DE20310548U1 - Microscope lighting unit for medical operation use has optical unit with longitudinal movement of lens groups relative to light source behind variable aperture - Google Patents

Abstract

A microscope lighting unit has an optical unit with variable aperture (22) in variable position before an optical system with spherical or aspherical collector (23) fixed relative to the light source (21) and dispersing (31) and collecting (32) lens group moving longitudinally along the optical axis (40) to control the illumination field (50).

Description

The The present invention initially relates to a lighting device for one Observation device, in particular for a microscope, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention is on such an observation device directed.

at Such observation devices can be, for example are microscopes. Microscopes can be used in many different ways Areas are used. An area for the use of microscopes represents medicine, for example. This is where microscopes are used as surgical microscopes and the like. Place such microscopes usually an important tool when it comes to targeted and precise intervention during an operation. Are preferred such microscopes as stereomicroscopes for two independently and parallel beam paths formed, whereby the Observer is given a stereoscopic image. If such Microscope is used for example as a surgical microscope, can help the surgeon to localize the depth of the guide of the surgical instrument.

On Surgical microscope basically consists of several components, in particular a tube, a base body and possibly a tripod. additionally it is possible with many surgical microscopes, different additional modules such as a co-observer tube for an assistant observer, to connect a video camera for documentation or the like.

Within of the basic body can in turn be grouped together, such as a lighting device, a magnifying device, the main lens or similar. The characteristic size of the main lens is his Focal length, which is the working distance from the surgical microscope to the surgical field and thus influences the overall magnification of the Microscope. At the enlarger can be, for example, a magnification changer with different enlargements let set. In many applications there is a change in magnification completely in stages sufficient. However, it is also possible as an enlarging device pancratic magnification systems to use, by means of which a stepless enlargement (zoom system) is possible.

at many operations, for example in the area of ear, nose and throat medicine, neurology, gynecology or the like, surgical microscopes are required, both adjustment greater as well as very small light fields. The lighting device within a surgical microscope, therefore, a not negligible, important role.

From the DE 38 33 877 A lighting device for surgical microscopes is known which initially has a light source, which is followed by a light guide. An optical assembly for adjusting the light field is in turn arranged downstream of the light guide. This optical assembly has an aspherical collector and an optical system, the optical system having an individual lens element designed as a converging lens. Furthermore, the optical assembly has a changeable diaphragm. This known assembly is arranged in its entirety along the optical axis, with the individual elements of the optical assembly being fastened in a holder. The holder can in turn be moved in a housing along the optical axis.

at the known solution has the optical system over a single lens element. However, solutions are already known become, in the lighting device for an observation device generally a magnification system (Zoom system) with two spatially separated lens elements install. The size of the illuminated The field is then activated of the magnification system set within the lighting device. Such a solution is known for example from US-A-5,140,458.

outgoing The present invention is based on the cited prior art first the task of a lighting device for an observation device To provide that is compact, robust and one if possible extensive adjustment of the illuminated field allowed. Farther a correspondingly improved observation device is to be provided become.

This The object is achieved by the lighting device with the features according to the independent claim 1 and the observation device with the features according to the independent claim 15. Other advantages, features, details, aspects and effects of Invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details apply that are related with the lighting device according to the invention are described, of course also in connection with the observation device according to the invention, and vice versa.

According to the first Aspect of the invention is a lighting device for an observation device, especially for a microscope is provided, with a light source and with a optical assembly downstream of the light source for adjustment of the light field, having at least one collector and at least having an optical system with at least one lens group at least one lens element. This lighting device is according to the invention characterized in that the optical assembly per se in a fixed Distance to the light source is arranged, the collector in one fixed distance from the light source, and that within of the optical system at least one lens group along the optical Axis is slidably disposed.

Thereby becomes a lighting device with the setting option of a variable light field diameter and with a high illuminance.

According to the invention there are two generally different embodiments the lighting device conceivable. According to a first embodiment it is envisaged that the optical system has two or more lens groups with at least one lens element each. There are two or multiple lens groups slidable along the optical axis arranged. According to one other basic embodiment only a single lens group with at least one lens element is provided, which is arranged displaceably along the optical axis. there the invention is not applicable to certain types of lens elements limited. Not exclusive Examples of preferred embodiments are explained in more detail in the further course of the description.

The Design of the lighting device initially allows one very compact design.

As a general rule is the lighting device for every type of observation device suitable so that the invention does not apply to specific observation devices limited is. However, it can be advantageous for the observation device a microscope and here in particular an operating microscope act. In this regard, will consequently also refer to the corresponding statements on surgical microscopes referenced and referenced in the introduction to the description.

The Lighting device has first over a Light source. Optionally, it can also be provided that the the light source emits light through a light guide that then the light source is downstream, is transported. there the invention is not applicable to certain types of light sources respectively Light guides limited. The light guide can be advantageous, but not exclusively, in order to act a so-called fiber light guide. This fiber light guide can be advantageous as a fiber bundle or be formed single fiber.

The Subordinate light source (or the light guide) in turn is the optical assembly for setting the illuminated field. According to one The basic idea of the invention is this optical assembly per se at a fixed distance from the light source (or to an optical fiber end). The optical assembly includes doing all those elements that are used to adjust the light field needed become. Due to the fact that the optical assembly is fixed is first achieves that this assembly is compact and extremely robust having. In particular, this solution does not require that moved the optical assembly to adjust the illuminated field must become. For this reason, the solution according to the invention cannot the situation occur that this misaligned during operation could be caused through one yourself repetitive movement of the entire assembly. Much more can the optical assembly, which is usually located in a housing, be adjusted once when installing the observation device.

The fixed distance of the entire optical assembly to the light source (or to the end of the light guide) achieved in that the at least one collector in a fixed Distance to the light source (or to the end of the light guide) arranged is.

According to the invention is still provided that within the optical system, which also At least one lens group is part of the optical assembly is slidably disposed along the optical axis. The optical axis represents at least the optical axis of the optical assembly, preferably the entire lighting device a lighting device for created an observation device in the case of the light source emitted light from a collector and an optical system is projected into the light field, with a large light field diameter is illuminated. To vary the light field diameter and around the illuminance to increase in the illuminated field becomes the distance collector - optical System enlarged respectively reduced.

According to a preferred development of the first embodiment of the invention, the op table system on two lens groups, each with at least one lens element. A lens group is advantageously designed as a diverging lens group and a lens group as a converging lens group. The diverging lens group and / or the converging lens group are arranged to be displaceable independently of one another along the optical axis. The diverging lens group and / or the converging lens group can be single-lens or multi-lens. In order to vary the light field diameter and to increase the illuminance in the light field, the two lens groups of the optical system are shifted.

In this embodiment, it was found that the collector can be coupled to a magnification system (zoom system) in order to adjust the light field. To adjust the luminous field, the optical system is therefore designed according to the invention as a magnification system with at least two lens groups. The one from the known DE 38 33 877 single lens used is now replaced by a magnification system (also called zoom system, tele system or the like). In order to be able to adjust the luminous field, it is provided that at least two lens groups are arranged independently of one another along the optical axis within the optical assembly.

Advantageous can the optical assembly further include at least one in its Changeable diameter Aperture - for example a ring diaphragm or the like -, the at least one Aperture between the light source (or the end of the light guide) and the collector is arranged. Smaller to achieve Light field diameter (spot) can reduce the diameter of the diaphragm become. The illuminance remains then usually constant. In the previously known lighting devices led the reduction in the diameter of the aperture usually to one blurred illustration of aperture. In the lighting device according to the invention can by moving at least two lens groups as the magnification system trained optical system again a sharp aperture image can be achieved.

For example can be provided that the diaphragm at a fixed distance from Light source (or to the end of the light guide) is arranged. It is also conceivable that the aperture and the light source (or the light guide end) are arranged variable in their distance from each other. This can be achieved, for example, by the aperture is slidably disposed along the optical axis. As well is it possible that the light source (or the light guide, respectively the light guide end) slidably arranged along the optical axis is. By reducing the distance light source (respectively Fiber optic end) - aperture For example, the loss of light when reducing the diaphragm diameter - at least partially - balanced become.

Next the ones already mentioned The lighting device according to the invention can have advantages one if possible simple, inexpensive Optics and mechanics can be realized. In addition, it is with the lighting device according to the invention possible, a clear image of the aperture for all light field diameters to obtain. The range of variation of the illuminated field diameter is also greater than with the previously known solutions. In particular, a higher one illuminance can be achieved with a small light field, since there is no loss of light, for example by stopping down the aperture or the like.

According to one advantageous development of the second embodiment can be provided be that the optical system is only one, along the optical Lens group displaceable on the axis with at least one lens element having.

Advantageous can be provided that a diverging lens group and a Coupling lens group coupled to move along the optical axis are arranged. This can be coupled, for example Single lenses act at a certain distance, however fixed are arranged to each other. It is also conceivable that the lens group as a so-called cemented member, for example with a converging lens element and a diverging lens element, or the like is. The setting of the light field can then be moved only one lens group - namely one of the optical system - realized become. Such a solution is advantageous and sufficient, for example, if on a sharp image of the aperture can be dispensed with. A sharp one The aperture is shown particularly in surgical microscopes with variable working distance (Varioskop) not necessary.

According to the invention, that at least one collector and at least one optical system is used with at least one displaceable lens group. However, the invention is not limited to a specific number of limited to the aforementioned elements. The number of elements mentioned can vary depending on the type of design Illumination device or the observation device vary without departing from the scope of the present invention would.

The The collector used in the lighting device can, for example one spherical or aspherical Have lens element. It is also conceivable that the collector several spherical and / or aspherical Has lens elements.

According to the second Aspect of the invention provides an observation device, with at least one observation beam path and with a like lighting device according to the invention described above. The observation device can be, for example, a act as described above microscope, so in this regard the corresponding statements Referenced and referred.

at Use of a lighting device according to the invention it is possible, for example, that the lighting is not through the main lens, but from the side led past it becomes. The refractive power of such a main lens can then be reflected in the optical System of the lighting device, for example in a converging lens element, to get integrated.

Advantageous can also be provided that the observation device Main lens, wherein the optical assembly is advantageous the lighting device between the light source (or the light guide) and the main lens.

In A further embodiment can provide that in the at least an observation beam path at least one magnification system (for example a zoom system) is provided and that the magnification system and the lighting device with each other in terms of displacement are coupled. That means that when you move the magnification system at the same time also the optical system within the lighting device is moved with, and vice versa. In this case, it is sufficient if the observation device has only a single displacement device features, this displacement device, for example mechanically and / or can work electronically. It is also conceivable for the lighting device displacement technology with means for adjusting the working distance to couple at the observation facility.

The Invention will now be described by means of exemplary embodiments explained in more detail on the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 to 3 : Different luminous field diameters that can be set with a lighting device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

4 to 6 : Different luminous field diameters that can be generated with an illumination device according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

7 to 9 : Different luminous field diameters that can be realized with another variant of the second embodiment of the lighting device according to the invention.

The 1 to 3 show a lighting device 20 whose light comes through a main lens 11 to be led. The main lens 11 is part of an observation device, which can be designed as a surgical microscope or the like. The main lens 11 consists of a lens group with two individual lenses, the lens group being designed as a cemented member and a concave lens element 12 and a convex lens element 13 consists.

The lighting device 20 initially has an optical fiber 21 , in the present example a fiber light guide. The light guide 21 is connected to a light source, not shown. The light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light guide 21 transported and at the end of the light guide 24 into an optical assembly 25 the lighting device 20 initiated.

The optical assembly 25 initially consists of a collector 23 , which, depending on the embodiment, can be a spherical or aspherical single lens or else a lens group consisting of two or more spherical and / or aspherical lens elements. In the embodiment shown here, a single-lens aspherical collector is used.

The optical assembly 25 is at a fixed distance from the light guide 21 arranged, which is realized in particular by the fact that the aspherical collector 23 at a fixed distance from the light guide 21 , or to the end of the light guide 24 is arranged.

Between the fiber end 24 and the aspherical collector 23 is an adjustable diaphragm 22 provided, which can be a changeable ring diaphragm, for example. Depending on the design, the cover can 22 at a fixed distance from the end of the light guide 24 be arranged. It is also conceivable that the aperture 22 and the light guide end 24 are spaced from each other variably.

In the optical assembly 25 that are between the light guide 21 and the main lens 11 is also an optical system 30 intended. This optical system 30 represents a basic element of the optical assembly 25 over which the illuminated field 50 can be adjusted.

in the 1 to 3 points the optical system 30 two lens groups 31 . 32 on, being a lens group 31 as a diverging lens group and the other lens group 32 is designed as a converging lens group. Both lens groups are single lens, with the converging lens group 32 a convex lens element and the diverging lens group 31 has a concave lens element. Both the converging lens group 32 as well as the diverging lens group 31 are along the optical axis 40 slidably arranged. With the optical axis 40 this is the axis along which the individual elements of the lighting device 20 are arranged or aligned. Furthermore, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown that the converging lens group 32 and the diverging lens group 31 independently along the optical axis 40 are slidably arranged.

In the 1 and 2 For example, the aperture can have a diameter of 7.9 mm. By moving the diverging lens group 31 and the converging lens group 32 any light field diameter between 29 mm ( 1 ) and 63 mm ( 2 ), with a sharp image of the aperture 22 he follows.

Luminous field diameters smaller than 29 mm can be achieved by reducing the diameter of the diaphragm 22 can be achieved. As in 3 is shown, is the diameter of the diaphragm in this embodiment 22 reduced to 0.5 mm in the example. This means that the diameter of the illuminated field can also be reduced considerably, to 2.4 mm in the example shown.

In order to achieve a blurred image of the diaphragm with such a reduction in the luminous field diameter 22 can avoid the converging lens group 32 as well as the diverging lens group 31 in a corresponding manner along the optical axis 40 be moved until a sharp aperture is achieved again.

In the 4 to 9 Two further embodiments are shown in which the illumination is not through the main lens (as in the case of the 1 to 3 ), but past it on the side. In order to protect the inside of the surgical microscope housing from contamination, the in the 4 to 9 illustrated lighting device 20 a flat plate 14 built in, the function of the lighting device 20 however not affected.

While in the embodiment according to the 1 to 3 the optical system 30 the optical assembly 25 from a displaceable group of lenses 32 and a diverging lens group that can be moved independently of it 31 exists, indicates in the 4 to 6 illustrated optical system 30 only one, along the optical axis 40 sliding lens group 33 with two lens elements, one lens element as a converging lens element 35 and the other lens element as a diverging lens element 34 is trained. The two lens elements 34 . 35 are linked together. In the said embodiment, the lens group 33 designed as a cement.

Such an embodiment of the optical system 30 , as well as the design of the optical system 30 according to those yet to be described 7 to 9 , can be used in particular if there is no need for a clear illustration of the screen. This is the case, for example, with surgical microscopes with a variable working distance. In such a case, it is sufficient if only one single lens group 33 is moved.

The fiber optic 21 radiated light is from the aspherical collector 23 and the lens group designed as a cemented member 33 in the light field 50 projected, with the setting according to 4 a large illuminated field diameter is illuminated. To reduce the light field diameter and the illuminance in the light field 50 to increase, the distance becomes collector 23 - putty 33 enlarged as in 5 is shown. The diameter of the diaphragm can be used to achieve even smaller illuminated field diameters, the so-called spots 22 be reduced like this in 6 is shown. However, the illuminance remains constant.

If larger color fringes on the edge of the illuminated field are not distracting, the putty could be used 33 can also be replaced by a single lens.

In the in the 7 to 9 illustrated embodiment, that in its basic structure and the basic mode of operation that of the 4 to 6 corresponds to that in the 4 to 6 Lens group shown as a putty 33 replaced by a telesystem, the two lens elements, namely the converging lens element 35 and the diverging lens element 34 coupled along the optical axis 40 be moved. A particular advantage of this design form is the shortened overall length.

The in the 1 to 9 illustrated lighting devices 21 can be used particularly advantageously in surgical microscopes for fluorescence diagnosis due to the high illuminance that can be achieved. In fluorescence diagnostics, absorbing filters are swung into the illumination and observation beam path, which significantly reduce the luminous flux at the observer's eye.

11

main objective

12

lens element

13

lens element

14

Planplatte

20

lighting device

21

optical fiber

22

cover

23

collector

24

Optical fiber end

25

optical module

30

optical system

31

lens group (Negative lens group)

32

lens group (Positive lens group)

33

lens group

34

lens element (Negative lens element)

35

lens element (Lens element)

40

optical axis

50

light field

Claims (17)

Illumination device for an observation device, in particular for a microscope, with a light source and with an optical assembly downstream of the light source ( 25 ) for setting the illuminated field ( 50 ), having at least one collector ( 23 ) and at least one optical system ( 30 ) with at least one lens group, comprising at least one lens element, characterized in that the optical assembly ( 25 ) is arranged at a fixed distance from the light source, the collector ( 23 ) is arranged at a fixed distance from the light source and that within the optical system ( 30 ) at least one lens group ( 31 . 32 . 33 ) along the optical axis ( 40 ) is slidably arranged. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical assembly ( 25 ) at least one diaphragm that can be changed in diameter ( 22 ) and that the at least one aperture ( 22 ) between the light source and the collector ( 23 ) is arranged. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the diaphragm ( 22 ) is arranged at a fixed distance from the light source. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the diaphragm ( 22 ) and the distance between the light source can be varied. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the collector ( 23 ) has a single spherical or aspherical lens element. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the collector ( 23 ) has a plurality of spherical and / or aspherical lens elements. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the optical system ( 30 ) two lens groups ( 31 . 32 ) each with at least one lens element and that a lens group ( 31 ) as a diverging lens group and a lens group ( 32 ) is designed as a converging lens group and that the diverging lens group ( 31 ) and / or the converging lens group ( 32 ) along the optical axis ( 40 ) is / are slidably arranged. Lighting device according to claim 7, characterized in that both the diverging lens group ( 31 ) as well as the converging lens group ( 32 ) along the optical axis ( 40 ) are arranged displaceably and that the diverging lens group ( 31 ) and the converging lens group ( 32 ) are slidably arranged independently of each other. Lighting device according to claim 7, characterized in that both the diverging lens group ( 31 ) as well as the converging lens group ( 32 ) along the optical axis ( 40 ) are arranged displaceably and that the diverging lens group ( 31 ) and the converging lens group ( 32 ) are slidably coupled coupled. Lighting device according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the diverging lens group ( 31 ) and / or the converging lens group ( 32 ) is / are single-lens or multi-lens. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the optical system ( 30 ) a single one along the optical axis ( 40 ) sliding lens group ( 33 ) with at least one lens element ( 34 . 35 ) having. Lighting device according to claim 11, characterized in that the displaceable lens group ( 33 ) as a putty with a converging lens element ( 35 ) and a diverging lens ment ( 34 ) is trained. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an optical fiber ( 21 ) is provided, which is arranged downstream of the light source and that the optical assembly ( 25 ) at a fixed distance from the end of the light guide ( 24 ) is arranged, the collector ( 23 ) at a fixed distance from the end of the light guide ( 24 ) is arranged. Lighting device according to claim 13, characterized in that the light guide ( 21 ) is designed as a fiber light guide, preferably as a fiber bundle or single fiber. Observation facility ( 10 ), in particular a microscope, with at least one observation beam path and with an illumination device ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14. Observation device according to claim 15, characterized in that it is a main objective ( 11 ) and that the optical assembly ( 25 ) of the lighting device ( 20 ) between the light source and the main lens ( 11 ) is arranged. Observation device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least one magnification system is provided in the at least one observation beam path and that the magnification system and the illumination device ( 20 ) are technically coupled with each other.