Optical accessory device attached to a microscope, and microscope assembly including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical accessory device configured to be attached to a microscope (1) and a microscope assembly comprising the optical accessory device. The optical accessory device (2) comprises an optical imaging device (21) configured to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope and an optical illumination device (22) configured to be placed in an illumination beam path of the microscope, wherein the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated and wherein the optical illumination device (22) is configured to be aligned with the optical imaging device (21), thereby acting on the illumination beam path to project light into a field of view of the microscope.The optical illumination device of the optical accessory device of the present application is adapted to the optical imaging device so that the illumination is adapted to the modified observed area, i.e. the adapted field of view of the microscope, so that the illumination quality of the modified observed area is ensured.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of an optical microscope, in particular an optical accessory device which is designed to be attached to an optical microscope, and a microscope assembly comprising a microscope and the optical accessory device. background

[0002] A microscope typically includes an imaging beam path and an illumination beam path. A microscope has the ability to adjust the imaging beam path to clearly observe different areas or objects at varying resolutions and distances. Microscopes are designed to vary these parameters within a defined range. Expanding and / or modifying this range allows for more flexible and versatile use of the microscope.

[0003] An illumination beam path (or paths) is / are typically superimposed on the imaging beam path to optimize the direction of light to an observed area. In the prior art, auxiliary devices have been constructed to be attached to a microscope. However, these auxiliary devices are designed to operate on a single optical beam path, primarily affecting the imaging beam path and only secondarily the illumination beam path. Other microscope designs also exist that differ in the placement and orientation of the illumination and may even include several illumination devices. Therefore, if the resolution of the microscope is changed with the auxiliary devices, the illumination may also change, potentially resulting in poorer illumination of the observed area or even the casting of shadows upon it. Brief description of the invention

[0004] One objective of the present invention is to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings in the prior art, as well as other technical problems.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, an additional optical device is provided which is configured to be attached to a microscope. The additional optical device comprises the following: an optical imaging device which is configured to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope; and an optical illumination device which is configured to be placed in an illumination beam path of the microscope, wherein the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated, and wherein the optical illumination device is configured to be aligned with the optical imaging device, thereby acting on the illumination beam path to project light into a field of view of the microscope.

[0006] In this technical solution, the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated, and the optical illumination device of the optical accessory device is aligned with the optical imaging device so that the illumination is adapted to the changed observed area, i.e., the adapted field of view of the microscope, thus ensuring sufficient illumination of the changed observed area.

[0007] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical illumination device is configured to deflect the illumination beam path in order to throw light into the field of view of the microscope.

[0008] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical lighting device includes at least one pair of mirrors.

[0009] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical illumination device includes at least one prism.

[0010] In the two examples above, the illumination beam path can be changed using a simple structure, whereby light is thrown into the field of view of the observed object and the microscope resolution is changed with sufficient illumination.

[0011] According to an exemplary configuration, the microscope includes a housing and the optical accessory is designed to be detachably attached to the housing.

[0012] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory device comprises the following: a fastening element designed to be attached to the housing; a body with an optical body part and a connecting part, wherein the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are arranged in the optical body part and the connecting part is detachably connected to the fastening element.

[0013] In this embodiment, the connecting part is detachably attached to the mounting element mounted on the microscope. This means that, under normal circumstances, only the mounting element is attached to the housing, while the body can be detached from the mounting element. The connecting part of the body can be reattached to the mounting element as needed. This design allows the body to be removed when not in use, thus preventing dust from entering.

[0014] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical body part is rigidly connected to the connecting part and is configured such that, when the connecting part is attached to its position on the mounting element, the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are positioned in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively. Such a configuration ensures the positioning accuracy of the optical body part, particularly the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device therein, with respect to the microscope.

[0015] In one exemplary configuration, the optical body and the connecting part are joined in a relatively slidable manner, allowing the optical body to be moved relative to the microscope, thereby moving the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device into or out of the illumination and imaging beam paths, respectively. Such a configuration allows the optical body of the optical accessory to be moved quickly in and out as needed without removing the optical accessory body when not in use, which is convenient for the operator.

[0016] In one exemplary configuration, the fastening element is configured as a receptacle comprising a first wall, which is designed to be connected to the housing, and a second wall opposite the first wall, with the connecting part designed to be inserted between the first and second walls. Such a configuration allows for precise positioning of the connecting part of the body relative to the receptacle.

[0017] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory further comprises a positioning element that passes through the second wall and the connecting part and is then attached to the first wall, in particular screwed into a threaded hole formed in the first wall. In this embodiment, the positioning element can be used to secure the connecting part in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting part, thereby ensuring the positioning accuracy of the connecting part in the receptacle.

[0018] According to an exemplary configuration, the receptacle is further provided with a locking hole extending from an outer surface of the receptacle to an interior of the receptacle, and with a locking component passing through the locking hole; and an insertion end of the connecting part is provided with a locking interaction part, wherein the locking component is configured to interact with the locking interaction part to lock or release the connecting part.

[0019] According to an exemplary configuration, the locking component comprises the following: a spring pressing against a spring seat formed on the receptacle; and a locking element interacting with the spring and configured to be pressed in order to be displaceable with respect to the receptacle; wherein the locking element is formed with a stop element and the locking interaction part is formed with a stop surface that interacts with the stop element.

[0020] According to an exemplary configuration, the locking interaction part is further formed with a guide surface by means of which the stop element can be guided into engagement with the stop surface during the insertion of the connecting part into the receptacle.

[0021] In the above embodiments, the locking component is provided to achieve a primary connection and positioning of the connecting part in the receptacle when inserting the connecting part into the receptacle, and the connection can be easily released by simply pressing the locking element.

[0022] In one exemplary configuration, the optical accessory includes an electrical interface that is electrically connected to the microscope. This interface enables the exchange of information and / or power between the microscope and the optical accessory. This information includes, for example, the type of optical accessory, its parameters or settings, the type of microscope, the imaging beam path and / or illumination beam path settings, and the settings of a light source, among other things.

[0023] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory further comprises a control device that is electrically connected to the microscope via the electrical connection interface. Such a structure enables automatic control of the microscope assembly, particularly for a microscope using a varioscope and an optical accessory using a varioscope, since the exchange of the current setting information of the microscope or the optical accessory allows the corresponding control of the varioscope.

[0024] In one exemplary configuration, the optical accessory includes a control unit and can communicate wirelessly with the microscope. The control unit is, for example, a chip with an integrated wireless communication module. Wireless communication enables the exchange of information and simplifies the mechanical structure of the microscope.

[0025] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory further comprises a sensor provided on the receptacle or connecting part, which is configured to send a signal when the connecting part is inserted into its position in the receptacle. This embodiment allows for communication of the state in which the optical body part of the optical accessory is in its position in the optical beam path of the microscope and the optical accessory is ready.

[0026] According to an exemplary configuration, the sensor is arranged within the camera and the camera is provided with an electrical connection interface that electrically connects the sensor to the microscope.

[0027] According to one example configuration, the sensor is a touch switch.

[0028] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory comprises a mounting element designed to be attached to the housing and an optical body part slidably connected to the mounting element and capable of being moved into and out of a working position, wherein the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are arranged in the optical body part and are placed in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively, when the optical body part is in the working position.

[0029] In this technical solution, under normal conditions, the optical body is suspended by the mounting element in a rest position outside the optical illumination and imaging paths. This configuration, as in this example, allows the optical body of the auxiliary optical device to be quickly moved in and out as needed, greatly assisting the operator.

[0030] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory further includes a sensor that emits a signal when the optical body part is moved into the working position.

[0031] According to an exemplary configuration, the optical accessory further includes an electrical connection interface that electrically connects the optical body part to the microscope, so that information and / or power can be exchanged between the microscope and the optical body part.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention provides a microscope assembly comprising a microscope and at least one optical accessory in one of the preceding embodiments. According to the invention, several optical accessories can be provided, constituting an equipment set, thus providing a range of resolution options, enabling an operator to select different optical accessories as needed.

[0033] According to one exemplary configuration, a projection is formed on the microscope housing and a recess is formed in the optical accessory, wherein a peripheral edge of the projection abuts a peripheral edge of the recess to locate the optical accessory with respect to the microscope. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the projection abuts the peripheral edge of the recess to precisely locate the mount with respect to the microscope, thereby accurately locating the optical accessory.

[0034] According to one exemplary configuration, the microscope includes a varioscope, and consequently, more magnification factors can be achieved. Furthermore, by adding the optical accessory device of the present invention to such a microscope, a wider range of magnification factors can be obtained.

[0035] In one exemplary configuration, the optical imaging device and / or the optical illumination device is configured as a varioscope. This configuration offers a wider range of magnification factors and greater versatility for the microscope. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The present invention is described in more detail below by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. Figure 1c schematically shows the basic effect of an optical accessory device, wherein Fig. 1a shows a beam path of a microscope without an additional optical device, Fig. 1b shows the effect on the beam path when an additional optical device is provided, and Fig. Figure 1c shows the beam path after removal of the optical accessory. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a beam path when an exemplary optical accessory is used, wherein an optical illumination device of the optical accessory includes a pair of mirrors. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a beam path when an optical accessory device according to another embodiment is used, wherein the optical illumination device of the optical accessory device includes a pair of prisms. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a microscope assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the optical accessory device is attached to the microscope and shown in a partial cross-sectional view, and the microscope and an optical body part of the optical accessory device are shown schematically as rectangular frames. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of the optical accessory device, with the optical body part schematically shown as a rectangular frame. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the optical accessory device, with a cover above a sensor removed so that the sensor is visible. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of a connecting part of the optical accessory device, in which a locking interaction part can be seen. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the optical accessory device in Fig. 5 along a line L1-L1. Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a photograph.

[0037] It should be noted that the figures above are only schematic. They show only the parts necessary to illustrate the present invention, and the remaining parts have been omitted or simplified. In addition to the components shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention may also include other components. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0038] The technical solutions of the present invention are described in detail below by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following explanation of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general idea of ​​the present invention and should not be understood as a limitation of the present invention.

[0039] The detailed description below provides many specific details for a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1a shows a beam path of a microscope without an additional optical device. Fig. Figure 1b shows a beam path when an additional optical device 2 is provided. Fig. Figure 1c shows the beam path after removal of the optical accessory 2. Fig. Figures 1a-1c schematically show an illumination beam path 102 and an imaging beam path 101 of the microscope, wherein the optical imaging device 131 (or referred to as the imaging objective) of the microscope is placed in the imaging beam path 101 and the illumination beam device 132 (or referred to as the illumination objective) of the microscope is placed in the illumination beam path 102.

[0041] To enable adjustment of the microscope's resolution, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. Figure 1b shows an additional optical device 2, which is configured to be attached to the microscope 1. The additional optical device 2 includes an optical imaging device 21, which is configured to be placed in the imaging beam path 101 of the microscope, and an optical illumination device 22, which is configured to be placed in the illumination beam path 102 of the microscope. The imaging beam path 101 and illumination beam path 102 are distinct and separated. The optical imaging device 21 does not act on the illumination beam path, and the optical illumination device 22 also does not act on the imaging beam path. Such a separated illumination mode is described in Fig. As shown in Figures 1a-1c, the optical illumination path is isolated from the optical imaging path by a partition 13 and a partition 20, which are shown schematically in these figures. Mutual interference between the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path, as well as reflection, can be avoided in this mode. The optical illumination device 22 is configured to align with the optical imaging device 21, thereby acting on the illumination beam path to project light into a field of view of the microscope, as shown in Figure 1a-1c. Fig. 1b shown.

[0042] The technical term "alignment" between the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device means that the optical illumination device 22 is aligned with the optical imaging device 21 in such a way that the modified illumination spot (the area covered by the illumination beam in the object plane) covers at least the entire field of view of the modified imaging beam path 101 in the object plane. In other words, the illumination light illuminates at least the entire field of view of the microscope that is formed after a change in resolution.

[0043] The imaging beam path 101 and the illumination beam path 102 are separated, with the optical imaging device 21 providing a focus change to the optical accessory device 2, and the optical illumination device 22 being aligned with the optical imaging device 21 so that the illumination is adapted to the changed observed area, i.e., the adjusted field of view of the microscope, thus ensuring sufficient illumination of the changed observed area. Furthermore, the resolution of the microscope is changed by attaching the optical accessory device 2 to the microscope 1, with the optical imaging device 21 and the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 being located in the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path, respectively.placed in the illumination beam path to change the resolution, thus avoiding the disadvantage of a time-consuming and labor-intensive replacement of the optical imaging assembly and / or optical illumination assembly of the microscope in the prior art.

[0044] It should also be noted that, although the optical imaging device 131 and the optical illumination device 132 of the microscope, as well as the optical imaging device 21 and the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 in Fig. 1a-1c all shown as lenses, they can in reality be implemented in different forms, i.e. they can be designed as a single optical element or a combination of several optical elements of any suitable type.

[0045] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the optical illumination device 22 is configured to deflect the illumination beam path of the microscope in such a way that light can be thrown into the field of view of the microscope.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an exemplary optical attachment 2, which is mounted on the microscope 1, which contains a housing 11. The optical attachment 2 is designed to be detachably mounted on the housing 11. In this way, the optical attachment 2 can be easily removed or attached as needed. The specific structure is described in detail below.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 can include a pair of mirrors that reflect light from the illumination beam path 102 of the microscope, deflect the illumination beam path 102 and project the light into the field of view of the modified imaging beam path in the object plane.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an additional optical device according to another embodiment, which is attached to the microscope 1. In contrast to Fig. 2 is the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 in Fig. 3. This is implemented as a pair of prisms that change the direction of the illumination beam path and direct light into the altered field of view. Using prisms instead of mirrors can reduce the required adjustments for the optical illumination device and save space. Furthermore, the accuracy in guiding the illumination beam can be increased, and fewer optical elements may be required.

[0049] Regarding technical solutions, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the illumination beam path is changed by a pair of prisms or a pair of mirrors, and the position of the illumination spot is changed to correspond to the entire field of view of the microscope formed after a change in resolution.

[0050] In the two examples above and the corresponding Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 describes the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 by taking a pair of mirrors or a pair of prisms as an example. However, it should be noted that the optical illumination device 22 of the optical accessory device 2 can be configured differently; for example, it can include one or more mirrors, one or more prisms, one or more lenses, or combinations thereof, as long as the optical illumination device matches the focal length of the optical imaging device 21 of the optical accessory device 2 and light is projected into the modified field of view of the microscope at least to illuminate the entire modified field of view.

[0051] The present invention further provides a microscope assembly that can include a microscope and one or more optical accessories, each of which can include optical imaging devices with different compositions or functions, as well as a suitable optical illumination device, thereby achieving multiple resolutions when combined with the microscope. For example, several optical accessories can constitute an equipment set to provide a range of resolution options, and operators can select different optical accessories according to their requirements.

[0052] The microscope in the present application can include a varioscope, thus enabling more magnification factors. Furthermore, by adding the optical accessory device according to the present invention to such a microscope, a wider range of magnification factors can be obtained overall. The optical accessory device of the present invention is applicable to at least a portion of the microscope's magnification range, preferably to the entire range, i.e., all magnification factors of the microscope. In other words, the optical accessory device is configured to provide a change in focus and corresponding change in illumination for all settings of the microscope's optical parameters.

[0053] Furthermore, the optical imaging device can be configured as a varioscope or a fixed focal length objective. The optical illumination device can also be configured as a varioscope or a fixed focal length objective. If the additional optical device utilizes a varioscope, a wider range of magnification factors and more versatile use of the microscope can be achieved.

[0054] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a microscope assembly, wherein the optical accessory 2 is attached to the microscope 1 and shown in a partial cross-sectional view, and the microscope 1 and the optical body part of the optical accessory 2 are shown schematically as rectangular frames. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of the optical accessory device 2, wherein the optical body part is schematically shown as a rectangular frame. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the optical accessory device 2, with a cover above a sensor removed so that the sensor can be seen. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective view of a connecting part of the optical accessory device 2, in which a locking interaction part 242 can be seen. Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the optical accessory device 2 in Fig. 5 along a line L1-L1, with a locking component 233 clearly shown. Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a perspective view of a photograph.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 4-9, a special exemplary structure for the detachable attachment of the optical accessory 2 to the housing 11 comprises a mounting element, for example in the form of a receptacle 23. The mounting element is designed to be attached to the housing 11 of the microscope 1. The optical accessory 2 further comprises a body 24, which includes an optical body part 243 and a connecting part 241. The optical illumination device 22 and the optical imaging device 21 are arranged in the optical body part 243, and the connecting part 241 is designed to be detachably attached to the mounting element. The optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are arranged in Fig. Figures 4-6 are not shown because the microscope 1 and the optical body part 243 are shown schematically as rectangular frames for the sake of simplicity.

[0056] In this example, the connecting part 241 is detachably connected to the mounting element attached to the microscope, so that in a normal state only the mounting element is attached to the housing 11, while the body 24 can be removed from the mounting element. The connecting part 241 of the body 24 can be reattached to the mounting element as needed.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 4-9, the fastening element can, for example, take the form of the receptacle 23. The receptacle 23 includes a first wall 231, which is configured to be connected to the housing 11, and a second wall 232 opposite the first wall 231. The connecting part 241 of the body 24 is configured to be inserted between the first wall 231 and the second wall 232. Such a configuration allows for precise positioning of the connecting part 241 of the body 24 with respect to the receptacle 23. As an example, the connecting part 241 includes three parallel rod-shaped elements 2411, which slide into the receptacle 23 and are fixed by the locking component 233, and a positioning element 25, which will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the three rod-shaped elements 2411 can be arranged such that two lateral rod-shaped elements 2411 bear against the inner wall of the receptacle 23 on their upper, lower, and outer side surfaces, respectively, thus preventing vibration. A person skilled in the art can understand that such structures of the receptacle 23 and the connecting part 241, which is inserted into the receptacle 23, are merely exemplary and that other connecting structures are also applicable, as long as the body 24 can be detachably connected to the fastening element.

[0058] As an example, the optical body part 243 of the body 24 can be firmly connected to the connecting part 241 by means of, for example, threaded fasteners (not shown). When the connecting part 241 is fixed in its position in the receptacle 23, the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are positioned in the optical illumination path and the optical imaging path, respectively, within the optical body part 243.

[0059] For positioning the connecting part 241 in the receptacle 23, the present invention provides, as an example, such a technical solution such that, as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows the receptacle 23 being provided with a locking hole 234 extending from its outer surface to its interior, and a locking component 233 passing through the locking hole 234. An insertion end of the connecting part 241 is provided with a locking interaction part 242, wherein the locking component 233 is configured to interact with the locking interaction part 242 to lock or unlock the connecting part 241. As a specific example, the locking component 233 can include a spring 2331 pressing against a spring seat 2332 formed in the receptacle 23, and a locking element 2334 that interacts with the spring 2331 and is configured to be pressed in order to displace relative to the receptacle 23 (the locking element can be a button).The locking element 2334 is formed with a stop element 2335, which is configured to interact with stop surfaces 2421 formed on the locking interaction part 242, as shown in . Fig. Figure 7 shows that the spring 2331 biases the locking element 2334 towards the outside of the receptacle 23. Under the bias of the spring 2331, the locking element 2334, with its stepped portion 2333, is positioned against a sleeve 2336. In this position, the stop element 2335, which interacts with the stop surfaces 2421, holds the connecting part 241 in position relative to the receptacle 23. Preferably, a guide surface 2422 is formed on the locking interaction part 242. As the connecting part 241 of the body 24 is pushed into the receptacle 23, the guide surface 2422 contacts the stop element 2335 on the locking element 2334. The stop element 2335 moves under the guidance of the inclined guide surface 2422, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. 7 shows, into a groove 2423 and interacts with two stop surfaces 2421 (two side surfaces of the groove 2423) to block further insertion and retraction of the connecting part 241, thereby locking the connecting part 241 and the entire body 24.

[0060] When the connecting part 241 is released, the locking element 2334 is pressed and then moves towards the interior of the receptacle against the preload of the spring 2331 until the stop element 2335 is no longer engaged with the stop surfaces 2421 and is moved out of the groove 2423, thus no longer preventing retraction of the connecting part 241. Therefore, the connecting part 241 can be pulled out to remove the body 24 from the receptacle 23.

[0061] Preferably, a sensor 235 can be arranged on the receptacle 23 so that a signal is sent indicating that the connecting part 241 has been inserted into the receptacle, thus indicating the state in which the optical body part 243 is in its position in the optical beam path of the microscope and the optical accessory is ready. As an example, the sensor 235 can be a touch switch that is triggered when the connecting part 241 is inserted into its position. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the sensor 235 is mounted within the receptacle 23 as an example, and the receptacle 23 is provided with an electrical connection interface 236, one end of which is connected via, for example, a Fig. The wire 2361 shown in Figure 6 is electrically connected to the sensor 235, and the other end is configured to be electrically connected to the microscope in order to transmit the signal from the sensor to the microscope. It should be noted that in the Fig. 6 top view shows a cover 2351 (which is in Fig. (as can be seen in Figure 9) above the sensor was removed to show the sensor 235 inside the opening 23. Furthermore, it should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the position of the sensor 235 is not limited to the interior of the opening 23 and that it can be located at any position on the opening 23, on the connecting part 241, or even on the housing 11 of the microscope 1.

[0062] For example, the electrical connection interface 236 can be connected to the microscope 1 by a cable (not shown). Alternatively, the electrical connection interface 236 can be configured to automatically connect to a corresponding electrical connection interface on the microscope 1 when the mount 23 is connected to the housing 11 of the microscope 1. Such an electrical connection interface could, for example, include an electrical contact or a spring contact.

[0063] The electrical interface described above allows information and power to be exchanged between microscope 1 and the optical accessory. For example, the electrical interface could also be a wireless communication interface, and the optical accessory could be powered by, for instance, a battery. The optical accessory could also include a control unit (not shown) that exchanges information with the microscope via the electrical interface. The control unit might include, for example, a memory and a processor. Information about the optical accessory, such as its type, parameters, settings, etc., can be transmitted to the microscope via the electrical interface.Alternatively, and additionally, it is also possible to supply the optical accessory with information about the microscope, such as the microscope type, imaging path or illumination path settings, illumination source settings, and the like. The structure enables automatic control of the microscope assembly, particularly for the microscope using the varioscope and / or the optical accessory using the varioscope. Controlling the varioscope is advantageous because information about the current settings of the microscope or the optical accessory can be exchanged via the electrical interface.

[0064] For example, as in Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that, to achieve the precise positioning of the connecting part and, accordingly, of the body 24 with respect to the microscope 1, and again the precise positioning of the optical imaging device and optical illumination device in the optical body part 243 in the imaging beam path and illumination beam path of the microscope, the optical accessory device 2 further comprises a positioning element 25. The positioning element 25 passes through the second wall 232 and the connecting part 241 and is then attached to the first wall 231. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the positioning element 25 is a knob whose upper surface is provided with an external thread. The positioning element 25 passes through a hole in the central rod-shaped element 2411 of the connecting part 241, and the external thread at its upper end is screwed into an internal threaded hole in the first wall 231 of the receptacle 23, so that the connecting part 241 is positioned precisely in the insertion direction. The positioning element 25 is provided such that, in addition to the connection between the locking element 233 and the locking mating section 242, the connecting part 241 can be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting part 241, thereby ensuring the positioning accuracy of the connecting part 241 in the receptacle 23.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a projection 12 is formed on the housing 11 of the microscope 1 and is configured, for example, as a protruding plate-like structure. A recess 237 is formed in the receptacle 23 of the optical accessory 2. A peripheral edge of the projection 12 abuts a peripheral edge of the recess 237, so that the receptacle 23 is precisely located with respect to the microscope 1, thereby precisely locating the optical accessory 2. The receptacle 23 is fastened to the housing 11 by a fastening means, such as a screw passing through a hole formed in the recess, or by other means.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the optical body part of the optical accessory is displaceable relative to the microscope (this embodiment is not shown). The optical accessory includes a mounting element designed to be attached to the microscope housing, and the optical body part is slidably connected to the mounting element. The mounting element can be a single mounting element or it can take the form of a combination consisting of a receptacle 23 and a connecting part 241, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. Shown 4-9.

[0067] The sliding connection between the optical body and the mounting element can be achieved by providing a groove (or grooves) in the optical body in which the mounting element is slid. The groove(s) can be formed within the optical body or on its outer wall. In this way, once the mounting element has been firmly attached to the microscope housing, the optical body is slidable relative to the mounting element and then relative to the microscope. Therefore, if it is necessary to adjust the resolution of the microscope by the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device, the optical body can be moved so that the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are positioned within their respective optical illumination and imaging paths, i.e., into a working position.When the optical accessory is not needed, the optical body section is moved so that the optical illumination and imaging devices are removed from the optical illumination and imaging paths, respectively. In its normal state, the optical body section is suspended by the mounting element in a rest position outside the optical illumination and imaging paths. This configuration allows the optical body section of the optical accessory to be quickly moved in and out as needed, greatly assisting the operator.

[0068] In this embodiment, where the optical body part of the optical accessory is displaceable relative to the microscope, a sensor of the optical accessory can be configured to be triggered when the optical body part is moved into the working position. In this configuration, the sensor can be located on the optical body part, the mounting element, or the microscope housing.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can also include an electrical connection interface, and a corresponding electrical connection interface is provided on the optical body. When the optical body is positioned in place, the electrical connection interface in the sensor is connected to the corresponding electrical connection interface of the optical body. In this way, the microscope can be electrically connected to the optical body, so that when the optical body is positioned in place—that is, when the optical imaging device and the optical illumination device are placed in the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path, respectively—information and / or power can be exchanged between the microscope and the optical body.

[0070] Despite the embodiments shown and explained here, a person skilled in the art understands that the embodiments can be modified without departing from the principle and essence of the general idea of ​​the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Additional optical device (2) adapted to be attached to a microscope (1), characterized by Include the following: an optical imaging device (21) adapted to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope; and an optical illumination device (22) configured to be placed in an illumination beam path of the microscope, wherein the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated, and wherein the optical illumination device (22) is configured to be aligned with the optical imaging device (21), thereby acting on the illumination beam path to project light into a field of view of the microscope. [2] Optical additional device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the optical illumination device (22) is configured to deflect the illumination beam path to project light into the field of view of the microscope. [3] Optical additional device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the optical illumination device (22) comprises at least one pair of mirrors. [4] Optical additional device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the optical illumination device (22) comprises at least one prism. [5] Optical additional device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the microscope comprises a housing (11) and the additional optical device (2) is designed to be removably attached to the housing (11). [6] Optical additional device according to claim 5, characterized by that the additional optical device (2) comprises: a fastening element adapted to be fastened to the housing (11); a body (24) including an optical body part (243) and a connecting part (241), wherein the optical illumination device (22) and the optical imaging device (21) are arranged in the optical body part (243) and the connecting part (241) is detachably connected to the fastening element. [7] Optical additional device according to claim 6, characterized by that the optical body part (243) is fixedly connected to the connecting part (241) and is configured such that, when the connecting part (241) is fastened in its position on the fastening element, the optical illumination device (22) and the optical imaging device (21) are placed in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively. [8] Optical additional device according to claim 6, characterized byin that the optical body part (243) and the connecting part (241) are connected in a relatively displaceable manner, so that the optical body part (243) is displaceable with respect to the microscope (1), wherein the optical illumination device (22) and the optical imaging device (21) are moved into and out of the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively. [9] Optical additional device according to one of claims 6-8, characterized by in that the fastening element is configured as a receptacle (23) having a first wall (231) adapted to be connected to the housing (11) and a second wall (232) opposite the first wall (231); and wherein the connecting part (241) is adapted to be inserted between the first wall (231) and the second wall (232). [10] Optical additional device according to claim 9, characterized byin that the additional optical device (2) further comprises a positioning element (25) which passes through the second wall (232) and the connecting part (241) and is then fastened to the first wall (231), in particular screwed into a threaded hole formed in the first wall (231). [11] Optical additional device according to claim 9, characterized by in that the receptacle (23) is further provided with a locking hole (234) extending from an outer surface of the receptacle to an interior of the receptacle, and a locking component (233) passing through the locking hole (234); wherein an insertion end of the connecting part (241) is provided with a locking cooperation part (242), wherein the locking component (233) is adapted to cooperate with the locking cooperation part (242) to lock or release the connecting part (241). [12] Optical additional device according to claim 11, characterized by that the locking component (233) comprises: a spring (2331) pressing against a spring seat (2332) formed in the receptacle (23); and a locking element (2334) interacting with the spring (2331) and adapted to be pressed so as to be displaceable with respect to the receptacle (23); wherein the locking element (2334) is formed with a stop element (2335) and the locking cooperation part (242) is formed with a stop surface (2421) which cooperates with the stop element (2335). [13] Optical additional device according to claim 12, characterized by in that the locking cooperation part (242) is further formed with a guide surface (2422) which guides the stop element (2335) into engagement with the stop surface (2421) during insertion of the connecting part (241) into the receptacle (23). [14] Optical additional device according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising an electrical connection interface (236) electrically connected to the microscope (1). [15] Optical additional device according to claim 14, characterized by that the additional optical device further comprises a control device which is electrically connected to the microscope (1) via the electrical connection interface (236). [16] Optical additional device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the additional optical device comprises a control device and communicates wirelessly with the microscope. [17] Optical additional device according to claim 9, characterized by further comprising a sensor (235) provided on the receptacle (23) or the connecting part (241) and arranged to send a signal when the connecting part (241) is inserted into its location in the receptacle. [18] Optical additional device according to claim 17, characterized by that the sensor (235) is arranged within the receptacle (23) and the receptacle (23) is provided with an electrical connection interface (236) which electrically connects the sensor (235) to the microscope. [19] Optical additional device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by that the sensor is a touch switch. [20] Optical additional device according to claim 5, characterized by Include the following: a fastening element adapted to be attached to the housing; and an optics body portion slidably connected to the mounting member and capable of being moved into and out of an operating position, wherein the optical illumination device and the optical imaging device are disposed in the optics body portion and, in the operating position, are placed in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively. [21] Optical additional device according to claim 20, characterized by that the additional optical device further comprises a sensor which emits a signal when the optical body part is moved into the working position. [22] Optical additional device according to claim 21, characterized by further comprising an electrical connection interface that electrically connects the optics body portion to the microscope. [23] Optical additional device according to one of claims 1-2, 6-8, 10-15, 17-18 and 20-22, characterized bythat the optical imaging device (21) and / or the optical illumination device (22) is configured as a varioscope. [24] Microscope assembly, characterized by Comprising a microscope and at least one additional optical device according to one of claims 1-23. [25] Microscope assembly according to claim 24, characterized by Comprises several additional optical devices with different optical properties. [26] Microscope assembly according to claim 24, characterized by in that a projection (12) is formed on a housing of the microscope (1) and a recess (237) is formed in the additional optical device (2), wherein a peripheral edge of the projection (12) abuts against a peripheral edge of the recess (237) in order to locate the additional optical device (2) with respect to the microscope (1). [27] Microscope assembly according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized by that the microscope includes a varioscope. [28] Microscope assembly according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized by that the microscope (1) is a surgical microscope.

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