal thread, and the second element can be attached to and removed from the lens tube using the second external thread.
[0009] The inclined surface touched by the contact elements can be a conical surface having a tip on a reference axis of the lens tube or an optical axis of the lens unit, or it can be a spherical surface having a center on the reference axis or the optical axis.
[0010] The number of contact elements can be three. The three contact elements can be arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a reference axis of the lens tube or an optical axis of the lens unit.
[0011] The number of adjustment / fastening elements can be three. These three adjustment / fastening elements can be arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction centered on the reference axis of the lens tube or the optical axis of the lens unit. Each of the three adjustment / fastening elements can be arranged radially outward with respect to a corresponding contact element.
[0012] The first element may have through holes into which the adjusting / fastening elements are inserted. The second element may have internal threads in sections corresponding to the through holes of the first element, allowing the adjusting / fastening elements to be screwed into them. The adjusting / fastening elements may be screws, each with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a corresponding through hole in the first element, and which can be screwed into the internal threads.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tilt adjustment mechanism comprises a first element; a second element opposite the first element; a plurality of contact elements attached to one of the first and second elements, projecting from one of the first and second elements toward the other of the first and second elements and contacting the other of the first and second elements; and a plurality of adjusting / fastening elements capable of adjusting the tilt of one of the first and second elements relative to the other of the first and second elements and capable of fastening one of the first and second elements to the other of the first and second elements. The other of the first and second elements has an inclined surface contacted by the contact elements, and each of the contact elements has a curved surface contacting the inclined surface.
[0014] With the present invention it is possible to provide a tilt adjustment mechanism that can effortlessly adjust the tilt of a lens. List of characters
[0015] They show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 A lower view of the mechanism for adjusting the tilt of a lens. Fig. 3 A top view of the mechanism for adjusting the tilt of a lens. Fig. 4 A schematic sectional view illustrating a method for using the mechanism to adjust the inclination of a lens. Fig. 5 a sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 a sectional view of a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED VERSIONS First version
[0016] Next, with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 A first embodiment of the present invention is described. A tilt adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment is a tilt adjustment unit. 300 , which are attached to an objective lens unit 100 and a lens tube 200 It can be attached and detached. It is possible to remove the lens unit. 100 directly on the lens tube 200 by screwing in an external thread 134 (first external thread) into an internal thread 201 (first internal thread) of the lens tube 200 to be attached. In the first embodiment, the tilt adjustment unit has 300 however, an external thread326 (second external thread) and an internal thread 311 (second internal thread) on, each connected to the external thread 134 and the internal thread 201 are interchangeable; and the objective lens unit 100 is attached to the lens tube 200 based on the tilt adjustment unit 300 appropriate.
[0017] The objective lens unit 100 includes two objective lenses 110 , which are arranged in the direction of an optical axis a1, two retaining elements 120 , each of which is the objective lens 110 hold, and a cover 130 , which the objective lenses 110 and the retaining elements 120 records. The objective lenses 110 These are, for example, essentially disc-shaped convex lenses. As in Fig. As shown in 2, each of the retaining elements has 120 for example, an essentially ring-shaped form that has an opening 121in a central part of the same and an outer peripheral part of a corresponding objective lens 110 holds. As in Fig. As shown in 1, the cover includes 130 a recording section 131 and a connecting section 132 , each having a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the optical axis a1. The recording section 131 takes the objective lenses 110 and the retaining elements 120 up. The connecting section 132 stands from the recording section 131 towards the lens tube 200 in the direction of the optical axis a1 before. The external thread 134 is located on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting section 132 educated.
[0018] The lens tube 200 For example, the lens tube of a microscope or an image measuring device. The lens tube 200for example, it has an essentially cylindrical shape that lies on a reference axis a2 is centered. The internal thread 201 is located on an inner peripheral surface of an end section of the lens tube 200 educated.
[0019] The tilt adjustment unit 300 can the inclination of the objective lens unit 100 with reference to the lens tube 200 adjust. The tilt adjustment unit 300 includes a first element 310 , a second element 320 , a multitude of contact elements 330 and a variety of adjustment / fastening elements 340 The first element 310 can be attached to a connecting section (the external thread) 134 ) the objective lens unit 100 to be attached, with the connecting section being attached to the lens tube 200 can be connected. The second element 320 stands the first element 310opposite and can be attached to a connecting section (the internal thread) 201 ) of the lens tube 200 to be attached, with the connecting section being attached to the objective lens unit 100 can be connected. The contact elements 330 are at the first element 310 attached, stand from the first element 310 towards the second element 320 forward and touch the second element 320 The adjustment / fastening elements 340 can determine the inclination of the first element 310 with reference to the second element 320 adjust and can select the first element 310 on the second element 320 attach.
[0020] The first element 310 For example, it has an essentially ring-shaped form with an opening in its central part. The internal thread 311 , which is on the external thread 134 the objective lens unit100 The element that can be screwed on is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the opening. The first element 310 can be determined by the internal thread 311 on the objective lens unit 100 to be attached and removed. A surface of the first element 310 on the side of the objective lens unit 100 touches the cover 130 the objective lens unit 100 , and thereby the positional relationship between the first element 310 and the objective lens unit 100 fixed. The first element 310 has through holes 312 , into which the contact elements 330 to be inserted, and through holes 313 , into which the adjustment / fastening elements 340 be inserted, on. As in Fig. The through holes are shown in diagram 2. 312 and the through holes 313at regular intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction on the optical axis a1 Centrally arranged. Each of the through holes 313 is in the radial direction from the optical axis a1 from with reference to a corresponding one of the through holes 312 located on the outside.
[0021] As in Fig. As shown in 1, the second element comprises 320 a substantially ring-shaped flange section 321 and a connecting section 322 , which is from the flange section 321 towards the lens tube 200 in the direction of the reference axis a2 protrudes. In a surface of the flange section 321 on the side of the objective lens unit 100 is a conical inclined surface 323 , which are from the contact elements 330 is touched, formed. The inner diameter of the inclined surface 323takes its course towards the lens tube 200 off and moves towards the objective lens unit 100 to. The inclined surface 323 can be a conical surface, which has its tip on the reference axis a2 has, or can be a spherical surface which has the center on the reference axis a2 exhibits the flange section 321 is thicker than the first element 310 This is the case because the flange section 321 the inclined surface 323 features internal threads 324 , into which the adjustment / fastening elements 340 They are screwed in, are located in the flange section 321 formed. The internal threads 324 are formed in positions that correspond to the through holes 313 of the first element 310 correspond. That is, as in Fig. The internal threads are shown in diagram 3. 324at regular intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction on the reference axis a2 Formed in a centered manner. The connecting section 322 has an essentially cylindrical shape, which lies on the reference axis a2 is centered. As in Fig. The external thread is shown in 1. 326 , which goes into the internal thread 201 of the lens tube 200 can be screwed in, on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting section 322 formed. The second element 320 can be determined by the external thread 326 on the lens tube 200 to be attached and removed from it.
[0022] The contact elements 330 Examples include pins that fit into the through holes. 312 of the first element 310 be inserted and attached to the first element 310 They can be attached using adhesive or similar materials. The contact elements 330are facing towards the second element 320 in the direction of the optical axis a1 and touch the inclined surface 323 of the second element 320 The contact sections of the contact elements 330 , which the inclined surface 323 Touching surfaces are curved surfaces, such as spherical surfaces. As in Fig. The tilt adjustment unit shown in image 2 includes... 300 three contact elements 330 As in Fig. As shown in 1, the three contact elements are 330 from the first element 310 by the same length d1.
[0023] The adjustment / fastening elements 340 These are, for example, screws that go into the through holes. 313 of the first element 310 be inserted and into the internal threads 324 of the second element 320 They are screwed in. The outer diameter of the adjusting / fastening elements 340is smaller than the inner diameter of the through holes 313 of the first element 310 For example, coil springs can be used between the first element 310 and the second 320 be arranged, and the adjustment / fastening elements 340 can be inserted into the coil springs.
[0024] Next, with reference to Fig. 4 a method for using the tilt adjustment unit 300 described. For example, when a tilt adjustment is made, one of the adjustment / fastening elements is 340 (Screws) loosened, and at the same time another of the adjusting / fastening elements is loosened. 340 tightened. Thus, they slide in a state where the contact element 330 in addition to the other adjustment / fastening element 340 with the inclined surface 323 in contact, the contact elements 330in addition to the set sections along the inclined surface 323 of the second element 320 Thus, the optical axis a1 the objective lenses 110 in the direction from the side of the loosened adjusting / fastening element 340 to the side of the tightened adjusting / fastening element 340 inclined. In the event that the inclined surface 323 If a spherical surface or a conical surface that can be considered a spherical surface is located at the intersection of the perpendicular lines extending from the contact points between the inclined surface 323 and the contact elements 330 extend from, along the optical axis a1 . Using this point as the reference point P, the objective lens unit is 100 , the first element 310 and the contact elements 330 inclined together.
[0025] By repeating the adjustment as needed, it is possible to adjust the tilt of the objective lens unit. 100 with reference to the lens tube 200 to adjust.
[0026] Next, the advantageous effects of the first embodiment are described. As previously described, in a microscope or optical measuring instrument, it may be desirable to adjust the inclination of a lens unit with respect to a lens tube. However, with an existing method that simply consists of repeatedly adjusting the height of the adjusting screws, the point of reference for the lens inclination is not fixed. Thus, a problem with the existing method is that it is difficult to predict whether the lens inclination can be adjusted in a desired direction by adjusting the height of certain screws to a certain extent, and it is not easy to make the adjustment.
[0027] In contrast, with the first embodiment it is possible to determine the support point for the inclination of the objective lenses. 110 essentially at the support point P on the optical axisa1 the objective lenses 110 to determine. Therefore, it is easy to predict the direction in which the objective lenses 110 They can be tilted. Accordingly, it is easy to adjust the tilt of the objective lenses. 110 It is easy to adjust. Furthermore, with the setup according to the first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the position of the support point P to a desired position by changing the angle of inclination or the like of the inclined surface. 323 is being discontinued. Second embodiment
[0028] Next, with reference to Fig. 5 describes a second embodiment of the present invention. A mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to the second embodiment is an inclination adjustment unit. 400In the following description, elements of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of these elements are omitted.
[0029] Basically, the structure of the tilt adjustment unit is 400 similar to that of the tilt adjustment unit 300 according to the first embodiment. The tilt adjustment unit 400 However, it differs from the tilt adjustment unit. 300 because the contact elements 330 not at the first element 310 but on a second element 420 are attached, and that an inclined surface 411 , which are from the contact elements 330 is touched, not in the second element 320 but in a first element 410 is educated.
[0030] The inclined surface 411is a conical inclined surface that is in a surface of the first element 410 on the side of the lens tube 200 is formed. The inner diameter of the inclined surface 411 takes its course towards the lens tube 200 to and increases in the direction of the objective lens unit 100 off. The inclined surface 411 can be a conical surface, which has its tip on the optical axis a1 has, or can be a spherical surface which has the center on the optical axis a1 In the second embodiment, since the inclined surface 411 not in the second element 320 but in the first element 410 The first element is formed 410 thicker than a flange section 421 of the second element 420 .
[0031] Next, the advantageous effects of the second embodiment are described. With the second embodiment, it is possible to determine the support point for the inclination of the objective lenses. 110 not at the support point P on the optical axis a1 the objective lenses 110 (see Fig. 1) but essentially on one base P' on the reference axis a2 of the lens tube 200 to determine. With such a configuration, it is also easy to predict the direction in which the objective lenses are aligned. 110 tilt, and it is easy to adjust the tilt of the objective lenses. 110 to adjust. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the position of the support point. P' to adjust to a desired position by changing the angle of inclination or the like of the inclined surface 411 is being discontinued. Third embodiment
[0032] Next, with reference to Fig.Section 6 describes a third embodiment of the present invention. A mechanism for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to the third embodiment is an inclination adjustment unit. 500 In the following description, elements of the third embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of these elements are omitted.
[0033] Basically, the structure of the tilt adjustment unit is 500 similar to that of the tilt adjustment unit 300 according to the first embodiment. The tilt adjustment unit 500 However, it differs from the tilt adjustment unit. 300 by configuring an inclined surface 523 , which are from the contact elements 330 is touched. In the third embodiment, there is a frustoconical projecting section. 522, which points towards the objective lens unit 100 protrudes from a surface of the flange section 521 of a second element 520 on the side of the objective lens unit 100 formed, and an outer peripheral surface of the preceding section 522 is the inclined surface 523 The outer diameter of the inclined surface 523 takes its course towards the lens tube 200 to and increases in the direction of the objective lens unit 100 off. The inclined surface 523 can be a conical surface, which has its tip on the reference axis a2 has, or can be a spherical surface which has the center on the reference axis a2 exhibits.
[0034] Next, the advantageous effects of the third embodiment are described. With the third embodiment, as with the second embodiment, it is also possible to determine the support point for the inclination of the objective lenses. 110 essentially on a support point P'' on the reference axis a2 of the lens tube 200 to determine. Accordingly, it is easy to predict the direction in which the objective lenses are aligned. 110 tilt, and it is easy to adjust the tilt of the objective lenses. 110 to adjust. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the position of the support point. P'' to adjust to a desired position by changing the angle of inclination or the like of the inclined surface 523 is being discontinued.
[0035] In the third embodiment, the contact elements are the same as in the first embodiment. 330 on the first element 310 attached, and the inclined surface 523is in the second element 520 formed. Just as in the second embodiment, the contact elements can be 330 However, it is attached to the second element, a frustoconical projecting section that points towards the lens tube. 200 protruding, can be on a surface of the first element 310 on the side of the lens tube 200 It may be formed, and an outer peripheral surface of the preceding section may be an inclined surface. The outer diameter of the inclined surface decreases in the direction towards the lens tube. 200 off and moves towards the objective lens unit 100 Furthermore, with such a configuration, just as with the first embodiment, it is possible to determine the support point for the inclination of the objective lenses. 110 essentially to a point on the optical axis a1 the objective lenses 110 to determine. Other embodiments
[0036] Mechanisms for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described so far. However, the first to third embodiments are examples, and the configurations or the like of these embodiments can be modified as needed.
[0037] For example, the mechanisms for adjusting the inclination of a lens according to the first to third embodiments are the inclination adjustment units. 300 , 400 and 500 , which are attached to the objective lens unit 100 and the lens tube 200 can be attached and removed. However, in a tilt adjustment mechanism according to the present invention, the first element can 310 Part of the objective lens unit 100 be and / or the second element 320 can be part of the lens tube 200A tilt adjustment mechanism according to the present invention can adjust not only the tilt of a lens with respect to a lens tube, but also the tilt of another optical element, such as a prism, a mirror, or an imaging element, with respect to the lens tube. Furthermore, the tilt adjustment mechanism can adjust the tilt of a lens or other optical element with respect to an object other than a lens tube, such as the body of an optical device.
[0038] In the first to third embodiments, the contact elements 330 Pens that point in the direction of the optical axis a1 or in the direction of the reference axis a2 extend. However, the contact elements in the present invention do not need to be oriented in the direction of the optical axis. a1 or in the direction of the reference axis a2extend and can be related to the direction of the optical axis a1 or the direction of the reference axis a2 be inclined. As long as the contact sections of the contact elements 330 , which touch the inclined surface, curved surfaces, such as spherical surfaces, the contact elements can 330 These could be elements that are not pins, such as spheres. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] JP 2017
[0001] JP 217009
[0001] JP 2013
[0003] JP 122485
[0003]
Claims
[1] Tilt adjustment mechanism that can adjust the tilt of a lens unit with respect to a lens tube, the tilt adjustment mechanism comprising: a first element that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens unit, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens tube; a second element that is opposite the first element and that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens tube, the connecting section being able to be connected to the lens unit; a multitude of contact elements attached to the first element, projecting from the first element towards the second element, and touching the second element; and a variety of adjusting / fastening elements that can adjust the inclination of the first element with respect to the second element and can fasten the first element to the second element, wherein the second element has an inclined surface which is touched by the contact elements, and wherein each of the contact elements has a curved surface which touches the inclined surface. [2] Tilt adjustment mechanism which can adjust a tilt of a lens unit with respect to a lens tube, the tilt adjustment mechanism comprising: a first element that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens unit, wherein the connecting section can be connected to the lens tube; a second element that is opposite the first element and that can be attached to a connecting section of the lens tube, the connecting section being able to be connected to the lens unit; a multitude of contact elements attached to the second element, projecting from the second element towards the first element, and touching the first element; and a variety of adjusting / fastening elements that can adjust the inclination of the first element with respect to the second element and can fasten the first element to the second element, wherein the first element has an inclined surface which the contact elements touch, and wherein each of the contact elements has a curved surface which touches the inclined surface. [3] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lens tube has a first internal thread, wherein the lens unit has a first external thread which can be screwed into the first internal thread, wherein the first element has a second internal thread which can be screwed onto the first external thread, and the first element can be attached to and removed from the lens unit by means of the second internal thread, and wherein the second element has a second external thread which can be screwed into the first internal thread, and the second element can be attached to and removed from the lens tube by means of the second external thread. [4] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the lens tube has a first internal thread, wherein the lens unit has a first external thread which can be screwed into the first internal thread, wherein the first element has a second internal thread which can be screwed onto the first external thread, and the first element can be attached to and removed from the lens unit by means of the second internal thread, and wherein the second element has a second external thread which can be screwed into the first internal thread, and the second element can be attached to and removed from the lens tube by means of the second external thread. [5] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inclined surface touched by the contact elements is a conical surface having a tip on a reference axis of the lens tube or an optical axis of the lens unit, or a spherical surface having a center on the reference axis or the optical axis. [6] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, where the number of the multitude of contact elements is three, and wherein the three contact elements are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a reference axis of the lens tube or an optical axis of the lens unit. [7] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to claim 6, where the number of the multitude of adjustment / fastening elements is three, wherein the three adjustment / fastening elements are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction centered on the reference axis of the lens tube or the optical axis of the lens unit, and wherein each of the three adjusting / fastening elements is arranged in a radial direction with reference to a corresponding contact element on the outside. [8] Tilt adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first element has through holes into which the adjusting / fastening elements are inserted, wherein the second element has internal threads in sections thereof that correspond to the through holes of the first element, wherein the internal threads allow the adjusting / fastening elements to be screwed into them, and wherein the adjusting / fastening elements are screws, each having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a corresponding through hole of the first element, and which can be screwed into the internal threads. [9] Tilt adjustment mechanism, comprising: a first element; a second element that is opposite the first element; a multitude of contact elements attached to one of the first and second elements, projecting from one of the first and second elements towards the other of the first and second elements, and touching the other of the first and second elements; and a variety of adjusting / fastening elements that can adjust the inclination of one of the first and second elements with respect to the other of the first and second elements, and that can fasten one of the first and second elements to the other of the first and second elements, wherein the other of the first and second elements has an inclined surface which is touched by the contact elements, and wherein each of the contact elements has a curved surface which touches the inclined surface.