Digital camera for microscope and camera connection adapter

Abstract

To provide a digital camera for a microscope capable of always acquiring an image of excellent image quality by suppressing the occurrence of dust or the like caused when an optical element is inserted / ejected with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes a camera body (20), an image sensor (21), a camera mount (26) that connects the camera body to a microscope (1), at least one optical device (22c) disposed on an imaging optical path incident on the image sensor, an optical device holding member (22) that holds the optical device, and an optical device insertion and removal mechanism (22d) that inserts and removes the optical device into and from the imaging optical path by moving the optical device holding member with respect to the camera body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital camera for a microscope and a camera connection adapter that are provided with a mechanism that allows an optical element to be inserted and removed freely on the imaging optical path. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Optical microscopes that use a plurality of optical lenses to observe a magnified optical image of an object have been widely used in the medical field, various research fields, and industrial fields, for example.

[0003] In conventional optical microscopes of this type, for example, those configured to be connected to an imaging device such as a digital camera so that an enlarged optical image of an observation object formed by an observation optical system can be acquired as image data have been put into practical use. In this case, various types of microscope digital cameras configured specifically for microscopes have been put into practical use.

[0004] For example, in conventional digital cameras for microscopes, various optical elements (optical filters) are placed on the incident light path (imaging light path) that enters the imaging element, allowing only a portion of the incident light to pass through or be blocked, thereby achieving a specific image effect for the image data that is acquired.

[0005] For this reason, in conventional digital cameras for microscopes, various types of mechanisms have been proposed, for example in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-172881, that allow at least one optical element to be freely inserted into or removed from the imaging optical path.

[0006] The microscope disclosed in JP 2003-172881 A and the like includes a camera connection adapter that is provided between the microscope and the digital camera to connect the two, and this camera connection adapter has a plate-shaped optical element holding member on which multiple optical elements are arranged, and is equipped with an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that is configured to selectively position any one of the multiple optical elements on the imaging optical path by moving the optical element holding member in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-172881 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in conventional microscopes disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-172881, etc., the optical element holding member that holds multiple optical elements is arranged, for example, near the image pickup element of a digital camera, and is configured to move across the image pickup optical path.

[0009] In this case, the optical element holding member slides against the internal structure of the device, which can generate dust and other particles that can adhere to the surfaces of the optical elements.

[0010] In particular, when a camera mount with a short flange back (the distance from the mount surface to the imaging surface) is used, in addition to the imaging light flux between the camera mount and the imaging element being a convergent light flux, the optical element and the imaging element are close, so there is a high possibility that dust or other particles adhering to the surface of the optical element will be captured in the captured image and cast a shadow on the image. In this way, the capture of dust or other particles in the image is a problem that can cause degradation of image quality.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a digital camera for microscopes and a camera connection adapter that have a mechanism that allows optical elements to be freely inserted and removed on the imaging optical path, and that has a simple configuration that can prevent the generation of dust and other particles that may occur when inserting and removing optical elements, and that allows images with good image quality to be obtained at all times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the digital camera for microscopes of the present invention comprises a camera body, an image sensor, a camera mount that connects the camera body to a microscope, one or more optical elements arranged on an image capturing optical path incident on the image sensor, an optical element holding member that holds the optical elements, and an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that inserts and removes the optical elements into and from the image capturing optical path by moving the optical element holding member relative to the camera body, wherein the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is arranged between the image sensor and the camera mount, and the optical elements can be inserted and removed into and from the image capturing optical path without sliding between the camera body and the optical element holding member.

[0013] One embodiment of the camera connection adapter of the present invention is a camera connection adapter that connects a microscope and a digital camera, and comprises: an adapter main body; a first connection part that is connected to the microscope; a second connection part that is connected to the digital camera; one or more optical elements that are arranged on an imaging optical path that is incident on an imaging element of the digital camera; an optical element holding member that holds the optical elements; and an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that inserts and removes the optical elements from the imaging optical path by moving the optical element holding member relative to the adapter main body, wherein the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is arranged between the first connection part and the second connection part, and the optical elements can be inserted and removed from the imaging optical path without sliding between the adapter main body and the optical element holding member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital camera for a microscope and a camera connection adapter that are equipped with a mechanism that allows optical elements to be freely inserted and removed on the imaging optical path, and that has a simple configuration that can prevent the generation of dust and other particles that may occur when inserting and removing optical elements, and that allows images with good image quality to be obtained at all times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a microscope to which the digital camera for a microscope of the present invention can be connected; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a microscope digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a position close to the upper front; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the microscope digital camera of FIG. 2, seen from a different angle than that of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the connection relationship between the microscope digital camera and the camera connection adapter of FIG. 2; [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view along line [5]-[5] in Figure 2; [Figure 6] Plan view from the direction of arrow [6] (bottom side) in Figure 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an optical element holding member in the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 2; [Figure 8] 3 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-section taken along the line [5]-[5] in FIG. 2) illustrating a state in which the first optical element is in a second position in the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 2; [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of the optical element holding member in the state of FIG. 8 as seen from the direction of the arrow [9] (bottom side); [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the microscope digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, seen from the bottom side; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an optical element holding member in the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 10; [Figure 12] 12] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member of FIG. 11 taken along the line

[12] -

[12] . [Figure 13]10 is a plan view of a digital camera for a microscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention, seen from the bottom side; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an optical element holding member in the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 13; [Figure 15] 14 shows the operation of the microscope digital camera of FIG. 13, in which the first optical element is in a first position and the second optical element is in a second position; [Figure 16] 14 shows the operation of the microscope digital camera of FIG. 13, showing a state in which the first optical element is in the second position and the second optical element is in the first position; [Figure 17] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera for a microscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] Plan view from the direction of arrow

[18] (bottom side) in Figure 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an optical element holding member in the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 17; [Figure 20] 20] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member of FIG. 19 taken along the line

[20] -

[20] . [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the operation of the microscope digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the first optical element is disposed at the second position and the second optical element is disposed at the first position; [Figure 22] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera for a microscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] Plan view from the direction of arrow

[23] (bottom side) in Figure 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which the first optical element is disposed at the second position and the second optical element is disposed at the first position (as viewed from the direction of arrow

[23] (bottom side) in FIG. 22 ); [Figure 25] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a digital camera for a microscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 26] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the digital camera for a microscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 26; [Figure 28] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera for a microscope according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 29] 29 is a plan view of the bottom side of the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 28; [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the connection relationship between a camera connection adapter according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention and a digital camera for a microscope that corresponds to this camera connection adapter; [Figure 31] 31 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the camera connection adapter of FIG. 30 is connected to a digital camera for a microscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, in these drawings, each component is shown at a size that allows it to be recognized on the drawing. For this reason, the dimensional relationships and scales of the components in the drawings may be different for each component. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments with respect to the quantities, shapes, size ratios, relative positional relationships, etc. of the components shown in the drawings.

[0017] Before describing the digital camera for a microscope of the present invention, the general configuration of a microscope to which the digital camera for a microscope of the present invention can be connected will be described below. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a microscope to which the digital camera for a microscope of the present invention can be connected.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the microscope 1 includes a microscope body 10, a stage 11, a revolver 12, an objective lens 13, a lens barrel 14, an eyepiece 15, a light source 16, an optical path splitting prism 17, a beam splitter 18, and the like.

[0019] The microscope body 10 is a fixed unit that constitutes the main base of the microscope 1. The microscope body 10 fixedly supports the revolver 12 and the lens barrel 14. The microscope body 10 holds the stage 11 so that it can move freely in a direction along the optical axis O2 of the objective lens 13 (focusing direction). An observation optical path and an imaging optical path are formed inside the microscope body 10 and the lens barrel 14. An illumination optical path is also formed inside the microscope body 10. The observation optical path, imaging optical path, and illumination optical path will be described later.

[0020] Although not shown, a focusing mechanism that moves the stage 11 in a predetermined direction (the direction along the optical axis O2), various electronic components, and the like are arranged inside the microscope body 10. Here, the various electronic components include, for example, an electric board on which a control circuit that controls the entire microscope 1 is mounted, and electrical components including a power supply, etc. The electronic components also include, for example, a drive motor and its drive control circuit for driving the focusing mechanism, and a drive motor and its drive control circuit for driving the stage 11, etc.

[0021] Since these electronic components are not directly related to the present invention, they are assumed to be substantially the same as those used in microscopes of conventional general configuration, and detailed configurations and illustrations thereof are omitted.

[0022] The stage 11 is a mounting table on which an object to be observed (also called a specimen) is placed. The stage 11 is made of a plate-like member with flat upper and lower surfaces. The stage 11 is configured to be movable in a predetermined direction (along the optical axis O2) relative to the microscope main body 10 by a focusing mechanism (not shown) while being maintained horizontal.

[0023] The revolver 12 holds a plurality of objective lenses 13 with different magnifications or shapes so that they can be exchanged with respect to a specimen, and is fixedly supported by the microscope body 10.

[0024] The lens barrel 14 is a cylindrical component that is fixedly supported by the microscope body 10 and in which a part of the observation optical path and the imaging optical path are formed. Inside the lens barrel 14, an optical path splitting prism 17 is provided on the optical axis O2 of the objective lens 13.

[0025] Optical-path splitting prism 17 is a component that splits the incident optical path that passes from the observation object through objective lens 13 into at least two optical paths. One of the two optical paths split by optical-path splitting prism 17 is an observation optical path that is guided to eyepiece 15. For this reason, eyepiece 15 is disposed in lens barrel 14 at the end position of the observation optical path.

[0026] With this configuration, the observation optical path is formed along a part of the optical axis O2 of the objective lens 13 (from the observation object to the optical path splitting prism 17) and the optical axis O1 of the eyepiece lens 15 in the region from the observation object through the objective lens 13 to the eyepiece lens 15. An optical image of the observation object is formed on an image forming plane formed in the vicinity of the eyepiece lens 15.

[0027] Furthermore, the other of the two optical paths split by the optical path splitting prism 17 is an imaging optical path that is guided to an imaging element (see reference numeral 21 in Figure 1) of an imaging device such as a camera (see reference numeral 2 in Figure 1; details will be described later).

[0028] Here, a camera connection adapter 3 is detachably connected to a predetermined end position of the lens barrel 14. An imaging device (for example, the microscope digital camera 2 of the present invention) is detachably connected to the other end of this camera connection adapter 3. Here, the camera connection adapter 3 is disposed between the microscope 1 and the microscope digital camera 2, and is a component that connects the two. Figure 1 shows an example of a configuration in which the microscope digital camera 2 is connected to the microscope 1 via the camera connection adapter 3.

[0029] With this configuration, an imaging optical path is formed along the optical axis O2 of the objective lens 13 in the region from the observation object through the objective lens 13 to the imaging element 21 of the imaging device (microscope digital camera 2). An optical image of the observation object is then formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 21 by a projection optical lens (not shown) provided inside the camera connection adapter 3.

[0030] The observation optical path and the imaging optical path are formed in a region where they partially overlap each other (between the objective lens 13 and the optical path splitting prism 17).

[0031] The light source 16 is a structural unit that emits illumination light for illuminating an observation object. The light emitted from the light source 16 is guided toward the observation object by a beam splitter 18 provided inside the microscope body 10, illuminating the observation object. As a result, the illumination light path is an area through which the illumination light that illuminates the observation object passes. Part of this illumination light path overlaps with part of each of the observation light path and the imaging light path.

[0032] The light beam that illuminates the object to be observed is reflected by the object to be observed, passes through the objective lens 13, transmits through the beam splitter 18, and is then guided to the optical path splitting prism 17. At this time, the light reflected from the object to be observed passes through the objective lens 13 to form an optical image of the object to be observed. As described above, the optical image thus formed is split by the optical path splitting prism 17, and one part is guided to the eyepiece lens 15 and the other part is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 21.

[0033] The optical image formed by the light beam guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 21 undergoes photoelectric conversion processing in the image sensor 21 and is output as image data to an image processing device or the like (not shown). The image is then displayed as an image on the display screen of an image display device (not shown) included in the image processing device or the like. Note that these operations are similar to those that can be performed by a microscope and a digital camera for a microscope having a conventional general configuration. Therefore, detailed explanations and illustrations thereof are omitted. [First embodiment]

[0034] Next, the digital camera for a microscope according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. First, a digital camera for a microscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital camera for microscopes according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a position closer to the upper front. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the digital camera for microscopes of FIG. 2, as seen from a different angle than that of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing the connection relationship between the digital camera for microscopes of FIG. 2 and a camera connection adapter. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line [5]-[5] in FIG. 2. Note that FIG. 5 shows the state in which the camera connection adapter is connected. Here, only a portion of the camera connection adapter is shown. FIG. 6 is a plan view taken from the direction of the arrow [6] (bottom side) in FIG. 5. Note that FIG. 6 cuts out a portion of the bottom surface of the camera to show the optical element holding member provided inside. FIG. 7 is a view showing the optical element holding member of the digital camera for microscopes of FIG. 2, with the reference numeral [7A] indicating a plan view of the optical element holding member. The reference numeral [7B] indicating a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along the line [7B]-[7B]. The symbol [7C] is a side view of the optical element holding member as seen from the direction of the arrow [7C].

[0036] As shown in the figure, the first embodiment of the digital camera 2 for microscopes (hereinafter simply referred to as camera 2) is formed by having a camera body 20, an imaging element 21 (see Figure 5), an optical element holding member 22 (see Figures 5, 6, and 7), a dustproof glass 23 (see Figure 5), stoppers 24a and 24b (see Figures 5 and 6), a bush 25 (see Figure 5), a camera body side camera mount 26 (see Figures 4 and 5), and various electronic components including an imaging board 21a, etc.

[0037] The camera body 20 is a housing having a generally cylindrical shape, with one end (top side) of the cylinder closed and the other end (bottom side) having an opening of a predetermined size in the approximate center region. A plurality of spaces are formed inside the camera body 20. Here, the plurality of spaces include, for example, a first internal space 20a, a second internal space 20b, and a third internal space 20c, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0038] Of these, the first internal space 20a mainly contains an imaging board 21a on which a plurality of electrical components such as an imaging element 21 are mounted, as well as a dustproof glass 23 and the like.

[0039] Here, the imaging element 21 is a light-receiving element that receives an optical image of an observation object formed by the optical system of the microscope 1 and performs photoelectric conversion. The imaging board 21a is a circuit board on which an imaging circuit including the imaging element 21 is mounted. The imaging element 21 is disposed at a position where the imaging optical axis O2 passes through approximately the center of the light-receiving surface.

[0040] The dustproof glass 23 is a glass member that is disposed on the imaging optical path centered on the imaging optical axis O2 and that is provided to prevent dust and other foreign matter from entering the first internal space 20a in which the imaging element 21 and other components are disposed. The dustproof glass 23 is formed, for example, of a colorless, transparent, plane-parallel plate.

[0041] The second internal space 20b accommodates a circuit board and the like on which a plurality of electrical components related to power supply, external communication, etc. are mounted. A power supply terminal 27, a communication connector 28, etc. are disposed facing outward from the second internal space 20b. Note that the contents of the second internal space 20b are not directly related to the present invention, and therefore are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0042] An optical element holding member 22 (described later) is disposed in the third internal space 20c so as to be movable in a predetermined direction. The third internal space 20c is an elongated space extending in a direction (along the arrow X) substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical path. A through-hole is formed in the third internal space 20c in a substantially central region corresponding to the imaging optical path.

[0043] A plurality of stoppers 24a, 24b are provided near both ends of the third internal space 20c closer to the outer periphery. These stoppers 24a, 24b are members that restrict movement of an optical element holding member 22 (described later) in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X). As will be described in detail later, for example, the stopper 24a restricts movement of the optical element holding member 22 in the direction along the arrow X1. Furthermore, the stopper 24b restricts movement of the optical element holding member 22 in the direction along the arrow X2 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0044] A bushing 25 is provided near one end of the third internal space 20c. This bushing 25 is a member that supports a lever 22a of an optical element holding member 22, which will be described later. The optical element holding member 22 is cantilevered relative to a fixed portion of the camera body 20 by this bushing 25.

[0045] As described above, an opening of a predetermined size (diameter) is formed in the approximate center region of the other end (bottom side) of camera body 20. A camera body-side camera mount 26 (hereinafter simply referred to as camera mount 26), which is a camera mount on the camera body side that connects camera 2 to camera connection adapter 3, is provided around the periphery of this opening. This camera mount 26 is a connecting member for connecting camera body 20 to microscope 1 (adapter 3). As camera mount 26, a general-type camera mount, such as a screw-in mount conforming to the C-mount standard, is used.

[0046] In the example shown in the first embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which the camera 2 is connected to the microscope 1 via a camera connection adapter 3. In this case, the camera mount 26 of the camera 2 is connected to a camera mount on the camera connection adapter side (adapter-side camera mount 36). In this case, the adapter-side camera mount 36 is applied with a specified connecting means (screws, etc.) that corresponds to the camera mount 26.

[0047] In the first embodiment, as described above, the camera mount 26 is connected to the adapter-side camera mount 36 of the adapter 3, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration example. The camera mount 26 may be configured to be directly connected to a connection section (not shown) provided on the microscope 1, for example. In other words, the camera mount 26 is a member that connects the microscope 1 and the camera 2, but the adapter 3 may be interposed between the microscope 1 and the camera 2.

[0048] The optical element holding member 22 is a plate-like member that holds at least one optical element 22c. The optical element holding member 22 is disposed within the third internal space 20c of the camera body 20 so as to be movable in a direction (direction along the arrow X) substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0049] The optical element holding member 22 is composed of a lever 22a, a holding plate 22b, an optical element 22c, a roller 22d, etc. Of these, the lever 22a is an operating member that operates to move the optical element holding member 22. The lever 22a is made of a rod-shaped member and is integrally connected to one end of the holding plate 22b. The lever 22a is an operating member that moves the optical element holding member 22 in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X) by being pushed and pulled in the direction along the arrow X in FIG. 5. For this reason, the operating element provided at the end of the lever 22a is always positioned in a position that protrudes outward from the camera body 20.

[0050] Holding plate 22b is a plate-like member that holds one or more optical elements 22c. Holding plate 22b moves in a predetermined direction (the direction along arrow X) by pushing or pulling lever 22a.

[0051] The optical element 22c is an optical member that is disposed on the imaging optical path and has a function of adding a predetermined image effect to the image captured by the camera 2. As the optical element 22c, for example, a protective filter made of a colorless, transparent, parallel plane plate, an IRC (IR cut (infrared rays cut)) filter, a neutral density (ND) filter, etc. are applied.

[0052] The optical element holding member 22 in the camera 2 of the first embodiment is exemplified as holding two optical elements 22c1 and 22c2. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the optical element 22c has two optical elements, a first optical element 22c1 and a second optical element 22c2. Of these, the first optical element 22c1 is, for example, an optical element made of a plane-parallel plate. Furthermore, the second optical element 22c2 is, for example, an IRC filter.

[0053] The rollers 22d are components that constitute an optical element insertion / removal mechanism (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as an insertion / removal mechanism) for smoothly moving the optical element holding member 22 in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X) within the third internal space 20c. The rollers 22d are configured using a rolling mechanism made up of a plurality of disk-wheel-shaped members. Specifically, for example, a plurality of rollers 22d are arranged on each of both side surfaces of the holding plate 22b. In this case, the rollers 22d are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the direction of the arrow X on both side surfaces of the holding plate 22b.

[0054] Here, rollers 22d are supported by rotating shaft members on both side surfaces of holding plate 22b and are provided so as to be rotatable forward and backward. The diameter of roller 22d (see symbol D in FIG. 7) is slightly larger than the thickness of holding plate 22b (see symbol T in FIG. 7) (D>T). The height of third internal space 20c (see symbol G in FIG. 5) is set to be slightly larger than the diameter D of roller 22d (G>D).

[0055] With this configuration, when lever 22a is pushed or pulled, roller 22d rolls on the floor surface on the lower side of third internal space 20c, thereby allowing holding plate 22b (optical element holding member 22) to move smoothly in the direction indicated by arrow X. At this time, holding plate 22b moves without sliding against the inner wall surface of third internal space 20c.

[0056] The roller 22d is formed using, for example, a resin material or a metal material, and is configured so as to be able to roll smoothly at all times without using a lubricating member such as grease (greaseless).

[0057] In this way, optical element holding member 22 has the function of inserting or removing predetermined optical element 22c into or from the imaging optical path by moving holding plate 22b in a predetermined direction (direction along arrow X) relative to camera body 20 using an insertion / removal mechanism including rollers 22d. In this case, predetermined optical element 22c can be selectively positioned at either a first position where it is positioned on the imaging optical path, or a second position off the imaging optical path.

[0058] The optical element holding member 22 to which the insertion / removal mechanism including the rollers 22d is attached is disposed between the image pickup element 21 and the camera mount 26 so as to be movable in a direction crossing the image pickup optical path. By attaching the insertion / removal mechanism including the rollers 22d to the optical element holding member 22, the rollers 22d roll, and the optical element 22c can be inserted into or removed from the image pickup optical path without sliding between the camera body 20 (the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20c) and the optical element holding member 22.

[0059] The operation of the optical element holding member 22 in the camera 2 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be briefly explained below mainly with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9. FIG.

[0060] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the operation of the digital camera for a microscope of FIG. 2. Of these, FIG. 8, like FIG. 5, is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section along the line [5]-[5] of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the first optical element is in the second position. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the optical element holding member in the state of FIG. 8, as seen from the direction of the arrow [9] (bottom side). In FIG. 9, like FIG. 6, a part of the bottom of the camera is cut away to show the optical element holding member provided inside.

[0061] First, the state shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a state in which the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0062] 5 and 6, the lever 22a of the optical element holder 22 is pushed in and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in the figures. Then, the roller 22d of the optical element holder 22 rolls while contacting the floor surface of the inner wall of the third internal space 20c. This allows the optical element holder 22 to move smoothly in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 within the third internal space 20c without sliding against the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20c.

[0063] Then, the tip surface (the surface on the side where lever 22a is not provided) of optical element holding member 22 eventually comes into contact with stopper 24a. This restricts movement of optical element holding member 22 in the direction along arrow X1. This state is shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0064] When the state shown in Figures 8 and 9 is reached, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0065] 8 and 9, when the lever 22a of the optical element holder 22 is pulled and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 in the figures, the optical element holder 22 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 within the third internal space 20c. At this time, the roller 22d of the optical element holder 22 rolls while contacting the floor surface of the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20c. As a result, the optical element holder 22 moves smoothly in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 within the third internal space 20c without sliding against the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20c.

[0066] Then, the base end surface (the surface on which the lever 22a is disposed) of the optical element holding member 22 eventually comes into contact with the stopper 24b. This restricts the movement of the optical element holding member 22 in the direction along the arrow X2. In this way, the optical element holding member 22 returns to the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0067] Returning to the state shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0068] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in a digital camera for a microscope (camera 2) equipped with a mechanism that can freely insert and remove an optical element (22c) on the imaging optical path, an insertion / removal mechanism (roller 22d) is provided between the imaging element 21 and the camera mount 26, which moves an optical element holding member 22 that holds one or more optical elements 22c relative to the camera body 20, thereby inserting and removing the optical element 22c from the imaging optical path.

[0069] Here, the insertion / removal mechanism (rollers 22d) is configured to be able to insert and remove the optical element 22c into and from the imaging optical path without sliding between the camera body 20 and the optical element holding member 22. In this case, the optical element holding member 22 moves the optical element 22c between a first position on the imaging optical path and a second position off the imaging optical path.

[0070] The insertion / removal mechanism (rollers 22d) is configured using a rolling mechanism, and is made up of a plurality of wheels that roll on the inner wall surface on the camera body 20 side when the optical element holding member 22 moves relative to the camera body 20.

[0071] As described above, in the first embodiment, the optical element holding member 22 is provided with rollers 22d that constitute the insertion / removal mechanism, so that when the optical element holding member 22 moves in a predetermined insertion / removal direction (X direction), the optical element holding member 22 and the camera body 20 do not come into contact with each other and slide against each other.

[0072] Therefore, this configuration can prevent dust and the like from being generated due to movement of the optical element holding member 22. This can prevent dust and the like from adhering to the optical element 22c, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the acquired image and making it possible to always acquire good images.

[0073] In addition, the optical element holding member 22 is configured to have a plurality of optical elements 22c, and one of the plurality of optical elements 22c is selectively arranged on the imaging optical path. Then, by using an optical element inserting / removing mechanism to move the optical element holding member 22 relative to the camera body 20, it is possible to switch the optical element to be arranged on the imaging optical path. In this case, by providing rollers 22d as the optical element inserting / removing mechanism, it is possible to switch the optical elements 22c smoothly and efficiently.

[0074] In the camera 2 of the first embodiment, the first internal space 20a of the camera body 20 in which the image sensor 21 and other components are disposed is sealed by providing a dustproof glass 23 at the opening that passes through the image pickup optical path. By providing this dustproof glass 23, it is possible to further prevent dust and other particles from adhering to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 21.

[0075] Furthermore, in the third internal space 20c within which the optical element holding member 22 moves, the lever 22a is configured to protrude laterally relative to the outside. Here, a bushing 25 is provided at the sliding portion between the lever 22a and the camera body 20. This bushing 25 ensures smooth movement of the lever 22a and also serves to seal the third internal space 20c. This configuration more reliably prevents dust and other foreign matter from entering the third internal space 20c from the outside.

[0076] Therefore, in the camera 2 of the first embodiment, the generation of dust and other particles caused by the sliding of parts against each other in the third internal space 20c is prevented by providing an insertion / removal mechanism (roller 22d), and dust and other particles that may enter the third internal space 20c from the outside are prevented by the bush 25. Furthermore, dust and other particles that may enter the first internal space 20a from the third internal space 20c side and adhere to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 21 are prevented by the dustproof glass 23.

[0077] With this configuration, the camera 2 of the first embodiment can always acquire images with good image quality. [Second embodiment]

[0078] Next, a digital camera for a microscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a digital camera for microscopes according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom side. Note that FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment described above. FIG. 11 is a view showing an optical element holding member removed from the digital camera for microscopes in FIG. 10 (corresponding to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment). Of these, reference numeral [11A] is a plan view of the optical element holding member. Note that [11A] also shows a portion of the internal space on the camera body side in which the optical element holding member is movably arranged. Reference numeral [11B] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along line [11B]-[11B]. Reference numeral [11C] is a side view of the optical element holding member as viewed from the direction of arrow [11C]. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along line

[12] -

[12] in FIG. 11.

[0080] The basic configuration of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the configurations of the optical element holding member and the optical element inserting / removing mechanism are different from those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0081] The camera 2A of the second embodiment is formed with various electronic components including a camera body 20A, an imaging element (not shown), an optical element holding member 22A, a dustproof glass (not shown), stoppers 24a, 24b, bushings (not shown), a camera mount 26, and an imaging board (not shown).

[0082] The camera body 20A basically has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the camera body 20A differs in part in the configuration of the third internal space 20Ac. That is, in the second embodiment, the third internal space 20Ac is similar to that of the first embodiment described above in that the optical element holding member 22A is disposed so as to be movable in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X).

[0083] In the third internal space 20Ac in the second embodiment, a main body groove 41 is formed on each of the inner wall surfaces thereof that face both side surfaces of the optical element holding member 22A. The main body groove 41 is formed, for example, as a triangular groove or a rectangular groove. The main body groove 41 is set to a predetermined length (see symbol L in FIG. 10) in a direction parallel to the arrow X (described in detail later).

[0084] The optical element holding member 22A is a plate-like member that holds at least one optical element 22c, and is similar to the first embodiment in that it is disposed within the third internal space 20Ac so as to be movable in a direction (direction along the arrow X) substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2). The basic configuration of the optical element holding member 22A is also substantially similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0085] In the optical element holding member 22A of the second embodiment, instead of the roller 22d as the optical element insertion / removal mechanism of the first embodiment described above, an optical element insertion / removal mechanism is provided which is composed of a holding plate side groove 42, a ball unit 22Ad, and the above-mentioned main body side groove 41.

[0086] That is, in the optical element holding member 22A in the second embodiment, holding plate-side grooves 42 are formed on both side surfaces of the holding plate 22Ab. These holding plate-side grooves 42 are formed, for example, as triangular grooves or angular grooves, similar to the main body-side grooves 41. These holding plate-side grooves 42 are formed within a range of a predetermined length in a direction parallel to the arrow X.

[0087] A ball unit 22Ad is disposed in each of the holding plate side grooves 42. The length of the holding plate side grooves 42 is set to be approximately the same as the length of the ball unit 22Ad.

[0088] The ball unit 22Ad is a component that constitutes the optical element insertion / removal mechanism. The ball unit 22Ad is composed of a plurality of balls 22Ada and a retainer 22Adb. The plurality of balls 22Ada are spherical components formed using, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The retainer 22Adb is a holder that holds the plurality of balls 22Ada, which are arranged in a straight line at approximately equal intervals, while maintaining a state in which the balls 22Ada can roll freely. By using this retainer 22Adb, the plurality of balls 22Ada are unitized, thereby preventing the plurality of balls 22Ada from scattering.

[0089] When the optical element holding member 22A is assembled into the camera body 20A, the ball unit 22Ad is placed in the holding plate side groove 42 of the optical element holding member 22A, and is sandwiched between the holding plate side groove 42 and the body side groove 41 of the camera body 20A, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0090] With this configuration, the ball 22Ada of the ball unit 22Ad rolls within the third internal space 20Ac between the holding plate-side groove 42 and the main body-side groove 41. This allows the holding plate 22Ab (optical element holding member 22A) to move smoothly in the direction along the arrow X without sliding.

[0091] In this way, optical element holding member 22A has the function of moving holding plate 22Ab in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow X) relative to camera body 20A using an insertion / removal mechanism including ball unit 22Ad to insert or remove predetermined optical element 22c into or from the imaging optical path. In this case, predetermined optical element 22c can be selectively positioned at either a first position where it is positioned on the imaging optical path, or a second position off the imaging optical path.

[0092] Note that optical element holding member 22A including the insertion / removal mechanism including ball unit 22Ad is disposed between image pickup element 21 and camera mount 26 so as to be movable in a direction crossing the image pickup optical path. By attaching the insertion / removal mechanism including ball unit 22Ad to optical element holding member 22A, ball 22Ada rolls, allowing optical element 22c to be inserted into or removed from the image pickup optical path without sliding between camera body 20A (inner wall surface of third internal space 20Ac) and optical element holding member 22A.

[0093] The length L of the main body side groove 41 is the length in the direction of the arrow X in the range from the position indicated by the symbol [A] to the position indicated by the symbol [B] in FIG.

[0094] Here, the state shown in Figure 10 is a state in which the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0095] In this case, the position indicated by the symbol [A] in Figure 10 is the end position of the base end side (the side where the lever 22a is arranged) of the ball unit 22Ad when it is in the state of Figure 10 (the first optical element 22c1 is in the first position).

[0096] On the other hand, the position indicated by the symbol [B] in Figure 10, although not shown, is the end position of the tip side (the side where the lever 22a is not arranged) of the ball unit 22Ad when the optical element holding member 22A moves in the X1 direction from the state in Figure 10 and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0097] Therefore, it can be seen that the range of movement of the optical element holding member 22A in the direction of the arrow X is between the position [A] and the position [B] in Fig. 10. From this, the length L of the main body-side groove 41 can be set to the length in the direction of the arrow X from the position [A] to the position [B] in Fig. 10.

[0098] In this way, the position of the optical element holding member 22A in the second embodiment can also be restricted by setting the length L of the main body side groove 41.

[0099] The position of the optical element holding member 22A may be restricted by stoppers 24a and 24b, as in the first embodiment. Other position restricting means may include, for example, a click mechanism or a magnetic catch mechanism provided on the holding plate 22Ab. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, the function of the optical element holding member 22A in the camera 2A of the second embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[0101] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by applying an optical element insertion / removal mechanism using a ball unit 22Ad instead of the roller 22d of the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain effects substantially similar to those of the first embodiment described above. [Third embodiment]

[0102] Next, a digital camera for a microscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0103] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a microscope digital camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the bottom side (corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment). FIG. 14 is a view showing an optical element holding member removed from the microscope digital camera of FIG. 13 (corresponding to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment). Of these, reference numeral [14A] is a plan view of the optical element holding member. Reference numeral [14B] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along line [14B]-[14B]. Reference numeral [14C] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along line [14C]-[14C]. Note that reference numeral [14C] also shows a portion of the internal space of the camera body where the optical element holding member is movably disposed. FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the microscope digital camera of FIG. 13. Of these, FIG. 15 shows a state in which the first optical element is in a first position and the second optical element is in a second position. FIG. 16 shows the first optical element in the second position and the second optical element in the first position.

[0104] The basic configuration of the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiments. In the third embodiment, the configurations of the optical element holding member and the optical element inserting / removing mechanism are different from those of the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Only the parts that are different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0105] The camera 2B of the third embodiment is formed with various electronic components including a camera body 20B, an imaging element (not shown), an optical element holding member 22B, a dustproof glass (not shown), stoppers 24a, 24b, a bushing 25, a camera mount 26, and an imaging board (not shown).

[0106] The camera body 20B basically has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured using magnetic force. Also, in the third embodiment, the optical element holding member 22B is movable in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X) without contacting the camera body 20B.

[0107] To achieve this, the optical element insertion / removal mechanism in the third embodiment is configured to include a retaining plate-side magnet 22Bd and a main body-side magnet 29a. Note that the optical element insertion / removal mechanism in the third embodiment is also configured to include a bushing 25 in addition to these.

[0108] As in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the bush 25 is provided near one end of the third internal space 20Bc, and is a member that ensures smooth sliding of the lever 22a of the optical element holding member 22B, seals the third internal space 20Bc from the outside, and cantilevers the lever 22a.

[0109] The holding plate side magnet 22Bd is at least one first magnet provided in the optical element holding member 22B. In the third embodiment, an example configuration is shown in which four holding plate side magnets 22Bd are provided as first magnets.

[0110] Here, the four holding plate side magnets 22Bd include a pair of first holding plate side magnets 22Bd1 that cooperate with the main body side magnet 29a to position the first optical element 22c1 at a first position, and a pair of second holding plate side magnets 22Bd2 that cooperate with the main body side magnet 29a to position the first optical element 22c1 at a second position and position the second optical element 22c2 at the first position.

[0111] These first and second holding plate-side magnets 22Bd1 and 22Bd2 are embedded in predetermined positions in the holding plate 22Bb of the optical element holding member 22B. Here, the predetermined positions are positions near both side edges of the holding plate 22Bb, aligned at a predetermined interval (reference symbol L2 in FIG. 13) along the movement direction (direction along arrow X) of the optical element holding member 22B.

[0112] The pair of first holding plate side magnets 22Bd1 are provided near both edge portions of the tip side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is not provided). The second holding plate side magnet 22Bd2 is provided near both edge portions at a predetermined distance L2 from the pair of first holding plate side magnets 22Bd1 in the direction along arrow X toward the base end side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is provided) (see FIG. 13, etc.).

[0113] On the other hand, the body-side magnet 29a is at least one second magnet provided in the camera body 20B. In the third embodiment, the same number (four) of body-side magnets 29a are provided to match the four holding plate-side magnets 22Bd described above.

[0114] Here, the four body-side magnets 29a include a pair of first body-side magnets 29a1 that cooperate with the holding plate-side magnets 22Bd to position the first optical element 22c1 at a first position, and a pair of second body-side magnets 29a2 that cooperate with the holding plate-side magnets 22Bd to position the first optical element 22c1 at a second position and position the second optical element 22c2 at the first position.

[0115] The first and second body-side magnets 29a1, 29a2 are embedded in predetermined positions within the floor of the third internal space 20Bc of the camera body 20B. The predetermined positions of the pair of first body-side magnets 29a1 are positions facing the pair of first holding plate-side magnets 22Bd1 when the first optical element 22c1 is in the first position. The predetermined positions of the pair of second body-side magnets 29a2 are positions facing the pair of first holding plate-side magnets 22Bd1 when the first optical element 22c1 is in the second position and the second optical element 22c2 is in the first position. At this time, the pair of second holding plate-side magnets 22Bd2 are set to be positioned facing the pair of first body-side magnets 29a1.

[0116] Therefore, the second magnets, i.e., the body side magnets 29a (29a1, 29a2), are arranged at predetermined positions opposite the movement trajectory of the first magnets, i.e., the holding plate side magnets 22Bd (22Bd1, 22Bd2), when the optical element holding member 22B moves within the third internal space 20Bc relative to the camera body 20B (see Figure 13, etc.).

[0117] Then, when the optical element holding member 22B is moved within the third internal space 20Bc relative to the camera body 20B and a predetermined optical element 22c is positioned at the first position or the second position, the holding plate side magnet 22Bd (first magnet) and the body side magnet 29a (second magnet) are positioned at predetermined positions facing each other.

[0118] In this case, the holding plate side magnet 22Bd (first magnet) and the main body side magnet 29a (second magnet) are, for example, permanent magnets, and both magnets (22Bd, 29a) have the same polarity.

[0119] Furthermore, these holding plate side magnets 22Bd (first magnets) constitute a position detection sensor in combination with a magnetic sensor (not shown) such as a Hall element separately provided on the camera body 20B side. The position detection sensor detects the position of the optical element holding member 22B within the third internal space 20Bc. This makes it possible to detect whether the optical element 22c arranged on the imaging optical path is, for example, the first optical element 22c1 or the second optical element 22c2.

[0120] In the microscope 1, the position information of the optical element 22c can be used as accompanying information when performing various types of electrical controls, camera shooting control by an image processing device (not shown), image processing of acquired image data, etc. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0121] The operation of the optical element holding member 22B in the camera 2B of the third embodiment configured as described above will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS.

[0122] 13 shows a state in which first optical element 22c1 is disposed at a first position on the imaging optical path (on imaging optical axis O2), and second optical element 22c2 is disposed at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2). At this time, the base end surface (the surface on which lever 22a is disposed) of optical element holding member 22B abuts against stopper 24b, and its position is restricted.

[0123] In this state, the pair of first holding plate-side magnets 22Bd1 are positioned opposite the pair of first main body-side magnets 29a1. Therefore, a repulsive force is generated between the two magnets (22Bd1, 29a1). Due to the action of this repulsive force, the tip end side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is not disposed) is subjected to a force that pushes it upward within the third internal space 20Bc. At this time, the lever 22a is supported by the bushing 25 on the base end side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is disposed), so the optical element holding member 22B is supported at both ends, and therefore is maintained in a non-contact state within the third internal space 20Bc.

[0124] Therefore, at this time, the optical element holding member 22B (optical element 22c) is supported at both ends by the bushing 25 and the repulsive force due to the magnetic forces of both magnets (22Bd, 29a). Thus, the optical element holding member 22B maintains the first optical element 22c1 in a horizontal state substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2. At this time, the holding plate 22Bb of the optical element holding member 22B is maintained in a non-contact state with the camera body 20B in the vicinity of the imaging optical path (see FIG. 15, etc.).

[0125] 13 to 15, the lever 22a of the optical element holder 22B is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in the figures, moving the optical element holder 22B in the same direction. The optical element holder 22B then moves within the third internal space 20Bc, with the lever 22a still cantilevered by the bushing 25. At this time, the influence of the magnetic repulsive force disappears at the tip end of the optical element holder 22B, but the cantilever support of the lever 22a allows the tip end of the optical element holder 22B to move in the X1 direction while maintaining a non-contact state between the upper and lower inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Bc. Therefore, the optical element holder 22B moves smoothly within the third internal space 20Bc in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 without sliding against the inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Bc.

[0126] Then, the tip surface of the optical element holding member 22B (the surface on the side where the lever 22a is not provided) eventually comes into contact with the stopper 24a. This restricts the movement of the optical element holding member 22B in the direction of the arrow X1. This state is shown in FIG.

[0127] When the state shown in Figure 16 is reached, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0128] In this state, the pair of first holding plate-side magnets 22Bd1 are positioned opposite the pair of second body-side magnets 29a2. At the same time, the pair of second holding plate-side magnets 22Bd2 are positioned opposite the pair of first body-side magnets 29a1. Therefore, at this time, a repulsive force is generated between the two magnets (22Bd1, 29a2) and between the two magnets (22Bd2, 29a1). Due to the action of this repulsive force, the tip end side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is not disposed) is subjected to a force that pushes it upward within the third internal space 20Bc. At this time, the base end side of the holding plate 22Bb (the side where the lever 22a is disposed) is cantilevered by the bushing 25, so the optical element holding member 22B is supported at both ends in a doubly supported state, and therefore a non-contact state is maintained within the third internal space 20Bc.

[0129] In this way, the optical element holding member 22B is supported at both ends by the repulsive force due to the magnetic force between the bushing 25 and the two magnets (22Bd, 29a). Therefore, the optical element holding member 22B maintains the second optical element 22c2 in a horizontal state substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2. At this time, the holding plate 22Bb of the optical element holding member 22B is maintained in a non-contact state with the camera body 20B in the vicinity of the imaging optical path (see FIG. 16, etc.).

[0130] 16, when the lever 22a of the optical element holder 22B is pulled and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 in the figure, the optical element holder 22B moves in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 within the third internal space 20Bc. At this time, the influence of the magnetic repulsive force disappears at the tip end of the optical element holder 22B, but due to the cantilever support of the lever 22a, the tip end of the optical element holder 22B can move in the X2 direction while maintaining a non-contact state between the upper and lower inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Bc. Therefore, the optical element holder 22B moves smoothly in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 within the third internal space 20Bc without sliding against the inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Bc.

[0131] Then, the base end surface (the surface on which the lever 22a is disposed) of the optical element holding member 22B eventually comes into contact with the stopper 24b. This restricts the movement of the optical element holding member 22B in the direction of the arrow X2. In this way, the optical element holding member 22B returns to the state shown in FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0132] 13, etc., the first optical element 22c1 is disposed at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is disposed at a second position off the imaging optical path (the imaging optical axis O2). At this time, the pair of first holding plate side magnets 22Bd1 are disposed at positions facing the pair of first main body side magnets 29a1. This causes the optical element holding member 22B to be supported at both ends, and the horizontal state is maintained stably.

[0133] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, according to the third embodiment, the optical element holding member 22B can be kept almost always in a non-contact state with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Bc of the camera body 20B when moving or stationary, so that it is possible to suppress sliding caused by the movement of the optical element holding member 22B and to more efficiently suppress the generation of dust and the like caused by sliding.

[0134] Furthermore, the retaining plate side magnet 22Bd (first magnet) can utilize the configuration of a position detection sensor in combination with a magnetic sensor (not shown) such as a Hall element, which not only simplifies the configuration and makes the device smaller, but also contributes to reducing manufacturing costs. [Fourth embodiment]

[0135] Next, a digital camera for microscopes according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the digital camera for microscopes according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment). FIG. 18 is a plan view as viewed from the direction of arrow

[18] (bottom side) in FIG. 17 (corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment). FIG. 19 is a view showing the optical element holding member of the digital camera for microscopes in FIG. 17 (corresponding to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment). Of these, reference numeral [19A] is a plan view of the optical element holding member. Note that [19A] also shows a portion of the internal space of the camera body in which the optical element holding member is movably arranged. Reference numeral [19B] is a cross-sectional view of the optical element holding member taken along the line [19B]-[19B]. Reference numeral [19C] is a side view of the optical element holding member as viewed from the direction of arrow [19C]. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line

[20] -

[20] of the optical element holding member in Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a plan view showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the direction of arrow

[18] (bottom side) in Fig. 17. Fig. 21 shows a state in which the first optical element is located at the second position and the second optical element is located at the first position (corresponding to Fig. 9 of the first embodiment).

[0136] The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the configurations of the optical element holding member and the optical element inserting / removing mechanism are different from those of the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Only the parts that are different from those of the above-described embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0137] The camera 2C of the fourth embodiment is formed with a camera body 20C, an imaging element 21, an optical element holding member 22C, a dustproof glass 23, stoppers 24a, 24b, a bushing 25, a camera mount 26, and various electronic components including an imaging board 21a, etc.

[0138] The camera body 20C basically has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the camera body 20C has a partially different configuration of the third internal space 20Cc.

[0139] The third internal space 20Cc has a main body groove 41C formed on each of its inner wall surfaces that face both side surfaces of the optical element holding member 22C. The main body groove 41C is formed, for example, as a rectangular groove. The main body groove 41C has a predetermined length (see symbol L3 in FIG. 18) that extends in a direction parallel to the arrow X (described in detail below).

[0140] The optical element holding member 22C is a plate-shaped member that holds at least one optical element 22c, and is similar to the first embodiment in that it is arranged within the third internal space 20Cc so as to be freely movable in a direction (direction along arrow X) that is approximately perpendicular to the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0141] The optical element holding member 22C is basically similar to that of the first embodiment. The optical element holding member 22C differs in that it has a rotation suppression pin 22Cd as an optical element insertion / removal mechanism, instead of the roller 22d as the optical element insertion / removal mechanism in the first embodiment. The rotation suppression pin 22Cd is a shaft-shaped member that protrudes outward from both side surfaces of the optical element holding member 22C and is formed integrally with the holding plate 22Cb.

[0142] The rotation restricting pin 22Cd may be formed separately from the holding plate 22Cb, in which case the rotation restricting pin 22Cd is fixed to a predetermined position on the side surface of the holding plate 22Cb by means of embedding, gluing, or the like.

[0143] When the optical element holding member 22C is disposed at a predetermined position within the third internal space 22Cc, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd fits into the body-side groove 41C. Therefore, the protruding length of the rotation restricting pin 22Cd (designated PL in FIG. 20) is set to be slightly shorter than the groove depth of the body-side groove 41C (designated GD in FIG. 20) (GD>PL). The diameter of the rotation restricting pin 22Cd (designated PD in FIG. 20) is also set to be slightly smaller than the groove width of the body-side groove 41C (designated GW in FIG. 20) (GW>PD). This configuration ensures that the rotation restricting pin 22Cd always fits into the body-side groove 41C.

[0144] When the optical element holding member 22C is attached to a predetermined position in the third internal space 20Cc of the camera body 20C, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd restricts rotation about two levers (22Ca1, 22Ca2; described in detail below) as the rotation axis. The rotation restricting pin 22Cd cooperates with the body-side groove 41C to restrict movement of the optical element holding member 22C in the direction indicated by the arrow X within a predetermined range. This allows the rotation restricting pin 22Cd and the body-side groove 41C to restrict the position of the optical element 22c held by the optical element holding member 22C (described in detail below). In this case, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd and the body-side groove 41C constitute an optical element insertion / removal mechanism.

[0145] On the other hand, the optical element holding member 22C is configured with levers (22Ca1, 22Ca2) on both end surfaces of one surface (base end surface) and the other surface (tip end surface) of the surfaces perpendicular to the movement direction of the holding plate 22Cb.

[0146] Of the two levers of the optical element holding member 22C, the lever on the base end side is referred to as the first lever and is given the reference symbol 22Ca1. Similarly, the lever on the tip end side of the optical element holding member 22C is referred to as the second lever and is given the reference symbol 22Ca2.

[0147] These two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 are each supported on the camera body 20C using bushings 25 so as to be movable in a predetermined direction (the direction along the arrow X). As a result, the optical element holding member 22C is supported at both ends within the third internal space 20Cc by the two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 and the corresponding bushings 25. When disposed inside the third internal space 20Cc, the optical element holding member 22C is maintained in a state of substantially no contact with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Cc of the camera body 20C.

[0148] In this way, the two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 are each supported at both ends by the bushings 25, so when the optical element hold member 22C moves, there is almost no sliding between the rotation restricting pin 22Cd and the inner wall surface of the body-side groove 41C. Therefore, when the optical element hold member 22C moves within the third internal space 20Cc, there is no sliding between the optical element hold member 22C and the camera body 20C, ensuring smooth movement.

[0149] The length L3 of the main body side recessed groove 41C is the length in the direction of the arrow X in the range from the position indicated by the symbol [A3] to the position indicated by the symbol [B3] in FIG.

[0150] Here, the state shown in Figure 18 is a state in which the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0151] In this case, the position indicated by the symbol [A3] in Fig. 18 indicates the end position of the base end side (the side where the first lever 22Ca1 is disposed) of the main body side groove 41C. When the optical element holding member 22C is in the state shown in Fig. 18, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd abuts against the base end side end [A3] of the main body side groove 41C.

[0152] 18 indicates the end position on the tip side of the main body side groove 41C (the side where the second lever 22Ca2 is disposed). Although not shown, when the optical element holding member 22C moves in the X1 direction from the state shown in FIG. 18 and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), the rotation restricting pin 22Cd abuts against the tip side end [B3] of the main body side groove 41C.

[0153] Therefore, it can be seen that the range of movement of the optical element holding member 22C in the direction of arrow X is between [A3] and [B3] in Fig. 18. From this, the length L3 of the main body-side groove 41C can be set to the length in the direction of arrow X from the position of [A3] to the position of [B3] in Fig. 18.

[0154] In this way, the position of the optical element holding member 22C in the fourth embodiment can also be restricted by setting the length L3 of the main body side groove 41C.

[0155] The position of the optical element holding member 22C may be restricted by stoppers 24a and 24b, as in the first embodiment. The other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0156] The operation of the optical element holding member 22C in the camera 2 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be briefly described below.

[0157] 17 shows a state in which the first optical element 22c1 is disposed at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is disposed at a second position off the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2). At this time, the proximal end surface of the optical element holding member 22C is in contact with the stopper 24b and is positioned accordingly. Alternatively, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd is in contact with the proximal end [A3] of the main body groove 41C.

[0158] In this state, the two levers 22Ca1 and 22Ca2 are supported by the bushings 25. This allows the optical element holder 22C to maintain the first optical element 22c1 in a horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2. The holding plate 22Cb of the optical element holder 22C is out of contact with the camera body 20C near the imaging optical path. The rotation restricting pin 22Cd engages with the body-side groove 41C to restrict rotation of the optical element holder 22C about the two levers 22Ca1 and 22Ca2. At the same time, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd abuts against the base end [A3] of the body-side groove 41C in the direction indicated by arrow X, thereby supporting the positioning of the optical element holder 22C in that direction.

[0159] 17 and 18, the first lever 22Ca1 of the optical element holding member 22C is pushed in and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in the figures. At this time, the second lever 22Ca2 of the optical element holding member 22C may also be pulled and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in the figures.

[0160] At this time, the optical element holding member 22C moves inside the third internal space 20Cc with the two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 supported at both ends by the corresponding bushings 25. Therefore, the optical element holding member 22C moves smoothly in the direction of arrow X1 inside the third internal space 20Cc without sliding against the inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Cc.

[0161] Then, the tip surface of the optical element holding member 22C (the surface on the side where the second lever 22Ca2 is disposed) eventually abuts against the stopper 24a. The rotation restricting pin 22Cd also abuts against the tip end [B3] of the main body groove 41C. This restricts movement of the optical element holding member 22C in the direction indicated by the arrow X1. This state is shown in FIG.

[0162] When the state shown in Figure 21 is reached, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0163] Even in this state, the optical element holding member 22C maintains a state in which the two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 are supported at both ends by the corresponding bushings 25. Therefore, the optical element holding member 22C maintains the second optical element 22c2 in a horizontal state substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2. At this time, the holding plate 22Cb of the optical element holding member 22C maintains a non-contact state with the camera body 20C in the vicinity of the imaging optical path.

[0164] 21, the first lever 22Ca1 of the optical element holding member 22C is pulled and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 in the figure. At this time, the second lever 22Ca2 of the optical element holding member 22C may be pushed and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 in the figure.

[0165] At this time, the optical element holding member 22C moves inside the third internal space 20Cc with the two levers 22Ca1, 22Ca2 supported at both ends by the corresponding bushings 25. Therefore, the optical element holding member 22C moves smoothly in the direction of arrow X2 inside the third internal space 20Cc without sliding against the inner wall surfaces of the third internal space 20Cc.

[0166] Then, the base end surface (the surface on which the first lever 22Ca1 is disposed) of the optical element holding member 22C eventually abuts against the stopper 24b. Also, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd abuts against the base end portion [A3] of the main body side recessed groove 41C. This restricts the movement of the optical element holding member 22C in the direction along the arrow X2, and the optical element holding member 22C returns to the state shown in FIG. 18.

[0167] Then, returning to the state of Figure 18, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0168] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the optical element holding member 22C is configured to have two levers 22Ca1 and 22Ca2, and these two levers 22Ca1 and 22Ca2 are configured to be supported at both ends by the corresponding bushings 25. This allows the optical element holding member 22C to move smoothly inside the third internal space 20Cc without sliding relative to the camera body 20C (the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Cc).

[0169] In the fourth embodiment, the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured with a rotation restricting pin 22Cd and a body-side groove 41C. Here, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd is provided in the optical element holding member 22C, and the body-side groove 41C is formed in the third internal space 20Cc of the camera body 20C.

[0170] Then, when the optical element holding member 22C is assembled into the camera body 20C, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd is fitted into the body-side groove 41C. At this time, since the optical element holding member 22C is in the double-supported state described above, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd and the body-side groove 41C are maintained in a non-contact state.

[0171] Therefore, with this configuration, the rotation restricting pin 22Cd can restrict rotation of the optical element holding member 22C about the two levers 22Ca1 and 22Ca2 as the rotation axis, and at the same time, the optical element 22c disposed at the first position can be maintained horizontal with respect to the imaging optical axis O2. [Fifth embodiment]

[0172] Next, a digital camera for a microscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a digital camera for a microscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment). FIG. 23 is a plan view as viewed from the direction of arrow

[23] (bottom side) in FIG. 22 (corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment). FIG. 24 is a plan view as viewed from the direction of arrow

[23] (bottom side) in FIG. 22, showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 24, a part of the bottom of the camera is cut away to show the optical element holding member. FIG. 24 shows a state in which the first optical element is located at the second position and the second optical element is located at the first position (corresponding to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment).

[0173] The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the configurations of the optical element holding member and the optical element inserting / removing mechanism are different from those of the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Only the parts that are different from the above-described embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0174] The camera 2D of the fifth embodiment is formed with a camera body 20D, an imaging element 21, an optical element holding member 22D, a dustproof glass 23, stoppers 24a, 24b, bushings (not shown), a camera mount 26, and various electronic components including an imaging board 21a, etc.

[0175] The camera body 20D basically has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the camera body 20D differs in the configuration of the third internal space 20Dc.

[0176] The third internal space 20Dc has a space in which the optical element holding member 22D described later can be freely arranged and one of the multiple optical elements 22c (22c1, 22c2) held by the optical element holding member 22D can be selectively arranged in the imaging optical path whose central axis is the imaging optical axis O2.

[0177] The optical element holding member 22D is a plate-like member that holds at least one optical element 22c, and is disposed within the third internal space 20Cc so as to be movable within a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0178] Here, the optical element holding members (22, 22A, 22B, 22C) in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are configured as so-called slider-type movement members that move linearly in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2.

[0179] In contrast to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, the optical element holding member 22D in the fifth embodiment is configured to swing in a plane perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2, around a swing axis 22Dd (see FIG. 23) positioned away from the imaging optical axis O2. In this case, the optical element holding member 22D moves along an arc-shaped trajectory so as to cross the imaging optical axis O2 (see symbol R in FIG. 23).

[0180] The optical element holding member 22D is composed of a lever 22Da, a holding plate 22Db, an optical element 22c, a swing shaft 22Dd, and the like.

[0181] The lever 22Da is an operating member that moves the optical element holding member 22D. The lever 22Da is made of a rod-shaped member. The tip of the lever 22Da is integrally connected to a predetermined portion (described later) of the holding plate 22Db. An operator is provided at the base end of the lever 22Da, and this operator is always positioned so as to protrude outward from the camera body 20D.

[0182] With this configuration, lever 22Da can be pushed and pulled in the direction along arrow X in Figures 23 and 24, thereby causing optical element holding member 22D to swing in a predetermined direction (the direction along arrow R in Figures 23 and 24) within a predetermined range.

[0183] The holding plate 22Db is a plate-like member that holds one or more optical elements 22c. The holding plate 22Db has a substantially fan-like shape (arc-like shape), and the oscillation shaft 22Dd is disposed near the central angle of the fan-like shape. In this case, the axial direction of the oscillation shaft 22Dd is set to be substantially parallel to the imaging optical axis O2 and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the holding plate 22Db.

[0184] Holding plate 22Db swings within a predetermined range in a predetermined direction (direction along arrow R in Figures 23 and 24) by pushing and pulling lever 22Da. For this purpose, the tip of lever 22Da is fixed at a predetermined position on holding plate 22Db.

[0185] The swing range of the holding plate 22Db is defined by stoppers 24a and 24b provided at predetermined positions inside the camera body 20D. The swing of the holding plate 22Db in the direction of arrow R1 is restricted by one end face of the holding plate 22Db in the swing direction coming into contact with the stopper 24a, as shown in Fig. 24. The swing of the holding plate 22Db in the direction of arrow R2 is restricted by the other end face of the holding plate 22Db in the swing direction coming into contact with the stopper 24b, as shown in Fig. 23. The predetermined position on the holding plate 22Db where the tip of the swing shaft 22Dd is located is set at a predetermined distance radially from the swing shaft 22Dd (the swing center axis).

[0186] The pivot shaft 22Dd is a shaft-shaped member that pivotally supports the holding plate 22Db. The pivot shaft 22Dd is a member that constitutes the optical element insertion / removal mechanism in the fifth embodiment. The pivot shaft 22Dd is provided so as to protrude from a fixed portion (e.g., an upper wall surface) of the third internal space 20Dc in the camera body 20D toward the inside of the third internal space 20Dc in a direction parallel to the imaging optical axis O2.

[0187] The holding plate 22Db, when supported so as to be able to swing freely by the swing shaft 22Dd, is maintained in a non-contact state with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Dc of the camera body 20D.

[0188] On the other hand, the third internal space 20Dc is formed to ensure an internal area sufficient to ensure the swinging movement of the optical element holding member 22D configured as described above. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0189] The operation of the optical element holding member 22D in the camera 2 of the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS.

[0190] First, the state shown in Figures 22 and 23 is a state in which the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0191] 22 and 23, the lever 22Da of the optical element hold member 22D is pushed in and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 in Fig. 23. Then, the holding plate 22Db of the optical element hold member 22D swings in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in Fig. 23, with the swing shaft 22Dd as the swing center. At this time, the optical element hold member 22D remains in a non-contact state with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20c, and therefore moves smoothly in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 within the third internal space 20c without sliding.

[0192] Then, one end face of the optical element holding member 22D eventually comes into contact with the stopper 24b. This restricts the swinging of the optical element holding member 22D in the direction of the arrow R1. This state is shown in FIG.

[0193] When the state shown in Figure 24 is reached, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0194] 24, the lever 22Da of the optical element holder 22D is pulled and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 in the figure. This causes the optical element holder 22D to swing in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 within the third internal space 20Dc. At this time, the optical element holder 22D swings while maintaining a non-contact state with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Dc. This allows the optical element holder 22D to move smoothly in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 within the third internal space 20Dc without sliding against the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Dc.

[0195] Then, the other end face of the optical element holding member 22D eventually comes into contact with the stopper 24a. This restricts the swinging of the optical element holding member 22D in the direction of the arrow R2. In this way, the optical element holding member 22D returns to the state shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0196] Returning to the state shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0197] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the optical element holding member 22D is configured to move in a swinging manner, so that sliding caused by the movement of the optical element holding member 22D can be more effectively suppressed, and the generation of dust and the like caused by sliding can be further suppressed.

[0198] Furthermore, in the optical element holding member 22D, portions that may slide relative to the camera body 20D (specifically, for example, portions where the outer edge of the holding plate 22Db may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the third internal space 20Dc) can be disposed at positions away from the imaging optical path. Therefore, even if dust or the like is generated due to sliding caused by the movement of the optical element holding member 22D, adverse effects such as deterioration of image quality due to the dust or the like adhering to the light receiving surface of the imaging element 21 can be further suppressed.

[0199] Furthermore, in the optical element holding member 22D according to the fifth embodiment, the swing-type movement can suppress the amount of movement when switching the optical element 22c, which can contribute to the miniaturization of the optical element holding member 22D including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism.

[0200] Therefore, for example, the operating means for swinging the holding plate 22Db of the optical element holding member 22D can be easily electrically operated instead of manually operated by the lever 22Da.

[0201] Furthermore, if optical element holding member 22D can be electrically operated, lever 22Da protruding to the outside can be eliminated. Therefore, with this configuration, the opening for lever 22Da, which moves back and forth between the inside and outside of camera body 22D during the optical element switching operation, can be eliminated, making it possible to more reliably maintain the sealing state of the internal space of camera body 22D from the outside. Therefore, with this camera 2D, the effects of dust and the like can be suppressed, making it easy to always capture images of good quality. [Sixth embodiment]

[0202] Next, a digital camera for a microscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 25 to 27. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a first mode of the digital camera for a microscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to Fig. 5 of the first embodiment). Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a second mode of the digital camera for a microscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to Fig. 5 of the first embodiment). Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the second mode of the digital camera for a microscope of Fig. 26.

[0203] The camera of the sixth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which an optical element holding member 22 including an optical element insertion / removal mechanism and a dustproof frame 4 which is an optical element holding member configured excluding the optical element insertion / removal mechanism can be selectively attached.

[0204] In other words, the camera of the sixth embodiment has a configuration that can be selectively changed between a first form camera 2E1 (see Figure 25) equipped with an optical element holding member 22 including an optical element insertion / removal mechanism, and a second form camera 2E2 (see Figure 26) equipped with an optical element holding member (dustproof frame 4) configured excluding the optical element insertion / removal mechanism.

[0205] In this case, the camera 2E1 in the first mode is formed with a camera body 20E, an imaging element 21, an optical element holding member 22 including an optical element inserting / removing mechanism, a dustproof glass 23, stoppers 24a and 24b, a bushing 25, and various electronic components including an imaging board 21a, as shown in Fig. 25. The configuration in this case is basically substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

[0206] 26, the camera 2E2 in the second mode is formed by having a camera body 20E, an imaging element 21, a dustproof frame 4, a dustproof glass 23, and various electronic components including an imaging board 21a, etc. Here, the dustproof frame 4 is an optical element holding member configured excluding the optical element insertion / removal mechanism.

[0207] In the camera (2E1, 2E1) of the sixth embodiment, the camera body 20E is configured so as to be divisible into three blocks: a body block 20E1, an adjustment block 20E2, and an exchange block 20E3.

[0208] The main body block 20E1 is a housing having a generally cylindrical shape, with one end face (top face) of the cylinder closed and the other end face (bottom face) having an opening of a predetermined size (opening corresponding to the imaging optical path) in a generally central region. The main body block 20E1 is formed to have a first internal space 20a and a second internal space 20b therein.

[0209] Here, inside the second internal space 20b, an imaging element 21 and the like are arranged at predetermined positions, similar to the cameras of the above-mentioned embodiments. An adjustment block 20E2 is attached to the other end surface (bottom surface side) of this main body block 20E1.

[0210] The adjustment block 20E2 has a generally cylindrical shape overall, and has a through-hole formed in a generally central region to allow the imaging optical path to pass through. The adjustment block 20E2 also has a third internal space 20c formed therein that extends in a direction perpendicular to the through-hole.

[0211] Here, the bottom surface side of the adjustment block 20E2, which is the floor surface side of the third internal space 20c, is an open opening. As will be described later, the floor side of the third internal space 20c is formed by attaching the exchange block 20E3 to the bottom surface side of the adjustment block 20E2.

[0212] In the case of the camera 2E1 of the first form, an optical element holding member 22 is disposed in the third internal space 20c so as to be movable in a direction (direction along the arrow X) substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical path. The optical element holding member 22 itself has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, stoppers 24a, 24b, a bush 25, etc. are also disposed in the third internal space 20c of the camera 2E1 (first form). In the case of the camera 2E1 (first form), the imaging optical path is kept sealed from the outside.

[0213] On the other hand, when the camera 2E is in the second configuration, the dustproof frame 4 is fixed in the third internal space 20c at a position that allows the imaging optical path to pass through. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the dustproof frame 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a male thread 46 is formed on the outer circumferential surface to screw into a thread groove of the camera mount 26 provided on the exchange block 20E3.

[0214] 25, the length H1 of the dustproof frame 4 is set to be slightly longer than the height G of the third internal space 20c (H1>G). In this case, the length H1 of the dustproof frame 4 is set to be shorter than the height H2 of the thread groove of the camera mount 26 (H2>H1).

[0215] With this setting, the dustproof frame 4 is screwed in by engaging the male screw 46 with the camera mount 26, blocking off the third internal space 20c from the outside. In other words, the dustproof frame 4 thus blocks off the third internal space 20c from the through-opening 4a (the outside). At this time, the length H1 of the dustproof frame 4 is shorter than the height H2 of the thread groove of the camera mount 26, so the dustproof frame 4 is completely fitted inside the adjustment block 20E2. At the same time, the lower end surface of the dustproof frame 4 exposes the vicinity of the lower thread groove of the camera mount 26. Therefore, by screwing the adapter-side camera mount 36 of the camera connection adapter 3 into the exposed lower portion of the thread groove of the camera mount 26, the camera connection adapter 3 can be connected to the camera 2E1 (see FIG. 25 ).

[0216] 26, a fixed optical element 22c3 is fixed inside the dustproof frame 4. Here, an IRC filter or the like is used as the optical element 22c. The optical element 22c of the dustproof frame 4 may be configured to be removable and replaceable with another type of optical element (for example, a plane-parallel plate or an ND filter). The optical element 22c removed from the dustproof frame 4 may be attached to the optical element holding member 22 for use.

[0217] In the camera 2E2 of the second form, a lever hole closing member 43 is provided in the third internal space 20c instead of the bushing 25 (see FIGS. 26 and 27). This lever hole closing member 43 closes the opening for the lever 22a that moves back and forth between the inside and outside of the third internal space 20c, and seals the third internal space 20c from the outside. Note that the imaging optical path is also kept sealed from the outside in the camera 2E2 of the second form.

[0218] In the second form camera 2E2, the stoppers 24a and 24b are not used and therefore are not necessary. However, in consideration of manufacturing reasons, the stoppers may remain integral with the camera body 20E.

[0219] The adjustment block 20E2 is a configuration block equipped with an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the position of the imaging optical axis O2 or the relative position of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 21 and the camera mount 26 (position adjustment in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis). This adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that adjusts the position of the adjustment block 20E2 relative to the main body block 20E1, for example, in a direction along the imaging optical axis O2 (vertical direction) or in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis O2 (horizontal direction). Note that the adjustment mechanism itself is assumed to be a mechanism for adjusting the optical axis or the position of the light receiving surface in a conventional camera, and a detailed description of its configuration will be omitted.

[0220] After adjusting the position of the main body block 20E1, the adjustment block 20E2 is attached and fixed to the bottom surface side of the main body block 20E1. The exchange block 20E3 is detachably disposed on the bottom surface side of the adjustment block 20E2.

[0221] In the camera 2E1 of the first form, when the replacement block 20E3 is attached to the bottom surface side of the adjustment block 20E2, the floor surface of the third internal space 20c is formed by the upper surface of the replacement block 20E3. In this way, the third internal space 20c is formed by attaching the replacement block 20E3 to the bottom surface side of the adjustment block 20E2.

[0222] The exchange block 20E3 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a through opening formed in its approximate center region to allow the imaging optical path to pass through. The exchange block 20E3 is detachably disposed on the bottom side of the adjustment block 20E2. The exchange block 20E3 is formed with a camera mount 26. The camera mount 26 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through opening of the exchange block 20E3. The adapter-side camera mount 36 of the camera connection adapter 3 is screwed into this camera mount 26. This connects the camera 2E to the camera connection adapter 3.

[0223] The exchange block 20E3 is configured so that it can be removed from the bottom side of the adjustment block 20E2 by the user at any time, even after the cameras (2E1, 2E2) have been manufactured and shipped. The outer diameter of the exchange block 20E3 and the inner diameter of the adjustment block 20E2 are positioned horizontally by mechanical fitting. Furthermore, the exchange block 20E3 is positioned in the optical axis direction relative to the adjustment block 20E by surface-to-surface contact.

[0224] With this configuration, the camera of the sixth embodiment (2E1, 2E2) is configured so that the user can remove the replacement block 20E3 at any time and selectively attach either the optical element holding member 22 or the dustproof frame 4.

[0225] Incidentally, in the cameras of the above-described embodiments, the imaging element 21 and the camera mount 26 are provided on an integrally constructed camera body. In such a configuration, the relative positions of the imaging element 21 and the camera mount 26 only need to be adjusted during the manufacture of the camera body.

[0226] In contrast, the camera body 20E in the camera (2E1, 2E2) of the sixth embodiment is configured from three divided blocks, as described above. Specifically, the camera body 20E is configured by assembling a main body block 20E1 in which the imaging element 21 is disposed, an adjustment block 20E2 in which the optical element holding member (22, 4) is disposed, and an exchange block 20E3 in which the camera mount 26 is disposed.

[0227] That is, in the camera of the sixth embodiment (2E1, 2E2), the optical element holding member 22 (first form) or the dustproof frame 4 (second form) including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured to be arranged between the imaging element 21 and the camera mount 26.

[0228] In this case, it is desirable that the imaging optical axis O2 is set to pass through approximately the center position of the light receiving surface of the imaging element 21, approximately coincide with the optical axis of the optical element 22c, and approximately coincide with the central axis of the camera mount .

[0229] As described above, in the camera (2E1, 2E2) of the sixth embodiment, the camera body 20E is composed of three divided blocks, and it is assumed that the user will remove the replacement block 20E3 at any time in order to replace the optical element holding member (22, 4).

[0230] In this case, there is a possibility that the image pickup element 21, the optical element 22c, and the camera mount 26 disposed in each block (20E1, 20E2, 20E3) of the camera body 20E may be misaligned.

[0231] Therefore, in the camera (2E1, 2E2) of the sixth embodiment, an adjustment block 20E2 is provided between the main body block 20E1 and the replacement block 20E3. Then, if the positions of the main body block 20E1 and the adjustment block 20E2 are reliably adjusted in advance and then both blocks (20E1, 20E2) are fixed, even if the replacement block 20E3 is removed at any time, the positional relationship between the adjustment block 20E2 and the replacement block 20E3 is reproduced by fitting, thereby minimizing positional deviations among the main body block 20E1, adjustment block 20E2, and replacement block 20E3.

[0232] Furthermore, the camera connection adapter 3 is screw-coupled to the camera mount 26 of the exchange block 20E3, so that attachment and detachment can be easily performed with good reproducibility without causing misalignment of the optical axis.

[0233] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the camera body 20E is configured to be divisible into three blocks: the body block 20E1, the adjustment block 20E2, and the replacement block 20E3. With this configuration, the camera of the sixth embodiment can be selectively changed between a first form camera 2E1 configured by arranging the optical element holding member 22 in the third internal space 20c of the adjustment block 20E2, and a second form camera 2E2 configured by fixing the dustproof frame 4 in the third internal space 20c of the adjustment block 20E2.

[0234] Furthermore, the camera body 20E is configured such that an adjustment block 20E2 (optical element holding members 22, 4) is provided between the body block 20E1 (imaging element 21) and the exchange block 20E3 (camera mount 26). With this configuration, if the positions of the body block 20E1 (imaging element 21) and the adjustment block 20E2 are reliably adjusted in advance and both (20E1, 20E2) are fixed, even if the exchange block 20E3 is subsequently removed, the positional relationship between the imaging element 21 of the body block 20E1 and the camera mount 26 of the exchange block 20E3 can be maintained in a good condition.

[0235] In other words, when the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is attached to or detached from the camera body 20E, it is possible to eliminate the need to readjust the imaging optical axis O2.

[0236] By replacing the optical element holding member (22, 4), the camera can be selectively changed between the first form and the second form. For example, a user who does not need the optical element holding member 22 can purchase the second form camera 2E2 that incorporates the optical element holding member (dustproof frame 4), thereby introducing a microscope camera at low cost.

[0237] Furthermore, in the camera 2E2 of the second form having such a configuration, since there is no optical element insertion / removal mechanism, the interior of the camera 2E can be sealed more reliably. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the intrusion of dust and other particles from the outside into the interior of the camera body 20E, and to realize a camera with a high dustproof effect.

[0238] Furthermore, by simply purchasing the optical element holding member 22 corresponding to the camera 2E2 and performing the replacement work, the user can easily and inexpensively change the camera 2E2 (second form) that he or she has already acquired into the camera 2E1 of the first form.

[0239] In this case as well, it is possible to easily change from the camera 2E1 of the first mode to the camera 2E2 of the second mode as needed, so that an appropriate camera can be selected depending on the application.

[0240] Furthermore, in this case, the replacement of the optical element holding member (22, 4) does not require complicated adjustment work, so by simply performing simpler work, the user can easily change the camera configuration to the desired configuration at any time.

[0241] Furthermore, if each optical element 22c applied to the optical element holding member 22 or the dustproof frame 4 is configured to be detachable and interchangeable with each other, the optical elements can be obtained individually as needed, which contributes to reducing running costs and also makes it possible to omit optical axis adjustment, etc.

[0242] In the sixth embodiment, the optical element holding member 22 including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism in the camera 2E1 of the first form is exemplified by the configuration example of the first embodiment described above. However, in the sixth embodiment, the configuration example of the camera 2E1 of the first form is not limited to the configuration example described above. The camera 2E1 of the first form in the sixth embodiment can apply, for example, any of the optical element holding members including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism exemplified in each embodiment other than the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the positioning of the adjustment block 20E2 and the replacement block 20E3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis was performed by fitting the inner diameter and outer diameter, but any structure that allows positioning will suffice. For example, this can be achieved by providing two knock pins in one block and holes or elongated holes in the other block that fit onto the knock pins. [Seventh embodiment]

[0243] Next, a digital camera for a microscope according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 28 and 29. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the digital camera for a microscope according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to Figure 5 of the first embodiment). Figure 29 is a plan view of the bottom side of the digital camera for a microscope of Figure 28.

[0244] The basic configuration of the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as that of the sixth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the only difference is the configuration of the replacement block 20F3 that constitutes part of the camera body 20F. Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Only the parts that differ from the sixth embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0245] A camera body 20F in a camera 2F of the seventh embodiment is configured so as to be divisible into three blocks: a body block 20E1, an adjustment block 20E2, and an exchange block 20F3. Of these, the exchange block 20F3 has a different configuration.

[0246] In the camera 2F of the seventh embodiment, the replacement block 20F3 is formed in a substantially central region, and has openings (44a1, 44a2) formed in two locations near the periphery, sandwiching a through opening in which the camera mount 26 is provided. Here, the two openings 44a1, 44a2 are formed to have diameters larger than the diameters of the two optical elements 22c1, 22c2 provided in the optical element holding member 22.

[0247] The two openings 44a1 and 44a2 are formed at positions facing the optical element 22c1 and 22c2, which are provided in the optical element holding member 22 and are located at the second position.

[0248] 28, the second optical element 22c2 is disposed at the second position. In this state, the opening 44a1 of the swap block 20F3 is formed so as to be positioned opposite the second optical element 22c2.

[0249] Also, although not shown in the figure, when the optical element holding member 22 moves in the direction of arrow X1 and the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at the second position, the opening 44a2 of the replacement block 20F3 is formed to be positioned at a position opposite the first optical element 22c1.

[0250] In other words, the two openings 44a1 and 44a2 are arranged side by side in the movement direction of the optical element holding member 22 in regions near the periphery with the through opening (camera mount 26) in the approximately central region between them.

[0251] These two openings 44a1, 44a2 are configured to be covered by lid members 44 that are detachably formed on the exchange block 20F3. The two lid members 44 are fixed to the bottom surface side of the exchange block 20F3 using, for example, fastening screws 44b (see FIG. 29). In this case, the lid members 44 reliably seal the openings 44a1, 44a2.

[0252] It should be noted that the optical elements 22c1 and 22c2 are configured to be exchangeable in the optical element holding member 22. The other configurations are the same as those in the sixth embodiment.

[0253] In the seventh embodiment camera 2F configured in this manner, when the optical element holding member 22 is in the position shown in Figure 28, the first optical element 22c1 is positioned at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2), and the second optical element 22c2 is positioned at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2).

[0254] At this time, by removing the cover member 44 covering the opening 44a1 located opposite the second optical element 22c2 (second position) of the two cover members 44, it is possible to replace only the second optical element 22c2 without removing the replacement block 20F3.

[0255] Furthermore, from the state shown in Figure 28, the optical element holding member 22 is moved in the direction of arrow X1 to position the first optical element 22c1 at a second position off the imaging optical path (imaging optical axis O2), and to position the second optical element 22c2 at a first position on the imaging optical path (on the imaging optical axis O2).

[0256] In this case, by removing the cover member 44 covering the opening 44a2 located opposite the first optical element 22c1 (second position) of the two cover members 44, it is possible to replace only the first optical element 22c1 without removing the replacement block 20F3.

[0257] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the replacement block 20F3 has multiple (two) openings 44a1, 44a2 arranged side by side in the movement direction of the optical element holding member 22, and these openings 44a1, 44a2 are formed at positions facing the optical element 22c located at a second position off the imaging optical path.

[0258] With this configuration, the optical element 22c of the optical element holding member 22 can be easily replaced without removing the replacement block 20F3. Therefore, the functionality of the camera can be changed by replacing only the optical element, which contributes to cost reduction and further enhances the expandability and applicability of the camera.

[0259] The configuration shown in the seventh embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration example. For example, the seventh embodiment can be applied to the first to fifth embodiments in substantially the same manner by providing an opening and a cover member on the bottom side of the camera body. [Eighth embodiment]

[0260] Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 30 and 31. The eighth embodiment is an example of a configuration example in which an optical element holding member including an optical element inserting / removing mechanism applied to the microscope digital cameras of the first to seventh embodiments described above is applied to a camera connection adapter. That is, in the above-described first to seventh embodiments, the adapter 3 is illustrated as being included in the microscope 1. In contrast to this, the following eighth embodiment illustrates an example in which the adapter is an independent structural unit from the microscope.

[0261] Fig. 30 is an external perspective view showing the connection relationship between a camera connection adapter according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention and a digital camera for a microscope that corresponds to this camera connection adapter. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the camera connection adapter of Fig. 30 connected to the digital camera for a microscope. Note that Fig. 31 shows a partially cutaway view to show the internal structure around the internal space.

[0262] A camera connection adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as adapter) 3G of the eighth embodiment is a configuration example that applies, for example, an optical element holding member 22 including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism exemplified in the above-mentioned first embodiment. Here, the camera 2G connected to the adapter 3G of the eighth embodiment is assumed to be, for example, a general-type digital camera for a microscope, obtained by removing the optical element holding member 22 including the optical element insertion / removal mechanism from the camera 2 shown in the above-mentioned first embodiment and the components related thereto.

[0263] As shown in the figure, the camera 2G is composed of a substantially cylindrical camera body 20G and various components housed inside the camera body 20G. The interior of the camera body 20G is formed to include an image sensor 21, a dustproof glass 23, an image sensor board 21a, and various other electronic components. An opening corresponding to the image sensor optical path leading to the image sensor 21 is formed in a substantially central area on the bottom side of the camera body 20G. A camera mount 26 is provided in this opening. Note that the camera 2G itself is assumed to have a typical configuration as a digital camera for a microscope, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0264] The adapter 3G of the eighth embodiment is a camera connection adapter that connects the microscope 1 and the camera 2G. The adapter 3G is configured to include an adapter main body 30G, an adapter-side camera mount 36, an adapter-side microscope-side mount 37, an optical element holding member 22 including an optical element 22c and an optical element inserting / removing mechanism (roller 22d), etc., stoppers 24a and 24b, a bushing 25, a projection optical system 45, etc.

[0265] The adapter main body 30G has a generally cylindrical shape overall and is formed with a predetermined internal space 30c therein. The internal space 30c is a space in which the optical element holding member 22 is disposed so as to be movable in a predetermined direction (the direction of arrow X in FIG. 31) and in which the optical element 22c is inserted into and removed from the imaging optical path.

[0266] The internal space 30c is an elongated space extending in a direction (along the arrow X) substantially perpendicular to the imaging optical path. The internal space 30c has a through-hole formed in a substantially central region corresponding to the imaging optical path.

[0267] The internal space 30c corresponds to the third internal space (20c, etc.) in the digital camera for a microscope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments. For this purpose, the internal space 30c is provided with, for example, stoppers 24a, 24b and a bush 25. The configuration of the internal space 30c including these components is substantially the same as the third internal space (20c, etc.) in the digital camera for a microscope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, a detailed description of the configuration of the internal space 30c in the eighth embodiment will be omitted.

[0268] The adapter body 30G has a through-hole 30Ga formed through a substantially central region thereof. The through-hole 30Ga is a through-hole through which the imaging optical path passes, and has openings on both ends (top and bottom).

[0269] Here, an adapter-side microscope-side mount 37, which is a first connection part connected to the microscope 1, is provided on one end surface (bottom surface) of the through-hole 30Ga. The adapter-side microscope-side mount 37 is, for example, a dovetail type that fits into a dovetail groove of a microscope mount provided on the microscope side.

[0270] Furthermore, on the other end surface (top surface) of the through-hole 30Ga, an adapter-side camera mount 36, which is a second connection part for connecting the camera 2G, is formed. The adapter-side camera mount 36 uses a specified connecting means (screws, etc.) corresponding to the camera mount 26 similar to the above-described embodiments.

[0271] The optical element holding member 22 includes an optical element 22c, an optical element inserting / removing mechanism (roller 22d), etc. The optical element holding member 22 exemplified in the eighth embodiment is an example in which the same optical element holding member 22 as the optical element holding member 22 exemplified in the first embodiment is applied.

[0272] To put it simply, the optical element holding member 22 is made up of a lever 22a, a holding plate 22b, an optical element 22c, a roller 22d, and the like.

[0273] Of these, optical element 22c is an optical element that is arranged on the imaging optical path that is incident on imaging element 21 of camera 2. One or more optical elements 22c are provided. Note that the configuration example of the eighth embodiment shows a configuration example in which two optical elements 22c1 and 22c2 are provided.

[0274] Holding plate 22b is a plate-like member that holds optical element 22c. Lever 22a is a rod-like operating member that moves holding plate 22b relative to adapter body 30G. Roller 22d is an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that inserts and removes holding plate 22b, which holds optical element 22c, into and from the imaging optical path.

[0275] The optical element insertion / removal mechanism is disposed on the imaging optical path between the first connection part (adapter-side microscope-side mount 37) and the second connection part (adapter-side camera mount 36). The optical element insertion / removal mechanism has a configuration that allows the optical element 22c to be inserted into or removed from the imaging optical path without sliding between the adapter main body 30G and the optical element holding member 22.

[0276] The projection optical system 45 is provided inside the through-hole 30Ga of the adapter main body 30G, and is an optical system that projects an optical image formed by the microscope 1 onto the light receiving surface of the image sensor 21. Note that the projection optical system 45 is not an essential component of the adapter 3G. Therefore, for example, the adapter 3G may not be provided with the projection optical system 45.

[0277] In the adapter 3G configured in this manner, the action of inserting and removing the optical element holding member 22 into and from the adapter body 30G is substantially the same as the action of inserting and removing the optical element holding member 22 into and from the camera body 20 in the first embodiment described above.

[0278] As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the optical element holding member including the optical element inserting / removing mechanism, which is one of the components applied to the camera 2 of the first embodiment, can be applied in exactly the same way to the adapter 3G. Furthermore, the effects obtained in this case are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0279] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment, an optical element holding member including an optical element insertion / removal mechanism is provided on the adapter side, so that an optical element insertion / removal mechanism can be easily realized without changing the configuration on the camera side.

[0280] Generally, when an optical element holding member including an optical element insertion / removal mechanism is provided on the camera side, the manufacturing cost tends to be high due to the complex configuration. In contrast, the basic configuration of an adapter is simpler than that of a camera. Therefore, a configuration in which an optical element holding member including an optical element insertion / removal mechanism is provided on the adapter side is expected to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0281] In the above-described eighth embodiment, the configuration example of the first embodiment is applied as an example of the configuration of the optical element holding member 22 including the optical element inserting / removing mechanism. However, the configuration examples of the optical element holding member that can be applied to the eighth embodiment are not limited to the above example. Any of the configuration examples of the second to fifth embodiments can be applied to the eighth embodiment.

[0282] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments other than as limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0283] 1. Microscope 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E1, 2E2, 2F, 2G...Digital cameras for microscopes 3,3G...Camera connection adapter 4...Dustproof frame 4a...Through opening 10...Microscope body 11...Stage 12... Nosepiece 13...Objective lens 14...Telescope tube 15...Eyepiece 15...Imaging lens 16… light source 17...Optical path splitting prism 18...Beam splitter 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G...Camera body 20E1...Main body block 20E2...Adjustment block 20E3, 20F3...Replacement block 20a...First internal space 20b…Second internal space 20c, 20Ac, 20Bc, 20Cc, 20Dc…Third internal space 21...Image sensor 21a...imaging board 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D...Optical element holding members 22a, 22Da...levers 22Ca1...First lever 22Ca2...Second lever 22b, 22Ab, 22Bb, 22Cb, 22Db…Retaining plate 22c...Optical elements 22c1...first optical element 22c2...second optical element 22c3...Fixed optical element 22d…Laura 22Ad...Ball unit 22Ada...ball 22Adb…Retainer 22Bd…Holding plate side magnet 22Cd...Rotation prevention pin 22Dd...Oscillating axis 23...Dustproof glass 24a, 24b...Stopper 25…Bush 26...Camera mount on camera body 27…Power terminal 28...Communication connector 29a...Main body magnet 30G...Adapter body 30Ga...Through hole 30c…Internal space 36...Adapter side camera mount 37...Adapter side microscope side mount 41, 41C...Main body groove 42...Holding plate side groove 43... Lever hole closing member 44...Cover member 44a1,44a2…Aperture 44b... Fastening screw 45...Projection optical system

Claims

1. The camera body and An imaging element; a camera mount for connecting the camera body to a microscope; one or more optical elements arranged on an imaging optical path incident on the imaging element; an optical element holding member that holds the optical element; an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that inserts and removes the optical element into and from the imaging optical path by moving the optical element holding member relative to the camera body; Equipped with The optical element insertion / removal mechanism is disposed between the image pickup element and the camera mount, and can insert / remove the optical element into / from the image pickup optical path without sliding between the camera body and the optical element holding member. A digital camera for a microscope.

2. 2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the optical element holding member moves the optical element between a first position on the imaging optical path and a second position off the imaging optical path.

3. 2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the camera mount is a C-mount.

4. the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured using a rolling mechanism, The rolling mechanism rolls on the inner wall surface of the camera body when the optical element holding member moves relative to the camera body.

2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1.

5. 5. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 4, wherein the rolling mechanism is configured to have a plurality of wheels.

6. 5. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 4, wherein the rolling mechanism comprises a plurality of balls and a retainer that holds the plurality of balls.

7. the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured using magnetic force, 2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the optical element holding member moves without contact with the camera body.

8. The optical element insertion / removal mechanism includes: at least one first magnet provided on the optical element holding member; at least one second magnet provided on the camera body; a bushing for supporting the lever of the optical element holding member; and The first magnet and the second magnet have the same polarity, the bushing supports the optical element holding member in a cantilever manner, 8. The digital camera for microscopes according to claim 7, wherein the second magnet is disposed at a predetermined position opposite to the movement trajectory of the first magnet when the optical element holding member moves relative to the camera body.

9. The digital camera for microscopes described in claim 8, characterized in that when the optical element holding member is moved relative to the camera body and the optical element is positioned at the first position or the second position, the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned facing each other.

10. 2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is configured to be detachable from the camera body and can be selectively disposed.

11. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 10, characterized in that the imaging optical path is kept sealed from the outside regardless of whether the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is attached to the camera body or detached from the camera body.

12. 11. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein even when the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is attached to or detached from the camera body, readjustment of the imaging optical axis is not required.

13. 2. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the optical element held by the optical element holding member is replaceable.

14. A camera connection adapter for connecting a microscope and a digital camera, The adapter body, a first connection portion connected to the microscope; a second connection portion for connecting the digital camera; one or more optical elements disposed on an imaging optical path incident on an imaging element of the digital camera; an optical element holding member that holds the optical element; an optical element insertion / removal mechanism that inserts / removes the optical element into / from the imaging optical path by moving the optical element holding member relative to the adapter body; Equipped with the optical element insertion / removal mechanism is disposed between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, The optical element can be inserted into and removed from the imaging optical path without sliding between the adapter body and the optical element holding member.

1. A camera connection adapter.

15. 15. The camera connecting adapter according to claim 14, wherein the adapter body further comprises a projection optical system for projecting an optical image of the microscope onto a light receiving surface of the image pickup element.

Images