JP2659094B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with operation buttons protruding outside an operation unit.

[Related Art] For example, in an endoscope used in the medical field, when performing operations such as release and trigger of peripheral devices and cameras, or air supply, water supply, gas supply, and suction, the endoscope is used. It is very convenient if the operation unit is provided with an operation button of an electric switch for operating each device as described above. For example, in an endoscope disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 58-182704, a camera is connected to an eyepiece provided in an operation unit of the endoscope, and a trigger mechanism such as a shutter release is provided in the operation unit main body. However, in this case, the direction of pressing the operation button of the trigger switch is only the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

An endoscope provided with such a switch button has a stable and different direction in which the switch button is pressed depending on the position and size of the switch button, the size of the hand of the user using the switch button, and the gripping position. Operability was not always ensured.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, the switch button provided on the operation unit of the endoscope depends on the position and size of the switch button, the size of the user's hand, and the gripping state. It was greatly influenced. In addition, although the fingertip reaches the switch button depending on the gripping state of the operation unit and the size of the user's hand, it is difficult to operate the switch button in the pushing direction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and regardless of the gripping state of the operation unit and the size of the user's hand, the operation can be easily and reliably performed when the finger reaches an arbitrary position of the operation button. It is intended to provide an endoscope.

[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems] The present invention relates to a casing forming an operation section of an endoscope,
A switch provided in the casing, an elastic operation button protruding to the outside of the casing, and one end is disposed on the operation button, and the other end is opposed to the switch so that the operation button can be pressed from any direction. In an endoscope having an operating body for transmitting a switch to operate a switch, the operating body includes an operating button side end formed as a power point, and a support portion swingably supported by the switch formed as a fulcrum. And the switch-side end of the operating body that abuts the contact point of the switch formed as an action point.The length from the fulcrum to the fulcrum is longer than the length from the fulcrum to the fulcrum. Regardless of the size of your hand,
An endoscope that can be easily and reliably operated by using the switch button.

Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation unit of the endoscope, and the operation unit 1 is provided integrally with a main body 2, a grip unit 3, and a switch box unit 4. The main body 2 is connected to a universal cord 5 connected to, for example, a video processor (not shown). Further, an insertion portion 6 is connected to the grip portion 3. And body 2
Are provided with an angle knob 8, an air / water button 9 and a suction button 10 for bending the bending portion 7 at the distal end of the insertion portion 6.

Further, a switch button 11 as an operation button operable from all directions is provided at a position farther from the grip portion 3 than the air / water supply button 9 or the suction button 10. The switch button 11 is, for example, a trigger switch of an imaging device, and is provided at an upper end of a lever (not shown) for operating an electric contact as a switch. As shown by arrows in FIG. 2 and FIG. It is configured such that a pressing operation can be performed from above or obliquely above.
In other words, it can be always operated by pressing the mounting surface 12 on which the switch button 11 is provided from all directions such as front and rear, right and left, upward and obliquely upward. And
The switch button 11 is configured so that if the pressing force is released after the pressing operation, the switch button 11 is restored to the neutral state and the next switch operation can be performed.

An electric switch button 13 for adjusting the color tone of a video processor, for example, is provided on the side of the switch box section 4.
... are provided.

In the endoscope thus configured, for example, a user with a large hand performs an operation by pressing a finger from above the switch button 11 as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the operation can be easily performed by pressing a finger from the side of the switch button 11.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the switch button 11 can be pressed from the side while operating the angle knob 8 with the other hand holding the operation unit 1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the grip portion 3 is gripped by the two fingers of the ring finger and the little finger, the universal cord 5 is hooked between the index finger and the thumb, and the operation portion 1 is gripped. Switch button 11 even when operating 8
The operation can be easily performed when the finger reaches the target.

The switch button 11 is a trigger switch of the imaging apparatus, but is not limited to this, and may be a control switch of a peripheral device such as a storage device or a video processor, or may be provided as a switch button for suction or air / water supply by electric control. You may. When provided as a switch button for air / water supply, a switch button 11 is provided at the upper end of a lever provided with the two electric contacts, for example, when the pressing force is weak, the air supply valve is opened. Alternatively, the structure may be such that the air supply valve is closed and the water supply valve is opened when strongly pressed, so that two operations can be performed with one button.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Referring to the drawings, the basic structure is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will not be repeated. Only the improvements will be described.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation section of the endoscope, and a switch button as an operation button is provided at a portion where the fingertip of the middle finger is located when the grip section 3 provided on the operation section 1 is gripped.
14 are provided. The switch button 14 is, for example, a switch of a peripheral device for an endoscope which is frequently used, and is provided at an upper end of a lever (not shown) for operating an electric contact as a switch in the grip portion 3.

With this configuration, a person with a small hand can push the switch button 11 in parallel with the mounting surface 15 of the switch button 11. Also, a person with a large hand can push the switch button 11 from a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 15. Further, even the finger on the opposite side (not shown) for operating the angle knob 8 can be operated by extending the finger.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10. However, since the basic structure is substantially the same as each of the above embodiments, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. Only the improvements will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a main body of the operation unit 1, and a switch box unit 4 is provided on a rear end side of the main body 2.
A switch button 14a as an operation switch is provided on the side surface of the switch box section 4 adjacent to the various electric switch buttons 13. The switch button 14a is, for example, a color tone adjustment switch of a video processor (not shown), and is provided at an upper end of a lever (not shown) that operates an electric contact as a switch.

With this configuration, the switch button 14a can be operated from the side or the like by extending the thumb of the right hand that operates the angle knob 8.

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the drawing, reference numeral 16 denotes an operation unit of the endoscope, and a plate-like base 18 is fixed inside a frame 17 of the operation unit 16. And the base
A switch base 20 bent in an L shape by a screw 19 on 18
Are combined. Further, an operation switch 21 as a switch is provided above the switch base 20.

As shown in FIG. 12, the operation switch 21 is provided in a box-shaped casing 22 having an open top. A first contact 23 is provided in the casing 22 so as to protrude at the center of the bottom surface, and an elastic second contact 24 formed in an arch shape so as to be located at an upper end of the first contact 23 is provided. The end is supported near the lower end inside the casing 22.

Further, an oscillating body 25 which is in contact with the upper side of the second contact point 24 and constitutes an operating body forming an action point is provided, and is urged upward by the elastic restoring force of the second contact point 24. This rocking body
Reference numeral 25 denotes a fulcrum provided in the middle of the side of the casing.
Locked inside 22.

Further, a lower end of an operation lever 27 constituting an operation body is provided on an upper portion of the swinging body 25. Further, the tip side of the operation lever 27 is a through hole formed in the frame 17.
It protrudes outward from 28.

The distal end side of the operation lever 27 is a power point, and is loosely inserted from below into a switch button 29 as an operation button formed of an elastic synthetic resin, for example. Further, the upper side of the switch button 29 is formed thick to improve the operability of the pressing operation by the finger, and the lower side has a hollow portion 30 for easy operation.

An upper edge flange 32 of a waterproof adapter 31 whose tip is inserted into the through hole 28 is overlapped with a lower edge of the switch button 29 which is located below the hollow portion 30 and is bent inward.
A nut 33 is screwed into a thread provided on the outside of the distal end of the waterproof adapter 31. Here, the switch button 29 has a bottom portion formed in the through hole 28 of the frame 17.
Are fitted to a step 34 provided in the periphery thereof, and are pressed in a liquid-tight manner by tightening the waterproof adapter 31.

At the lower end of the operation switch 21, the ends of the wiring cables 35 are connected to lead wires derived from the first contact 23 and the second contact 24, for example, by brazing.

When the switch button 29 is pressed, for example, from the side, the operation lever 27 is moved to the flange 26 of the rocking body 25.
And the second contact point 24 located below the rocking body 25 is compressed downward to come into contact with the first contact point 23 to be in a closed state. Further, an oscillating body 25 formed as a fulcrum from an end of the operation lever 27 on the side of the switch button 29 formed as a force point.
Is formed longer than the length from the flange 26 of the rocking body 25 formed as a fulcrum to the end of the rocking body 25 contacting the second contact point 24 forming the point of action. The operation amount of the switch button 29 can be lengthened even with the operation switch 21 having a short operation amount, and the operability is improved. Further, since a small operation switch can be applied, the size and weight of the operation unit can be reduced.

Furthermore, this switch button 29 is
Since the operation unit 21 is provided in the frame 17 of the operation unit 16 (casing forming the operation unit), the operation unit 16 can be formed in any size and shape. By exchanging the switch button 29, it is possible to cope with the size of the user's hand and the operation method.

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The basic structure thereof is substantially the same as that of the fourth embodiment. I do.

In the figure, reference numeral 17 denotes a frame of the operation unit 16, which frequently operates the switch button 29 as an operation button.
For example, it is located on the left hand side, and the lower end of the operation lever 36 provided on the switch button 29 is eccentrically provided on the upper part of the rocking body 25.

With this configuration, the operation lever can be operated without changing the mounting structure of the operation switch 21 to the frame 17.
By changing 36, the position of the switch button 29 can be changed to a position that is easier to operate.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 14. The basic structure is the same as that of the fourth and fifth embodiments. Avoid duplication.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes an operation switch as a switch, and the rocking body 25 of the operation switch 21 is loosely inserted with its upper part eccentric to the lower end of the operation lever 36a.

The operating lever 36a is provided with a cutout portion 36b in the middle. The notch 36b is provided over a stroke when the operation switch 21 is operated in the vertical direction.
Then, the frame 17 is inserted through the through hole 28 formed in the frame 17.
The upper end protrudes from the outside of 17. This operation lever 36
The upper end of a is loosely inserted below the switch button 29 as an operation button. Then, the upper flange 38 of the waterproof adapter 37 is superimposed on the lower surface of the switch button 29 to form a frame.
When the nut 33 is screwed into the inside of the frame 17, the nut 33 is fitted and pressed against the step 34 on the outside of the frame 17 to be liquid-tightly connected.

A protrusion 38 protruding toward the notch 36b is provided at a portion corresponding to the notch 36b on the inner side of the waterproof adapter 37, and the operating lever 36a is provided within a range where the notch 36b is provided. It is loosely supported slidably.

When the switch button 29 is pressed, for example, from the side, the operating lever 36a is tilted with the ridge 38 as a fulcrum, and this tilt causes the rocking body 25 to swing in the direction opposite to the tilt direction of the operating lever 36a. Then, the operation switch 21 as a switch is operated. Here, the range of the inclination of the operation lever 36a is restricted so that the operation lever 36a is inclined only within the range in which the operation switch 21 is operated by abutting the side surfaces on the upper and lower opening edges of the waterproof adapter 37.

When the switch button 29 is pushed in the axial direction of the operation lever 36a, the operation switch 21 is operated by moving downward in a range where the cutout portion 36b is provided. At this time, after the operation lever 36a is lowered by the stroke required for operating the operation switch 21, the upper edge of the notch 36b comes into contact with the ridge 38 to be stopped. And operation switch
Unnecessary tilting operation and pushing operation that deteriorate the 21 can be prevented.

With such a structure, an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the operation switch 21.
The life of 21 can be significantly improved as compared with the general structure.

Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 39 denotes an operation unit of the endoscope, and the operation unit 39 is provided with a grip unit 40. An insertion portion (not shown) is provided on the distal end side of the grip portion 40, and a main body 43 having an angle knob 42 on a side portion is provided on the rear end side.

On the upper side of the main body 43, an air supply / water supply button 44, a suction button 45, and an operation switch 46 which is, for example, a release button of a peripheral device and which can be pressed from any direction such as upward or sideward, are provided from the front end to the rear end. They are arranged side by side in a row.

Furthermore, the angle knob 42 of these three switches
On the side, for example, a gas supply button 47 is provided between the air supply / water supply button 44 and the suction button 45. This button 47 has the other three buttons 44
It is provided to be inclined toward the angle knob 42 from the axial direction of 45 and 46, and its height is configured to be higher than the other three in consideration of operability.

With this configuration, the user can grip the grip portion 40 with the left hand and operate each of the four switches with the index finger. Also, four switches can be provided without deteriorating the operability of the operation switch 46. Further, since the mounting angle and the height of the air / water supply button 44 and the suction button 45 are different, a mistake in pushing can be obtained. Absent.

Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, a grip section 50 having an insertion section 49 on the distal end side is provided on a main body 48 of the operation section 39. And
An angle knob 51 is provided on a side portion of the main body 48, and an air supply / water supply button 52 and a suction button 53 are provided on an upper surface, and operation switches that can be operated from any direction such as a side and above.
54 are juxtaposed. The operation switch 54 is, for example, a release button of a peripheral device.

Then, the air supply / water supply button 52 and the suction button
In both cases, extension buttons 55 and 56 having different heights are detachably attached via, for example, screw portions 55a and 56a.

With this configuration, the size of the hand and the grip
Even users with 50 different gripping methods can easily change to an endoscope suitable for each user, and operability can be improved.

The button provided with the extension button is not limited to the air / water button 52 or the suction button 53. Further, the extension buttons 55 and 56 are coupled to the air / water supply button 52 and the suction button 53 by screwing the threaded portions 55a and 56a, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any connection structure that can be attached and detached may be used.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the operation unit is provided with the operation buttons that can be pressed from all directions and can be operated.
For users with different hand sizes, gripping methods of the operation unit, etc., the operation buttons can be easily operated if the finger reaches an arbitrary position of the operation button, and the operation button can be operated by a finger performing another operation. An endoscope that is easy to operate can be provided. In addition, since the operating body is formed so that the length from the fulcrum to the fulcrum is longer than the length from the fulcrum to the point of application, it is possible to provide an operation button with a sufficient operation amount even with a switch having a short operation amount. The performance is improved. By using a small switch with a short operation amount, the size and weight of the operation unit can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state in which operation buttons are provided on an operation unit. FIG. 2 is a side view showing operation buttons from above and the like. 3 is a rear view of the operation unit, FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views showing operation states of operation buttons by users with different hand sizes, and FIG. 6 is an operation view. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing an operation state of the button, FIG. 7 is a side view showing that the operation button can correspond to a special holding method, FIGS. 8 and 9 are second embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the operation button is provided on the grip portion, FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the operation state of the operation button from the line IX-IX in FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 11 and FIG.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the structure of the operation buttons and switches according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the fifth embodiment, FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a main part of the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a side view showing the eighth embodiment. 1 ... operation part, 11 ... switch button (operation button),
21 ... Operation switch (switch).

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A casing forming an operation section of an endoscope;
A switch provided in the casing, an elastic operation button provided to protrude to the outside of the casing, and an arbitrary one of the operation buttons, one end of which is disposed on the operation button, and the other end of which faces the switch. An endoscope having an operating body that transmits the switch to operate the switch in response to pressing from a direction, wherein the operating body includes an operating button side end formed as a point of force and the switch formed as a fulcrum. A support portion that is swingably supported, and the switch-side end portion of the operating body that abuts a contact portion of the switch that is formed as an action point, wherein a length from the force point to the fulcrum is measured from the fulcrum to the fulcrum. An endoscope characterized by being longer than the length to the point of action. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the operation body on the operation button side is provided eccentrically with respect to the operation body on the switch side.