JP4608038B2

JP4608038B2 - microscope

Info

Publication number: JP4608038B2
Application number: JP20986199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 裕徳宇津木
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1999-07-23
Filing date: 1999-07-23
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-23
Also published as: JP2001033706A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、顕微鏡に対し、ユーザの要求に応じて透過照明系を取り付け自在に改良した顕微鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図７は落射照明装置を備えた顕微鏡の構成図であって、ここでは特開平３−２４５１１３号公報に記載されている顕微鏡を示す。鏡脚１上には、Ｌ字形状の鏡柱２が着脱自在に設けられている。この鏡柱２には、観察光学系を保持する鏡筒３が設けられるとともに落射照明装置４が設けられている。なお、鏡筒３には、接眼レンズ５が取り付けられている。これら鏡脚１及び鏡柱２は、顕微鏡本体を構成するものとなっている。
【０００３】
又、鏡脚１上には、焦準機構６が着脱自在に設けられている。この焦準機構６は、標本Ｍを載置するためのステージ７を上下動するものである。この焦準機構６が鏡脚１上に着脱自在に設けられていることから、この焦準機構６は、剛性、耐荷重性等の異なるものが選択されるようになっている。
【０００４】
上記鏡柱２は、各種ステージ７を配設可能に各種のものが選択できるようになっている。このステージ７の上方にあたる鏡柱２の部分には、対物レンズ８が取り付けられている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記顕微鏡では、落射照明装置４を顕微鏡本体に組み付けているが、この落射照明装置４を顕微鏡本体に組み付けるのに、顕微鏡本体としては落射照明装置４の組み付けに適した形状等のものを選択して用いている。換言すれば、顕微鏡本体は、落射照明装置４の組み付け専用のものを用いなければならない。
【０００６】
ユーザとしては、顕微鏡の使用にあたり、標本を落射照明観察するだけでなく、標本Ｍに応じては透過照明観察を行う要求がある。このような場合、落射照明専用の顕微鏡ではユーザの要求を満たすことができず、透過照明の顕微鏡が必要となる。
【０００７】
このようなユーザの要求がある場合、上記のように落射照明装置４を組み付けた顕微鏡では、例えば透過照明装置を後付けユニットとして追加し組み付けるようなことはその構造上不可能である。
【０００８】
一方、上記のようにステージ７の上方に対物レンズ８等が配置されているような正立型の顕微鏡を用いて標本Ｍの観察を行う場合、ステージ７や標本Ｍとしてその厚さが大きく異なるものが用いられることがある。このような厚さの大きく異なるステージ７や標本Ｍを用いた場合、その標本Ｍに焦点を合わせて観察するためには、ステージ７や標本Ｍの厚さに適したステージ上下移動位置を有する焦準機構６を組み付けた専用の顕微鏡本体を用意する必要がある。
【０００９】
又、質量の大きく異なるステージ７や標本Ｍを用いた場合、焦準機構６にその能力範囲以上又は以下の積載荷重が加わると、ステージ７が積載荷重により自然降下したり、又は軽すぎる積載荷重により上昇したりして、標本Ｍに焦点を合わせることができなくなる。このため、ステージ７や標本Ｍの質量に適した焦準機構６の選択が必要であり、顕微鏡本体を専用化して対応しなければならならない。これらは、いずれも顕微鏡本体の専用化による対応であった。
【００１０】
そこで、本発明は、落射照明装置を備えた顕微鏡本体に、透過照明装置を後付けユニットとして追加できる顕微鏡を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
又、本発明は、標本やステージの厚さと質量に広く対応できる顕微鏡を提供することを目的とする。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の発明は、顕微鏡本体と、前記顕微鏡本体に取り付けられ、標本を落射照明する落射照明手段と、前記標本を載置するステージと、焦準上下台を備え、当該焦準上下台を上下方向に移動させることにより前記ステージを上下動させる焦準機構と、前記顕微鏡本体に形成され、前記標本を透過照明するための光を出射する透過照明投光手段を着脱自在にする取り付け部と、前記ステージと前記焦準機構の前記焦準上下台との間で着脱自在に設けられ、前記取り付け部に対する前記透過照明投光手段の取り付け、取り外しに応じて選択可能で、かつ前記透過照明投光手段から投光された前記透過照明光を前記標本に照射するための透過照明光学系を内蔵又は内蔵していない複数のステージ取り付け用部材とを具備し、前記透過照明投光手段が前記取り付け部に取り付けられているときには、前記透過照明光学系を内蔵する前記ステージ取り付け用部材は、前記ステージと前記焦準機構の前記焦準上下台との間に設けることが可能であり、前記透過照明投光手段が前記取り付け部に取り付けられていないときには、前記透過照明光学系を内蔵していない前記ステージ取り付け部材は、前記ステージと前記焦準機構の前記焦準上下台との間に設けることが可能である顕微鏡である。
請求項２記載の発明は、顕微鏡本体と、前記顕微鏡本体に取り付けられ、標本を落射照明する落射照明手段と、前記標本を載置する複数のステージと、焦準上下台を備え、当該焦準上下台を上下方向に移動させることにより前記複数のステージのうちいずれか１つの前記ステージを上下動させる焦準機構と、前記１つのステージと前記焦準機構の前記焦準上下台との間で着脱自在に設けられ、前記標本の厚さ又は前記ステージの厚さのいずれか一方又は両方に応じて選択可能、或いは前記標本の質量又は前記ステージの質量のいずれか一方又は両方に応じて選択可能な複数のステージ取り付け用部材とを具備する顕微鏡である。
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の顕微鏡において、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材と前記複数のステージとは、それぞれ選択して組み合わせて前記顕微鏡本体に取り付け、当該選択されたステージの上面位置を観察に適した移動範囲の位置に合わせる。
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２記載の顕微鏡において、前記複数のステージは、それぞれ厚さが異なり、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材は、それぞれ厚さが異なり、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材と前記複数のステージとは、前記焦準機構における前記焦準上下台の上面と前記ステージの上面との間の寸法がそれぞれ一致するように選択して組み合わせて前記顕微鏡本体に取り付け、当該選択されたステージの上面位置を観察に適した移動範囲の位置に合わせる。
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項４記載の顕微鏡において、前記ステージの厚さ又は前記標本の厚さに応じて前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材と前記複数のステージとの組み合わせを選択する。
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項２記載の顕微鏡において、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材と前記複数のステージとは、それぞれ選択して組み合わせて前記顕微鏡本体に取り付け、前記焦準機構の前記焦準上下台の上面に加わる前記ステージ取り付け用部材の質量と前記ステージの質量の総和である積載荷重を前記焦準機構によって定まる規定積載荷重範囲内にする。
請求項７記載の発明は、請求項２記載の顕微鏡において、前記複数のステージは、それぞれ質量が異なり、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材は、それぞれ質量が異なり、前記複数のステージ取り付け用部材と前記複数のステージとは、前記焦準機構における前記焦準上下台の上面に加わる前記ステージ取り付け用部材の質量と前記ステージの質量との総和である積載荷重がそれぞれ一致するように選択して組み合わせて前記顕微鏡本体に取り付け、前記焦準機構の上面に加わる前記積載荷重を前記焦準機構によって定まる規定積載荷重範囲内にする。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
(1) 以下、本発明の第１の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
【００１６】
図１及び図２は落射照明装置を組み込んだ顕微鏡の構成図であって、図１は側面図、図２は正面図である。
【００１７】
顕微鏡本体１０には、標本Ｍを保持するためのステージ１１を上下方向に位置決め駆動するための焦準機構１２が設けられている。この焦準機構１２は、モータ１２ａを備え、このモータ１２ａの駆動軸にボールネジ１２ｂのネジ軸１２ｂａが連結されている。又、焦準上下台１２ｃを備え、この焦準上下台１２ｃと顕微鏡本体１０との間にガイド１２ｄが取り付けられている。この焦準上下台１２ｃには、ボールネジ１２ｂのナット部１２ｂｂが一体的に固定されている。従って、焦準機構１２は、モータ１２ａの駆動によりボールネジ１２ｂのネジ軸ｂａを回転させて、ガイド１２ｄに沿って焦準上下台１２ｃを上下方向に移動させる機構となっている。又、焦準上下台１２ｃには、ステージ１１に載置される標本Ｍによる規定範囲の積載荷重に対して、焦準上下台１２ｃが自然降下又は上昇しないように重量バランスばね１２ｅが取付けられている。
【００１８】
顕微鏡本体１０におけるステージ１１と対向する部分には、複数の対物レンズ１３を保持するレボルバ１４が回転自在に取付けられている。このレボルバ１４は、回転して位置決めすることにより所定の倍率の対物レンズ１３を光軸Ｌ上に配置できるようになっている。
【００１９】
この顕微鏡本体１０には、光軸Ｌに沿って、観察鏡筒１５が設けられ、この観察鏡筒１５に接眼レンズ１６が取り付けられている。
【００２０】
又、顕微鏡本体１０には、落射照明装置１７が組み付けられている。この落射照明装置１７は、落射照明光を顕微鏡本体１０内を通って光軸Ｌに導き、この光軸Ｌ上に沿って標本Ｍを落射照明するものとなっている。
【００２１】
一方、顕微鏡本体１０を正面側から見て左側側面には、ステージ１１上に保持された標本Ｍに透過照明光を投光するためのユニット化された透過照明投光装置１８が着脱自在に設けられている。この透過照明投光装置１８は、標本Ｍを透過照明するためのもので、その端部には図示しない光源からの透過照明光を導く光ファイバ（以下、ファイバ光源と称する）１９が接続されている。この透過照明投光装置１８内には、折り曲げミラー２０が設けられており、ファイバ光源１９から出射された透過照明光を、折り曲げミラー２０で反射して進行方向を上向きに変えて光軸Ｌ上に進むようにしている。この透過照明光は、折り曲げミラー２０での反射の後、ステージ１１と焦準機構１２の焦準上下台１２ｃとの間に取付けられたステージ取り付け用部材２１内を通過して標本Ｍを照射するようになっている。
【００２２】
そして、標本Ｍの観察像は、対物レンズ１３を通して顕微鏡本体１０に取付けられた観察鏡筒１５に入射し、接眼レンズ１６を通して観察できるようになっている。
【００２３】
図３は顕微鏡本体１０を正面方向から見た透過照明投光装置１８、焦準機構１２の焦準上下台１２ｃ及びステージ取り付け用部材２１の断面図である。
【００２４】
顕微鏡本体１０の左側面には、上記透過照明投光装置１８を着脱するための第１の取り付け嵌合穴２２が形成されている。この透過照明投光装置１８の具体的な構成を説明すると、この透過照明投光装置１８は、ファイバ光源１９を位置決めし保持するとともに各光学素子２３、２４の保持を兼ねたアダプタ枠２５と、照明系の視野絞り装置２６と、ファイバ光源１９から出射された透過照明光を対物レンズ１３の光軸Ｌの方向に曲げる上記折り曲げミラ−２０及び各光学素子２７、２８を保持する枠２９とから構成されている。
【００２５】
このうち視野絞り装置２６は、複数の絞りばね３１を開閉可能に保持する絞りはね部組３０と、その絞りはね３１を動かして絞り径を調整するレバ−３２と、絞りの心出しを行うつまみ３３とから構成されている。
【００２６】
なお、アダプタ枠２５に取付く光源は、ファイバ光源１９に限定されるものではなく、その他の光源についても適用が可能である。
【００２７】
一方、ステージ取り付け用部材２１は、焦準機構１２の焦準上下台１２ｃ及びステージ１１を取付けるための取り付け部材枠３４と、透過照明投光装置１８から出射された透過照明光を標本Ｍに照射させるための透過照明光学系である各光学素子３５〜３８と、これら光学素子３５〜３８を保持する内枠３９とを有している。
【００２８】
又、ステージ取り付け用部材２１には、透過照明観察に適した透過照明光を標本Ｍに照射させるために各光学素子３５〜３８を上下動させるための機構４０と開口絞り装置４１とが備えられている。
【００２９】
ここで、各光学素子３５〜３８の上下動させる上下動機構４０について簡単に説明すると、これら光学素子３５〜３８を保持する内枠３９の側面には、ピン４２が立設されている。この内枠３９の外周面には、中枠４４が挿入されている。この中枠４４は、図４に示すように上部に歯車４４ａが形成され、側面にピン４２が嵌合し摺動するためのカム溝４４ｂが形成されている。又、中枠４４の側部には、この中枠４４と平行な回転軸回りに回転可能に支持された操作歯車４３が配置され、中枠４４の歯車４４ａと噛み合っている。そして、この中枠４４は、ステージ取り付け用部材２１の取付部材枠３４に固定された外枠４５に対して回転可能に保持されている。この外枠４５には、上記ピン４２が上下方向（各光学素子３５〜３８の光軸方向）に移動するようにガイドするとともに移動範囲を規定する溝４５ａが形成されている。
【００３０】
このような構成であれば、操作歯車４３が回転操作されると、歯車４４ａが回転し、さらに中枠４４が回転する。この中枠４４が回転すると、この中枠４４のカム溝４４ｂに沿ってピン４２が動く。このピン４２は、外枠４５の溝４５ａによって回転できないように規制されているので、上下方向に動くことになる。従って、ピン４２が固定されている内枠３９も上下方向に移動する。
【００３１】
なお、各光学素子３５〜３８の上下動は、このカム機構に限らず、ラックとピニオンを用いた方式等でも構わない。
【００３２】
又、開口絞り装置４１は、複数の絞りはね４７を開閉可能に保持する絞りばね部組４６と、絞りはね４７を動かして絞り径を調整するレバ−４８とから構成されている。
【００３３】
上記透過照明投光装置１８と透過照明光学系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１とは、共に独立しており、上記の如く顕微鏡本体１０とそれに含まれる焦準機構１２に対してそれぞれ着脱交換が可能となっている。透過照明投光装置１８と透過照明系を内蔵するステージ取り付け用部材２１とによって透過照明装置が構成されている。
【００３４】
次に、上記落射照明装置１７を備えた顕微鏡に対して透過照明投光装置１８を組込む場合について図５を参照して説明すると、顕微鏡本体１０の左側面に開けた第１の取り付け嵌合穴２２に対して透過照明投光装置１８を、枠２９の外周に形成された嵌台軸５０で位置決めし、各ビス５１で固定する。
【００３５】
又、透過照明光学系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１の取り付け部材枠３４（図３）の下面に嵌合軸２１ｂを設け、この嵌合軸２１ｂを焦準機構１２の焦準上下台１２ｃに形成された第２の取り付け嵌合穴４９により位置決めし、各ボルト５２で固定する。そして、ステージ１１と透過照明光学系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１を各ボルト５３で固定する。
【００３６】
一方、透過照明投光装置１８を必要としない顕微鏡では、透過照明投光装置１８と透過照明系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１とを取り除き、顕微鏡本体１０の左側面の透過照明投光装置１８の第１の取り付け嵌台穴２２に対してカバ−５４を各ビス５５で取り付けて第１の取り付け嵌台穴２２を隠す。さらに、透過照明系を内蔵していない落射用のステージ取り付け用部材２１０を焦準機構１２の焦準上下台１２ｃに取り付けて落射照明装置１７のみの構成とする。
【００３７】
このように上記第１の実施の形態においては、落射照明装置１７を組み込んだ顕微鏡本体１０に対して、ステージ１１を取り付けるためのステージ取り付け用部材２１又は２１０と、標本Ｍを透過照明する透過照明投光装置１８を着脱自在に設けるための第１の取り付け嵌合穴２２と、焦準上下台１２ｃに形成され、透過照明投光装置１８から投光された透過照明光を標本Ｍに照射する透過照明光学系を着脱自在に設けるための第２の取り付け嵌合穴４９とを設け、透過照明観察のときに第１の取り付け嵌合穴２２に透過照明投光装置１８を取り付けるとともに第２の取り付け嵌合穴４９に透過照明光学系を取り付けるようにしたので、顕微鏡本体１０の構造を落射照明観察用に専用化することなく、ユーザの要求に応じてユニット化された透過照明投光装置１８と透過照明系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１を簡単に取り付けて透過照明観察用の顕微鏡にも容易に構成することができ、透過照明観察の顕微鏡本体と落射照明観察の顕微鏡本体とを兼用する構成とすることができる。これにより、同一の顕微鏡本体１０を用いて、オプションによる透過照明投光装置１８と透過照明系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１の取り付け、取外しができ、複数の顕微鏡本体１０を所有する必要がなく安価である。
【００３８】
又、透過照明投光装置１８及び透過照明光学系を内蔵したステージ取り付け用部材２１は、共に独立してユニット化されているので、操作部込みのユニット設計が可能となり、顕微鏡本体１０側に透過照明装置（透過照明投光装置１８及び透過照明光学系）の部品を付属せず、顕微鏡本体１０自体のコストアップを生じさせない。
【００３９】
(2) 次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
【００４０】
図６は落射照明装置を組み込んだ顕微鏡の構成図である。この顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態と異なるところは、各ステージ取り付け用部材６０、６１と各ステージ６２、６３である。このうち一方のステージ取り付け用部材６０は厚さｔ１、質量ｗ１であり、他方のステージ取付部材６１は厚さｔ２、質量ｗ２である。又、一方のステージ６２は厚さｔ３、質量ｗ３であり、他方のステージ６３は厚さｔ４、質量ｗ４である。
【００４１】
そして、一方のステージ取り付け用部材６０は、焦準上下台１２ｃとステージ６２との間に取り付けられ、他方のステージ取り付け部材６１は、焦準上下台１２ｃとステージ６３との間に取り付けられるようになっている。
【００４２】
このようにステージ取り付け用部材６０とステージ６２、ステージ取り付け用部材６１とステージ６３とをそれぞれ組み合わせて顕微鏡本体１０に取り付けることにより、焦準上下台１２ｃからステージ取り付け用部材６０、ステージ６２の上面までの寸法Ｔ１（ｔ１＋ｔ３）と、焦準上下台１２ｃからステージ取り付け部材６１、ステージ６３の上面までの寸法Ｔ２（ｔ２＋ｔ４）とが一致するようになる。
【００４３】
一方、質量ｗ３とｗ４の異なる各ステージ６２、６３において、質量がｗｌとｗ２の異なる各ステージ取り付け用部材６０、６１をそれぞれ上記の如く各ステージ６２、６３と組み合わせることにより、焦準上下台１２ｃに加わる各積載荷重Ｗ１（＝ｗ１＋３）とＷ２（＝ｗ２＋ｗ４）とが一致するものとなる。
【００４４】
このように上記第２の実施の形態においては、それぞれ厚さの異なる各ステージ取り付け用部材６０、６１と各ステージ６２、６３とを選択して組み付けるようにしたので、焦準上下台１２ｃから各ステージ６２、６３の上面までの寸法Ｔ１とＴ２とを一致させることができ、各ステージ６２、６３の厚さｔ３、ｔ４に係わらず、各ステージ６２、６３の上面位置を観察に適した移動範囲の位置に合わせることができる。
【００４５】
従って、従来のように各ステージ６２、６３の厚さｔ３、ｔ４に応じて、顕微鏡本体１０の焦準機構１２を専用化し、各ステージ６２、６３の上面の移動範囲位置を適合させる必要はない。
【００４６】
又、標本Ｍの厚さが大きく異なるにおいても、上記同様にそれぞれ厚さの異なる各ステージ取り付け部材６０、６１と各ステージ６２、６３とを選択して組み付けることにより、観察に適するように各ステージ６２、６３の上面の移動範囲位置を設定することができる。
【００４７】
又、質量がｗｌとｗ２の異なる各ステージ取り付け用部材６０、６１をそれぞれ質量の異なる各ステージ６２、６３と組み合わせるので、質量の異なる各ステージ６２、６３を使用する場合でも、上記焦準上下台１２ｃに加わる積載荷重Ｗ１、Ｗ２を焦準機構１２の駆動モータ１２ａと重量バランスばね１２ｅとによって定まる規定積載荷重の範囲内に調整することができる。これにより、従来のように顕微鏡本体１０の焦準機構１２をその積載荷重に応じて専用化する必要がなくなる。同様に、標本Ｍの質量が大きく異なる場合、その質量に応じて顕微鏡本体１０の焦準機構１２を専用化することなく観察できる。
【００４８】
従って、各ステージ６２、６３や標本Ｍの厚さと質量に応じた専用の焦準機構１２を備えた顕微鏡本体１０を用意する必要がなく、安価に観察対象を広げることができる。
【００４９】
なお、本発明は、上記第１及び第２の実施の形態に限定されるものでなく次の通り変形してもよい。
【００５０】
例えば、透過照明投光装置１８を着脱するための第１の取り付け嵌合穴２２は、顕微鏡本体１０の左側面側に形成したが、これに限らず顕微鏡の使い勝手に応じて顕微鏡本体１０の右側面側に形成してもよい。又、正面側に形成してもよい。
【００５１】
又、ステージ取り付け用部材６０、６１とステージ６２、６３は、２種類の厚さ及び質量を持ったものに限らず、標本Ｍなどの厚さに応じて複数種類取り付けられるようにすることは言うまでもない。
【００５２】
又、ステージを上下動させる焦準機構を持たない顕微鏡に対しても適用可能である。この場合、例えば第１の実施の形態においてステージ取り付け用部材２１が取り付けられている焦準上下台１２ｃを、顕微鏡本体１０に一体的に固定したものにすればよい。又、焦準機構としては、公知の対物レンズレボルバ上下機構を用いる。
【００５３】
【発明の効果】
以上詳記したように本発明によれば、落射照明装置を備えた顕微鏡本体に、透過照明装置を後付けユニットとして追加できる顕微鏡を提供できる。
【００５４】
又、本発明によれば、標本やスデージの厚さと重さに広く対応できる顕微鏡を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態を示す側面から見た構成図。
【図２】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態を示す正面から見た構成図。
【図３】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態を正面方向から見た透過照明投光装置、焦準機構の焦準上下台及びステージ取付部材の断面図。
【図４】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態における中枠の構成図。
【図５】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第１の実施の形態の分解構成図。
【図６】本発明に係わる顕微鏡の第２の実施の形態を示す分解構成図。
【図７】従来の落射照明装置を備えた顕微鏡の構成図。
【符号の説明】
１０：顕微鏡本体、
１１：ステージ、
１２：焦準機構、
１２ａ：モータ、
１２ｂ：ボールネジ、
１２ｃ：焦準上下台、
１２ｄ：ガイド、
１３：対物レンズ、
１４：レボルバ、
１５：観察鏡筒、
１６：接眼レンズ、
１７：落射照明装置、
１８：透過照明投光装置、
１９：光ファイバ（ファイバ光源）、
２０：折り曲げミラー、
２１，２１ａ：ステージ取り付け用部材、
２２：第１の取り付け嵌合穴、
２３，２４，２７，２８，３５〜３８：光学素子、
２５：アダプタ枠、
２６：視野絞り装置、
２９：枠、
３４：取り付け部材枠、
３９：内枠、
４０：上下動機構、
４１：開口絞り装置、
４９：第２の取り付け嵌合穴、
６０，６１：ステージ取り付け用部材、
６２，６３：ステージ、
Ｍ：標本。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a microscope in which a transmission illumination system can be freely attached to a microscope according to a user's request.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a microscope provided with an epi-illumination device. Here, a microscope described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-245113 is shown. An L-shaped mirror column 2 is detachably provided on the mirror leg 1. The lens column 2 is provided with a lens barrel 3 for holding an observation optical system and an epi-illumination device 4. An eyepiece lens 5 is attached to the lens barrel 3. The lens base 1 and the lens column 2 constitute a microscope main body.
[0003]
A focusing mechanism 6 is detachably provided on the mirror leg 1. The focusing mechanism 6 moves the stage 7 for placing the sample M up and down. Since the focusing mechanism 6 is detachably provided on the lens base 1, different focusing mechanisms 6 having different rigidity and load resistance are selected.
[0004]
Various types of the column 2 can be selected so that various stages 7 can be disposed. An objective lens 8 is attached to a part of the lens column 2 above the stage 7.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned microscope, the epi-illumination device 4 is assembled to the microscope main body, but in order to assemble the epi-illumination device 4 to the microscope main body, the microscope main body has a shape suitable for the assembly of the epi-illumination device 4. Selected and used. In other words, the main body of the microscope must be used exclusively for assembling the epi-illumination device 4.
[0006]
As a user, when using a microscope, there is a demand not only to observe the specimen by epi-illumination but also to perform transmission illumination observation according to the specimen M. In such a case, a microscope dedicated to epi-illumination cannot satisfy the user's request, and a microscope with transmitted illumination is required.
[0007]
When there is such a user's request, in the microscope in which the epi-illumination device 4 is assembled as described above, for example, it is impossible to add and assemble the transmission illumination device as a retrofit unit.
[0008]
On the other hand, when the specimen M is observed using an upright microscope in which the objective lens 8 or the like is disposed above the stage 7 as described above, the thickness of the stage 7 or the specimen M is greatly different. Things may be used. When the stage 7 and the specimen M having such greatly different thicknesses are used, in order to focus on the specimen M and observe, the focal point having a stage vertical movement position suitable for the thickness of the stage 7 and the specimen M is used. It is necessary to prepare a dedicated microscope body in which the quasi-mechanism 6 is assembled.
[0009]
In addition, when a stage 7 or a specimen M having greatly different masses is used, if a loading load that exceeds or falls below the capacity range is applied to the focusing mechanism 6, the stage 7 will naturally drop due to the loading load, or a loading load that is too light. Or the sample M cannot be focused. For this reason, it is necessary to select the focusing mechanism 6 suitable for the mass of the stage 7 and the specimen M, and the microscope main body must be dedicated and dealt with. These were all dealt with by specializing the microscope body.
[0010]
Then, an object of this invention is to provide the microscope which can add a transmission illuminating device as a retrofit unit to the microscope main body provided with the epi-illumination device.
[0011]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a microscope that can widely cope with the thickness and mass of a specimen or a stage.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 includes a microscope main body, an epi-illumination means attached to the microscope main body for epi-illuminating the specimen, a stage on which the specimen is placed, and a focusing platform, and the focusing platform A focusing mechanism that moves the stage up and down by moving the stage up and down, and a mounting part that is formed on the microscope main body and that allows the transmissive illumination projecting means to emit light for transmitting and illuminating the specimen to be detachable Detachably provided between the stage and the focusing platform of the focusing mechanism, and can be selected according to the attachment / detachment of the transmitted illumination light projecting means to / from the attachment portion, and the transmitted illumination A plurality of stage mounting members that contain or do not incorporate a transmission illumination optical system for irradiating the specimen with the transmission illumination light projected from the light projecting means, When the unit is mounted to the mounting portion, the stage mounting member having a built-in the transmission illumination optical system, it is possible to provide between the focusing vertical stand focusing mechanism the stage and the when the transmitted illumination light projecting means is not attached to the mounting portion, the stage mounting member without a built-in the transmission illumination optical system, between the focusing vertical slider of the focusing mechanism and the stage It is possible to provide in the microscope.
The invention according to claim 2 includes a microscope main body, an epi-illumination means attached to the microscope main body for epi-illuminating the specimen, a plurality of stages on which the specimen is placed, and a focusing upper and lower stage. Between a focusing mechanism that moves one of the plurality of stages up and down by moving an upper and lower stage in the vertical direction, and between the one stage and the focusing upper and lower stage of the focusing mechanism Removably provided, selectable according to one or both of the specimen thickness and the stage thickness, or selectable according to one or both of the specimen mass and the stage mass And a plurality of stage mounting members.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the microscope according to the second aspect , the plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages are selected and combined to be mounted on the microscope main body, and the upper surface of the selected stage Adjust the position to the position of the movement range suitable for observation.
Invention of claim 4, in the microscope according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of stages, different thickness, respectively, said plurality of stages mounting member has different thicknesses respectively, the plurality of stages attachment member wherein a plurality of stages, attached to the microscope body dimension between the upper surface of the focusing vertical slider of the upper surface and the stage in the focusing mechanism is selected and combined to match each is the selection and Adjust the position of the upper surface of the stage to the position of the moving range suitable for observation.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the microscope according to the fourth aspect, a combination of the plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages is selected according to the thickness of the stage or the thickness of the specimen.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the microscope according to the second aspect , the plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages are selected and combined to be mounted on the microscope main body, and the focusing mechanism has the focusing mechanism. A loading load that is the sum of the mass of the stage mounting member applied to the upper surface of the quasi-upper / lower stage and the mass of the stage is set within a specified loading load range determined by the focusing mechanism.
The invention of claim 7, in the microscope according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of stages is different each mass, the plurality of stages mounting member is different each mass, the plurality of stages attachment member The plurality of stages are selected and combined so that the loading loads, which are the sum of the mass of the stage mounting member and the mass of the stage applied to the upper surface of the focusing upper / lower platform in the focusing mechanism, match each other. wherein mounted on the microscope body and the live load acting on the upper surface of the focusing mechanism within the specified live load range determined by the focusing mechanism.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(1) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
1 and 2 are configuration diagrams of a microscope incorporating an epi-illumination device, in which FIG. 1 is a side view and FIG. 2 is a front view.
[0017]
The microscope body 10 is provided with a focusing mechanism 12 for positioning and driving a stage 11 for holding the specimen M in the vertical direction. The focusing mechanism 12 includes a motor 12a, and a screw shaft 12ba of a ball screw 12b is connected to a drive shaft of the motor 12a. The focusing table 12 c is provided, and a guide 12 d is attached between the focusing table 12 c and the microscope body 10. A nut portion 12bb of a ball screw 12b is integrally fixed to the focusing upper / lower base 12c. Accordingly, the focusing mechanism 12 is a mechanism that rotates the screw shaft ba of the ball screw 12b by driving the motor 12a and moves the focusing upper / lower base 12c in the vertical direction along the guide 12d. Further, a weight balance spring 12e is attached to the focusing top / bottom base 12c so that the focusing top / bottom base 12c does not naturally fall or rise with respect to a load within a specified range by the sample M placed on the stage 11. Yes.
[0018]
A revolver 14 that holds a plurality of objective lenses 13 is rotatably attached to a portion of the microscope body 10 that faces the stage 11. The revolver 14 can be positioned on the optical axis L by rotating and positioning the objective lens 13 with a predetermined magnification.
[0019]
The microscope main body 10 is provided with an observation barrel 15 along the optical axis L, and an eyepiece 16 is attached to the observation barrel 15.
[0020]
In addition, an epi-illumination device 17 is assembled to the microscope body 10. The epi-illumination device 17 guides epi-illumination light to the optical axis L through the microscope body 10 and epi-illuminates the specimen M along the optical axis L.
[0021]
On the other hand, on the left side when the microscope main body 10 is viewed from the front side, a unitized transmission illumination projector 18 for projecting transmission illumination light onto the specimen M held on the stage 11 is detachably provided. It has been. This transmitted illumination projector 18 is for transmitting the specimen M by transmission, and an optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as a fiber light source) 19 that guides transmitted illumination light from a light source (not shown) is connected to the end of the transmitted illumination projector 18. Yes. A bending mirror 20 is provided in the transmission illumination projector 18, and the transmission illumination light emitted from the fiber light source 19 is reflected by the bending mirror 20 to change the traveling direction upward and on the optical axis L. I want to go on. After the reflected illumination light is reflected by the bending mirror 20, the transmitted illumination light passes through the stage attaching member 21 attached between the stage 11 and the focusing upper and lower stage 12c of the focusing mechanism 12, and irradiates the sample M. It is like that.
[0022]
The observation image of the specimen M is incident on the observation barrel 15 attached to the microscope body 10 through the objective lens 13 and can be observed through the eyepiece 16.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission illumination projector 18, the focusing base 12 c of the focusing mechanism 12, and the stage mounting member 21 when the microscope body 10 is viewed from the front direction.
[0024]
A first attachment fitting hole 22 for attaching and detaching the transmission illumination projector 18 is formed on the left side surface of the microscope body 10. The specific configuration of the transmitted illumination projector 18 will be described. The transmitted illumination projector 18 positions and holds the fiber light source 19 and also holds an adapter frame 25 that also holds the optical elements 23 and 24. From the field stop device 26 of the illumination system, the bending mirror 20 that bends the transmitted illumination light emitted from the fiber light source 19 in the direction of the optical axis L of the objective lens 13, and the frame 29 that holds the optical elements 27 and 28. It is configured.
[0025]
Of these, the field stop device 26 includes a stop spring set 30 that holds a plurality of stop springs 31 so that it can be opened and closed, a lever 32 that moves the stop spring 31 to adjust the aperture diameter, and a center of the stop. It is comprised from the knob 33 to perform.
[0026]
The light source attached to the adapter frame 25 is not limited to the fiber light source 19 and can be applied to other light sources.
[0027]
On the other hand, the stage mounting member 21 irradiates the specimen M with the mounting member frame 34 for mounting the focusing upper / lower platform 12c of the focusing mechanism 12 and the stage 11 and the transmitted illumination light emitted from the transmitted illumination projector 18. Each of the optical elements 35 to 38 as a transmission illumination optical system, and an inner frame 39 for holding these optical elements 35 to 38.
[0028]
The stage mounting member 21 is provided with a mechanism 40 and an aperture stop device 41 for moving the optical elements 35 to 38 up and down in order to irradiate the specimen M with transmitted illumination light suitable for transmitted illumination observation. ing.
[0029]
Here, the vertical movement mechanism 40 that moves the optical elements 35 to 38 up and down will be briefly described. A pin 42 is erected on the side surface of the inner frame 39 that holds the optical elements 35 to 38. An intermediate frame 44 is inserted on the outer peripheral surface of the inner frame 39. As shown in FIG. 4, the middle frame 44 is formed with a gear 44a at the top, and a cam groove 44b for fitting and sliding the pin 42 on the side surface. In addition, an operation gear 43 supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the middle frame 44 is disposed on a side portion of the middle frame 44 and meshes with a gear 44 a of the middle frame 44. The middle frame 44 is rotatably held with respect to the outer frame 45 fixed to the mounting member frame 34 of the stage mounting member 21. The outer frame 45 is formed with a groove 45a that guides the pin 42 so as to move in the vertical direction (the optical axis direction of each optical element 35 to 38) and defines a moving range.
[0030]
With such a configuration, when the operation gear 43 is rotated, the gear 44a rotates and the middle frame 44 further rotates. When the middle frame 44 rotates, the pin 42 moves along the cam groove 44b of the middle frame 44. Since this pin 42 is restricted so as not to rotate by the groove 45a of the outer frame 45, it moves in the vertical direction. Therefore, the inner frame 39 to which the pin 42 is fixed also moves in the vertical direction.
[0031]
The vertical movement of each of the optical elements 35 to 38 is not limited to this cam mechanism, and a system using a rack and a pinion may be used.
[0032]
The aperture stop device 41 includes a stop spring portion set 46 that holds a plurality of stop springs 47 so that they can be opened and closed, and a lever 48 that moves the stop springs 47 to adjust the stop diameter.
[0033]
The transmitted illumination projection device 18 and the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the transmitted illumination optical system are independent of each other, and can be attached to and detached from the microscope body 10 and the focusing mechanism 12 included therein as described above. It is possible. The transmitted illumination projector 18 is configured by the transmitted illumination projector 18 and the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the transmitted illumination system.
[0034]
Next, the case where the transmission illumination projector 18 is incorporated into a microscope equipped with the epi-illumination device 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. First attachment fitting hole opened in the left side surface of the microscope body 10. The transmitted illumination projector 18 is positioned with respect to 22 by a fitting shaft 50 formed on the outer periphery of the frame 29, and is fixed by screws 51.
[0035]
Further, a fitting shaft 21b is provided on the lower surface of the mounting member frame 34 (FIG. 3) of the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the transmitted illumination optical system, and this fitting shaft 21b is attached to the focusing upper / lower base 12c of the focusing mechanism 12. Positioning is performed by the formed second attachment fitting hole 49, and each bolt 52 is fixed. Then, the stage mounting member 21 including the stage 11 and the transmission illumination optical system is fixed with each bolt 53.
[0036]
On the other hand, in a microscope that does not require the transmitted illumination projector 18, the transmitted illumination projector 18 and the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the transmitted illumination system are removed, and the transmitted illumination projector 18 on the left side surface of the microscope body 10 is removed. A cover 54 is attached to each first attachment fitting hole 22 with each screw 55 to hide the first attachment fitting hole 22. Further, a stage mounting member 210 for epi-illumination that does not have a built-in transmission illumination system is attached to the focusing top / bottom base 12c of the focusing mechanism 12 so that only the epi-illumination device 17 is configured.
[0037]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the stage mounting member 21 or 210 for mounting the stage 11 and the transmitted illumination for transmitting and illuminating the specimen M to the microscope main body 10 incorporating the epi-illumination device 17. The specimen M is irradiated with the transmitted illumination light that is formed in the first mounting fitting hole 22 for detachably providing the light projecting device 18 and the focusing upper and lower stage 12c and is projected from the transmitted illumination light projecting device 18. A second attachment fitting hole 49 for detachably providing the transmitted illumination optical system is provided, and the transmitted illumination projection device 18 is attached to the first attachment fitting hole 22 when the transmitted illumination observation is performed, and the second attachment fitting hole 49 is attached. Since the transmission illumination optical system is attached to the attachment fitting hole 49, the structure of the microscope body 10 is unitized according to the user's request without dedicating the structure of the microscope main body 10 for epi-illumination observation. A stage mounting member 21 having a built-in over-illumination projector 18 and a transmission illumination system can be easily mounted to easily configure a microscope for transmission illumination observation. It can be set as the structure which combines a microscope main body. Thereby, it is possible to attach and detach the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the optional transmission illumination projector 18 and the transmission illumination system using the same microscope main body 10, and there is no need to own a plurality of microscope main bodies 10. Inexpensive.
[0038]
Further, since the stage mounting member 21 incorporating the transmission illumination projector 18 and the transmission illumination optical system is independently unitized, unit design including an operation unit is possible, and transmission to the microscope body 10 side is possible. Parts of the illumination device (the transmitted illumination projector 18 and the transmitted illumination optical system) are not attached, and the cost of the microscope body 10 itself is not increased.
[0039]
(2) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a microscope incorporating the epi-illumination device. The differences from the first embodiment of the microscope are the stage mounting members 60 and 61 and the stages 62 and 63. Of these, one stage mounting member 60 has a thickness t1 and a mass w1, and the other stage mounting member 61 has a thickness t2 and a mass w2. One stage 62 has a thickness t3 and a mass w3, and the other stage 63 has a thickness t4 and a mass w4.
[0041]
Then, one stage mounting member 60 is mounted between the focusing upper and lower stage 12c and the stage 62, and the other stage mounting member 61 is mounted between the focusing upper and lower stage 12c and the stage 63. It has become.
[0042]
In this way, the stage mounting member 60 and the stage 62, and the stage mounting member 61 and the stage 63 are combined and mounted on the microscope body 10, so that the focusing table 12c to the stage mounting member 60 and the upper surface of the stage 62 are combined. Dimension T1 (t1 + t3) and the dimension T2 (t2 + t4) from the focusing table 12c to the upper surface of the stage mounting member 61 and the stage 63 become coincident with each other.
[0043]
On the other hand, in the respective stages 62 and 63 having different masses w3 and w4, the stage mounting members 60 and 61 having different masses wl and w2 are combined with the respective stages 62 and 63 as described above, whereby the focusing upper and lower stage 12c. Each loaded load W1 (= w1 + 3) and W2 (= w2 + w4) to be applied to each other coincide with each other.
[0044]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the stage mounting members 60 and 61 and the stages 62 and 63 having different thicknesses are selected and assembled. The dimensions T1 and T2 up to the upper surfaces of the stages 62 and 63 can be made to coincide with each other. Regardless of the thicknesses t3 and t4 of the stages 62 and 63, the movement range suitable for observing the upper surface positions of the stages 62 and 63. Can be adjusted to the position of
[0045]
Therefore, it is not necessary to dedicate the focusing mechanism 12 of the microscope body 10 according to the thicknesses t3 and t4 of the stages 62 and 63 as in the prior art, and to adjust the movement range position of the upper surfaces of the stages 62 and 63. .
[0046]
Even when the thickness of the specimen M is greatly different, each stage mounting member 60, 61 and each stage 62, 63 having different thicknesses are selected and assembled in the same manner as described above so that each stage is suitable for observation. The movement range position of the upper surfaces of 62 and 63 can be set.
[0047]
Further, since the stage mounting members 60 and 61 having different masses wl and w2 are combined with the respective stages 62 and 63 having different masses, the above-mentioned focusing upper and lower stages can be used even when the stages 62 and 63 having different masses are used. The loading loads W1 and W2 applied to 12c can be adjusted within the range of the prescribed loading load determined by the drive motor 12a of the focusing mechanism 12 and the weight balance spring 12e. This eliminates the need to specialize the focusing mechanism 12 of the microscope main body 10 according to the loaded load as in the prior art. Similarly, when the mass of the sample M is greatly different, the focusing mechanism 12 of the microscope main body 10 can be observed without specializing according to the mass.
[0048]
Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare the microscope body 10 including the dedicated focusing mechanism 12 according to the thicknesses and masses of the stages 62 and 63 and the specimen M, and the observation object can be expanded at low cost.
[0049]
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and may be modified as follows.
[0050]
For example, the first attachment fitting hole 22 for attaching and detaching the transmitted illumination light projecting device 18 is formed on the left side surface side of the microscope main body 10, but not limited thereto, the right side of the microscope main body 10 according to the usability of the microscope. You may form in the surface side. Further, it may be formed on the front side.
[0051]
Needless to say, the stage mounting members 60 and 61 and the stages 62 and 63 are not limited to those having two types of thickness and mass, and a plurality of types can be mounted according to the thickness of the specimen M or the like. Yes.
[0052]
It can also be applied to a microscope having no focusing mechanism for moving the stage up and down. In this case, for example, the focusing upper / lower base 12c to which the stage mounting member 21 is attached in the first embodiment may be fixed integrally to the microscope body 10. As the focusing mechanism, a known objective lens revolver up / down mechanism is used.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microscope in which a transmission illumination device can be added as a retrofit unit to a microscope body including an epi-illumination device.
[0054]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microscope that can widely cope with the thickness and weight of a specimen or a sage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram seen from a side surface showing a first embodiment of a microscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram seen from the front showing a first embodiment of a microscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission illumination projector, a focusing upper and lower stage of a focusing mechanism, and a stage mounting member when the first embodiment of the microscope according to the present invention is viewed from the front.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a middle frame in the first embodiment of the microscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded configuration diagram of the first embodiment of the microscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of a microscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a microscope including a conventional epi-illumination device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Microscope body,
11: Stage,
12: Focusing mechanism
12a: motor,
12b: Ball screw,
12c: Focusing platform
12d: Guide,
13: Objective lens,
14: Revolver,
15: Observation tube,
16: eyepiece,
17: Epi-illumination device,
18: Transmitted light projector
19: Optical fiber (fiber light source),
20: Bending mirror,
21 and 21a: Stage mounting members,
22: 1st attachment fitting hole,
23, 24, 27, 28, 35-38: optical elements,
25: Adapter frame,
26: Field stop device,
29: Frame,
34: Mounting member frame,
39: inner frame,
40: Vertical movement mechanism,
41: Aperture stop device,
49: second mounting fitting hole,
60, 61: Stage mounting members,
62, 63: stage,
M: Specimen.

Claims

A microscope body,
Epi-illumination means attached to the microscope main body and epi-illuminating the specimen,
A stage on which the specimen is placed;
A focusing mechanism that includes a focusing platform, and moves the stage up and down by moving the focusing platform up and down;
An attachment part that is formed on the microscope main body and that allows detachable transmission illumination light projecting means for emitting light for transmitting illumination of the specimen;
It is provided detachably between the stage and the focusing platform of the focusing mechanism, can be selected according to the attachment / detachment of the transmitted illumination light projecting means to / from the attachment portion, and the transmitted illumination projection A plurality of stage mounting members with or without a transmission illumination optical system for irradiating the specimen with the transmission illumination light projected from the means;
Comprising
Wherein when the transmission illumination light projecting means is mounted to the mounting portion, the stage mounting member having a built-in the transmitted illumination optical system is provided between the focusing vertical slider of the focusing mechanism and the stage Is possible and
When the transmitted illumination projecting means is not attached to the mounting portion, the stage mounting member that does not incorporate the transmitted illumination optical system is located between the stage and the focusing upper / lower platform of the focusing mechanism. Can be provided,
A microscope characterized by that.

A microscope body,
Epi-illumination means attached to the microscope main body and epi-illuminating the specimen,
A plurality of stages for mounting the specimen;
A focusing mechanism that includes a focusing platform and moves the focusing platform up and down to move one of the stages up and down.
It is detachably provided between the one stage and the focusing platform of the focusing mechanism, and can be selected according to one or both of the thickness of the specimen and the thickness of the stage, or A plurality of stage mounting members selectable according to either or both of the mass of the specimen and the mass of the stage; and
A microscope comprising:

The plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages are each selected and combined and attached to the microscope main body, and the upper surface position of the selected stage is adjusted to the position of the movement range suitable for observation. The microscope according to claim 2 .

Each of the plurality of stages has a different thickness,
Each of the plurality of stage mounting members has a different thickness,
The plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages are selected and combined so that the dimensions between the upper surface of the focusing upper and lower stage and the upper surface of the stage in the focusing mechanism are matched with each other. Attached to the main body, the upper surface position of the selected stage is adjusted to the position of the movement range suitable for observation.
The microscope according to claim 2 .

The microscope according to claim 4, wherein a combination of the plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages is selected according to the thickness of the stage or the thickness of the specimen.

The plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages are each selected and combined and attached to the microscope body, and the mass of the stage mounting member applied to the upper surface of the focusing upper and lower stages of the focusing mechanism and the 3. The microscope according to claim 2 , wherein a loading load that is a sum of masses of the stage is set within a prescribed loading load range determined by the focusing mechanism.

Wherein the plurality of stages is different each mass,
The plurality of stage mounting members have different masses,
The plurality of stage mounting members and the plurality of stages each have a loading load that is the sum of the mass of the stage mounting member and the mass of the stage applied to the upper surface of the focusing upper and lower platforms in the focusing mechanism. selected and combined to match the attachment to the microscope body, and in certain load load range determined by the focusing mechanism wherein the live load acting on the upper surface of the focusing mechanism,
The microscope according to claim 2 .