Optical ancillary device attached to microscope and microscope assembly including the same

Abstract

To provide an optical ancillary device attached to a microscope and a microscope assembly including the same.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an optical ancillary device configured to be attached to a microscope (1) and a microscope assembly including the optical ancillary device. The optical ancillary device (2) includes an imaging optical device (21) configured to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope and an illumination optical device (22) adapted to be placed in an illumination beam path of the microscope. The imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated. The illumination optical device (22) is configured to match the imaging optical device (21), thereby acting on the illumination beam path to cast light into a field of view of the microscope. The illumination optical device of the optical ancillary device matches the imaging optical device, so that the illumination is adapted to a changed observed area, that is, the adjusted field of view of the microscope, so as to ensure the illumination quality of the changed observed area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical microscopes, and in particular to an optical auxiliary device adapted to be attached to an optical microscope, and to a microscope assembly including a microscope and an optical auxiliary device. [Background technology]

[0002] A microscope typically includes an imaging beam path and an illumination beam path. The microscope has the ability to configure the imaging beam path to clearly view different areas or objects with variable resolution and variable distance. The microscope is constructed in such a way that these parameters can be varied within a well-defined range. Expanding and / or varying this well-defined range allows the microscope to be flexible and versatile.

[0003] The illumination beam path is typically overlapped with the imaging beam path, thereby optimizing the guidance of light to the observation area. In the prior art, auxiliary devices are constructed to be attached to the microscope. However, these auxiliary devices are constructed to operate on a single optical beam path, acting primarily on the imaging beam path and only secondarily on the illumination beam path. There are other microscope designs that differ in terms of the arrangement and orientation of the illumination and can even include several illumination devices. Thus, changing the resolution of a microscope with auxiliary devices may also change the illumination, which may result in poor illumination or even shadows in the observation area. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to address at least one of the above problems and shortcomings in the prior art, as well as other technical problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an optical auxiliary device adapted to be attached to a microscope, the optical auxiliary device including imaging optics adapted to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope and illumination optics adapted to be placed in an illumination beam path of the microscope, the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path being separate, the illumination optics being configured to match with the imaging optics and thereby act on the illumination beam path to illuminate 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 illumination optics of the optical auxiliary device are matched with the imaging optics, whereby the illumination is adapted to the changed observation area, i.e. the adjusted field of view of the microscope, ensuring sufficient illumination of the changed observation area.

[0007] According to one exemplary configuration, the illumination optics are configured to deflect the illumination beam path to illuminate the light into the field of view of the microscope.

[0008] According to one exemplary configuration, the illumination optics include at least one pair of mirrors.

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

[0010] In the two examples above, the illumination beam path can be varied by simple structures to direct light to the field of view of the observed object and change the resolution of the microscope while still maintaining sufficient illumination.

[0011] According to one exemplary configuration, the microscope includes a housing, and the optical auxiliary device is adapted to be removably attached to the housing.

[0012] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device includes a fixing member adapted to be fixed to the housing, and a body having an optical body portion and a connecting portion, the illumination optical device and the imaging optical device being disposed within the optical body portion, and the connecting portion being detachably connected to the fixing member.

[0013] In this embodiment, the connecting part is detachably connected to a fixed member fixed to the microscope, so that in a normal state, only the fixed member is fixed to the housing, and the main body can be removed from the fixed member. The connecting part of the main body can be reconnected to the fixed member if necessary. With this structure, the main body can be removed when not in use to avoid dust.

[0014] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical body portion is fixedly connected to the connecting portion, and is configured to position the illumination optics and the imaging optics in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively, when the connecting portion is fixed in a predetermined position on the fixing member, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy of the optical body portion, and in particular the illumination optics and the imaging optics therein, with respect to the microscope.

[0015] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical body portion and the connecting portion are slidably connected relative to one another, whereby the optical body portion is slidable relative to the microscope to move the illumination optics and the imaging optics into and out of the illumination beam and imaging beam paths, respectively. This configuration allows the optical body portion of the optical auxiliary device to be quickly inserted and removed as needed without removing the body of the optical auxiliary device when not in use, which is convenient for the operator.

[0016] According to one exemplary configuration, the fixing member is configured as a plug connector, which includes a first wall adapted to be connected to the housing and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the connecting portion is adapted to be inserted between the first wall and the second wall, such that the connecting portion of the body can be accurately positioned relative to the plug connector.

[0017] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device further comprises a positioning member, which passes through the second wall and is then fixed to the first wall, in particular screwed into a threaded hole formed in the first wall. The positioning member in this embodiment can be used to fix the connecting member in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting member, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy of the connecting member in the plug connector.

[0018] According to one exemplary configuration, the plug connector further includes a lock hole extending from an outer surface of the plug connector into an interior space of the plug connector and a lock component passing through the lock hole, and a lock cooperating portion is provided at an insertion end of the connection portion, and the lock component cooperates with the lock cooperating portion to lock or unlock the connection portion.

[0019] According to one exemplary configuration, the locking component includes a spring mounted on a spring mounting seat formed on the plug connector and a locking member adapted to interact with the spring and be compressed to be slidable relative to the plug connector, the locking member being formed with a stopper member and the lock cooperating portion being formed with a stopper surface cooperating with the stopper member.

[0020] According to one exemplary configuration, the lock cooperating portion is further formed with a guide surface by which the stopper member can be guided into engagement with the stopper surface during insertion of the connecting member into the plug connector.

[0021] In the above-described embodiments, a locking component is provided to achieve initial connection and positioning of the connection portion within the plug connector when the connection portion is inserted into the plug connector, and the connection can be easily released by simply pressing the locking member.

[0022] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device includes an electrical connection interface that is electrically connected to the microscope. The electrical connection interface allows information and / or power exchange between the microscope and the optical auxiliary device, such as information about the type of optical auxiliary device, parameters or settings of the optical auxiliary device, the type of microscope, settings of the imaging beam path and / or the illumination beam path, settings of the illumination source, and others.

[0023] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device further includes a control device electrically connected to the microscope via an electrical connection interface. Such a configuration facilitates automatic control of the microscope assembly, particularly for a microscope using a varioscope and an optical auxiliary device using a varioscope, since the exchange of current setting information of the microscope or the optical auxiliary device facilitates controlling the varioscope accordingly.

[0024] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device includes a control device and is capable of wireless communication with the microscope. The control device is, for example, a chip on which the communication module is integrated. Wireless communication facilitates information exchange and simplifies the mechanical structure of the microscope.

[0025] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device further includes a sensor, which is provided on the bayonet connector or the connecting portion and is arranged to transmit a signal when the connecting portion is inserted into a predetermined position within the bayonet connector. This embodiment can indicate that the optical body portion of the optical auxiliary device is in a predetermined position within the optical beam path of the microscope and the optical auxiliary device is ready for operation.

[0026] According to one exemplary configuration, the sensor is disposed in a bayonet connector, the bayonet connector being provided with an electrical connection interface that electrically connects the sensor to a microscope.

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

[0028] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device includes a fixed member adapted to be fixed to the housing and an optical body portion slidably connected to the fixed member and slidable into and out of an operating position, and the illumination optical device and the imaging optical device are disposed within the optical body portion and are positioned within the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively, when the optical body portion is in the operating position.

[0029] In this technical solution, in a normal state, the optical body part is stopped in a rest position outside the illumination light path and the imaging light path through the fixing member. With such a configuration of this example, the optical body part of the optical auxiliary device can be quickly inserted and removed when needed, which is greatly facilitated for the operator.

[0030] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical aid further includes a sensor that sends a signal when the optical body portion is slid into the operating position.

[0031] According to one exemplary configuration, the optical auxiliary device further includes an electrical connection interface for electrically connecting the optical body portion to the microscope and for exchanging information and / or power between the microscope and the optical body portion.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a microscope assembly comprising a microscope and at least one optical auxiliary device according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments. According to the invention, a plurality of optical auxiliary devices may be provided, forming a kit, providing a range of resolution options, whereby an operator may select different optical auxiliary devices as required.

[0033] According to one exemplary configuration, a protrusion is formed on the housing of the microscope and a recess is formed on the optical auxiliary device, with a peripheral edge of the protrusion abutting a peripheral edge of the recess to position the optical auxiliary device relative to the microscope. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the protrusion abuts a peripheral edge of the recess to precisely position the bayonet connector relative to the microscope, thereby precisely positioning the optical auxiliary device.

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

[0035] According to one exemplary configuration, the imaging optics and / or the illumination optics are configured as a varioscope, which provides a wider magnification range and versatility for the microscope.

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically the basic operation of an optical auxiliary device: FIG. 1a shows the beam path of a microscope without the optical auxiliary device, FIG. 1b shows the effect on the beam path when the optical auxiliary device is provided, and FIG. 1c shows the beam path after the optical auxiliary device has been removed. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the beam path when an exemplary optical auxiliary device is applied, in which the illumination optics of the optical auxiliary device include a pair of mirrors. [Diagram 3] 13 shows a schematic diagram of the beam path when an optical auxiliary device according to another embodiment is applied, in which the illumination optics of the optical auxiliary device include a pair of prisms. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a microscope assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with an optical auxiliary device attached to the microscope and shown in partial cross-section, with the optical body portions of the microscope and the optical auxiliary device shown generally as rectangular frames. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a schematic front view of an optical aid, with the optical body portion shown diagrammatically as a rectangular frame; [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic top view of the optical aid with the cover above the sensor removed to reveal the sensor; [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the connection part of the optical auxiliary device, with the locking cooperating part visible; [Figure 8] 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical auxiliary device of FIG. 5 taken along line L1-L1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a plug connector; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] It should be noted that the above drawings are only schematic: they show only the parts necessary to illustrate the present invention, and other parts are omitted or shown in a simplified form. In addition to the components shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention may also include other components.

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention are described in detail below by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general concept of the present invention, and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0040] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0041] Figure 1a shows the beam path of the microscope without the optical auxiliary device 2. Figure 1b shows the beam path when the optical auxiliary device 2 is provided. Figure 1c shows the beam path after removing the optical auxiliary device 2. Figures 1a-1c show diagrammatically the illumination beam path 102 and the imaging beam path 101 of the microscope, where the imaging optics 131 (also called imaging lens) of the microscope is placed in the imaging beam path 101 and the illumination optics 132 (also called illumination lens) is placed in the illumination beam path 102.

[0042] In order to facilitate the adjustment of the resolution of the microscope, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an optical auxiliary device 2 is provided, which is adapted to be mounted on the microscope 1, as shown in Fig. 1b. The optical auxiliary device 2 comprises an imaging optical device 21 adapted to be placed in the imaging beam path 101 of the microscope and an illumination optical device 22 adapted to be placed in the illumination beam path 102 of the microscope. The imaging beam path 101 and the illumination beam path 102 are separate and separated. The imaging optical device 21 does not act on the illumination beam path, and the illumination optical device 22 does not act on the imaging beam path. Such a separated illumination mode is shown in Figs. 1a-1c, i.e. the illumination beam path is isolated from the imaging beam path by the partitions 13 and 20, which are shown diagrammatically in these figures. In this mode, mutual interferences and reflections between the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path can be avoided. The illumination optics 22 are configured to match the imaging optics 21 and thereby act on the illumination beam path to project light onto the microscope field of view as shown in FIG. 1b.

[0043] The term "match" herein between the illumination optics and the imaging optics means that the illumination optics 22 engages with the imaging optics 21 such that the modified illumination spot (the extent to which the illumination beam covers the object surface) covers at least the entire field of view of the modified imaging beam path 101 on the object surface. In other words, the illumination light illuminates at least the entire field of view of the microscope that is formed after the resolution is modified.

[0044] The imaging beam path 101 and the illumination beam path 102 are separated, the imaging optics 21 of the optical auxiliary device 2 changes focus and the illumination optics 22 matches with the imaging optics 21, whereby the illumination is adapted to the changed observation area, i.e. the adjusted field of view of the microscope, to ensure sufficient illumination of the changed observation area. Furthermore, the resolution of the microscope is changed by mounting the optical auxiliary device 2 on the microscope 1, and the imaging optics 21 and the illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 are placed in the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path, respectively, to change the resolution, thus avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art of time-consuming and laborious replacement of the imaging optical assembly and / or the illumination optical assembly of the microscope.

[0045] It should also be pointed out that although the imaging optics 131 and illumination optics 132 of the microscope as well as the imaging optics 21 and illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 are all shown as lenses in Figures 1a to 1c, in practice they can be implemented in various forms, i.e. they can be designed as a single optical element or a combination of multiple optical elements of any suitable type.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the illumination optics 22 are configured to deflect the illumination beam path of the microscope so as to illuminate the field of view of the microscope with light.

[0047] 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary optical auxiliary device 2 mounted on a microscope 1 including a housing 11. The optical auxiliary device 2 is adapted to be removably mounted on the housing 11. In this manner, the optical auxiliary device 2 can be easily removed or attached as required. A specific structure is described in detail below.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 may include a pair of mirrors that reflect light from the illumination beam path 102 of the microscope, deflect the illumination beam path 102, and illuminate the light onto the field of view of the modified imaging beam path on the object plane.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an optical auxiliary device according to another embodiment mounted on a microscope 1. In contrast to Fig. 2, the illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 of Fig. 3 is embodied as a pair of prisms, which change the direction of the illumination beam path to irradiate the light to a modified field of view. The use of prisms instead of mirrors allows for less adjustments for the illumination optics and saves space. Furthermore, the precision of the illumination beam guidance can be increased and the number of optical elements required can be reduced.

[0050] In the technical solutions shown in Figures 2 and 3, the illumination beam path is modified by a pair of prisms or a pair of mirrors, and the position of the illumination spot is changed to correspond to the entire microscope field of view formed after the resolution is changed.

[0051] In the above two examples and the corresponding figures 2 and 3, the illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 is described by way of example as a pair of mirrors or a pair of prisms. However, it should be pointed out that the illumination optics 22 of the optical auxiliary device 2 can be configured in other ways, for example it can include one or more mirrors, prisms, lenses, or a combination thereof, as long as the illumination optics of the optical auxiliary device 2 matches the focal length of the imaging optics 21 and light is irradiated onto the modified field of view of the microscope to illuminate at least the modified field of view.

[0052] The present invention further provides a microscope assembly, which may include a microscope and one or more optical sub-devices, each of which may include imaging optics having different configurations or functions as well as matching illumination optics, thereby achieving multiple resolutions when combined with the microscope. For example, multiple optical sub-devices may form a kit that provides a range of resolution options, allowing an operator to select different optical sub-devices according to his or her needs.

[0053] The microscope of the present application may include a varioscope and therefore realize more magnifications. Moreover, by adding an optical auxiliary device according to the present invention to such a microscope, an overall wider magnification range can be obtained. The optical auxiliary device of the present invention is applicable to at least a part of the magnification range of the microscope, and preferably to the entire magnification range, i.e. to all magnifications of the microscope. In other words, the optical auxiliary device is adapted to provide focus changes and corresponding illumination changes for all optical parameter settings of the microscope.

[0054] Furthermore, the imaging optics can be configured as a varioscope or a fixed focus lens. The illumination optics can be configured as a varioscope or a fixed focus lens. If the optical auxiliary employs a varioscope, a wider range of magnifications and versatility of the microscope can be obtained.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a microscope assembly, in which the optical auxiliary device 2 is mounted on the microscope 1 and is shown in a partial cross-section, the optical body parts of the microscope 1 and the optical auxiliary device 2 being shown diagrammatically as rectangular frames. FIG. 5 shows a schematic front view of the optical auxiliary device 2, in which the optical body parts are shown diagrammatically as rectangular frames. FIG. 6 shows a schematic top view of the optical auxiliary device 2, in which the cover above the sensor has been removed and the sensor is visible. FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of the connection part of the optical auxiliary device 2, in which the locking cooperating part 242 is visible. FIG. 8 shows diagrammatically a cross-section of the optical auxiliary device 2 of FIG. 5 along the line L1-L1, in which the locking component 233 is clearly visible. FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of the plug connector.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4-9, as a specific exemplary structure for removably mounting the optical auxiliary device 2 to the housing 11, the optical auxiliary device 2 includes a fixing member, for example in the form of a plug connector 23. The fixing member is adapted to be fixed to the housing 11 of the microscope 1. The optical auxiliary device 2 further includes a body 24, which includes an optical body part 243 and a connecting part 241. The illumination optical device 22 and the imaging optical device 21 are arranged in the optical body part 243, and the connecting part 241 is adapted to be removably mounted to the fixing member. The illumination optical device and the imaging optical device are not shown in Figures 4-6, because the microscope 1 and the optical body part 243 are shown generally as rectangular frames to simplify the drawings.

[0057] In this example, the connecting portion 241 is detachably connected to a fixed member fixed to the microscope, so that under normal conditions, only the fixed member is fixed to the housing 11 and the main body 24 can be detached from the fixed member. The connecting portion 241 of the main body 24 can be reconnected to the fixed member when necessary.

[0058] As can be seen in Figs. 4-9, by way of example, the fixing member may take the form of a plug connector 23. The plug connector 23 includes a first wall 231 adapted to be connected to the housing 11 and a second wall 232 opposite the first wall 231. The connecting portion 241 of the body 24 is adapted to be inserted between the first wall 231 and the second wall 232. Such a configuration allows the connecting portion 241 of the body 24 to be precisely positioned relative to the plug connector 23. By way of example, the connecting portion 241 includes three parallel rod-shaped members 2411 which slide into the plug connector 23 and are fixed by the locking component 233 and the positioning member 25, which will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 8, the three rod-shaped members 2411 may be arranged such that the two lateral rod-shaped members 2411 abut against the inner wall of the plug connector 23 at their upper, lower and outer surfaces, respectively, to avoid vibration. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described structure of the plug connector 23 and the connection portion 241 inserted into the plug connector 23 is merely an example, and other connection structures are also applicable as long as the main body 24 can be detachably connected to the fixed member.

[0059] By way of example, the optical body portion 243 of the body 24 can be fixedly connected to the connecting portion 241, for example via a threaded fastener (not shown). When the connecting portion 241 is fixed in place in the bayonet connector 23, the illumination optics and imaging optics in the optical body portion 243 are positioned in the illumination light path and the imaging light path, respectively.

[0060] For example, in order to position the connection part 241 in the plug connector 23, the present invention provides a technical solution in which the plug connector 23 is provided with a lock hole 234 extending from its outer surface to its internal space, and a lock component 233 passing through the lock hole 234, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. A lock cooperating part 242 is provided at the insertion end of the connection part 241, and the lock component 233 is adapted to cooperate with the lock cooperating part 242 to lock or unlock the connection part 241. As a specific example, the lock component 233 may include a spring 2331 resting on a spring mounting seat 2332 formed on the plug connector 23, and a locking member 2334 interacting with the spring 2331 and adapted to be pressed and slid relative to the plug connector 23 (the locking member may be a button). The locking member 2334 is formed with a stopper member 2335 adapted to cooperate with a stopper surface 2421 formed on the lock cooperating portion 242, as shown in FIG. 7. The spring 2331 biases the locking member 2334 towards the outside of the plug connector 23. When biased by the spring 2331, the locking member 2334 is positioned with its stepped portion 2333 abutting the sleeve 2336. In this position, the stopper member 2335 cooperating with the stopper surface 2421 holds the connecting portion 241 in a predetermined position relative to the plug connector 23. Preferably, a guide surface 2422 is formed on the lock cooperating portion 242. During the pressing of the connecting portion 241 of the body 24 into the plug connector 23, the guide surface 2422 comes into contact with the stopper member 2335 of the locking member 2334. The stopper member 2335 is guided by the inclined guide surface 2422 into the groove 2423 as shown in FIG. 7 and cooperates with the two stopper surfaces 2421 (the two sides of the groove 2423) to prevent the connecting portion 241 from being further inserted and pulled back, thereby locking the connecting portion 241 and the entire body 24.

[0061] When the connecting portion 241 is to be released, the locking member 2334 is pressed and then slides into the plug connector against the bias of the spring 2331 until the stopper member 2335 disengages from the stopper surface 2421, exits from the groove 2423, and does not impede the retraction of the connecting portion 241. Thus, the connecting portion 241 can be pulled out to remove the main body 24 from the plug connector 23.

[0062] Preferably, a sensor 235 may be disposed on the plug connector 23 to indicate that the connection portion 241 is inserted into a predetermined position in the plug connector, thereby transmitting a signal indicating that the optical body portion 243 is in a predetermined position in the optical beam path of the microscope and the optical auxiliary device is ready. As an example, the sensor 235 may be a touch switch, which is triggered when the connection portion 241 is inserted into a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 6, as an example, the sensor 235 is mounted in the plug connector 23, and the plug connector 23 is provided with an electrical connection interface 236, one end of which is electrically connected to the sensor 235, for example, via a wire 2361 shown in FIG. 6, and the opposite end is electrically connected to the microscope so as to transmit a signal from the sensor to the microscope. It should be noted that in the top view shown in FIG. 6, a cover 2351 (seen in FIG. 9) above the sensor has been removed to show the sensor 235 in the plug connector 23. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the location of the sensor 235 is not limited to inside the plug connector 23, but can be located anywhere on the plug connector 23, or on the connection portion 241, or even on the housing 11 of the microscope 1.

[0063] For example, the electrical connection interface 236 can be connected to the microscope 1 through a cable (not shown). As another example, the electrical connection interface 236 can also be configured to automatically connect to a corresponding electrical connection interface on the microscope 1 when the bayonet connector 23 is connected to the housing 11 of the microscope 1. Such an electrical connection interface can include, for example, electrical contacts or spring contacts.

[0064] Through the above-mentioned electrical connection interface, information and power can be exchanged between the microscope 1 and the optical auxiliary device. By way of example, the electrical connection interface can also be a wireless communication interface, and the optical auxiliary device can be powered, for example, by a battery. The optical auxiliary device can also include a control device (not shown), which exchanges information with the microscope through the electrical connection interface. The control device includes, for example, a memory and a processor. Through the electrical connection interface, information about the optical auxiliary device can be provided to the microscope, for example, the type, parameters, settings, etc. of the optical auxiliary device. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to provide the optical auxiliary device with information about the microscope, for example, the type of microscope, settings of the imaging path or illumination digit color, settings of the illumination source, etc. This structure facilitates automatic control of the microscope assembly, in particular a microscope using a varioscope and / or an optical auxiliary device using a varioscope, where it is advantageous to control a varioscope, since information about the current settings of the microscope or the optical auxiliary device can be exchanged through the electrical connection interface.

[0065] For example, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the optical auxiliary device 2 further includes a positioning member 25 in order to realize accurate positioning of the connection part, and therefore the body 24, with respect to the microscope 1, and thus accurate positioning of the imaging optical device and the illumination optical device in the optical body part 243 in the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path of the microscope. The positioning member 25 passes through the second wall 232 and the connection part 241, and is then fixed to the first wall 231. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the positioning member 25 may be a knob, and an external thread is provided on its upper part. The positioning member 25 passes through a hole in the central rod-shaped member 2411 of the connection part 241, and the external thread at its upper end is screwed into the female threaded hole of the first wall 231 of the plug connector 23, so that the connection part 241 is accurately positioned in the insertion direction. The positioning member 25, in addition to the connection between the locking member 2334 and the lock cooperating portion 242, is provided so as to be able to fix the connecting portion 241 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connecting portion 241, thus ensuring the positioning accuracy of the connecting portion 241 within the plug connector 23.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 4, a protrusion 12 is formed on the housing 11 of the microscope 1, which may consist, for example, of a protruding plate-like structure. A recess 237 is formed on the plug-in connector 23 of the optical auxiliary device 2. A peripheral edge of the protrusion 12 abuts against a peripheral edge of the recess 237 to accurately position the plug-in connector 23 with respect to the microscope 1 and thereby the optical auxiliary device 2. The plug-in connector 23 is fixed to the housing 11 by fasteners such as screws passing through holes formed in the recess or by other means.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the optical body part of the optical auxiliary device is slidable relative to the microscope (this embodiment is not shown). The optical auxiliary device comprises a fixing member adapted to be fixed to a housing of the microscope, the optical body part being slidably connected to the fixing member. The fixing member may be a single fixing member or may take the form of a combination consisting of a plug connector 23 and a connecting portion 241, as shown in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 9.

[0068] The slidable connection between the optical body part and the fixed member can be realized by providing the optical body part with a groove in which the fixed member slides. The groove can be formed inside the optical body part or on its outer side wall. In this way, when the fixed member is fixedly connected to the housing of the microscope, the optical body part is slidable relative to the fixed member and thereafter relative to the microscope. Thus, when it is necessary to adjust the resolution of the microscope by means of the illumination optics and the imaging optics of the optical auxiliary device, the optical body part can be slid to move the illumination optics and the imaging optics into the illumination optical path and the imaging optical path, respectively, i.e. into the working position. When the optical auxiliary device is not required, the optical body part can be slid to move the illumination optics and the imaging optics out of the illumination optical path and the imaging optical path, respectively. In normal conditions, the optical body part is stopped in a rest position outside the illumination optical path and the imaging optical path through the fixed member. Such an arrangement allows the optical body part of the optical auxiliary device to be quickly inserted and removed as needed, which is greatly facilitated for the operator.

[0069] In this embodiment where the optical body part of the optical auxiliary device is slidable relative to the microscope, the sensor of the optical auxiliary device is arranged to be triggered when the optical body part is slid into the operating position. In this configuration, the sensor may be provided on the optical body part, the fixing member, or the housing of the microscope.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor also includes an electrical connection interface, with a corresponding electrical connection interface formed in the optical body portion. When the optical body portion is positioned at a predetermined position, the electrical connection interface in the electrical sensor is connected to the corresponding optical connection interface of the optical body. In this way, the microscope can be electrically connected to the optical body portion, so that information and / or power can be exchanged between the microscope and the optical body portion when the optical body portion is positioned at a predetermined position, i.e. when the imaging optics and the illumination optics are installed in the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path, respectively.

[0071] Notwithstanding the embodiments shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be modified without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Microscope 2 Optical aids 11. Housing 12 Protrusion 13 Partition 20 Partition 21 Imaging optical device 22 Illumination optical device 23 Plug connector 24 Main Unit 25 Positioning member 101 Imaging Beam Path 102 Illumination beam path 131 Microscope imaging optics 132 Microscope Illumination Optical Device 231 The First Wall 232 The Second Wall 233 Lock Components 234 Lock hole 235 Sensors 236 Electrical Connection Interface 237 Recess 241 Connection 242 Lock Collaboration Part 243 Optical body part 2331 Spring 2332 Spring mounting seat 2334 Locking member 2335 Stopper member 2351 Cover 2411 Rod-shaped components 2421 Stopper surface 2422 Guide Surface

Claims

1. An optical auxiliary device (2) adapted to be attached to a microscope (1), comprising: an imaging optical device (21) adapted to be placed in an imaging beam path of the microscope; and an illumination optical device (22) adapted to be installed in an illumination beam path of the microscope, characterized in that the imaging beam path and the illumination beam path are separated, and the illumination optical device (22) is configured to match the imaging optical device (21) and act on the illumination beam path to irradiate light onto a field of view of the microscope.

2. 2. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that the illumination optics (22) are configured to deflect the illumination beam path and to illuminate the light into the field of view of the microscope.

3. 3. Optical aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination optics (22) comprises at least one pair of mirrors.

4. 3. Optical aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination optics (22) comprises at least one prism.

5. 3. Optical aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the microscope comprises a housing (11) and the optical aid (2) is adapted to be removably attached to the housing (11).

6. a fixing member adapted to be fixed to the housing (11); 6. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 5, further comprising a body (24) including an optical body portion (243) and a connecting portion (241), wherein the illumination optical device (22) and the imaging optical device (21) are arranged in the optical body portion (243), and the connecting portion (241) is detachably connected to the fixing member.

7. 7. The optical auxiliary device of claim 6, characterized in that the optical body portion (243) is fixedly connected to the connecting portion (241), and when the connecting portion (241) is fixed in a predetermined position on the fixing member, the illumination optical device (22) and the imaging optical device (21) are configured to be installed in the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively.

8. 7. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical body part (243) and the connecting part (241) are connected in a relatively slidable manner, whereby the optical body part (243) is slidable relative to the microscope (1) to move the illumination optical device (22) and the imaging optical device (21) in and out of the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path, respectively.

9. The fastening member is configured as a plug connector (23) having a first wall (231) adapted to be connected to the housing (11) and a second wall (232) opposite the first wall (231); Optical auxiliary device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the connecting part (241) is adapted to be inserted between the first wall (231) and the second wall (232).

10. 10. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 9, further comprising a positioning member (25), which passes through the second wall (232) and the connecting portion (241) and is then fixed to the first wall (231), in particular by being screwed into a threaded hole formed in the first wall (231).

11. 10. The optical auxiliary device of claim 9, further characterized in that the plug connector (23) is provided with a locking hole (234) extending from an outer surface of the plug connector into an internal space of the plug connector and a locking component (233) passing through the locking hole (234), and the insertion end of the connection part (241) is provided with a lock cooperating part (242), and the locking component (233) cooperates with the lock cooperating part (242) to lock or unlock the connection part (241).

12. The lock component (233) A spring (2331) that rests on a spring mounting seat (2332) formed on the plug connector (23); a locking member (2334) which interacts with the spring (2331) and is adapted to be compressed and slidable relative to the plug connector (23); Including, 12. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking member (2334) is formed with a stop member (2335) and the lock cooperating portion (242) is formed with a stop surface (2421) cooperating with the stop member (2335).

13. 13. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 12, characterized in that the lock cooperating portion (242) is further formed with a guide surface (2422) which guides the stopper member (2335) into engagement with the stopper surface (2421) during insertion of the connecting portion (241) into the plug connector (23).

14. 2. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical connection interface (236) electrically connected to the microscope (1).

15. 15. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 14, further comprising a control device electrically connected to the microscope (1) via the electrical connection interface (236).

16. 16. An optical aid according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it includes a control device and communicates wirelessly with the microscope.

17. 10. The optical-aid device according to claim 9, further comprising a sensor (235) provided on the plug connector (23) or on the connecting portion (241) and arranged to transmit a signal when the connecting portion (241) is inserted into a predetermined position in the plug connector.

18. 18. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 17, characterized in that the sensor (235) is arranged inside the plug connector (23), the plug connector (23) being provided with an electrical connection interface (236) for electrically connecting the sensor (235) to the microscope.

19. 19. An optical aid according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the sensor is a touch switch.

20. a fixing member adapted to be fixed to the housing; 6. The optical auxiliary device of claim 5, further comprising: an optical body part slidably connected to the fixed member and capable of sliding into and out of an operating position, wherein the illumination optical device and the imaging optical device are disposed within the optical body part and are respectively positioned within the illumination beam path and the imaging beam path in the operating position.

21. 21. The optical aid of claim 20, further comprising a sensor that sends a signal when the optical body portion is slid into the operating position.

22. 22. The optical auxiliary device of claim 21, further comprising an electrical connection interface for electrically connecting the optical body portion to the microscope.

23. 23. The optical auxiliary device according to claim 1, 2, 6 to 8, 10 to 15, 17, 18 and 20 to 22, characterized in that the imaging optics (21) and / or the illumination optics (22) are configured as varioscopes.

24. A microscope assembly, characterized in that it comprises a microscope and at least one optical auxiliary device according to any one of the claims 1 to 23.

25. 25. A microscope assembly according to claim 24, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of optical auxiliary devices having different optical properties.

26. 25. A microscope assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that a protrusion (12) is formed on the housing of the microscope (1) and a recess (237) is formed in the optical auxiliary device, the peripheral edge of the protrusion (12) abutting against the peripheral edge of the recess (237) to position the optical auxiliary device (2) relative to the microscope (1).

27. A microscope assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the microscope comprises a varioscope.

28. Microscope assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the microscope (1) is a surgical microscope.

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