JP4514550B2

JP4514550B2 - Operation device and photographing device

Info

Publication number: JP4514550B2
Application number: JP2004233100A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正則大塚
Original assignee: J Morita Manufaturing Corp
Current assignee: J Morita Manufaturing Corp
Priority date: 2004-08-10
Filing date: 2004-08-10
Publication date: 2010-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-10
Also published as: JP2006051071A

Description

本発明は、操作装置、特に操作部を特定の方向に移動させる動作に基づいて上記操作部を上記方向の複数の位置で位置決めする操作装置に関する。本発明はまた、そのような操作装置を備えたシステムに関する。本発明はさらに、そのような操作装置を患者位置付け機構に組み入れた撮影装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an operating device, and more particularly to an operating device that positions the operating unit at a plurality of positions in the direction based on an operation of moving the operating unit in a specific direction. The invention also relates to a system comprising such an operating device. The invention further relates to an imaging device incorporating such an operating device in a patient positioning mechanism.

Ｘ線撮影装置等の撮影装置は、撮影装置に対して患者を適正に位置付けるために患者位置付け機構を備えている。具体的に、特許文献１には、パノラマ式放射線撮影装置が開示されており、そこには患者の上部リップが静置され得るリップ支持体を備えた患者位置付け機構が用いられている。
特公平８−２４６７７号公報 An imaging apparatus such as an X-ray imaging apparatus includes a patient positioning mechanism for properly positioning the patient with respect to the imaging apparatus. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a panoramic radiography apparatus, in which a patient positioning mechanism including a lip support body on which an upper lip of a patient can rest is used.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-24677

しかしながら、この患者位置付け機構では、リップ支持体が手動又はモータ駆動によって前後方向に移動可能となっているものの、目的の位置に置かれたリップ支持体を固定する手段を備えていないため、患者からリップ支持体に作用する力によって該リップ支持体とこれに位置付けされている患者が移動してしまうという問題がある。 However, in this patient positioning mechanism, although the lip support can be moved in the front-rear direction by manual or motor drive, it does not include means for fixing the lip support placed at the target position. There is a problem in that the force acting on the lip support moves the lip support and the patient positioned on the lip support.

そこで、本発明は、例えば放射線撮影装置における患者位置付け機構において患者位置付け部材を簡単な操作で移動させることができると共に、目的の場所に移動した患者位置付け部材を簡単な操作で固定できる装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus that can move a patient positioning member by a simple operation in a patient positioning mechanism in a radiographic apparatus, for example, and can fix the patient positioning member moved to a target location by a simple operation. For the purpose.

この目的を達成するため、本発明は、システムの本体に移動可能に取り付けられた移動部を操作する操作装置であって、
中心軸を中心として回転可能に支持されたシャフトと、
上記移動部と上記シャフトを連結し、上記シャフトの回転を上記移動部の移動に変換する機構と、
上記シャフトの一端側に、上記シャフトと共に回転可能に、且つ、上記シャフトに沿って後退位置と前進位置との間を上記後退位置と前進位置との間にある中間位置を経由して移動可能に取り付けられた操作部と、
上記操作部を上記後退位置から上記中間位置を経由して上記前進位置に前進させる第１の動作に基づいて、上記前進位置に到達した上記操作部を上記前進位置から上記中間位置に後退させて上記中間位置に位置決めし、上記中間位置に位置決めされた上記操作部を上記中間位置から上記前進位置に移動させる第２の動作に基づいて、上記前進位置に到達した上記操作部を上記前進位置から上記中間位置を経由して上記後退位置に後退させて上記後退位置に位置決めする位置決め機構と、
上記操作部が上記後退位置にあるときは上記操作部と上記シャフトの回転を許可し、上記操作部が上記前進位置及び上記中間位置にあるときは上記操作部と上記シャフトの回転を禁止する機構を備えたことを特徴とする操作装置。 In order to achieve this object, the present invention is an operating device for operating a moving unit movably attached to a main body of a system,
A shaft supported rotatably about a central axis;
A mechanism for connecting the moving unit and the shaft, and converting rotation of the shaft into movement of the moving unit;
It can be rotated with the shaft on one end side of the shaft, and can move between a retracted position and an advanced position along the shaft via an intermediate position between the retracted position and the advanced position. The attached operation part;
Based on the first operation of moving the operating unit from the retracted position to the advanced position via the intermediate position, the operating unit that has reached the advanced position is retracted from the advanced position to the intermediate position. Based on a second operation of positioning the intermediate portion at the intermediate position and moving the operation portion positioned at the intermediate position from the intermediate position to the forward position, the operation portion that has reached the forward position is moved from the forward position. A positioning mechanism that moves back to the retracted position via the intermediate position and positions the retracted position ;
When the operation unit is in the retracted position to allow rotation of the operating part and the shaft, when the operating part is in the advanced position and the intermediate position to prohibit rotation of the operating part and the shaft mechanism An operating device comprising:

本発明はまた、撮影時に被写体を適正に位置付けるための患者位置付け機構を有する撮影装置において、
上記患者位置付け機構は、
患者に向かって進退自在に設けられた患者位置付け部材と、
上記患者位置付け部材を患者に向かって進退させる操作装置を有し、
上記操作装置は、
中心軸を中心として回転可能に支持されたシャフトと、
上記患者位置付け部材と上記シャフトを連結し、上記シャフトの回転を上記患者位置付け部材の移動に変換する機構と、
上記シャフトの一端側に、上記シャフトと共に回転可能に、且つ、上記シャフトに沿って後退位置と前進位置との間を上記後退位置と前進位置との間にある中間位置を経由して移動可能に取り付けられた操作部と、
上記操作部を上記後退位置から上記中間位置を経由して上記前進位置に前進させる第１の動作に基づいて、上記前進位置に到達した上記操作部を上記前進位置から上記中間位置に後退させて上記中間位置に位置決めし、上記中間位置に位置決めされた上記操作部を上記中間位置から上記前進位置に移動させる第２の動作に基づいて、上記前進位置に到達した上記操作部を上記前進位置から上記中間位置を経由して上記後退位置に後退させて上記後退位置に位置決めする位置決め機構と、
上記操作部が上記後退位置にあるときは上記操作部と上記シャフトの回転を許可し、上記操作部が上記前進位置及び上記中間位置にあるときは上記操作部と上記シャフトの回転を禁止する機構を備えたことを特徴とする。

The present invention also provides an imaging apparatus having a patient positioning mechanism for properly positioning a subject during imaging.
The patient positioning mechanism is
A patient positioning member provided so as to be movable forward and backward toward the patient;
An operation device for moving the patient positioning member forward and backward toward the patient;
The operating device is
A shaft supported rotatably about a central axis;
A mechanism for connecting the patient positioning member and the shaft, and converting rotation of the shaft into movement of the patient positioning member;
It can be rotated with the shaft on one end side of the shaft, and can move between a retracted position and an advanced position along the shaft via an intermediate position between the retracted position and the advanced position. The attached operation part;
Based on the first operation of moving the operating unit from the retracted position to the advanced position via the intermediate position, the operating unit that has reached the advanced position is retracted from the advanced position to the intermediate position. Based on a second operation of positioning the intermediate portion at the intermediate position and moving the operation portion positioned at the intermediate position from the intermediate position to the forward position, the operation portion that has reached the forward position is moved from the forward position. A positioning mechanism that moves back to the retracted position via the intermediate position and positions the retracted position ;
A mechanism that allows rotation of the operation unit and the shaft when the operation unit is in the retracted position, and prohibits rotation of the operation unit and the shaft when the operation unit is in the forward position and the intermediate position. It is provided with.

本発明の他の形態の操作装置と撮影装置は、
上記位置決め機構が、
上記中心軸方向に移動する第１の部材と、
上記第１の部材の上記他端側に配置され、上記中心軸方向に移動する第２の部材と、
上記第２の部材を上記一端側に付勢する付勢部と、
上記第１の動作に基づいて上記操作部が上記前進位置に到達すると、上記付勢部の付勢力に基づいて、上記中心軸を中心として上記第２の部材を回転し、上記第２の部材を上記中間位置に対応する位置に規制する手段と、
上記第２の動作に基づいて上記操作部が上記前進位置に到達すると、上記付勢部の付勢力に基づいて、上記中心軸を中心として上記第２の部材を回転して上記規制する手段から解放すると共に上記第２の部材と上記第１の部材を介して上記付勢部の付勢力を上記操作部に伝達し、上記操作部を上記後退位置に後退させる手段を備えたことを特徴とする。 In another embodiment of the present invention, an operating device and a photographing device
The positioning mechanism is
A first member that moves in the direction of the central axis;
A second member disposed on the other end side of the first member and moving in the central axis direction;
A biasing portion that biases the second member toward the one end;
When the operation unit reaches the advance position based on the first operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit, and the second member Means for regulating the position to a position corresponding to the intermediate position;
When the operation unit reaches the forward movement position based on the second operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit to control the second member. And a means for transmitting the urging force of the urging portion to the operation portion via the second member and the first member, and retreating the operation portion to the retracted position. To do.

本発明の他の形態の操作装置と撮影装置は、
上記操作装置が筐体を有し、
上記筐体は上記操作部を収容する開口部を有し、
上記操作部は上記開口部の中に配置されており、
上記操作部は、上記後退位置にあるとき上記一端側にある端面が上記開口部から外側に突出しており、上記中間位置にあるとき上記一端側にある端面が上記開口部の近傍に位置していることを特徴とする。 In another embodiment of the present invention, an operating device and a photographing device
The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the intermediate position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned in the vicinity of the opening. It is characterized by being.

本発明の他の形態の操作装置と撮影装置は、
上記操作装置が筐体を有し、
上記筐体は上記操作部を収容する開口部を有し、
上記操作部は上記開口部の中に配置されており、
上記操作部は、上記後退位置にあるとき上記一端側にある端面が上記開口部から外側に突出しており、上記前進位置にあるとき上記一端側にある端面が上記開口部の内側に位置していることを特徴とする。 In another embodiment of the present invention, an operating device and a photographing device
The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the advance position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned on the inner side of the opening. It is characterized by being.

本発明の他の形態の操作装置と撮影装置は、上記操作装置が、上記筐体に固定された噛み合い部と、上記操作部に固定された噛み合い部を有し、上記操作部が上記後退位置にあるとき上記筐体の噛み合い部と上記操作部の噛み合い部が噛み合わず、上記操作部が上記シャフトと共に回転することを特徴とする。 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operating device and an imaging device, wherein the operating device has a meshing portion fixed to the housing and a meshing portion fixed to the operating portion, and the operating portion is in the retracted position. The engagement portion of the casing and the engagement portion of the operation portion do not engage with each other, and the operation portion rotates together with the shaft.

本発明はまた、以上のいずれかの操作装置を備えたシステムである。 The present invention is also a system including any one of the operation devices described above.

このような構成を備えた操作装置又は撮影装置によれば、操作部は、これを一方向に動作させるだけで、後退位置、前進位置、中間位置の３つのポジションを移動し、後退位置と中間位置に安定して保持される。 According to the operation device or the photographing device having such a configuration, the operation unit moves the three positions, that is, the retreat position, the advance position, and the intermediate position only by moving the operation section in one direction. Holds in place stably.

また、本発明の他の形態では、後退位置にある操作部は、筐体から突出しているので、オペレータによって回転操作することができる。しかし、中間位置にある操作部は、筐体から僅かに突出しているか又は筐体内に完全に収めることができるため、オペレータによって回転操作されることがない。したがって、通常は操作部を中間位置に位置させておき、操作必要なときに操作部を押せば、操作部は後退位置に移動する。また、通常の非操作状態における筐体はその外観に操作部がほとんど現れず、デザイン性に優れた外観が得られる。 Moreover, in the other form of this invention, since the operation part in a retracted position protrudes from a housing | casing, it can be rotated by an operator. However, since the operation part in the intermediate position slightly protrudes from the housing or can be completely accommodated in the housing, it is not rotated by the operator. Therefore, normally, if the operation unit is positioned at an intermediate position and the operation unit is pressed when necessary, the operation unit moves to the retracted position. Further, the casing in a normal non-operating state has almost no operation part on its appearance, and an appearance with excellent design can be obtained.

さらに、本発明の他の形態では、操作部が後退位置にあるときに限って該操作部をシャフトと共に回転させることができる。 Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit can be rotated together with the shaft only when the operation unit is in the retracted position.

以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の好適な実施の形態を説明する。 DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

（１）放射線撮影装置：
図１は、本発明に係る操作装置を搭載した放射線撮影装置（例えば、Ｘ線撮影装置）１０を示す。図示するように、放射線撮影装置１０は、床１２に固定された支柱１４を有する。支柱１４は、この支柱１４に沿って上昇及び下降するコ字状の昇降部１６を支持している。昇降部１６は、本体１８と、本体１８の上部と下部から前方に突出する上部アーム２０及び下部アーム２２を有し、上部アーム２０がその下に旋回アーム２４を支持しており、下部アーム２２がその上に患者位置付け機構２６を支持している。旋回アーム２４は、水平部２８と、水平部２８の両端から下方に伸びる一対の懸垂部３０、３２を備えており、図示しない垂直軸を中心として旋回できるようにしてある。また、一方の懸垂部３０に放射線源３４が設けてあり、他方の懸垂部３２に放射線検出部（図示せず）が設けてある。このように構成された放射線撮影装置１０によれば、対向する懸垂部３０，３２の間で患者位置付け機構２６に位置付けられた患者の周囲を懸垂部３０，３２が旋回し、患者の撮影部位（例えば、歯列）に対して放射線源３４から放射線が放射され、撮影部材を透過した放射線が放射線検出部で検出され、この放射線検出部で検出した放射線をもとに撮影部位の放射線撮影画像が作成される。 (1) Radiography equipment:
FIG. 1 shows a radiation imaging apparatus (for example, an X-ray imaging apparatus) 10 equipped with an operation device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the radiation imaging apparatus 10 has a column 14 fixed to a floor 12. The column 14 supports a U-shaped lift 16 that rises and falls along the column 14. The elevating part 16 has a main body 18, an upper arm 20 and a lower arm 22 projecting forward from the upper and lower parts of the main body 18, and the upper arm 20 supports the swivel arm 24 below the lower arm 22. Supports a patient positioning mechanism 26 thereon. The swivel arm 24 includes a horizontal portion 28 and a pair of suspension portions 30 and 32 extending downward from both ends of the horizontal portion 28, and can swivel about a vertical axis (not shown). Moreover, the radiation source 34 is provided in one suspension part 30, and the radiation detection part (not shown) is provided in the other suspension part 32. FIG. According to the radiation imaging apparatus 10 configured as described above, the suspension units 30 and 32 pivot around the patient positioned in the patient positioning mechanism 26 between the opposing suspension units 30 and 32, and the imaging region ( For example, radiation is radiated from the radiation source 34 to the dentition), and radiation that has passed through the imaging member is detected by the radiation detection unit. Created.

（２）操作装置の構成：
本発明の操作装置は、患者位置付け機構２６に組み込まれている。図２，３に示すように、患者位置付け機構２６は、下部アーム２２の上面に沿って、患者に向かって前後に移動するスライド部４０を有し、このスライド部４０に患者の顎を受けるチンレスト４２（チンレスト４２を含むスライド部４０を患者位置付け部材という）が取り付けてある。そして、患者の体型等に応じてチンレスト４２を前進又は後退させるために、本発明の操作装置１００が設けてある。尚、本発明にいう患者位置付け機構はチンレストによる位置付けに限るものではなく、例えば前額部押さえや鼻下点支持による位置付け機構、あるいは側頭部固定具を患者に対して前後に移動させる位置付け機構にも用いることができる。 (2) Configuration of operating device:
The operating device of the present invention is incorporated in the patient positioning mechanism 26. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the patient positioning mechanism 26 has a slide portion 40 that moves back and forth along the upper surface of the lower arm 22 toward the patient, and the slide portion 40 receives the chin of the patient. 42 (the slide portion 40 including the chin rest 42 is referred to as a patient positioning member) . And in order to advance or retreat the chin rest 42 according to a patient's body shape etc., the operating device 100 of this invention is provided. The patient positioning mechanism referred to in the present invention is not limited to the positioning by the chin rest. For example, a positioning mechanism by pressing the forehead part or supporting the lower nose point, or a positioning mechanism for moving the temporal fixing device back and forth with respect to the patient. Can also be used.

（２−１）シャフト:
図４〜図６に示すように、操作装置１００はシャフト２００を有する。図６に最も良く示すように、シャフト２００は、円柱体からなり、中心軸２０２を水平方向に向けて配置されている。実施の形態において、シャフト２００は水平方向に向けられているが、これは本発明にとって限定的なことではない。シャフト２００の略中央部にはシャフト固定部２０４が設けてある。実施の形態では、シャフト固定部２０４は、シャフト２００に形成された環状段部２０６と環状溝２０８を備えており、図４，５に示すように、シャフト２００は下部アーム筐体２１０の壁２１２に形成された貫通孔２１４に挿通され、環状段部２０６と環状溝２０８にＣ型リング２１６，２１８をそれぞれ装着し、中心軸２０２を中心として壁２１２に回転自在に固定される。 (2-1) Shaft:
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the operating device 100 has a shaft 200. As best shown in FIG. 6, the shaft 200 is formed of a cylindrical body, and is arranged with the central axis 202 oriented in the horizontal direction. In embodiments, the shaft 200 is oriented horizontally, but this is not a limitation for the present invention. A shaft fixing portion 204 is provided at a substantially central portion of the shaft 200. In the embodiment, the shaft fixing portion 204 includes an annular step portion 206 and an annular groove 208 formed on the shaft 200, and the shaft 200 is connected to the wall 212 of the lower arm housing 210 as shown in FIGS. The C-shaped rings 216 and 218 are attached to the annular step portion 206 and the annular groove 208, respectively, and are fixed to the wall 212 so as to be rotatable about the central axis 202.

図６に戻り、シャフト２００の一端側（自由端側）２２０は、シャフト２００の中心軸２０２をこれと直交する方向（横方向）に貫通する長孔（スロット）２２２を有する。シャフト２００の他端側（基端側）２２４は歯車部２２６を有する。実施の形態では、歯車部２２６はシャフト２００を加工して一体的に形成されているが、単独に形成された歯車をシャフト２００の他端側に固定してもよい。図４，５に示すように、歯車部２２６は、チンレスト４２を支持するスライド部４０（図２，３参照）に設けたラック（歯車部）２２８にかみ合っている。したがって、シャフト２００を正逆回転すると、ラック２２８がチンレスト４２と共に前後に移動する。 Returning to FIG. 6, one end side (free end side) 220 of the shaft 200 has a long hole (slot) 222 that penetrates the central axis 202 of the shaft 200 in a direction (lateral direction) perpendicular thereto. The other end side (base end side) 224 of the shaft 200 has a gear portion 226. In the embodiment, the gear portion 226 is integrally formed by processing the shaft 200, but a gear formed independently may be fixed to the other end side of the shaft 200. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gear portion 226 meshes with a rack (gear portion) 228 provided on the slide portion 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that supports the chin rest 42. Therefore, when the shaft 200 rotates forward and backward, the rack 228 moves back and forth together with the chin rest 42.

（２−２）付勢部：
図４〜図６、特に図６に示すように、壁２１２から突出したシャフト２００の一端側２２０には、ヘリカルスプリング（付勢部）３００が装着されている。スプリング３００の内径は、シャフト２００の環状段部２０６の外径よりも小さいため、スプリング３００がシャフト環状段部２０６よりも他端側へ移動することはない。 (2-2) Energizing part:
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, particularly FIG. 6, a helical spring (biasing portion) 300 is attached to one end side 220 of the shaft 200 protruding from the wall 212. Since the inner diameter of the spring 300 is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular step portion 206 of the shaft 200, the spring 300 does not move to the other end side of the shaft annular step portion 206.

（２−３）円筒歯車：
図６に示すように、シャフト２００の一端側にはまた、同一形状の２つの円筒歯車４００（第２の部材），５００（第１の部材）が外装されている。図７に詳細に示すように、円筒歯車４００，５００はそれぞれ、シャフト２００の外径よりも僅かに大きな内筒内面を有する円筒部４０２，５０２からなり、一方の軸方向端面に８つの歯部４０４，５０４を周方向に等間隔に（４５度ごとに）備えている。実施の形態では、各歯部４０４，５０４は、軸方向外側に向かって突出する三角形をしており、頂上部４０６，５０６を挟んでその両側に対称に配置された係合面（斜面）４０８と４１０及び係合面（斜面）５０８と５１０の内角が９０度、谷部４１２，５１２を挟んでその両側に対称に配置された係合面（斜面）４０８と４１０及び係合面（斜面）５０８と５１０の内角が２７０度に設定されている。したがって、図示するように、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００の歯部４０４，５０４を噛み合わせた場合、一方の円筒歯車４００の係合面４０８，４１０が他方の円筒歯車５００の係合面５０８，５１０に接触した状態で、歯部４０４、５０４はほぼ隙間無く噛み合う。本明細書では、必要に応じて、この隙間無く噛み合う状態を「完全な噛み合い状態」という。 (2-3) Cylindrical gear:
As shown in FIG. 6, two cylindrical gears 400 (second member) and 500 (first member) having the same shape are also packaged on one end side of the shaft 200. As shown in detail in FIG. 7, each of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 includes cylindrical portions 402 and 502 each having an inner cylindrical inner surface slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 200, and eight tooth portions on one axial end surface. 404 and 504 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (every 45 degrees). In the embodiment, each of the tooth portions 404 and 504 has a triangular shape protruding outward in the axial direction, and engaging surfaces (slopes) 408 arranged symmetrically on both sides of the top portions 406 and 506. 410 and engagement surfaces (slopes) 508 and 510 have an inner angle of 90 degrees, and engagement surfaces (slopes) 408 and 410 and engagement surfaces (slopes) arranged symmetrically on both sides of the valleys 412 and 512 are sandwiched between them. The interior angles of 508 and 510 are set to 270 degrees. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when the tooth portions 404 and 504 of the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are meshed with each other, the engagement surfaces 408 and 410 of one cylindrical gear 400 become the engagement surfaces 508 and 410 of the other cylindrical gear 500, respectively. The teeth 404 and 504 are engaged with each other with almost no gap in a state of being in contact with 510. In this specification, the state of meshing without a gap is referred to as a “complete meshing state” as necessary.

円筒歯車４００，５００の外周面には、周方向に９０度の間隔をあけて、中心軸と平行な方向に伸びる４つの突条４１４，５１４が設けてある。特徴的なことは、周方向に９０度の間隔をあけて配置されている突条４１４，５１４が、同じく周方向に４５度の角度をあけて配置された三角形歯部４０４，５０４に対して位相的にずれていることである。具体的に、実施の形態では、各突条４１４，５１４は、その長手方向中心軸ではなく、片方の軸方向側面４１６，５１６が三角形歯部４０４，５０４の頂上部４０６，５０６に一致させてある。そして、実施の形態では、突条４１４，５１４の軸方向端面４１８，５１８が、それらに隣接する係合面４１０，５１０の延長上に斜めに形成されている。 Four protrusions 414 and 514 extending in a direction parallel to the central axis are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. What is characteristic is that the protrusions 414, 514 arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction are similar to the triangular teeth 404, 504 arranged at an angle of 45 degrees in the circumferential direction. It is out of phase. Specifically, in the embodiment, each protrusion 414, 514 has one axial side surface 416, 516 aligned with the top 406, 506 of the triangular teeth 404, 504, not the longitudinal central axis. is there. And in embodiment, the axial direction end surfaces 418 and 518 of the protrusion 414,514 are formed diagonally on the extension of the engaging surfaces 410 and 510 adjacent to them.

この特徴的構成により、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００の歯部４０４，５０４が完全な噛み合い状態にある場合、一方の円筒歯車４００の突条４１４と他方の円筒歯車５００の突条５１４は一直線上に位置せず、周方向にずれている。また、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００の突条４１４，５１４が一直線上に整列した状態では、図６に示すように、両者の歯部４０４，５０４は不完全に噛み合った状態をとり、円筒歯車４００の係合面４１０と円筒歯車５００の係合面５１０は接触しているが、円筒歯車４００の係合面４０８と円筒歯車５００の係合面５０８は隙間をあけて離間している。本明細書では、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００の突条４１４，５１４が一直線上に整列した状態を「不完全な噛み合い状態」という。また、完全な噛み合い状態に対し、不完全な噛み合い状態にある２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は係合面４０８と５０８の間の隙間に相当する距離だけ中心軸方向に離間している。したがって、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００が不完全な噛み合い状態にあるとき、例えば、一方の円筒歯車５００の回転が規制されている状態で他方の円筒歯車４００を中心軸方向に付勢すると、他方の円筒歯車４００の係合面４１０が一方の円筒歯車５００の係合面５１０に沿って摺動し、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００が完全な噛み合い状態となるまで、他方の円筒歯車４００が一方の円筒歯車５００に向かって中心軸方向に移動すると共に、他方の円筒歯車４００が中心軸２０２を中心として回転する。本明細書では、このような不完全な噛み合い状態から完全な噛み合い状態への移行に伴う動作（中心軸方向の移動と中心軸を中心とする回転）を「噛み合い動作」という。 With this characteristic configuration, when the teeth 404 and 504 of the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are in a completely meshed state, the protrusion 414 of one cylindrical gear 400 and the protrusion 514 of the other cylindrical gear 500 are aligned. It is not located in, but is shifted in the circumferential direction. Further, in the state where the protrusions 414 and 514 of the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in FIG. 6, both the tooth portions 404 and 504 are incompletely engaged with each other, and the cylindrical gear The engagement surface 410 of the 400 and the engagement surface 510 of the cylindrical gear 500 are in contact with each other, but the engagement surface 408 of the cylindrical gear 400 and the engagement surface 508 of the cylindrical gear 500 are spaced apart from each other. In this specification, the state in which the protrusions 414 and 514 of the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are aligned on a straight line is referred to as “incomplete meshing state”. Further, the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 in the incomplete meshing state are separated from each other in the central axis direction by a distance corresponding to the gap between the engagement surfaces 408 and 508 with respect to the complete meshing state. Therefore, when the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are in an incomplete meshing state, for example, when the other cylindrical gear 400 is urged in the central axis direction while the rotation of one cylindrical gear 500 is restricted, the other Until the engagement surface 410 of the first cylindrical gear 400 slides along the engagement surface 510 of the first cylindrical gear 500 and the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are completely engaged with each other. And the other cylindrical gear 400 rotates about the central shaft 202. In this specification, such an operation (movement in the direction of the central axis and rotation about the central axis) associated with the transition from the incomplete meshing state to the complete meshing state is referred to as “meshing operation”.

噛み合い動作に基づいて円筒歯車４００が回転する方向は、突条４１４，５１４の軸方向端面４１８，５１８がいずれの係合面４０８、５０８又は４１０、５１０に一致させてあるかによって決まる。したがって、上述の特徴において更に重要なことは、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００が不完全な噛み合い状態にあるとき、図７に示す矢印Ｘ方向に関し、円筒歯車５００の頂上部５０６の下流側にある係合面５１０と円筒歯車４００の頂上部４０６の上流側にある係合面４１０が接触しており、円筒歯車４００を円筒歯車５００に向けて付勢したとき、円筒歯車４００が矢印Ｘ方向に回転することである。 The direction in which the cylindrical gear 400 rotates based on the meshing operation is determined by which of the engaging surfaces 408, 508 or 410, 510 the axial end surfaces 418, 518 of the ridges 414, 514 are aligned. Therefore, more important in the above features is that the two cylindrical gears 400, 500 are downstream of the top 506 of the cylindrical gear 500 with respect to the direction of arrow X shown in FIG. The engagement surface 510 and the engagement surface 410 on the upstream side of the top 406 of the cylindrical gear 400 are in contact with each other, and when the cylindrical gear 400 is urged toward the cylindrical gear 500, the cylindrical gear 400 is moved in the arrow X direction. It is to rotate.

（２−４）筒体：
図６に示すように、スプリング３００と円筒歯車４００，５００が外装されたシャフト２００の一端側２２０には、筒体６００が更に外装される。図７に示すように、筒体６００は、中心軸２０２に対して同軸的に配置された小径の内筒６１２及び大径の外筒６１４と、これら内筒６１２と外筒６１４の一方の端部を連結するドーナッツ状の端部壁６１６を有し、後述するように端部壁６１６をハウジング壁２１２（図４，５参照）にねじ等で連結して固定される。図示する実施形態のように、これら内筒６１２、外筒６１４及び端部壁６１６は、一体的に成形することが好ましい。 (2-4) Tube:
As shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical body 600 is further sheathed on one end side 220 of the shaft 200 where the spring 300 and the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are sheathed. As shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical body 600 includes a small-diameter inner cylinder 612 and a large-diameter outer cylinder 614 arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis 202, and one end of the inner cylinder 612 and the outer cylinder 614. It has a donut-shaped end wall 616 that connects the parts, and is fixed by connecting the end wall 616 to the housing wall 212 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) with a screw or the like as described later. As in the illustrated embodiment, these inner cylinder 612, outer cylinder 614, and end wall 616 are preferably molded integrally.

実施の形態において、内筒６１２の内周面は同軸的に配置された２つの円筒内面、すなわち、一端側（図７の左側）に配置された小径円筒部６１８と他端側に配置された大径円筒部６２０を有し、両者の境界部分に段部（後述する周方向案内面）６２２が形成されている。 In the embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 612 is coaxially disposed with two cylindrical inner surfaces, that is, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 618 disposed on one end side (left side in FIG. 7) and the other end side. A large-diameter cylindrical portion 620 is provided, and a stepped portion (circumferential guide surface described later) 622 is formed at a boundary portion between the two.

小径円筒部６１８は、円筒歯車４００，５００の円筒部４０２，５０２の外径よりも僅かに大きな内径を有し、中心軸２０２と平行に伸びる４つの内溝（案内部）６２４が周方向に９０度の間隔をあけて形成されている。各内溝６２４は、上述した円筒歯車４００，５００の外周突条４１４，５１４が収容可能な大きさを有し、一端側の端部から他端側に向かって所定距離だけ離れた位置に始端部６２６を有し、他端側の段部６２２で開放されている。したがって、例えば、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は、それらの突条４１４，５１４を一列に整列した不完全な噛み合い状態で、突条４１４，５１４を内溝６２４に位置させて、小径円筒部６１８に収容される。 The small-diameter cylindrical portion 618 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portions 402 and 502 of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500, and four inner grooves (guide portions) 624 extending in parallel with the central axis 202 are provided in the circumferential direction. It is formed with an interval of 90 degrees. Each of the inner grooves 624 has a size that can accommodate the outer peripheral protrusions 414 and 514 of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 described above, and starts at a position away from the end on one end side by a predetermined distance toward the other end. It has a portion 626 and is opened at a step 622 on the other end side. Therefore, for example, the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are positioned in the inner groove 624 with the protrusions 414 and 514 in an incomplete meshing state in which the protrusions 414 and 514 are aligned in a line, and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 618. Is housed.

大径内筒部６２０の内径は、円筒歯車４００における４つの突条４１４の径方向端部を繋いだ仮想円の径よりも僅かに大きな内径を有する。したがって、円筒歯車４００は、大径内筒部６２０の内側にあるとき、シャフト２００を中心として回転することができる。 The inner diameter of the large-diameter inner cylinder portion 620 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a virtual circle connecting the radial ends of the four protrusions 414 in the cylindrical gear 400. Therefore, the cylindrical gear 400 can rotate around the shaft 200 when it is inside the large-diameter inner cylinder portion 620.

小径円筒部６１８と大径円筒部６２０の境界にある周方向段部６２２は、他端側に配置された円筒歯車５００の突条５１４と協働する円筒歯車部６３０を有する。図７に詳細に示すように、円筒歯車部６３０は、周方向に隣接する内溝６２４の開口部の間にそれぞれ、２つの鋸歯６３２，６３４を有する。これら２つの鋸歯６３２，６３４のうち、内溝６２４の出口の矢印Ｘ方向に隣接する第１の鋸歯６３２は、矢印Ｘ方向に向かって且つ他端側から一端側に向かって斜めに伸びる第１の係合面６３６を有する。次に、第１の鋸歯６３２に続く第２の鋸歯６３４は、第１の係合面６３６の一端側終端部から中心軸２０２と平行に他端側に向かって伸びる軸方向係合面６３８と、この軸方向係合面６３８の他端側終端部から矢印Ｘ方向に向かって且つ他端側から一端側に向かって斜めに伸びると共に隣接する内溝６２４の出口につながる第２の係合面６４０を有する。第１の係合面６３６と第２の係合面６４０は、鋸歯を平面上に展開した図８（ａ’）〜（ｄ’）に示すように、内筒内周面を平面展開した状態で、中心軸２０２と４５度の角度を形成することが好ましい。 A circumferential step 622 at the boundary between the small diameter cylindrical portion 618 and the large diameter cylindrical portion 620 includes a cylindrical gear portion 630 that cooperates with the protrusion 514 of the cylindrical gear 500 disposed on the other end side. As shown in detail in FIG. 7, the cylindrical gear portion 630 includes two saw teeth 632 and 634 between the openings of the inner grooves 624 adjacent in the circumferential direction. Of these two saw teeth 632 and 634, the first saw tooth 632 adjacent to the direction of the arrow X at the outlet of the inner groove 624 extends in the direction of the arrow X and obliquely extends from the other end side to the one end side. The engaging surface 636 is provided. Next, a second sawtooth 634 following the first sawtooth 632 has an axial engagement surface 638 extending from the one end side end portion of the first engagement surface 636 toward the other end side in parallel with the central axis 202. The second engagement surface that extends obliquely from the other end side end portion of the axial engagement surface 638 in the direction of the arrow X and from the other end side to the one end side and that leads to the outlet of the adjacent inner groove 624 640. The first engagement surface 636 and the second engagement surface 640 are in a state where the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder is developed in a plane as shown in FIGS. 8 (a ′) to (d ′) in which the sawtooth is developed on a plane. Thus, it is preferable to form an angle of 45 degrees with the central axis 202.

したがって、円筒歯車４００が大径円筒部６２０の内側にあるとき、この円筒歯車４００の一端側端面にある歯部４０４が第１の係合面６３６又は第２の係合面６４０に対向できる。また、突条４１４の軸方向端面４１８が第１の係合面６３６に対向しているとき、この円筒歯車４００が一端側（円筒歯車５００に向かう方向）に付勢されると、突条４１４の軸方向一端面４１８が第１の係合面６３６に沿って摺動し、筒体６００に対して円筒歯車４００が矢印Ｘ方向に回転するとともに一端側（付勢方向）に移動する。円筒歯車４００の回転と移動を含む組み合わせ動作は、突条４１４の軸方向側面４１６が第１の係合面６３６の終端にある軸方向係合面６３８に当接することにより終了する。同様に、突条４１４の軸方向端面４１８が第２の係合面６４０に対向しているとき、円筒歯車４００が一端側に付勢されると、突条４１４の軸方向端面４１８が第２の係合面６４０に沿って移動し、筒体６００に対して円筒歯車４００が矢印Ｘ方向に回転すると共に一端側に移動する。円筒歯車４００の回転と移動を含む組み合わせ動作は、第２の係合面６４０の終端に隣接する内溝６２４の出口に突条４１４が到達することで終了し、このとき２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は再び不完全な噛み合い状態に戻る。不完全な噛み合い状態に戻った２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は、それらの突条４１４，５１４が一列に整列した状態で内溝６２４に係合するため、内溝６２４に沿って軸方向に移動し、円筒歯車５００の突条５１４の一端側端面が溝６２４の始端部６２６に当接する位置に位置決めされる。 Therefore, when the cylindrical gear 400 is inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 620, the tooth portion 404 on the end surface on one end side of the cylindrical gear 400 can face the first engagement surface 636 or the second engagement surface 640. In addition, when the axial end surface 418 of the protrusion 414 is opposed to the first engagement surface 636, when the cylindrical gear 400 is biased to one end side (direction toward the cylindrical gear 500), the protrusion 414 is provided. The one end surface 418 in the axial direction slides along the first engagement surface 636, and the cylindrical gear 400 rotates in the arrow X direction with respect to the cylindrical body 600 and moves to one end side (biasing direction). The combined operation including the rotation and movement of the cylindrical gear 400 ends when the axial side surface 416 of the protrusion 414 contacts the axial engagement surface 638 at the end of the first engagement surface 636. Similarly, when the cylindrical gear 400 is biased to one end side when the axial end surface 418 of the ridge 414 faces the second engagement surface 640, the axial end surface 418 of the ridge 414 is second. The cylindrical gear 400 rotates in the direction of arrow X with respect to the cylindrical body 600 and moves to one end side. The combined operation including the rotation and movement of the cylindrical gear 400 ends when the protrusion 414 reaches the outlet of the inner groove 624 adjacent to the terminal end of the second engagement surface 640. At this time, the two cylindrical gears 400, 500 again returns to an incomplete meshing condition. The two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 that have returned to the incomplete meshing state move in the axial direction along the inner groove 624 because their protrusions 414 and 514 engage with the inner groove 624 in a line. Then, the end surface on one end side of the protrusion 514 of the cylindrical gear 500 is positioned at a position where it abuts on the start end portion 626 of the groove 624.

図６に示すように、筒体６００の外筒６１４は、中心軸２０２に対して対称に配置された２つの円筒部分６４２を有し、周方向に関して円筒部分６４２の間に一端側から他端側に向かって伸びるスロット６４４が形成されている。また、２つ円筒部分６４２の外周一端側には、中心軸と平行に伸びる溝と突条を周方向に交互に配置してなる噛み合い部（歯部）６４６が形成されている。尚、外筒６１４は一対を中心軸に対して対称に配置する実施の形態に限られることはなく、他端壁６１６の周方向に対し一部形成されていても良く、また完全な円筒形を為していても良い。 As shown in FIG. 6, the outer cylinder 614 of the cylinder 600 has two cylindrical portions 642 arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis 202, and the other end from one end side between the cylindrical portions 642 in the circumferential direction. A slot 644 extending toward the side is formed. An engagement portion (tooth portion) 646 formed by alternately arranging grooves and protrusions extending in parallel with the central axis in the circumferential direction is formed on one end of the outer periphery of the two cylindrical portions 642. The outer cylinder 614 is not limited to the embodiment in which the pair is arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis, and may be partially formed with respect to the circumferential direction of the other end wall 616, or may be a complete cylindrical shape. You may have done.

（２−５）操作摘み基台：
図６に示すように、筒体６００の内筒６１２に挿入されるシャフト２００の一端側には、操作摘み基台７００が連結される。操作摘み基台７００は、筒体内筒６１２の小径円筒部６１８の内径よりも僅かに小さな外径を有する軸筒部７０２と、軸筒部７０２の一端側にその一端部を径方向外側に向かって拡幅して形成されたフランジ部７０４を有する。軸筒部７０２の内部空間は他端部において開放されている。また、軸筒部７０２は、その他端側に、中心軸２０２に直交する貫通孔７０６を有する。このように構成された操作摘み基台７００は、シャフト２００の一端部に外装されて連結される。このとき、図示するように、スプリング３００と２つの円筒歯車４００，５００を外装したシャフト２００は、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００の突条４１４，５１４を一列に整列すると共にそれら整列した突条４１４，５１４を内筒の内溝６２４に係合し、スプリング３００の付勢力に対抗して、筒体６００を一端側から他端側に移動させて、シャフト一端部を筒体内筒６１２の一端から突出させる。そして、筒体内筒６１２の一端部から突出したシャフト２００を軸筒部７０２に挿入し、次に、貫通孔７０６とシャフトスロット２２２にピン７０８を貫通する。ピン７０８は貫通孔７０６に固定することが好ましい。そのため、貫通孔７０６に雌ねじを形成するとともにピン７０８には雄ねじを利用し、これら雌雄のねじを噛み合わせることが好ましい。このようにして操作摘み基台７００が連結されたシャフト２００に対し、スプリング３００の付勢力に対抗して筒体６００を他端側に移動し、筒体端部壁６１６をハウジング壁２１２にねじで連結して固定する。この状態で、一端側にある円筒歯車５００がスプリング３００の付勢力によって内溝６２４の一端側端部に規制される。また、この状態で、操作摘み基台７００の軸筒部７０２は筒体内筒６１２の小径円筒部６１８に僅かに挿入されていることが好ましい。 (2-5) Operation knob base:
As shown in FIG. 6, an operation knob base 700 is connected to one end side of the shaft 200 inserted into the inner cylinder 612 of the cylinder 600. The operation knob base 700 includes a shaft tube portion 702 having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter cylindrical portion 618 of the cylinder body tube 612, and one end portion of the shaft tube portion 702 directed radially outward. And a flange portion 704 formed to be widened. The internal space of the shaft tube portion 702 is open at the other end. Moreover, the axial cylinder part 702 has the through-hole 706 orthogonal to the central axis 202 in the other end side. The operation knob base 700 configured as described above is externally connected to one end portion of the shaft 200. At this time, as shown in the drawing, the shaft 200 having the spring 300 and the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 arranged thereon aligns the protrusions 414 and 514 of the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 in a line and aligns the protrusions 414 that are aligned. , 514 are engaged with the inner groove 624 of the inner cylinder, the cylindrical body 600 is moved from one end side to the other end side against the urging force of the spring 300, and one end of the shaft is moved from one end of the cylindrical cylinder 612. Make it protrude. Then, the shaft 200 protruding from one end of the cylinder 612 is inserted into the shaft cylinder 702, and then the pin 708 is passed through the through hole 706 and the shaft slot 222. The pin 708 is preferably fixed to the through hole 706. Therefore, it is preferable to form a female screw in the through-hole 706 and use a male screw for the pin 708 to mesh these male and female screws. The cylindrical body 600 is moved to the other end side against the urging force of the spring 300 with respect to the shaft 200 to which the operation knob base 700 is connected in this manner, and the cylindrical body end wall 616 is screwed to the housing wall 212. Connect and fix with. In this state, the cylindrical gear 500 on one end side is restricted to the one end side end portion of the inner groove 624 by the biasing force of the spring 300. In this state, it is preferable that the shaft cylinder portion 702 of the operation knob base 700 is slightly inserted into the small-diameter cylindrical portion 618 of the cylinder body 612.

（２−６）操作部：
図６に示すように、オペレータが操作する操作部（操作摘み）８００は、操作摘み基台フランジ部７０４の外径よりも大きな内径を有する筒部８０２と、筒部８０２の一端を閉鎖する端部壁８０４からなり、操作摘み基台７００に外装され、操作摘み基台７００のフランジ部７０４を端部壁８０４の内面に当て、ボルト等によって固定される。なお、実施の形態では、操作摘み基台７００に対する操作部８００の固定は、操作摘み基台７００をシャフト２００に固定する前に行われる。操作部筒部８０２の内面には、上述した筒体外筒６１４の外周に形成されている噛み合い部６４６と噛み合う噛み合い部８０６が全周に形成されている。 (2-6) Operation unit:
As shown in FIG. 6, an operation part (operation knob) 800 operated by an operator includes a cylinder part 802 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the operation knob base flange part 704, and an end that closes one end of the cylinder part 802. It consists of a part wall 804, and is externally mounted on the operation knob base 700. The flange part 704 of the operation knob base 700 is applied to the inner surface of the end wall 804 and fixed with bolts or the like. In the embodiment, the operation unit 800 is fixed to the operation knob base 700 before the operation knob base 700 is fixed to the shaft 200. A meshing portion 806 that meshes with the meshing portion 646 formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical outer cylinder 614 described above is formed on the entire inner surface of the operation portion cylindrical portion 802.

ただし、スプリング３００の付勢力によって円筒歯車４００，５００が最も一端側に置かれている状態で、操作部８００の噛み合い部８０６は筒体６００の噛み合い部６４６と噛み合わず、操作部８００は中心軸２０２を中心としてシャフト２００と共に筒体６００に対して自由に回転できる。このとき、筒体６００はハウジング壁２１２に固定されているため（図４，５参照）、操作部８００及びシャフト２００は筺体２１０に対しても自由に回転できるということになる。一方、スプリング３００の付勢力に対抗して操作部８００を一端側から他端側に押し込むと、操作部８００の噛み合い部８０６が筒体６００の噛み合い部６４６と噛み合い、操作部８００とシャフト２００の筺体２１０に対する相対的回転が禁止される。 However, in a state where the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are placed on one end side by the urging force of the spring 300, the meshing portion 806 of the operation portion 800 does not mesh with the meshing portion 646 of the cylindrical body 600, and the operation portion 800 has a central axis. It can freely rotate with respect to the cylindrical body 600 together with the shaft 200 around the center 202. At this time, since the cylindrical body 600 is fixed to the housing wall 212 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), the operation unit 800 and the shaft 200 can freely rotate with respect to the housing 210. On the other hand, when the operation unit 800 is pushed from one end side to the other end side against the urging force of the spring 300, the engagement portion 806 of the operation unit 800 engages with the engagement portion 646 of the cylindrical body 600, and the operation unit 800 and the shaft 200 are engaged. Relative rotation with respect to the casing 210 is prohibited.

図２に示すように、操作部８００は、筐体２１０に形成された円筒開口部８１０に挿入されており、操作部８００が筒体６００と噛み合っていない最外位置にあるとき、操作部８００は筐体２１０の円筒開口部８１０から突出しており、オペレータによって回転操作できるようにしてある。 As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 800 is inserted into a cylindrical opening 810 formed in the casing 210, and when the operation unit 800 is at the outermost position where it does not mesh with the cylindrical body 600, the operation unit 800. Protrudes from the cylindrical opening 810 of the casing 210 and can be rotated by an operator.

（３）操作装置の動作：
このように構成された操作装置１００の動作を説明する。 (3) Operation of the operation device:
The operation of the operating device 100 configured as described above will be described.

（３−１）操作状態：
図８（ａ）、（ａ’）に示すように、操作状態において、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は、スプリング３００の付勢力により、筒体内筒６１２の一端側に置かれている。また、円筒歯車４００，５００は、それぞれの外周突条４１４，５１４を内溝６２４に係合して中心軸方向に整列し、不完全な噛み合い状態にある。さらに、操作部８００は、スプリング３００の付勢力によって最外位置に規制されており、筐体２１０から最も突出した状態にある。このときの操作部８００の位置を「後退位置」という。したがって、操作部８００は筺体２１０に対して自由に回転することができるので、この操作部８００を持ってシャフト２００と共に回転することで、チンレスト４２を前後に移動できる。 (3-1) Operation state:
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8A, in the operating state, the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are placed on one end side of the cylindrical tube 612 by the biasing force of the spring 300. In addition, the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are in an incomplete meshing state by engaging the outer peripheral protrusions 414 and 514 with the inner grooves 624 and aligning them in the central axis direction. Furthermore, the operation unit 800 is regulated to the outermost position by the urging force of the spring 300 and is in the state of most protruding from the housing 210. The position of the operation unit 800 at this time is referred to as “retreat position”. Therefore, since the operation unit 800 can freely rotate with respect to the housing 210, the chin rest 42 can be moved back and forth by holding the operation unit 800 and rotating with the shaft 200.

（３−２）一回目の押し込み操作（第１の動作）：
図８（ｂ）、（ｂ’）に示すように、スプリング３００の付勢力に対抗して、操作部８００の端面に押圧力を加えて操作部８００を他端側に押し込むと、２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は操作摘み基台７００に押されて他端側に移動する。そして、操作部８００の外側端面がハウジング開口部８１０の近傍に到達すると、他端側の円筒歯車４００の突条４１４が内溝６２４の出口よりも中心軸方向他端側に位置し、内溝６２４から解放される。このときの操作部８００の位置を「前進位置」といい、この状態で２つの円筒歯車４００，５００は不完全な噛み合い状態にある〔図８（ａ）、（ａ’）参照〕。したがって、スプリング３００に付勢されている他端側の円筒歯車４００は、係合面４１０が係合面５１０に沿って摺動し、両者は完全な噛み合い状態に移行する。その結果、回転可能な円筒歯車４００が回転不能な円筒歯車５００に対して矢印Ｘ方向に回転すると共に一端側（円筒歯車５００側）に移動する。 (3-2) First push operation (first operation):
As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8B ′, when the pressing force is applied to the end surface of the operating portion 800 and the operating portion 800 is pushed to the other end side against the urging force of the spring 300, two cylinders are formed. The gears 400 and 500 are pushed by the operation knob base 700 and moved to the other end side. When the outer end surface of the operation portion 800 reaches the vicinity of the housing opening 810, the protrusion 414 of the cylindrical gear 400 on the other end side is positioned on the other end side in the central axial direction from the outlet of the inner groove 624, and the inner groove 624 is released. The position of the operation unit 800 at this time is referred to as “advance position”, and in this state, the two cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are in an incomplete meshing state (see FIGS. 8A and 8A). Therefore, in the cylindrical gear 400 on the other end side biased by the spring 300, the engaging surface 410 slides along the engaging surface 510, and the two shift to a complete meshing state. As a result, the rotatable cylindrical gear 400 rotates in the arrow X direction with respect to the non-rotatable cylindrical gear 500 and moves to one end side (cylindrical gear 500 side).

（３−３）一回目の解放操作：
上述のように、操作部８００が前進位置まで押し込まれた状態で、回転した他端側円筒歯車４００の突条４１４は、その一端面４１８が第１の鋸歯６３２の第１の係合面６３６に対向している。したがって、操作部８００に加えられていた他端側方向への押圧力を解放すると、図８（ｃ）、（ｃ’）に示すように、スプリング３００の付勢力によって、他端側の円筒歯車４００が一端側に付勢される。その結果、他端側円筒歯車４００の突条端面４１８が、第１の鋸歯６３２の第１の係合面６３６に当接し、第１の係合面６３６に沿って一端側に摺動すると共に他端側円筒歯車４００が矢印Ｘ方向に回転し、突条４１４の軸方向側面４１６（図７参照）が軸方向係合面６３８に当たって規制されるとともに、円筒歯車４００，５００は不完全な噛み合い状態になる。このときの操作部８００の位置を「中間位置」という。なお、本明細書において、「中間位置」とは、後退位置と前進位置のまんなかの位置を意味するものでなく、単に後退位置と前進位置の間にある位置を意味するものである。 (3-3) First release operation:
As described above, the protrusion 414 of the other end-side cylindrical gear 400 rotated in the state where the operation unit 800 is pushed to the forward movement position has one end surface 418 of the first engagement surface 636 of the first sawtooth 632. Opposite to. Therefore, when the pressing force applied to the operation unit 800 toward the other end side is released, the cylindrical gear on the other end side is urged by the urging force of the spring 300 as shown in FIGS. 400 is biased to one end side. As a result, the protrusion end surface 418 of the other end side cylindrical gear 400 abuts on the first engagement surface 636 of the first saw tooth 632 and slides to one end side along the first engagement surface 636. The other end side cylindrical gear 400 rotates in the direction of arrow X, the axial side surface 416 (see FIG. 7) of the protrusion 414 is restricted against the axial engagement surface 638, and the cylindrical gears 400, 500 are incompletely engaged. It becomes a state. The position of the operation unit 800 at this time is referred to as an “intermediate position”. In the present specification, the “intermediate position” does not mean a position between the reverse position and the forward position, but simply means a position between the reverse position and the forward position.

（３−４）二回目の押し込み操作（第２の動作）：
次に、操作部８００の端面に押圧力を加えて操作部８００を中間位置から前進位置まで押し込むと、図８（ｄ）、（ｄ’）に示すように、他端側の円筒歯車４００が再び前進し、突条４１４と軸方向係合面６３８との係合が解除される。その結果、円筒歯車４００，５００が不完全な噛み合い状態から完全な噛み合い状態に移行し、その際、他端側の円筒歯車４００は矢印Ｘ方向に回転すると共に一端側に移動する。 (3-4) Second push-in operation (second operation):
Next, when a pressing force is applied to the end surface of the operation unit 800 to push the operation unit 800 from the intermediate position to the advance position, the cylindrical gear 400 on the other end side is moved as shown in FIGS. It moves forward again, and the engagement between the protrusion 414 and the axial engagement surface 638 is released. As a result, the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 shift from the incomplete meshing state to the complete meshing state, and at this time, the cylindrical gear 400 on the other end side rotates in the arrow X direction and moves to one end side.

（３−５）二回目の解放操作：
操作部８００が前進位置まで押し込まれた状態で、他端側円筒歯車４００の突条４１４は、その一端面４１８が第２の鋸歯６３４の第２の係合面６４０に対向している。したがって、操作部８００に加えられていた押圧力を開放すると、スプリング３００の付勢力によって、他端側の円筒歯車４００が一端側に付勢される。その結果、他端側円筒歯車４００の突条端面４１８が、第２の鋸歯６３４の第２の係合面６４０に当接する。また、突条端面４１８は、第２の係合面６４０に沿って一端側に移動すると共に他端側円筒歯車４００が矢印Ｘ方向に回転し、続いて、次の内溝６２４の開口部に対向する位置まで移動する。この状態で、円筒歯車４００，５００の突条４１４，５１４は内溝６２４の延長上で一列に整列する。したがって、押圧力を解放すると、スプリング３００の付勢力により、他端側円筒歯車４００は一端側円筒歯車５００と共に内溝６２４に案内されながら一端側に移動し円筒歯車５００の突条５１４の一端側端面が内溝６２４の始端部６２６に当接する位置に規制される。これにより、操作部８００も後退位置まで後退する。 (3-5) Second release operation:
In a state where the operation unit 800 is pushed to the advanced position, the one end surface 418 of the protrusion 414 of the other end side cylindrical gear 400 faces the second engagement surface 640 of the second sawtooth 634. Therefore, when the pressing force applied to the operation unit 800 is released, the cylindrical gear 400 on the other end side is biased to the one end side by the biasing force of the spring 300. As a result, the ridge end surface 418 of the other end side cylindrical gear 400 abuts on the second engagement surface 640 of the second saw tooth 634. Further, the protrusion end surface 418 moves to one end side along the second engagement surface 640 and the other end side cylindrical gear 400 rotates in the direction of the arrow X, and subsequently to the opening of the next inner groove 624. Move to the opposite position. In this state, the protrusions 414 and 514 of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500 are aligned in a line on the extension of the inner groove 624. Accordingly, when the pressing force is released, the other end side cylindrical gear 400 moves to the one end side while being guided by the inner groove 624 together with the one end side cylindrical gear 500 due to the biasing force of the spring 300, and one end side of the protrusion 514 of the cylindrical gear 500. The end face is restricted to a position where it abuts on the start end 626 of the inner groove 624. As a result, the operation unit 800 is also retracted to the retracted position.

（４）効果：
このように、上述した実施形態の操作装置１００によれば、スプリング３００、円筒歯車４００，５００の歯部４０４，５０４及び外周突条４１４，５１４、及び筒体６００の円筒歯車部６３０によって構成される位置決め機構によって、操作部８００はその押し込み動作に基づいて後退位置、前進位置、中間位置の３つのポジションを移動し、後退位置と中間位置に安定して保持される。また、操作部８００が後退位置にあるときに限って該操作部８００をシャフト２００と共に筺体２１０に対して自由に回転させることができるが、操作部８００が前進位置又は中間位置にあるときは該操作部８００とシャフト２００の回転が禁止される。さらに、実施の形態では、後退位置にある操作部８００は、筐体２１０から突出しているので、オペレータによって回転操作することができる。しかし、中間位置にある操作部８００は、その端面を筐体２１０から僅かに突出させるか又は筐体内に完全に収めることができるため、オペレータによって回転操作されることがない。したがって、通常は操作部８００を中間位置に位置させておき、操作必要なときに操作部８００を押せば、操作部８００はスプリング３００の付勢力によって後退位置に突出（ポップアップ）する。また、通常の非操作状態における筐体２１０はその外観に操作部８００が突出して現れず、デザイン性に優れた筐体を得ることができる。 (4) Effect:
Thus, according to the operating device 100 of the above-described embodiment, the spring 300, the tooth portions 404 and 504 of the cylindrical gears 400 and 500, the outer peripheral protrusions 414 and 514, and the cylindrical gear portion 630 of the cylindrical body 600 are configured. By the positioning mechanism, the operation unit 800 moves between the reverse position, the forward position, and the intermediate position based on the pushing operation, and is stably held at the reverse position and the intermediate position. The operation unit 800 can be freely rotated with respect to the housing 210 together with the shaft 200 only when the operation unit 800 is in the retracted position. However, when the operation unit 800 is in the forward position or the intermediate position, The rotation of the operation unit 800 and the shaft 200 is prohibited. Furthermore, in the embodiment, since the operation unit 800 in the retracted position protrudes from the casing 210, it can be rotated by an operator. However, since the end surface of the operation unit 800 at the intermediate position can slightly protrude from the housing 210 or can be completely accommodated in the housing, it is not rotated by the operator. Therefore, normally, if the operation unit 800 is positioned at an intermediate position and the operation unit 800 is pushed when necessary, the operation unit 800 protrudes (pops up) to the retracted position by the biasing force of the spring 300. Further, the casing 210 in a normal non-operating state does not protrude from the operation portion 800 in its appearance, and a casing with excellent design can be obtained.

（５）他の形態：
以上、本発明の操作装置を放射線撮影装置に適用した適用例を説明したが、操作装置は種々の操作部（例えば、操作ハンドル、操作ボタン）や他のシステムに利用できる。また、以上の説明では、シャフト２００の他端側に歯車部２２６を形成し、この歯車部２２６をラック２２８と係合したが、シャフト２００の他端側に設ける物はこれに限るものでなく、操作装置１００の適用箇所に対応して種々変更できる。 (5) Other forms:
As described above, the application example in which the operation device of the present invention is applied to the radiation imaging apparatus has been described. In the above description, the gear portion 226 is formed on the other end side of the shaft 200, and the gear portion 226 is engaged with the rack 228. However, what is provided on the other end side of the shaft 200 is not limited to this. Various changes can be made corresponding to the application location of the operating device 100.

本発明に係る操作装置を備えた放射線撮影装置の側面図。The side view of the radiography apparatus provided with the operating device which concerns on this invention. 図１に示す放射線撮影装置の部分拡大図。The elements on larger scale of the radiography apparatus shown in FIG. 図１に示す放射線撮影装置の部分拡大図。The elements on larger scale of the radiography apparatus shown in FIG. 本発明に係る操作装置の構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る操作装置の構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る操作装置の分解斜視図。The disassembled perspective view of the operating device which concerns on this invention. 図６に示す円筒歯車と筒体の斜視図。FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cylindrical gear and a cylinder shown in FIG. 6. 本発明に係る操作装置の動作を説明する参考図。The reference diagram explaining operation | movement of the operating device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

１０：放射線撮影装置、１２：床、１４：支柱、１６：昇降部、１８：本体、２０：上部アーム、２２：下部アーム、２４：旋回アーム、２６：患者位置付け機構、２８：水平部、３０、３２：懸垂部、３４：放射線源、３６：放射線検出部、４０：スライド部、４２：チンレスト、１００：操作装置、２００：シャフト、２０２：中心軸、２０４：シャフト固定部、２０６：環状段部、２０８：環状溝、２１０：筐体、２１２：壁、２１４：貫通孔、２１６，２１８：Ｃ型リング、２２０：一端側、２２２：長孔（スロット）、２２４：他端側、２２６：歯車部、２２８：ラック（歯車部）、３００：スプリング、４００、５００：円筒歯車、４０２，５０２：円筒部、４０４，５０４：歯部、４０６，５０６：頂上部、４０８、４１０，５０８、５１０：係合面（斜面）、４１２，５１２：谷部、４１４，５１４：突条、４１６，５１６：側面、４１８，５１８：軸方向端面、６００：筒体、６１２：内筒、６１４：外筒、６１６：端部壁、６１８：小径円筒部、６２０：大径円筒部、６２２：段部、６２４：内溝（案内部）、６２６：始端部、６３０：円筒歯車部、６３２：第１の鋸歯、６３４：第２の鋸歯、６３６：第１の係合面、６３８：第２の係合面６４０：第２の係合面、６４２：円筒部分、６４４：スロット、６４６：噛み合い部、７００：操作摘み基台、７０２：軸筒部、７０４：フランジ部、７０６：貫通孔、７０８：ピン、８００：操作部、８０２：筒部、８０４：端部壁、８０６：噛み合い部、８１０：開口部。
10: radiation imaging apparatus, 12: floor, 14: support, 16: lifting part, 18: main body, 20: upper arm, 22: lower arm, 24: swivel arm, 26: patient positioning mechanism, 28: horizontal part, 30 32: Suspension section 34: Radiation source 36: Radiation detection section 40: Slide section 42: Chin rest 100: Operating device 200: Shaft 202: Central axis 204: Shaft fixing section 206: Annular stage Part, 208: annular groove, 210: housing, 212: wall, 214: through hole, 216, 218: C-shaped ring, 220: one end side, 222: long hole (slot), 224: other end side, 226: Gear part, 228: Rack (gear part), 300: Spring, 400, 500: Cylindrical gear, 402, 502: Cylindrical part, 404, 504: Tooth part, 406, 506: Top part, 408, 410, 08, 510: engagement surface (slope), 412, 512: valley, 414, 514: protrusion, 416, 516: side surface, 418, 518: axial end surface, 600: cylinder, 612: inner tube, 614 : Outer cylinder, 616: end wall, 618: small diameter cylindrical portion, 620: large diameter cylindrical portion, 622: stepped portion, 624: inner groove (guide portion), 626: start end portion, 630: cylindrical gear portion, 632: First saw blade, 634: second saw blade, 636: first engagement surface, 638: second engagement surface 640: second engagement surface, 642: cylindrical portion, 644: slot, 646: meshing Part, 700: operation knob base, 702: shaft cylinder part, 704: flange part, 706: through hole, 708: pin, 800: operation part, 802: cylinder part, 804: end wall, 806: meshing part, 810: Opening.

Claims

An operating device for operating a moving unit movably attached to the main body of the system,
A shaft supported rotatably about a central axis;
A mechanism for connecting the moving unit and the shaft, and converting rotation of the shaft into movement of the moving unit;
It can be rotated with the shaft on one end side of the shaft, and can move between a retracted position and an advanced position along the shaft via an intermediate position between the retracted position and the advanced position. The attached operation part;
Based on the first operation of moving the operating unit from the retracted position to the advanced position via the intermediate position, the operating unit that has reached the advanced position is retracted from the advanced position to the intermediate position. Based on a second operation of positioning the intermediate portion at the intermediate position and moving the operation portion positioned at the intermediate position from the intermediate position to the forward position, the operation portion that has reached the forward position is moved from the forward position. A positioning mechanism that moves back to the retracted position via the intermediate position and positions the retracted position;
When the operation unit is in the retracted position to allow rotation of the operating part and the shaft, when the operating part is in the advanced position and the intermediate position to prohibit rotation of the operating part and the shaft mechanism An operating device comprising:

The mechanism for converting the rotation of the shaft into the movement of the moving unit is as follows:
A shaft gear part integrally formed or fixed to the shaft;
A moving part gear part which is provided in the moving part and meshes with the gear part of the shaft;
2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the shaft is converted into movement of the moving part via the shaft gear part and the moving part gear part.

The positioning mechanism is
A first member that moves in the direction of the central axis;
A second member disposed on the other end side of the first member and moving in the central axis direction;
A biasing portion that biases the second member toward the one end;
When the operation unit reaches the advance position based on the first operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit, and the second member Means for regulating the position to a position corresponding to the intermediate position;
When the operation unit reaches the forward movement position based on the second operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit to control the second member. And a means for transmitting the urging force of the urging portion to the operation portion via the second member and the first member, and retreating the operation portion to the retracted position. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2 .

The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the intermediate position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned in the vicinity of the opening. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the advance position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned on the inner side of the opening. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

The operating device has a meshing portion fixed to the housing and a meshing portion fixed to the operating portion. When the operating portion is in the retracted position, the meshing portion of the housing and the operating portion The operating device according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the engaging portion does not engage and the operating portion rotates together with the shaft.

The system provided with the operating device in any one of Claims 1-6 .

In an imaging apparatus having a patient positioning mechanism for appropriately positioning a subject during imaging,
The patient positioning mechanism is
A patient positioning member provided so as to be movable forward and backward toward the patient;
An operation device for moving the patient positioning member forward and backward toward the patient;
The operating device is
A shaft supported rotatably about a central axis;
A mechanism for connecting the patient positioning member and the shaft, and converting rotation of the shaft into movement of the patient positioning member;
It can be rotated with the shaft on one end side of the shaft, and can move between a retracted position and an advanced position along the shaft via an intermediate position between the retracted position and the advanced position. The attached operation part;
Based on the first operation of moving the operating unit from the retracted position to the advanced position via the intermediate position, the operating unit that has reached the advanced position is retracted from the advanced position to the intermediate position. Based on a second operation of positioning the intermediate portion at the intermediate position and moving the operation portion positioned at the intermediate position from the intermediate position to the forward position, the operation portion that has reached the forward position is moved from the forward position. A positioning mechanism that moves back to the retracted position via the intermediate position and positions the retracted position;
When the operation unit is in the retracted position to allow rotation of the operating part and the shaft, when the operating part is in the advanced position and the intermediate position to prohibit rotation of the operating part and the shaft mechanism An imaging apparatus comprising:

The mechanism for converting the rotation of the shaft into the movement of the patient positioning member is:
A shaft gear part integrally formed or fixed to the shaft;
A positioning member gear portion that is provided on the patient positioning member and meshes with a gear portion of the shaft;
The shaft rotates through the shaft gear portion and the positioning member gear portion.
9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the photographing apparatus is converted into movement of a patient positioning member.

The positioning mechanism is
A first member that moves in the direction of the central axis;
A second member disposed on the other end side of the first member and moving in the central axis direction;
A biasing portion that biases the second member toward the one end;
When the operation unit reaches the advance position based on the first operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit, and the second member Means for regulating the position to a position corresponding to the intermediate position;
When the operation unit reaches the forward movement position based on the second operation, the second member is rotated around the central axis based on the urging force of the urging unit to control the second member. And a means for transmitting the urging force of the urging portion to the operation portion via the second member and the first member, and retreating the operation portion to the retracted position. The imaging device according to claim 8 or 9 .

The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the intermediate position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned in the vicinity of the opening. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the photographing apparatus is a photographic apparatus.

The operating device has a housing,
The housing has an opening for accommodating the operation unit,
The operation unit is disposed in the opening,
When the operation unit is in the retracted position, the end surface on the one end side protrudes outward from the opening, and when the operation unit is in the advance position, the end surface on the one end side is positioned on the inner side of the opening. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the photographing apparatus is a photographic apparatus.

The operating device has a meshing portion fixed to the housing and a meshing portion fixed to the operating portion. When the operating portion is in the retracted position, the meshing portion of the housing and the operating portion The photographing apparatus according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the meshing portion does not mesh and the operation portion rotates together with the shaft.