Optical device including ventilation structure

Abstract

An optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body; an optical assembly disposed inside the main body; and a stage assembly coupled to the upper portion of the main body. A ventilation flow path communicating the inside and the outside of the main body with each other may be formed between the stage assembly and the main body.

Description

Optical device including a ventilation structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical device, and specifically to a light device including a ventilation structure.

[0002] Live cell imaging devices, a type of optical instrument, have established themselves as essential equipment in cell biology research and new drug development by observing and recording dynamic changes in living cells in real time. In particular, the technology of performing imaging while culturing cells for extended periods in an incubator is important because it allows for obtaining high-quality data while maintaining the cells' natural environment.

[0003] However, existing live cell imaging devices had various problems due to the high temperature and humidity environment inside the incubator (e.g., temperature 38 degrees, humidity 100%) and the temperature difference within the equipment itself. For example, the temperature difference between the inside of the incubator and the inside of the equipment frequently caused condensation to form on the vessel (cell culture container), degrading image quality.

[0004] In addition, there were cases where the ventilation fan inside the equipment always operated at a constant output, causing unnecessary heat generation and power waste.

[0005] One technical objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical device capable of improving image clarity and ensuring experimental stability by suppressing condensation on the vessel.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and various unmentioned technical problems can be inferred by a person skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0007] An optical device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a main body, an optical assembly disposed inside the main body, and a stage assembly coupled to the upper part of the main body. A ventilation channel communicating the interior and exterior of the main body may be formed between the stage assembly and the main body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the stage assembly may include a vessel holder including a vessel seating portion, and a holder support formed on the lower surface of the vessel holder. The vessel holder may be spaced apart from the main body by the holder support.

[0009] In one embodiment, a gap may be formed between the lower surface of the vessel holder and the upper surface of the main body. The gap may form at least a part of the ventilation channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the main body may include a housing and a cover coupled to the upper part of the housing. An opening communicating with the gap may be formed in the center of the cover.

[0011] In one embodiment, a groove may be formed on the lower edge of the vessel holder.

[0012] In one embodiment, the groove may have a sloped structure that becomes higher from the center of the vessel holder toward the edge.

[0013] In one embodiment, the groove may be formed at a position that does not vertically overlap with the holder base.

[0014] In one embodiment, the stage assembly may further include a fixing screw for fixing the vessel holder to the main body. The fixing screw may fix the vessel holder to the main body at a position that overlaps vertically with the holder base.

[0015] In one embodiment, the main body may include a housing having a ventilation opening, a support disposed inside the housing, and a ventilation fan coupled to the support and disposed adjacent to the ventilation opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ventilation fan may be coupled to the support by a spring screw. The ventilation fan may be elastically supported in a direction away from the support by a spring included in the spring screw.

[0017] In one embodiment, the spring screw may further include a threaded portion. The threaded portion may include a body portion coupled to the support, and a head portion formed to protrude laterally from the top of the body portion. The head portion may be configured to prevent the ventilation fan from detaching from the support.

[0018] In one embodiment, the spring screw can support the ventilation fan such that the lower surface of the ventilation fan is spaced apart from the support.

[0019] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the ventilation fan is in contact with the inner surface of the housing and can be pressed in a direction toward the support by the inner surface of the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the optical assembly may be configured to be movable within the main body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the main body may include a housing having a ventilation opening and a plurality of ventilation fans disposed adjacent to the ventilation opening. The plurality of ventilation fans may be operated considering the position and operating state of the optical assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ventilation fan may be operated to expel air from inside the main body to the outside. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the main body is reduced, thereby preventing or mitigating the condensation phenomenon described above. Consequently, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, image clarity can be improved and experimental stability can be ensured by suppressing condensation.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of a plurality of ventilation fans can be individually controlled by considering the position and operating state of the optical assembly. Through this, the possibility of condensation can be effectively reduced by preventing rapid changes in the internal temperature of the main body and maintaining a constant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the main body. In addition, by increasing the operating efficiency of the ventilation fans, the power consumed for the operation of the fans can be reduced while suppressing the occurrence of condensation. Furthermore, by increasing the operating efficiency of the ventilation fans, heat generated by the fans can be suppressed, thereby contributing to the stabilization of the internal temperature of the main body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as a ventilation channel is formed to communicate the interior and exterior of the main body, heat generated inside the main body can be discharged at least partially through the ventilation channel. Accordingly, the direct transfer of heat generated inside the main body to the vessel mounted on the vessel holder can be suppressed. Consequently, the rise in temperature of the vessel surface can be suppressed, thereby preventing condensation from forming on the vessel surface.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ventilation channel is formed between the main body and the stage assembly so that external air can be introduced into the main body and circulated. Accordingly, this introduction and circulation of air can contribute to maintaining a uniform temperature around the vessel mounted on the vessel holder, and consequently, can suppress the occurrence of condensation on the vessel.

[0026] The effects according to the technical concept of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and various unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the coupling structure of a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of a spring screw according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 7a and 7b are plan views showing an optical assembly and a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure coupled to the cover of the main body.

[0038] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of explaining the embodiments. Various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the present application is not limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numbers. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions of identical or similar components may be omitted to avoid redundant descriptions. However, such omission of description is not intended to imply that the component is not included in a particular embodiment.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used in this disclosure may have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the expressions “each of a plurality of A” or “each of a plurality of A” may refer to each of all elements included in a plurality of A, or may refer to each of some elements of a plurality of A.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the expression “one or more A” may mean a set of one or more A's unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In this disclosure, expressions such as "first," "second," or "first," "second," etc., do not limit the order, importance, etc., of the components they modify unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. These expressions may be used to distinguish one component from another.

[0044] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A, B, or C”, “A, B, and / or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and / or C”, “at least one selected from A, B, and C”, “at least one selected from A, B, or C”, and “at least one selected from A, B, and / or C” may mean each or all possible combinations thereof. For example, “at least one of A or B” may refer to at least one A, at least one B, at least one A, and at least one B.

[0045] In the present disclosure, expressions such as "connected" and "connected" should be understood to mean that while one component may be directly connected to or connected to another component, a new component may exist between them.

[0046] In this disclosure, expressions such as "comprising," "having," and "having" imply the presence of the relevant features (e.g., functions, operations, or components, etc.) and do not exclude the presence of other additional features. That is, these expressions should be understood as open-ended terms that leave open the possibility of including other embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical device (10) may include a main body (100), an optical assembly (200), a stage assembly (300), and a vessel (400).

[0049] The optical assembly (200) may be placed inside the main body (100), and the stage assembly (300) may be coupled to the upper part of the main body (100). At this time, a ventilation channel (VC) may be formed between the main body (100) and the stage assembly (300). The ventilation channel (VC) may communicate the inside and outside of the main body (100) with each other, allowing air to flow from the outside of the main body (100) into the inside. The ventilation channel (VC) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0050] The vessel (400) can be mounted on the stage assembly (300). For example, the vessel (400) may be a well plate, a culture flask, a culture dish, a chamber slide, or a microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vessel (400) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0051] In one embodiment, the optical device (10) may further include a lighting assembly (not shown). The lighting assembly may be positioned on the stage assembly (300) to illuminate a vessel (400) mounted on the stage assembly (300). For example, the lighting assembly may be positioned at a vertically spaced location from the stage assembly (300) to illuminate the stage assembly (300).

[0052] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring further to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, the main body (100) may include a housing (110), a cover (120) coupled to the upper part of the housing (110), and a support (130) disposed inside the housing (110).

[0054] The housing (110) can form the exterior of the main body (100). As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing (110) may have a structure with an open top. Various components for driving the optical device (10) may be accommodated inside the housing (110). For example, an optical assembly (200) and components for driving it may be placed inside the housing (110).

[0055] The housing (110) may have a ventilation opening (112). For example, a ventilation opening (112) may be formed on the side wall of the housing (110). In one embodiment, a plurality of ventilation openings (112) may be provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ventilation openings (112) may be formed on each of the two sides of the housing (110) facing each other.

[0056] The ventilation opening (112) may have a mesh or grille structure with a plurality of openings formed to facilitate the inflow and outflow of air, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This mesh or grille structure can enable efficient air circulation inside the optical device (10) by ensuring a sufficient ventilation area while preventing foreign substances from entering the interior. Additionally, through this structure, an aesthetically pleasing design can be realized.

[0057] A cover (120) may be attached to the upper part of the housing (110). An opening (122) may be formed in the center of the cover (120). The opening (122) may provide an optical path necessary for the optical assembly (200) to image a target material within a vessel (400) mounted on a stage assembly (300). In other words, the optical assembly (200) and the vessel (400) mounted on the stage assembly (300) may face each other through the opening (122).

[0058] A support member (130) may be placed inside the housing (110). The support member (130) may serve to support various components for driving the optical device (10) so that they can be stably installed. For example, major components such as a ventilation fan (140), an optical assembly (200), and a control unit (not shown) may be directly or indirectly connected to the support member (130).

[0059] In one embodiment, the support (130) may include a horizontal portion (132) extending horizontally and a vertical portion (134) extending vertically. At least a portion of the horizontal portion (132) may be formed adjacent to the ventilation opening (112). A ventilation fan (140) may be coupled to the vertical portion (134) of the support (130) and may be positioned adjacent to the ventilation opening (112). For example, the ventilation fan (140) may be positioned to be in contact with the inner surface of the ventilation opening (112), which is formed as a mesh or grill structure.

[0060] In one embodiment, the ventilation fans (140) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ventilation opening (112) may be formed larger than the ventilation fans (140), and the ventilation fans (140) may be arranged so that multiple ventilation fans (140) correspond to a single ventilation opening (112). The ventilation fans (140) may be configured to discharge air inside the main body (100) to the outside of the main body (100) through the ventilation opening (112).

[0061] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the coupling structure of a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of a spring screw according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring further to FIGS. 5, 6a, and 6b, the ventilation fan (140) can be coupled to a support (130) (e.g., a vertical section (134)) by spring screws (142). In one embodiment, the ventilation fan (140) can be coupled to the support (130) by a plurality of spring screws (142). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ventilation fan (140) can be coupled to the support (130) by four spring screws (142) coupled to the corners.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the spring screw (142) may include a threaded portion (1420), a column portion (1422), and a spring (1424).

[0064] The screw portion (1420) can be coupled to the support (130) by passing through the first coupling hole (H1) formed at the bottom of the ventilation fan (140). Specifically, the screw portion (1420) may include a cylindrical body portion (1420a) and a head portion (1420b) formed to protrude laterally from the top of the body portion (1420a). The body portion (1420a) can be coupled to the support (130) by passing through the first coupling hole (H1) of the ventilation fan (140), and the head portion (1420b) can be coupled to the bottom of the ventilation fan (140) to prevent the ventilation fan (140) from detaching from the support (130).

[0065] The column portion (1422) can be coupled to the screw portion (1420) by passing through the second coupling hole (H2) formed at the top of the ventilation fan (140). Specifically, the column portion (1422) may have a cylindrical shape and may be coupled to the head portion (1420b) of the screw portion (1420) by passing through the second coupling hole (H2). When the column portion (1422) is coupled to the screw portion (1420), the upper surface of the column portion (1422) may be positioned lower than the upper surface (140b) of the ventilation fan (140). In other words, the upper surface of the column portion (1422) may be located inside the second coupling hole (H2).

[0066] The spring (1424) may be provided to extend along the outer surface of the column portion (1422). Specifically, the spring (1424) may be provided between the screw portion (1420) and the ventilation fan (140) to elastically support the ventilation fan (140) in a direction away from the support (130) (in other words, in a direction toward the housing (110). By doing so, when the ventilation fan (140) is coupled to the support (130), the lower surface (140a) of the ventilation fan (140) may be separated from the support (130). At this time, the head portion (1420b) of the screw portion (1420) may come into contact with the ventilation fan (140) to prevent the ventilation fan (140) from moving away from the support (130). In other words, the spring screw (142) can support the ventilation fan (140) so that the lower surface (140a) of the ventilation fan (140) is spaced apart from the support (130).

[0067] When the ventilation fan (140) coupled to the support (130) is inserted into the housing (110) and mounted, the upper surface (140b) of the ventilation fan (140) may come into contact with the inner surface of the housing (110) and may be pressed toward the support (130) by the inner surface of the housing (110). In other words, the ventilation fan (140) coupled to the support (130) may be inserted into the housing (110) in a fitted manner.

[0068] At this time, as the spring (1424) of the spring screw (142) is compressed, the upper surface (140b) of the ventilation fan (140) can be brought into close contact with the inner surface of the housing (110). In particular, when the ventilation fan (140) is coupled to the support (130) by a plurality of spring screws (142), each spring screw (142) can be individually compressed to match the shape of the housing (110). Accordingly, even if the housing (110) has a curved or inclined inner surface, or if the gap between the housing (110) and the support (130) is formed differently from what was intended due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances, the ventilation fan (140) can be brought into close contact with the inner surface of the housing (110) in a free position within a predetermined range (e.g., several mm) by the individual compression of each spring screw (142). Meanwhile, at this time, since the upper surface of the column portion (1422) is positioned lower than the upper surface (140b) of the ventilation fan (140), the ventilation fan (140) can be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing (110) without interference between the column portion (1422) and the housing (110).

[0069] According to the conventional method in which the ventilation fan is directly fixed to the housing, it was difficult to securely attach the ventilation fan to the housing depending on the shape of the housing, especially when the housing has a curved shape. Consequently, in the past, a gap formed between the housing and the fan, causing air leakage and a decrease in exhaust efficiency. Furthermore, in the conventional method in which the ventilation fan is directly fixed to the housing, there were also problems such as the inconvenience of disassembling and cleaning the ventilation fan, and the difficulty in arranging the cables connected to the ventilation fan.

[0070] In this regard, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, a ventilation fan (140) may be coupled to a support (130) so as to be elastically supported by a spring screw (142). Additionally, when the support (130) is inserted into the housing (110), the spring (1424) of the spring screw (142) is compressed, and the upper surface (140b) of the ventilation fan (140) may be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing (110). Accordingly, even if the housing (110) has a curved or inclined inner surface, or if the gap between the housing (110) and the support (130) is formed differently from what was intended due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances, the ventilation fan (140) may be in close contact with the inner surface of the housing (110) in a free position. Consequently, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilation fan (140) can be easily attached to the inner surface of the housing (110) despite the shape or manufacturing or assembly tolerance of the housing (110), thereby improving assembly flexibility and exhaust efficiency.

[0071] In addition, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the ventilation fan (140) is coupled to the support (130), it is easy to attach and detach from the housing (110), and thus maintenance and cleaning of the ventilation fan (140) can be made easier.

[0072] FIGS. 7a and 7b are plan views showing an optical assembly and a ventilation fan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring further to FIGS. 7a and 7b, an optical assembly (200) may be disposed inside the main body (100). The optical assembly (200) is configured to image a target substance (e.g., a cell) within the vessel (400) and may include, for example, a camera, a lens, etc.

[0074] The optical assembly (200) may be configured to be movable within the main body (100). For example, a moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the optical assembly (200) may be provided within the main body (100). Such a moving mechanism may be supported, for example, by being coupled to a support (130). Through this, the optical assembly (200) may image multiple vessels (400) sequentially or image various regions within a single vessel (400).

[0075] The optical assembly (200) may emit heat during operation. This heat may cause a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the main body (100), and in particular, may cause condensation on the vessel (400). The resulting condensation may interfere with the imaging of the target material by the optical assembly (200), and therefore, it is necessary to maintain a uniform temperature around the vessel (400) to prevent condensation from occurring.

[0076] In this regard, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ventilation fan (140) may be operated to expel air inside the main body (100) to the outside. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the main body (100) may be mitigated, thereby preventing or mitigating the condensation phenomenon described above. Consequently, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, image clarity can be improved and experimental stability can be ensured by suppressing the condensation phenomenon.

[0077] In an embodiment provided with a plurality of ventilation fans (140) as shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, the plurality of ventilation fans (140) can be operated individually in consideration of the position and operating state of the optical assembly (200) and the temperature distribution inside the main body (100). In other words, whether the plurality of ventilation fans (140) are operated (i.e., whether the ventilation fans (140) are turned on or off) and the operating intensity (i.e., the rotational speed of the ventilation fans (140)) can be controlled individually in consideration of the position and operating state of the optical assembly (200) and the temperature distribution inside the main body (100).

[0078] The optical assembly (200) may have various operating states. For example, the optical assembly (200) may have various operating states, such as fluorescence imaging, bright field imaging, and simple movement without imaging. Fluorescence imaging is an imaging method in which a specific molecule is labeled with a fluorescent material and light is shone upon it to observe the fluorescence generated, and bright field imaging is an imaging method in which light is directly transmitted through a sample to obtain an image using the contrast created by the absorption and refraction of light. The amount of heat generated by the optical assembly (200) may vary depending on the operating state. For example, the amount of heat generated when the optical assembly (200) is in fluorescence imaging may be greater than the amount of heat generated when in bright field imaging. Additionally, when simply moving without imaging, there may be no heat generation or the amount of heat generation may be less than when imaging is in progress.

[0079] Accordingly, the temperature distribution of the internal space of the main body (100) may vary depending on the position and operating state of the optical assembly (200).

[0080] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the internal space of the main body (100) may be divided into a plurality of virtual regions (A) in a planar view. For example, in a planar view, the internal space of the main body (100) may be divided into a plurality of virtual regions (A) along a grid shape. An optical assembly (200) may be located in at least one of the plurality of virtual regions (A), and a plurality of ventilation fans (140) may be operated based on information about the virtual region (A) where the optical assembly (200) is located and information about the operating state of the optical assembly (200).

[0081] In another embodiment, the position of the optical assembly (200) can be obtained as a coordinate value. A plurality of ventilation fans (140) can be operated based on information regarding the obtained coordinate values ​​of the optical assembly (200) and information regarding the operating state of the optical assembly (200).

[0082] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, when the optical assembly (200) is positioned at the top center and is taking optical shots in a planar view, the ventilation fan (140a1, 140b1) closest to the optical assembly (200) may be operated at the strongest intensity, the next closest ventilation fan (140a2, 140b2) may be operated at a moderate intensity, and the furthest ventilation fan (140a2, 140b2) may be operated at the weakest intensity or not operated at all. If the optical assembly (200) is taking bright field shots in the same position, each ventilation fan (140) may be operated at a weaker intensity than in the case described above.

[0083] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, when the optical assembly (200) is positioned in the left center and optical imaging is in progress from a planar perspective, the ventilation fans (140a1, 140a2, 140a3) on the left, which are closer to the optical assembly (200), may be operated with a stronger intensity than the ventilation fans (140b1, 140b2, 140b3) on the right. For example, the ventilation fan (140a2) on the left center may be operated with the strongest intensity, the ventilation fans (140a1, 140a3) on the upper and lower left may be operated with a moderate intensity, and the ventilation fans (140b1, 140b2, 140b3) on the right may be operated with the weakest intensity or not operated at all. If the optical assembly (200) is in progress from the same position and bright field imaging is in progress, each ventilation fan (140) may be operated with a weaker intensity than in the case described above.

[0084] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of a plurality of ventilation fans (140) can be individually controlled by taking into account the position and operating state of the optical assembly (200). Through this, the possibility of condensation can be effectively reduced by preventing a sudden change in the internal temperature of the main body (100) and maintaining a constant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the main body (100). In addition, by increasing the operating efficiency of the ventilation fans (140), the power consumed for the operation of the ventilation fans (140) can be reduced while suppressing the occurrence of condensation. Furthermore, by increasing the operating efficiency of the ventilation fans (140), heat generated from the ventilation fans (140) can be suppressed, thereby contributing to the stabilization of the internal temperature of the main body (100).

[0085] In one embodiment, at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature distribution inside the main body (100) may be provided. In this case, a plurality of ventilation fans (140) may be operated with further consideration of the temperature distribution inside the main body (100).

[0086] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a stage assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure coupled to a cover of a main body.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 8 to 10, a stage assembly (300) can be coupled to the upper part of the main body (100). In other words, the stage assembly (300) can be coupled to the cover (120) of the main body (100). The stage assembly (300) can perform the function of stably fixing and holding a vessel (400) containing a target material.

[0088] The stage assembly (300) may include a vessel holder (310) having a vessel mounting portion (320) formed therein. The vessel mounting portion (320) may have a groove shape corresponding to the shape of the vessel (400) so that the vessel (400) can be stably mounted. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the vessel mounting portion (320) is formed in a square groove shape for mounting a vessel (400) having a square shape, such as a well plate. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and depending on the shape of the well plate to be mounted, the vessel mounting portion (320) may also be formed in various shapes and sizes.

[0089] In one embodiment, a plurality of vessel mounting portions (320) may be formed in the vessel holder (310). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the plurality of vessel mounting portions (320) have the same shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] A vessel hole (322) may be formed in the center of the vessel mounting portion (320) of the groove shape. When the stage assembly (300) is mounted on the main body (100), the vessel hole (322) may be vertically superimposed with the opening (122) formed in the cover (120) of the main body (100). Accordingly, the vessel (400) mounted on the vessel mounting portion (320) may be exposed to the optical assembly (200) placed inside the main body (100) through the vessel hole (322) and the opening (122) of the cover (120).

[0091] Additionally, the vessel holder (310) may include a vessel fixing member (324) formed on one side of the vessel mounting portion (320). The vessel fixing member (324) can press and fix the vessel (400) mounted on the vessel mounting portion (320). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, one end of the vessel fixing member (324) can be pivotally fixed to the vessel holder (310) so as to be rotatable, and accordingly, the vessel fixing member (324) can pivot within a certain angle range. This vessel fixing member (324) can pivot to fix the vessel (400) when the vessel (400) is mounted on the vessel mounting portion (320).

[0092] The stage assembly (300) may further include a holder base (330) formed on the lower surface of the vessel holder (310). When the stage assembly (300) is coupled to the upper part of the main body (100), the vessel holder (310) may be separated from the main body (100) by the holder base (330). In other words, the holder base (330) may be interposed between the vessel holder (310) and the upper part of the main body (100) (i.e., the cover (120)), thereby forming a gap (G) between the vessel holder (310) and the main body (100).

[0093] In one embodiment, the holder base (330) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple holder bases (330) may be formed spaced apart from each other on the edges of the lower surface of the vessel holder (310). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the multiple holder bases (330) may be formed on the corner portions of the lower surface of the vessel holder (310) or in the middle portions between the corners.

[0094] As a gap (G) is formed between the vessel holder (310) and the main body (100), a ventilation channel (VC) that communicates the inside and outside of the main body (100) can be formed between the main body (100) and the stage assembly (300). Specifically, the ventilation channel (VC) may include an opening (122) formed in the cover (120) and a gap (G) formed between the vessel holder (310) and the main body (100). In other words, the opening (122) formed in the cover (120) and the gap (G) can communicate with each other to form a ventilation channel (VC).

[0095] In this regard, as previously explained, a ventilation fan (140) configured to discharge air inside the main body (100) to the outside through a ventilation port (112) may be disposed in the main body (100). Accordingly, air circulation can be achieved in which air outside the main body (100) is introduced through a ventilation channel (VC) (or a gap (G) between the vessel holder (310) and the main body (100)) and discharged back to the outside of the main body (100) through a ventilation port (112) formed in the housing (110) of the main body (100). By doing so, the temperature difference between the air inside the main body (100) and the air outside the main body (100) can be reduced.

[0096] In particular, since the ventilation channel (VC) is formed adjacent to the vessel (400), the temperature difference around the vessel (400) can be reduced. For example, the temperature difference between the surface of the vessel (400) exposed to the outside of the main body (100) and the surface of the vessel (400) facing the inside of the main body (100) can be reduced. Additionally, since the air inside the main body (100) is discharged through the ventilation opening (112) formed in the housing (110) of the main body (100) (e.g., the side of the housing (110)), heat generated inside the main body (100) may not be directly transferred to the vessel (400). As a result, the temperature around the vessel (400) is stabilized, and the occurrence of condensation on the surface of the vessel (400) can be suppressed.

[0097] In one embodiment, a groove (340) may be formed on the lower edge of the vessel holder (310). As shown in FIG. 9, the groove (340) may extend along the lower edge of the vessel holder (310). Additionally, the groove (340) may be formed at a position that does not vertically overlap with the holder base (330). The groove (340) may form at least a part of the ventilation channel (VC) formed between the stage assembly (300) and the main body (100), and may contribute to air circulation inside the main body (100) by facilitating the flow of air.

[0098] In one embodiment, the groove (340) may have a sloped structure that becomes higher from the center of the vessel holder (310) toward the edge. In other words, the groove (340) may be formed in a shape in which a portion of the lower edge of the vessel holder (310) is chamfered. The groove (340) processed with such a sloped surface provides a structure that facilitates the inflow of air into the main body (100), thereby helping the air to circulate more efficiently around the vessel (400).

[0099] As such, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ventilation channel (VC) is formed between the main body (100) and the stage assembly (300), so that external air can be introduced into the main body (100) and circulated. Accordingly, this introduction and circulation of air can contribute to maintaining a uniform temperature around the vessel (400) mounted on the vessel holder (310), and consequently, can suppress the occurrence of condensation on the vessel (400).

[0100] The stage assembly (300) may further include a fixing screw (350) for fixing the vessel holder (310) to the main body (100). The fixing screw (350) can be fastened to a coupling hole (not shown) formed in the stage assembly (300) and a coupling groove (not shown) formed in the upper part (i.e., cover (120)) of the main body (100) to fix the vessel holder (310) to the main body (100).

[0101] In one embodiment, the coupling hole and coupling groove for fastening with the fixing screw (350) may be formed at a position that overlaps vertically with the holder base (330). In other words, the fixing screw (350) can fix the vessel holder (310) to the main body (100) at a position that overlaps vertically with the holder base (330). Accordingly, the fixing screw (350) can fix the vessel holder (310) to the main body (100) at a position without affecting the ventilation channel (VC).

[0102] As explained above, a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure will recognize that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms without altering its technical principles or core features. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims below rather than the detailed description, and all variations or modifications based on the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] The features and advantages described herein are only partial, and further features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the drawings, specification, and claims. Additionally, it should be noted that the language used herein is chosen for readability and illustrative purposes and is not necessarily chosen to limit or describe the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0104] The description of the above embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in its exact form. A person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations are possible from the content of the disclosure.

[0105] Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the detailed description but is defined by the claims of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Main body; An optical assembly disposed inside the main body; and It includes a stage assembly coupled to the upper part of the above main body, An optical device having a ventilation channel formed between the stage assembly and the main body, which communicates the interior and exterior of the main body.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above stage assembly is: A vessel holder including a vessel seating portion; and It includes a holder support formed on the lower surface of the above-mentioned vessel holder, and The above-mentioned vessel holder is an optical device spaced apart from the main body by the above-mentioned holder base.

3. In Paragraph 2, A gap is formed between the lower surface of the vessel holder and the upper surface of the main body, and An optical device in which the above gap forms at least a part of the above ventilation channel.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above main body is: Housing; and It includes a cover coupled to the upper part of the above housing, and An optical device having an opening formed in the center of the above cover that communicates with the above gap.

5. In Paragraph 2, An optical device having a groove formed on the lower edge of the above-mentioned vessel holder.

6. In Paragraph 5, An optical device having a groove that becomes steeper from the center of the vessel holder toward the edge.

7. In Paragraph 5, An optical device formed at a position that does not vertically overlap with the holder base.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above stage assembly further includes a fixing screw for fixing the vessel holder to the main body, and An optical device in which the above fixing screw fixes the vessel holder to the main body at a position vertically overlapping with the holder base.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above main body is: Housing having a ventilation opening; A support disposed inside the above housing; and An optical device comprising a ventilation fan coupled to the above support and positioned adjacent to the above ventilation opening.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above ventilation fan is connected to the support by a spring screw, and The above ventilation fan is an optical device elastically supported in a direction away from the support by a spring included in the spring screw.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above spring screw further includes a threaded portion, and The above screw part is: A body portion coupled to the above support; and It includes a head portion formed to protrude laterally from the upper part of the body portion, and An optical device configured such that the head portion prevents the ventilation fan from detaching from the support.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above spring screw is an optical device that supports the ventilation fan so that the lower surface of the ventilation fan is spaced apart from the support.

13. In Paragraph 10, An optical device in which the upper surface of the above ventilation fan contacts the inner surface of the housing and is pressed in a direction toward the support by the inner surface of the housing.

14. In Paragraph 1, The optical assembly is configured to be movable inside the main body, an optical device.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above main body is: Housing having a ventilation opening; and It includes a plurality of ventilation fans positioned adjacent to the above ventilation opening, An optical device in which the plurality of ventilation fans above are operated in consideration of the position and operating state of the optical assembly.

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