JP2001264641A - Inverted microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inverted microscope capable of stably obtaining a good-quality observed image and excellent in operability. SOLUTION: A rear surface port 100 is provided at a position where a photographing optical path 17a is crossed with the rear surface of the frame 1 of the inverted microscope having an optical device 16 switching observing light transmitted through a sample 9 to the photographing optical path 17a or an observation optical path 17b, and a TV camera 102 picking up the observing light made incident through the optical path 17a is attached to the port 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inverted microscope provided with an image pickup means such as a TV camera for picking up a sample image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an inverted microscope, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 7-3
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5986, a sample image can be visually observed through an eyepiece, and a C35 mm camera, a TV camera, or the like is attached to a frame of a microscope body so that an enlarged image of the sample can be captured. Has been put to practical use. That is, in such a microscope, a sample image enlarged by an objective lens is condensed by an imaging lens, and guided to an imaging optical path by an optical element so that an image can be captured by a C35 mm camera or a TV camera. in this case,
The optical element can be switched in three steps in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. By switching the optical path with this optical element, the imaging optical path at the site port, bottom port, and front port of the microscope main body is selected. , A C35 mm camera or a TV camera.

[0003]

However, the C35, sight port, bottom port, and front port of the microscope main body are used.
The one in which a mm camera or a TV camera is attached to take a sample image has the following problems.

That is, in recent life science research fields,
With the development of high-sensitivity imaging devices and the development of fluorescent reagents, research experiments to detect extremely weak light that cannot be detected by the human eye, such as weak fluorescence observation and weak photometry, have been actively conducted. With the spread of patch clamp technology for injecting genes with fluorescent dyes into cells and measuring changes in cell membrane current to measure changes in cell ions, the use of micromanipulators in combination is increasing. .

However, such a micromanipulator is provided using the side space of the inverted microscope in order to ensure the accuracy of operation. Therefore, when a TV camera or the like is attached to the site port, this micromanipulator is not provided. In some cases, the TV camera attached to the camera and the micromanipulator may physically interfere with each other, making it impossible to operate the micromanipulator. For this reason,
It is conceivable that the micromanipulator is installed at a position where the micromanipulator does not interfere with the TV camera. In this case, the micromanipulator moves away from the microscope (sample). Becomes too distant and the tip of the needle tends to vibrate, so that accurate operation or measurement cannot be performed when operating cells or measuring current.

In order to efficiently extract a weak observation image, it has been considered that a TV camera or the like is attached to a bottom port of the microscope body to capture a primary image from an objective lens. Due to the arrangement of the camera in the vicinity, it is necessary to make a hole in the upper surface of the desk on which the microscope is mounted or to raise the microscope with respect to the upper surface of the desk, so that the equipment becomes large.

In addition, when a C35 mm camera or the like is usually mounted, a front port is often used. However, the front side of the microscope has a large dimension in the depth direction due to the presence of a visual observation optical path. Is located deep inside the microscope. Therefore,
If an attempt is made to dispose a camera at this primary image position, a camera is provided inside the microscope, and the size of the camera is physically limited due to the design of the microscope. For this reason, when the front port is used, the primary image is relayed.
Although the next image (a magnification of 2-2.5 × is added) is made to enter the camera, it is not preferable for observation of weak light. Also, if a large TV camera or the like is attached to the front port, the position of the TV camera cable connected to the back of the TV camera and the position of the observer will be closer.
The operability of the observer is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inverted microscope capable of stably obtaining a high-quality observation image and having excellent operability.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An objective lens disposed below the specimen, an imaging lens for imaging observation light from the objective lens, and a reflection mirror for guiding light transmitted through the imaging lens to the front side of the microscope,
An optical path branching unit that is disposed between the imaging lens and the reflection mirror and guides light from the imaging lens to an imaging optical path extending toward the rear surface of the microscope; and an imaging port provided on the imaging optical path. The imaging port is characterized in that an imaging surface of an imaging device to be attached substantially coincides with an imaging position of the imaging lens.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relay lens for relaying a primary image formed by the imaging lens, wherein the photographing port and an image pickup device attached to the port are provided. And adjusting means for adjusting an image forming position with respect to an imaging surface of the imaging apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the adjusting means is capable of adjusting the imaging position in an optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an eyepiece having a mask glass disposed on the observation optical path, and an eyepiece provided in the imaging port, wherein the imaging means is connected to the imaging optical path. Adjusting means for enabling movement adjustment in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in a direction along the optical axis, and for making the mask glass of the eyepiece and the center position of the imaging surface of the imaging means coincide with the focal plane by these adjustments. And characterized in that:

As a result, according to the present invention, even if auxiliary equipment such as a micromanipulator is provided by utilizing the side space of the microscope main body, physical interference between these equipment and the imaging means attached to the photographing port occurs. Can be avoided.

Further, since the primary observation image can be formed on the imaging surface of the imaging means and imaged, a high quality observation image can be obtained.

Further, the center position and the focal plane of the mask glass in the eyepiece and the image pickup means can be made to coincide with each other by a simple adjustment operation.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 and FIG.
It shows a schematic configuration of an inverted microscope to which the present invention is applied,
FIG. 1 is a transparent perspective view showing the relationship between the respective optical systems of the microscope, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from a side of the microscope.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a frame as a microscope main body, and an illumination housing 2 is provided at an upper end of the frame 1.
The light source 3 is accommodated in the illumination housing 2.

The light 4 emitted from the light source 3 has its traveling direction changed downward by the reflecting mirror 5, passes through the field stop 6, and enters the condenser lens 7. Condenser lens 7
A sample 9 placed on a stage 8
Focus on top.

The light transmitted through the sample 9 is transmitted to an objective lens 11 supported by a revolver 10 provided below the stage 8.
Is incident on. The light that has passed through the objective lens 11 and has been corrected to infinity is incident on a fluorescent cube 12 having a built-in dichroic mirror inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis. The fluorescent cube 12 simultaneously holds an excitation filter and an absorption filter (not shown). Illumination light from a light source 14 of an epi-illumination illumination system 13 is incident on the fluorescent cube 12. In this case, the light source 14 is provided on the rear side of the frame 1.

An image forming lens 15 is arranged below the fluorescent cube 12. In this case, the imaging lens 15
The light incident from the objective lens 11 is moved to the focal length position by 1
An image is formed as a next image. Also, the imaging lens 1
By associating 5 with the objective lens 11 for infinity correction, there is no lens system between the imaging lens 15 and the primary imaging position of each optical path, and the image magnification of each optical path can be 1 ×. .
Further, since the objective lens 11 is designed to be at infinity, a parallel optical system is provided between the objective lens 11 and the objective lens 11. Therefore, for example, when focusing on the sample 9, the objective lens 11 is moved up and down by the handle of the focusing unit. Even if this is done, the position of the primary image does not change, so that a revolver up / down system in which the revolver 10 holding a plurality of objective lenses 11 is moved up and down can be used as a focusing mechanism.

The light that has passed through the imaging lens 15 is
6 is incident. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical element 16 includes prisms 16a and 16b arranged in contact with each other in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis.
6a converts light incident from above into a lower observation optical path 17b.
The prism 16b has a reflection surface which is reflected by the imaging optical path 17a in the direction opposite to the observer with respect to the optical axis (the rear side of the frame 1). The light passes through the lower observation optical path 17b. The prisms 16a and 16b are movably supported by a support base 18 shown by a broken line in the figure. The prisms 16a and 16b supported by the support base 18 have position adjustment knobs 19 whose tips project outside the frame 1. Thus, the horizontal position can be moved in two stages of A and B. In this case, when the position adjustment knob 19 is stopped at the position A, the prism 16a is arranged on the optical path of the light 4, and the light 4 is guided to the photographing optical path 17a to form an image at the primary image position 29a. When the shutter 19 is stopped at the position B, the prism 16b is arranged on the optical path of the light 4, and the light 4 transmits through the prism 16b. That is, the arbitrary prisms 16a and 16b
As a result, the observer can pass the light passing through the imaging lens 15 to the photographing optical path 17a toward the rear side of the frame 1 or the observation optical path 1
7b. Support table 1 here
8 can also mount three or more prisms, and a prism that guides light to the left and right side surfaces (site port side) of the frame 1 may be arranged. Further, the optical element 16 may have a mechanism detachable from the frame 1, and the transmittance of the optical element 16 can be arbitrarily changed.

On the rear side of the frame 1, a rear port 100 as a photographing port is provided at a position intersecting with the photographing optical path 17a, and a camera mounting adapter 101 is detachably provided on the rear port 100. The camera mounting adapter 101 is a so-called C mount or ENG mount adapter for a TV camera, which enables the TV camera 102 to be mounted on the frame 1 and connects the imaging surface of the TV camera 102 as a primary image position 29a. Image lens 1
By forming the primary image from 5, an enlarged image of the sample 9 can be captured.

On the other hand, the light transmitted through the observation optical path 17b below the prisms 16a and 16b enters the optical element 22, is further reflected in the direction of the optical path 23, and forms an image at the primary image position 29e. At this primary image position 29e, it is possible to insert a mask glass for confirming the photographing area or a scale glass for comparing the size of the image.

The light that has passed through the primary image position 29e passes through a relay lens system 26 consisting of a plurality of group lenses, and the observation lens barrel 2
Head in 7 directions. The light emitted from the relay lens system 26 is converted into parallel light to form an imaging lens 27 in the observation lens barrel 27.
a. The imaging lens 27a forms the incident light at a secondary image position 29e 'in the observation lens barrel 27. This allows the observer to observe an enlarged image of the sample 9 formed at the secondary image position 29e 'via the eyepiece 27b.

Therefore, in this case, the rear port 100 is provided on the rear side of the frame 1 and the rear port 100 is provided.
Since the TV camera 102 is attached to the TV camera 102, even if the micromanipulator is provided using the side space of the inverted microscope, the micromanipulator and the TV camera 102 attached to the rear port 100 may physically interfere with each other. As a result, a high-quality observation image can be captured by the TV camera 102, and optimal operability can be ensured for the micromanipulator.

Further, by using the rear port 100, a modification is made such as making a hole in the upper surface of the desk on which the microscope is mounted as in the case where the TV camera is attached to the conventional lower port, or raising the microscope from the upper surface of the desk. Is no longer necessary,
Equipment can be simplified.

Further, by attaching the TV camera 102 to the rear port 100 of the frame 1, a primary observation image can be formed on the image pickup surface of the TV camera 102 and an enlarged image of the sample 9 can be taken. It is possible to capture a high-quality sample image compared to capturing a secondary image obtained by relaying a primary image as using the front port of
In particular, it is possible to realize imaging that is preferable for observation of weak light.

Further, by attaching the TV camera 102 to the rear port 100, the cable for the TV camera becomes far from the position of the observer, and the operability of the observer can be improved.

(Second Embodiment) By the way, currently available inverted microscopes have a front port of C35m.
Many cameras have a structure for mounting a camera. In this case, for the above-mentioned reasons, a glass mask for confirming the photographing area of the camera placed in the microscope and a scale glass for comparing the size of the image are frame frames. Is provided so that it can be inserted into and removed from the optical path from outside. That is, in the case of the front port, the observer confirms the photographing area with the mask glass, and therefore, it is necessary to match the focal plane with the mounting center position of the mask glass and the C35 mm camera in advance. Usually, these optical adjustments are performed when the inverted microscope is shipped from the factory, and it is extremely difficult to perform these adjustments after shipment.

In the second embodiment, a C35 mm camera 200 is mounted on the rear port 100 of the frame 1 and the position of the camera 200 with respect to the mask glass can be easily adjusted.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the schematic configuration of the entire inverted microscope is the same as that in FIGS. 1 and 2 described above, and these drawings will be referred to.

In this case, the rear port 100 of the frame 1
, A C35 mm camera 200 is attached via cylindrical adapters 201 and 202 as adjusting means. The adapter 201 is provided on the rear port 100 and is movable so that it can be finely adjusted in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing optical path 17a, and the position after the adjustment is fixed by the screw 203. I have. Also, the adapter 202 is provided at the tip of the adapter 201 with the imaging optical path 17.
It is movable so that it can be finely adjusted in the optical axis direction of a, and the position after the adjustment is fixed by the screw 204.

The light reflected from the optical element 16 to the photographing optical path 17a in the direction opposite to the observer (the rear side of the frame 1) is formed at the primary image position 29a in the hollow portion of the adapter 201 slightly outside the frame 1. The primary image is enlarged by the lens 205 held by the adapter 201 and formed at the secondary image position 29a 'passing through the adapter 202. In this case, the size and position of the secondary image at the secondary image position 29a 'match the film surface of the C35 mm camera 200.

On the other hand, the observation optical path 1 below the optical element 16
7b is incident on the optical element 22, is reflected in the direction of the observation optical path 23, and forms an image at the primary image position 29e. The mask glass is held integrally on the focal plane. Then, with the center position of the enlarged image of the sample 9 obtained by the objective lens 11 and the focal plane of the mask glass integrally held by the eyepiece coincide with each other, the secondary image position 29a 'is obtained by the objective lens 11. The center position of the enlarged image of the sample 9 to be made coincides with the focal plane. The adjustment at this time is
The adjustment is performed by finely adjusting the adapter 201 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and finely adjusting the adapter 202 in the optical axis direction. With these adjustments, the mask glass held by the eyepiece and the film surface of the C35 mm camera 200 are adjusted. And the focal plane can be matched.

Accordingly, in this way, when the observer mounts the C35 mm camera 200 on the rear port 100, the mask glass in the eyepiece and the C35 mm camera 2
Since the center position of 00 and the focal plane can be matched only by a simple adjustment operation, the photographing of the sample image using the C35 mm camera 200 can always be performed in an optimal state.

(Third Embodiment) When the lamp house of the light source 14 of the epi-illumination system 13 is arranged on the rear surface of the frame 1, the TV camera 102 is connected to the rear port 100 of the frame 1.
When these are mounted, these mounting positions interfere with each other, and a rear port 1 for mounting the TV camera 102 is mounted.
There arises a problem that it is difficult to determine the position of 00, for example.

In the third embodiment, the TV camera 1
02 can be easily positioned.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a schematic configuration of a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention. The schematic configuration of the entire inverted microscope is described in FIGS.
Therefore, these figures shall be referred to.

In this case, the rear port 100 of the frame 1
Is mounted with a TV camera 102. An adapter 300 is provided on the side of the frame 1 located on the optical path of the epi-illumination system 13 input to the fluorescent cube 12. An epi-illumination light pipe 301 is detachably provided on the adapter 300. The epi-illumination light pipe 301 includes a first epi-illumination light pipe 301a, a second epi-illumination light pipe 301b, and a relay connecting between the first epi-illumination light pipe 301a and the second epi-illumination light pipe 301b. It is composed of a pipe 301c and is bent approximately 90 degrees via the relay pipe 301c. Then, a lamp house 302 accommodating the light source 14 such as an epi-illumination fluorescent tube is attached to the first epi-illumination tube 301a, and the second epi-illumination tube 301b is connected to the adapter 300.
Attached to. In this case, the first incident light projector 3
The attachment of the lamp house 302 to the lamp housing 01a makes the male dovetail structure provided on the lamp house 302 side detachable from the female dovetail structure (not shown) at the tip of the first epi-illumination light pipe 301a.

The illumination light emitted from the light source 14 of the lamp house 302 is converted into parallel light by the collector lens 303 in the first incident light projection tube 301a, and is reflected by the reflection mirror 304 in the relay tube 301c. Then, the light is guided into the frame 1 as the epi-illumination system 13 through the lens system 305 in the second epi-illumination light pipe 301b,
Is incident on.

Accordingly, even if the large-sized TV camera 102 is mounted on the rear port 100 of the frame 1, the lamp house 302 of the light source 14 of the epi-illumination system 13 provided on the rear of the frame 1 Since the projection tube 301 is bent by the first reflection projection tube 301a, the second reflection projection tube 301b, and the relay tube 301c, the projection tube 301 can be disposed apart from the TV camera 102, so that the TV camera 102 and the lamp house 302 can be arranged. Inconvenience such that the mounting positions interfere with each other can be solved, and the positioning of the rear port 100 for mounting the TV camera 102 can be simplified. Also, Lamp House 3
In addition, it is possible to prevent the TV camera 102 from being adversely affected by the heat generated by the camera 02.

In the illustrated example, the lamp house 302 is
Although held on the right side of the rear side of the frame 1, it may be configured to be held on the left side. Also, the lamp house 30
Light may be guided using a fiber light source instead of 2. In this case, the fiber light source may be attached to, for example, a straight incident light pipe without depending on the physical shape of the incident light pipe.

(Fourth Embodiment) When a front port is employed in the design of the frame of an inverted microscope, an L-shaped support member for holding the revolver and connecting the focusing section is attached to the front port. In order to traverse the optical path for photographing, etc., this support member has a size of the luminous flux of the front port (approximately φ30 mm) and an amount by which the focusing part moves up and down (about ± 5 m)
m) is required to secure an optical path of about m. For this reason, there is a problem that the rigidity of the support member is reduced, and the rigidity of the guide mechanism of the focusing unit is reduced, so that the image position changes every time the revolver is moved up and down, and a stable observation image cannot be captured.

In the fourth embodiment, a stable observation image can be selected by using the rear port 100 on the rear side of the frame 1.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, the revolver 10 holding the objective lens 11 is supported by an L-shaped support member 400. The support member 400 is arranged vertically on the front side of the frame 1 that does not cross the optical path 17a. Further, a focusing mechanism 401 for moving the revolver 10 up and down is connected to the support member 400. The focusing mechanism 401 includes a rack 40 below the support member 400.
1a, and a pinion 401b that engages with the rack 401a is provided. The pinion 401b is combined with a speed reduction mechanism using a plurality of gears, and is connected to a coarse / fine movement shaft 402 that allows the revolver 10 to finally adjust both the coarse operation and the fine operation.

Accordingly, with this configuration, the L-shaped support member 400 for vertically moving the revolver 10 without traversing the photographing optical path 17a is disposed on the front side inside the frame 1. It is not necessary to form a hole for allowing the light beam in the photographing optical path to pass therethrough, so that the rigidity of the support member 400 is not reduced, and the rigidity of the guide mechanism of the focusing mechanism 401 can be reduced. Thus, even if the revolver 10 is moved up and down, it is possible to capture a stable observation image without changing the image position.

In the photographic optical path provided toward the back of the microscope according to the present invention, instead of the port as described in the embodiment, a predetermined camera is placed at an image position on the photographic optical path. It can also be incorporated to match. In particular, if a camera is incorporated at the primary image position of the imaging lens, an inverted microscope capable of displaying an image with little image degradation on a monitor and outputting it as electronic data to the outside can be configured.

The embodiments of the present invention include the following inventions.

[0051] In the inverted microscope according to the first aspect, a lamp house having an epi-illumination light source is attached to a rear side of the microscope main body via an epi-illumination light tube bent in a predetermined direction.

In this manner, the inconvenience of interference between the image pickup means mounted on the rear port of the microscope main body and the mounting position of the lamp house can be solved.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inverted microscope capable of stably obtaining a high-quality observation image and having excellent operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a transparent perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mutual positional relationship between optical systems of an inverted microscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inverted microscope according to the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main part according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Frame 2 ... Illumination housing 3 ... Light source 4 ... Light 5 ... Reflection mirror 6 ... Field stop 7 ... Condenser lens 8 ... Stage 9 ... Sample 10 ... Revolver 11 ... Objective lens 12 ... Fluorescent cube 13 ... Epi-illumination system 14 ... Light source 15: imaging lens 16: optical element 16a, 16b: prism 17a: photographing optical path 17b: observation optical path 18: support base 19: position adjustment knob 22: optical element 23: optical path 26: relay lens system 27: observation lens barrel 27a ... Imaging lens 27b Eyepiece 29a Primary image position 29e Primary image position 100 Rear port 101 Camera adapter 102 TV camera 200 Camera 201.202 Adapters 203 and 204 Screw 205 Lens 300 … Adapter 301… epi-illumination light pipe 301 a… first epi-illumination light pipe 301 b… Vertical illuminator 301c ... relay pipe 302 ... lamp house 303 ... a collector lens 304 ... reflecting mirror 305 ... lens system 400 ... support members 401 ... focusing mechanism 401a ... rack 401b ... pinion 402 ... coarse and fine axis

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An objective lens disposed below a specimen, an imaging lens for imaging observation light from the objective lens, and a reflection mirror for guiding light transmitted through the imaging lens to a front side of a microscope. An optical path branching unit disposed between the imaging lens and the reflection mirror to guide light from the imaging lens to an imaging optical path extending toward the rear surface of the microscope; and an imaging port provided on the imaging optical path An inverted microscope, wherein the imaging port has an imaging surface of an imaging device to be attached substantially coincides with an imaging position of the imaging lens. A relay lens for relaying a primary image formed by the imaging lens, wherein the relay lens is mounted between the imaging port and an imaging device attached to the port, and forms an image with respect to an imaging surface of the imaging device. 2. The inverted microscope according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting means for adjusting an image position. 3. The inverted microscope according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting unit is capable of adjusting the image forming position in an optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. 4. An eyepiece having a mask glass disposed on the observation optical path; and an eyepiece provided at the imaging port, wherein the imaging unit is configured to move the imaging unit in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the imaging optical path and in a direction along the optical axis. 2. The inverted camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a mask glass of said eyepiece lens and an adjusting means for matching a center position and a focal plane of an imaging surface of said imaging means by these adjustments. microscope.